replacing tires and fenders

[Kelleyaynn]

I love the look of the bigger tires and reproduction fenders on the teardrops, but I really can't afford to do that at this time. How difficult would it be to replace the tires and fenders at a later point, after the tear has been built? Other than interferring with moulding that might be on my tear, I can't think of why I can't replace them later, but then again, I know pretty much zilch at this point.

[Dale M.]

Only negative may be replacement fenders may not cover marks in body and mounting holes created by/for "original" fenders.... Maybe some aesthetics in inside of trailer if you have to "bolt through" from inside....

Dale

[boomboomtulum]

Build what you want now. Save, borrow or something to do it the first time, putting the best you can afford into it now will be the way to go in my opinion. There are 2 suppliers on the Left coast, one in Auburn about 45 mins. from my house that sells the replica fenders another in Redding Ca.. I paid 300.00 for a set of fenders. Tires were 35.00 ea. wheels from Les Shwab 20.00. Total investment. 390.00. then there were the Baby Moons of course.

Also need to consider how the fenders you want will fit with doors as far as placement of them. Door to far back may hit or be to close to the fender, Axle location etc. I Purchased the fenders when I was doing the Layout so I would know where they would lie in relation to the doors.
Of course its just my opinion.
Dave

[Arne]

I thought of the doors as well. have to consider that current fender might fit fine, but longer fenders with bigger wheels might not..

If it all would fit, I see no problem.... old holes can be filled.

[eamarquardt]

Build what you want now. Save, borrow or something to do it the first time, putting the best you can afford into it now will be the way to go in my opinion.
Of course its just my opinion.
Dave

I agree! Do it the way you want the FIRST time. My philosopy on tools. Buy the best you'll ever need the first time. If you don't you'll end up with two. The one you bought first and the one you bought second but shoulda bought first! By doing it right the first time you don't have to get rid of the removed stuff (keepen stuff outta the landfill is an obsession of mine).

Cheers,

Gus

[aggie79]

Some other things to think about:

1. Bolt pattern of axle hub - some "import" trailer hubs may have a bolt pattern that there are not too many replacement wheels available

2. Fender width - some of the large fenders are 11" wide. If (like on my build) these make the overall width greater than 80", then you need to plan for additional trailer lighting

3. Wheel offset - going to wider fenders may require an unusual wheel offset to "fill out" the new fenders. This could require custom wheels

If this is the look you want, I too think you are better off putting them on initially rather than later.