Wheel Well Cut-outs

[Toytaco2]

I have a question about the suspension movement and clearance required for wheel well cut-outs using the HF 1740 frame.

As you can see in the linked photo, we are building out over the wheels to obtain a floor width of 60" and a full width with the sandwich style walls of 62". That means the body panels will not fully clear the tires and so the wheel well cut-out size/diameter needs to be carefully considered. We will use a rubber "jeep style fender flair" to finish it out and that piece will clear the tires. So here's my question: How much clearance would you suggest. The top of the original HF fenders only clear the top of the tire by about 2 & 3/4 inches. So my first thought was to provide that same amount all the way around the tire where necessary. But now I'm wondering if that is the right way to do it. If I'm going to change anything now is the time to do it before the walls are attached, or worse, after I find out the tires actually hit the body when a bump in the road come along.

http://tnttt.com/album_ ... c_id=33226

Thanks for the help,
Mike

[mikeschn]

I use a 3" clearance on my wheel well cutouts. You can see an example on my Generic ET in the HOF. Sometimes I go 3" all around, and sometimes I go 3" just on the top. Depends on the look you are after.

I am using jeep rubber fender flairs as well, although I've not mounted them yet.

Mike...