First, welcome!
Second, spacers are not necessary. Brina (Phat73vw) runs 17x7 et 40 wheels with stock fenders. Granted, he has a Super Beetle, but it is totally possible.
Now, I'm ne expert in the standard front end, so I'll let someone else get into the nitty-gritty, narrowing etc. Although you probably won't have to narrow. Then again, I'm no expert
