50 GraceRiderMag.com July/August 2015
The extension piece can now be lined up and welded to
the top end of the fender; then add the tail (we used a mig
welder with a low heat setting).
With the fender now welded together it's time to bend the
edges down. Start with using a body hammer and dolly,
then pound it into submission to the bend that you desire.
Start grinding the weld smoothly and take it to paint.
This is a quick overview of how to stretch a fender, you
may come across problems such as warpage or nothing
lining up right, etc… but don't get discouraged; it's takes
a little practice and remember it's metal and it can be beat
into submission.
If you would like your tech-article published, send an email
inquiry to: Letters@GraceRiderMag.com, subject matter:
tech-article.
There is nothing better than looking at a customized ride
knowing that the custom parts were fabricated and not
ordered. This tech-article features the basics of extending
a fender.
To stretch a fender, begin with 18-gauge steel cut to 18"
long and however long you want the fender extended. In
this case we used 5.5" width.
Cut the fender below the taillight hole with anything that
cuts steel, steak knifes or if using your biker knife may
take a little longer to cut. Next, bent the extended piece on
the curvature of the fender using 1 3/4" pipe attached to
the vice. Having an expert like Nathan in the photo doing
the work always makes thing easy.