How to replace a fender?

[carbon60]

I had a wheel come off and crumple my driver's side fender. I've inquired with cruiserparts.net for a replacement, but I can't seem to find anyone talking about what is actually required to replace it. Is it a simple job?

Thanks,

A.

 

[Wrench]

It pretty simple. Just a lot of bolts to remove. You got some under the fender that bolts to the inner fender. Under the hood are some. You need to remove the cowl to access the other bolts.

 

[carbon60]

You need to remove the cowl to access the other bolts.

Thanks, sounds like I can do it. The "cowl" is the piece just under the windshield?

A.

 

[Wrench]

Correct that is what I am talking about. Let me know how you make out.

 

[alia176]

Here are a crap load of pics, in no particular order. Since I haven't see any pics of this process, I'm going go overboard with pics. I apologize for the reverse order of the pics, I forgot to take pics during the removal process so I took them during the installation of the fender. You'll get the idea!

Removal of the windshield cowl involves the removal of the Phillips screws. If the windshield black rubber molding isn't glued on to the cowl plate, you can remove it rather easily.


On to the next post.

 

[alia176]

More pics

 

[alia176]

and more pics....

 

[alia176]

and then some more...

 

[alia176]

well that's about it. Let me know if you have any questions. Total time approx half hour. You may have to coax the fender liner (wheel house) to separate from the fender with a flat object like a screwdriver.

 

[carbon60]

Thank you very much! Very helpful. Now to find a fender…

A.

 

[alia176]

Some more pics to help visualize the whole process.

 

[alia176]

bolts below the front marker light; notice the location of the ratchet handle. There are two bolts that need to be removed.

 

[alia176]

Removal of the bolts in the wheelhouse require some careful ratcheting action. Try not to use power tools here as the nuts on other side are held on with plastic clips. Those of you in the rust belt, might as well order some of these nuts/clips in advance just in case you ruin some. I lost one during the removal process. The bolt heads in the wheelhouse area are covered with undercoating so you may have to clean them up before placing the socket on them. Again, be gentle with how much power you apply to these bolts.