HondaH8er said:
I have a badly dented passenger side fender, with no other damage. Been driving around with it like this for almost 6 years now, time to get it fixed. I've been quoted at $750-800 to get it done at a bodyshop, but know of a couple places I can buy a prepainted one for about $250. How hard is it to do the replacement on my own? I have regular tools, and know how to use them, just never done any bodywork myself.
putting on the fender is fairly easy.
remove the headlights, gille, and bumper - 30 mins
then remove the fender from the 10mm bolts - 2 mins
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thing is, you'll need the door blended to get a proper color match when it's painted.
before the fender goes on, the backside, and edges need to be painted first.
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I'd recommend buying the fender,
buying some basecoat in a aeresol can from a body shop supply store,
edge in the fender,
remove old fender, and install the new one, making sure it aligns properly,
then take apart your door to be painted,
remove belt moulding under window, mirror, and door handle.
you can leave the door ding strip on, it's ok..
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then take your car to be painted and buffed... (just slap in the headlights to make it legal to drive up there)
that should remove about half the labor costs for the job.
our cars are cake to work on, so don't be scared.
good luck!