Another go at installing Z3 Fenders.

[jkbreazeale]

So last time I did this... I just cut into my stock fenders and installed the vents and just took my losses. I've bought the duraflex z3 fenders. No holes, requires cutting and drilling. I've really never messed with fiberglass before. Can I use a dremel to cut the excess material without it cracking? Same with drilling the holes. I'm probably going to do a test fit today just to see where I need to start. I feel that I can do this project myself, however with the lack of knowledge on cutting fiberglass, I was wondering if it was best to just pay the labor and get a shop to install them.

Thanks,

Keith

[Daninski]

Lots of info on cutting fiberglass if you Google. The only comment I want to make is make sure you wear a particulate mask and buy a good one not one of those cheap paper ones,,,at least a paper one with a built in exhalation valve. Control the dust and for gods sake you shouldn't do this in your house. I prefer epoxy over polyester resin, it dries slower and is a lot stronger. Good Luck

[jkbreazeale]

So here it is.

The driver side went on without a problem. Almost no modification needed. Passenger side was a nightmare. Wasn't even the same cut. There is some slight gapping issues, but still looks pretty good nonetheless.

[mikeinaus]

your gonna need a bigger pic then that. looks good from what i can see.

[jkbreazeale]

your gonna need a bigger pic then that. looks good from what i can see.

There! Happy!!!

[Sleeper6]

Ya post some bigger pics of the mounting if you can, Im interested in getting a set myself to replace the one that got smashed last winter so Im really curious how the fitment looks up close.

[mikeinaus]

looks good, alot better then your first attempt. i always thought these would look good on the mx3

[jkbreazeale]

Ya post some bigger pics of the mounting if you can, Im interested in getting a set myself to replace the one that got smashed last winter so Im really curious how the fitment looks up close.

Well, I have temporary mounted them... I don't have long enough bolts. The stock bolts aren't long enough to go through the fiberglass because the fiberglass is not flush to the metal. The fenders that I purchased were off of ebay and they were the Extreme Dimensions brand. The driver side went on without a problem whatsoever, however the passenger side seemed like a totally different cut. Once I get some longer bolts, I will post the final product.

looks good, alot better then your first attempt. i always thought these would look good on the mx3

Yeah, I was young and dumb...

[fowljesse]

They look good. I haven't seen someone put those on for a few years. I've thought about putting them on for the weight savings. They look alot more natural on MX-3s than an almost any car. It would take a little more work, but they could be functional, which would be good for the V6's.

[_-Night-Shade-_]

They look good. I haven't seen someone put those on for a few years.

Yeah, cause they cost an arm and a leg! God knows I've thought about it.

[jkbreazeale]

They've come down in price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-199 ... ccessories

That is similar to the buyer I got it from. To make them functional, you have to cut into the metal behind the fender. I thought about it, I may do it later. The install is nowhere near as hard as people made it out to be. This was a first time thing for me and I had them installed in about 1.5 hours. It is always better to undercut than it is to overcut

[jkbreazeale]

They look good. I haven't seen someone put those on for a few years. I've thought about putting them on for the weight savings. They look alot more natural on MX-3s than an almost any car. It would take a little more work, but they could be functional, which would be good for the V6's.

Oh and the weight savings... they are about half the weight of the stock fenders. The stock fenders are pretty light already though. I wasn't able to put the black plastic back into the new fenders and so far it doesn't look like I will be able to do the mud guards either... not saying that I won't try though!!!

[kulluminati777]

They look good. I haven't seen someone put those on for a few years. I've thought about putting them on for the weight savings. They look alot more natural on MX-3s than an almost any car. It would take a little more work, but they could be functional, which would be good for the V6's.

Oh and the weight savings... they are about half the weight of the stock fenders. The stock fenders are pretty light already though. I wasn't able to put the black plastic back into the new fenders and so far it doesn't look like I will be able to do the mud guards either... not saying that I won't try though!!!

yeah yeah thread revival

i like the reduction in weight though. Minimal but a reduction. I think with my MS front and the pakfieter hood (if i can get it from a certain member) it would fit in on my already wacky styling on my MX3. years ago no but today they are kinda growing on me.

I also like that fact that they COULD actually be functional. Has anyone done it? like used the vents to actually cool down engine temps? maybe just cut the frame a bit?

[Sleeper6]

I always saw these more as a solution like the fender caps on the dodge daytonas and superbees to relieve air pressure in the wheel well,

[mitmaks]

I always saw these more as a solution like the fender caps on the dodge daytonas and superbees to relieve air pressure in the wheel well,

To relieve air pressure in the wheel well Sorry but I couldn't stop laughing at that. No it's not for relieving pressure in the wheel wells.
Dodge Daytona had fender caps on top cause that's where top of the fender was actually cut. If you removed those caps there would be holes in the fender to allow for the tire to travel up higher during cornering at high speeds.