Fenders

[tibimakai]

I'm at a stage that I would like to buy all four fenders.
There is any source other then Kinetic rears?
You guys how much space leave between the fender and tire? !-2" at the front and 3-4" at the rear?
I have 17" wheels w/26" tires.

[KB58]

There are only a few alternatives: trailer fenders, either steel or aluminum; make your own; try to get hold of some Caterham fenders.

[davew]

Try the UK E-bay, there is a lot more Seven items. and most sellers are willing to ship to USA.

[horchoha]

https://www.dextergroup.com/products/fenders

Bought fenders from here for 3 of my 7's. They made them to your specs.

[tibimakai]

Thank you guys. The Dexter site is the old Fenders-n-more place if I recall it, right?
I guess I have to call them and talk to them, there is no online store, tight?
Will try the UK Ebay as well, thanks.
I'm in contact with Kitcar spares in UK, let's see if they have something for me.
I may end up with Kinetic, but I'm not a fan of the two parts and small corner radius.
What size space should be between the rear fender and tire(at the top)? My tire diameter is 26", 4" would be sufficient, or even 3"? 32-34" radius?
Fronts could be between 1-2" space?

[KB58]

... What size space should be between the rear fender and tire(at the top)? My tire diameter is 26", 4" would be sufficient, or even 3"? 32-34" radius?
Fronts could be between 1-2" space?

Inside or outside clearance? The answer depends: camber gain, if IRS; tire pressure; spring rate; expected cornering force; shock stiffness; etc. I had 1" on Midlana and it wasn't enough, but that was a mid-engine build. That said, 2" is "probably" enough.

[horchoha]

Thank you guys. The Dexter site is the old Fenders-n-more place if I recall it, right?

What size space should be between the rear fender and tire(at the top)? My tire diameter is 26", 4" would be sufficient, or even 3"? 32-34" radius?
Fronts could be between 1-2" space?

Correct, it used to be Fenders-n-more.

Can you check your shock travel on the rear with the rear wheel on when in "bounce", droop doesn't matter as the tire drops away from the fender. If you can figure out upward travel (bounce) then just add another 1/2"-3/4" for rock clearance and you should be ok for top fender to tire. I used solid rear axles on all my 7's and generally have 1/2" or more gap between the inside tire sidewall and the frame, checked in full travel of the axle (bounce and droop). I can't comment on IRS.

If you're putting cycle fenders on the front, you just need 1/2"-3/4" clearance for rocks because the fender moves with the suspension and the fender/tire clearance doesn't change. I say this because I live in the country and travel 1 mile down gravel road to the hiway.

[tibimakai]

Inside clearance.
I see some of the 7 cars have a huge gap between the rear wheel/tire and fender. I'm wondering if it is really needed?

Thanks

Found this place on the UK Ebay, messaged them, but no answer yet.
https://www.classicgrpcars.co.uk/products/

[Bent Wrench]

Ricks rule.

The fenders should be no higher than is required to clear the tire!

[mainlandboy]

... What size space should be between the rear fender and tire(at the top)? My tire diameter is 26", 4" would be sufficient, or even 3"? 32-34" radius?
Fronts could be between 1-2" space?

Inside or outside clearance? The answer depends: camber gain, if IRS; tire pressure; spring rate; expected cornering force; shock stiffness; etc. I had 1" on Midlana and it wasn't enough, but that was a mid-engine build. That said, 2" is "probably" enough.

Unless I am mistaken, I think that he is asking about the clearance between the underside surface of the rear fender directly above the tire (i.e. how high should the rear fender be mounted). If so, the answer would be: high enough so that the tire does not make contact with the underside of the fender under full bump. Assuming that cycle fenders are used in the front, obviously you only need a small amount of clearance, since the fenders move with the wheels.

[KB58]

Good point, and agree.

[tibimakai]

Thanks guys.
Yes, I meant the distance between the inner fender surface to the top of the tire. 4" should be enough, right?
Why the Caterhams have that huge gap at the rear?

[anduril3018]

On a traditionally sized/shaped 7 (Lotus or Caterham) fender location is based on the 3 points shown below. Original 7s with 13" wheels and skinny, tall profile tires, fit a little better than a modern 13" low profile tire. Fenders could be significantly smaller, or the lip significantly bigger, but the look would change a lot as well. So you can go for the traditional look, which is what all of the pre-made fenders are going to be, or make it how you like it with clearances as mentioned by others. A few examples below. I've even seen cycle fenders on the rear but can't remember where.

_DSC4607.jpg

lotusseven-04.jpg

151208.jpg

s-l1200.jpg

GSXR-Seven-3.jpeg

360_F_640390906_RYBKl9Ej4gktCbBg7EmthkYoij4ZC5Qg.jpg

Rotus-1985_lfq1.jpg

KFenderTrimLines_3e87f20e-bfa3-4acb-8629-635f74fd3bec.jpg

[seattletom]

Another example: Non-floating cycle fenders positioned to cover the wide stance, long trailing arms, taper of the boot and max bump clearance. Bought 'em from Fenders-and-More.

[anduril3018]

That's a unique approach, I like it! Any side pics?