Project 14 is at the point where it's time to start considering the bodywork details. This is a mild custom build and as such I have more freedom to change up a few details. Like the front fender, for example. Honda's 80's styling cues include a visually "heavy" fender. Project 14 has a taller 17-inch front wheel and, to my eye, the fender will have a better aesthetic if it's "lightened" a bit.
<< OEM fender
<< OEM fender
To accomplish this I mounted up a fender from my stash and covered it in blue painter's tape. The leading edge curve is very critical for the right look, so, looking around the shop I grabbed the front fender from the Magna Project and traced out the trailing edge of that fender onto the VFR's leading edge. Perfect. Leaving the rear portion intact, I freehanded a few curves onto the tape until I found the shape that looked right to me.
With a medium-duty cut-off tool mounted up to the Dremel, I slowly began tracing the line for an initial cut, followed by two successively deeper cuts till the right half of the fender was away.
I'm very careful to avoid any slips with the cutting wheel onto the "good" portion of the fender as that will require additional bodywork to repair.
I'm very careful to avoid any slips with the cutting wheel onto the "good" portion of the fender as that will require additional bodywork to repair.
Well, no turning back now, so on to the other side.
I could have attempted to freehand the left side but figured out a way to duplicate the cut. I traced the cut line onto heavy paper, turned it back-to-front, and taped it in place on the left side, tracing the edge onto the fender. Three passes with the Dremel and I had my basic shape.
For the all important boy-racer effect I added some "lightening" holes to the rear portion. Three different drill sizes and Bob's your uncle.
Project 14 will be sporting OEM red/white/blue body panels. My plan is to change the fender color from original red to blue, which will also help lighten the look. Honda used this trick with the 2007 VFR800 Anniversary Edition and it seems to make more sense, stylistically speaking. All that remains for this little project is to smooth the edges with files and sandpaper...and paint.
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