So what solution did you find?

Fender flares?
With some cars you can take a second set of fenders, carefully measure
the fender opening profile and cut the profile out with some extra metal
around the opening. Take that section and position it above the normal fender lip by
the appropriate amount and weld/rivet it in place. Cut out the original metal,
do the body work/paint and it looks stock, but the opening is higher up.

Most people can't tell that you did it unless your car is beside an identical car.

and if you need help with this, call me when you get the second set of fenders.
I can do it all and then leave the body/paint up to you.-Bob