Got the same sticker on my Smart.

Added the replacement door handle on the drivers door, and found out the front pass window has stopped working. At least it is closed and I can worry about it in the springtime.

 

Got my gear oil and bucket pump. Soooooooo easy to pump the oil!!

 

I noticed that I needed to trim the rear fenders and doors a bit, after my last 4WD adventure which had the wheels articulating quite a bit. I used my forklift to give things a study. It amazes me how much articulation is possible with my Rover's 2 1/2" OME lift. I have no relocation cones.

I trimmed off about 1/2" at the middle and front edges of the fenders and about 3/4" toward the rear.

I sprayed white paint onto the cut fender metal, but not the doors' metal. I will fill the gap in the door metal (outer door skin to inner door skin opening) tomorrow with fiberglass filled Bondo (Bondo Hair), then spray that edge white also.

The tires are 33" Discoverer by Cooper, 265/75R16 STT.

 

Today I filled the opened seam in the doors, revealed when I trimmed them to match the trimmed fenders. I filed inside the door panels with a metal file, then sanded the outer edges for a good bite with the Bondo. There doesn't seem to be any open/close flex, so I think it will be strong enough. If the seam opens later, I'll use fiberglass to bridge the gap. I sanded the Bondo smooth, then painted it all flat white to visually disappear.

Sometimes Photobucket won't allow me to rotate and save a photo after correction. This will probably show a sideways photo below. Turn head to adapt. Haaaah!



Yep, this will work.

 

[QUOTE=fishEH;440192]Got my gear oil and bucket pump. Soooooooo easy to pump the oil!!

Definately on my wish list: another one of those from dad to dad stuff !!!!

 

Jeff, you do nice work.
Are you running any kind of HD/aftermarket trailing or radius arms? I ask because they can usually be spaced with washers to help keep your tires out of the doors.
I'm just thinking out loud here because I ran 265/75/16 Goodyear DuraTracs on a 2" RTE lift and only needed to do a TINY bit of trimming to the rear part of the front and back fenders even without aftermarket arms. I run 315/75/16 BFG KM2's now with wheel spacers on 3" RTE springs and still haven't trimmed the doors, just a little bit on the inside of rear wheel arch just below where the door gasket seals.
I am definitely NOT trying to bust your nuts, just curious. Like I said I think you did some really clean work cutting and sealing that all up.

 

Well I won't be cutting my doors and fenders up.

 

fishEH, that's a good tip, thanks. I still have the stock ones, but I'm getting ready to purchase a cranked set. The wheels will also be spaced out 2" further to the outside, on each side, with 35.5" tires (Q78 TSL). I may have to do further trimming after putting those on. I've been driving over larger and larger sized boulders and need the clearance. We've got some beautiful, GNARLY rock trails here in Southern Arizona.

TSL Bias | Interco Tire

 

Being able to cut the doors and fenders up is half the fun in owning a capable 4x4 that is worth less thank 2k! Just ask PT Schram!

 

[QUOTE=Jeff in Tucson;440521]Today I filled the opened seam in the doors, revealed when I trimmed them to match the trimmed fenders. I filed inside the door panels with a metal file, then sanded the outer edges for a good bite with the Bondo. There doesn't seem to be any open/close flex, so I think it will be strong enough. If the seam opens later, I'll use fiberglass to bridge the gap. I sanded the Bondo smooth, then painted it all flat white to visually disappear.

nice job! What did you do the cutting with?