Mk IV Aluminum Spats

[Railroad]

I bought a set of aluminum spats from an individual off one of the F5 sites.
After some polishing and matching the edges to the fender, I installed them with some recommended 3M tape.

The spats did not have enough arc to make contact on the edges and middle without some pressure.

After cleaning both surfaces, I installed with some pressure to have the tape make contact.
Naturally, the spats popped loose on one of the edges.

I have not started the removal, but feel confident, I can get them off without damaging anything that will show.

I do not have an English Wheel, which is the only tool I know of that will address the fit issue.

It seems, to get the right curve, I would need the wheel and car available at the same site.

I am not in favor of carbon fiber, black or dark colored spats at this time.

I am searching for solutions, that I may be unaware of, or advise on correcting the issue.
Thanks for listening,

[Lidodrip]

I also purchased aluminum spats from an individual on one of the F5 sites and was quite disappointed in the fit, particularly given the price. I was told I needed to just bend the spats to fit, but there was no amount of hand bending that was going to make them fit correctly. I considered other options, but really preferred the polished aluminum look. What I discovered was that it was going to cost me more money to buy some type of replacement than it would be to get an inexpensive English wheel on Amazon or Facebook Marketplace. It took some practice to figure out the English wheel, but ultimately I got correct fitting spats, polished them, and was able to use high strength silicone to attach them.

James

[Railroad]

Lipodrip,
Thanks for the helpful reply. Your post gives me confidence, I can remedy the situation as you did.
It will be one of my, after winter projects for sure, giving me time to locate an English Wheel.

[JohnK]

I had the nose, doors, spats and rear quarters PPF'ed by a local shop and it turned out great. Basically invisible.

[Lidodrip]

Lipodrip,
Thanks for the helpful reply. Your post gives me confidence, I can remedy the situation as you did.
It will be one of my, after winter projects for sure, giving me time to locate an English Wheel.

It took me a year before I made the leap to remedy the problem! I purchased a small bench top wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BS6Z81WZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - for about $160.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=209521&d=1737757810

James

[ProfessorB]

I have been looking for some aluminum spats for a Mark II without success. Maybe an English wheel would be my solution as well.

[Railroad]

It took me a year before I made the leap to remedy the problem! I purchased a small bench top wheel - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BS6Z81WZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - for about $160.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=209521&d=1737757810

James

Boy, that looks familiar. Same color car and spats looks like twins.
Thanks for the link. I really liked the Harbor Freight, but discontinued.
I will research what you posted.
Thanks for information.