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Old 03-10-2015, 04:43 AM   #9 (permalink)
freebeard
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It could very well be about:
  • fitting different, especially bigger with different offsets, tires without re-engineering the fender itself.
  • And integrating an inner fender liner panel and the front diverter.
  • And standing proud to protect the shiny finish with a more durable rub strip.

You could make your own custom-fitted flares by cutting a curved strip and bending in into a conic section. When I did it on a VW bus the sheet metal shop sold me the shape by the pound, so I didn't have to buy a big sheet to cut a little noodle out of. If the inner arc is on a different center you can make the part wider at the top to accommodate the fender curvature. I attached with pop rivets.

A flat arch that just reduces the size opening might be most aerodynamic. Or an eyebrow that shrouds the tire over the top but allows the middle of the tire to turn out in front and back.
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