Best method for fender trim?

Just looking for advice on the best way to trim my fender? Not doing a viper cut or anything, just the small trim to prevent a small amount of tire rub after my wheels/tires went on. I have seen multiple methods being used. Would that be a Dremel with the plastic cutting wheel? Also, are you putting anything over the plastic to seal that area back up or is that not necessary? Looking to make this as clean and factory looking as possible. Thanks for any advice!

 

I don't have fancy tools. Only have a box cutter. So just box cutter & spray paint from Autozone.





I don't have a detail video showing how to cut though.
Video link - https://youtu.be/LlWRa5bDdW8

 

Dremel has worked well for me

 

Thanks, I had seen some people were using box cutters. So pretty easy to get through through plastic that way and keep a straight line? Thanks again.

 

The Fein saw is the right tool for the job. For those who haven’t used one, the blade doesn’t spin. It vibrates at a very high speed. It’s very controllable. Other manufacturers have their own versions.

 

Any of these will work and I own all three, but I found the box cutter did well for me, get a new blade and make a couple of passes. I used painters tape to mark my line.

 

I used a Dremel, and a piece of painters tape as a guide.

 

Box cutter with a new sharp blade and painters tape.

It's very easy to cut.

I did not re-paint.

 

I was able to to a straight line but was not smooth. After the cut I used the blade in a perpendicular angle and scrape the cut to give a smooth edge/finish just like peeling a carrot (not a joke).


Then I use the painters tape so I could spray paint and give it a nice finish so no black color edge is shown. Edge looks like painted from factory.

 

I used painters tape to mark my line and a Dremel with a plastic wheel to cut it. Didn't bother painting over the cut edge. I don't think the plastic is going to rust anytime soon.

 

Ha yes, i was thinking more to prevent future paint flaking. Toyota’s already have enough paint issues…

 

So forgive my ignorance, but should any oscillating multi-tool work well then as long as it has as good blade on it? Appears that what a Fein saw is. Good idea there.

 

Yes. Although I only have experience with the Fein saw. If I were to buy an oscillating saw today I would research which one had the widest assortment of available blades.

 

The TRD pro's have a fender trim from the factory, if you see one take a look. They leave the cut edge exposed and you dont even notice it. Looks to be done by hand with some kind of blade.

 

Someone posted the bulletin that goes to dealers. If I remember correctly they say to do it with a pair of cutters that looked like tin snips? I could be way off though

 

You're pretty close.

If I'm not mistaken, the TSB says to use some end cutting pliers

 

The service bulletin that describes the procedure is HERE.

T-SB-0070-19

 

I got this!!!

 

Thanks for the responses. I just ended up putting a fresh blade in my box cutter and heated it up and it literally sliced through it like butter. Just took my time and reheated it a couple times. Very easy.

 

You ever hit up any off-roading in the area? Suspension, wheels/tires are all on now. Ended up just going with the Eibach 2.0 coilover kit and the JBA UCAs over the Dobinson IMS set up. Saved a few $$ that way and I’m actually amazed at how well this set up rides. Extremely pleased with it. Maybe will see you around town.

 

Damnit that’s exactly what they were