The previous owner of my GTA got in a little fender bender and im going to fix it with a new fender. I have never done any bodywork but im a DIY person and willing to learn. I have the correct replacement fender ready to be put on (i think), it came in black primer, is there anything i need to do to it before putting it on? ive been told i need to coat the back side of it with something, is this true? if so, what should i use?

Also, do you guys have any tips on fitting the fender. i know im going to have to take off the hood, take out around 9 bolts that hold the fender on, and the wheel well screws.anything else? once its off , is it as easy as putting the new one on? just let me know what to watch for, and give me any tips that the average person couldnt figure out for themselves. your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

a little help please?

 

its as easy as taking them off just have an extra person there to help take it off and on or you will risk scratching or bending the fender or surrounding area.

 

ok, well thanks for the help

if anyone else has anything to say, feel free

 

where it attaches to the bumper theres 4 or 8 bolts on two removable brackets, at least on my camaro...

 

I would paint it first. let it cure for several days so the paint is tough enough for the install. you may need to run down to the local napa or paint and body store to get some prep stuff. they will help you out. mostlikey you will need to clean it from oil and waxes. if you buy enough paint you could shoot the inside however I think the factory left them primer.

 

well the car is going to be painted here hopefully in the next 6 months or so, so i dont think ill need to paint it

 

are they going to paint the inside edges? if they don't it will look like *** when you pop the hood or get a glance between the door to fender and so on.

 

mask the entire edge of your door with a couple layers of masking tape, you will thank yourself later as you inadverently beat the crap out of your door with your fender

and use the same method on the top-back of the fender once your aligning your hood, the back of the hood likes to sit on the fender if it gets too tight back there (do that on both sides)
thats an instant paint chip right there ;0

 

i know on my camaro i found it easier to take the nose and other fender off with it to get them lined up good then get a buddy and slip the whole thing on but that may just be me

 

Hey man, you will fight that thing, especially if its an aftermarket. Try to find some type of plastic shim to use in order to get your gaps right, I would also suggest taking off most of the rocker panel gfx. There are bolts on the underside of the rocker all the way down to the end of the door jamb, also a few screws in the top parts.