removing front fenders

[paulgtr]

I have searched a few different times and not found what I was looking for so I thought I would ask
I am planning on replacing my front fenders and have not found anything covering the removal and replacement procedure.
anybody have any links or advice?
thanks a million

[steve911]

I can't give you a complete answer, but be aware that there are two hex head bolts inside the door jamb (5 or 5.5MM - I can't remember) that also have to be removed in addition to the bolts inside the trunk.
Recommend using a ball-head hex wrench to get these out. I'll see if I can find a picture. There was a thread on replacing the cowl seals not too long ago.

Try this:
Removing front fender 78SC what tool??

[paulgtr]

thanks
I have that type of wrench so that shouldn't be a problem.
are there only bolts in the trunk that have to be removed?
or are there more inside the wheel well.
and do I need to remove the bumper?

[Mo_Gearhead]

There are a series of bolts inside the wheel well (rear, vertical) as well.

Not sure if your bumper will need to come off (I doubt it).

[group911@aol.co]

It's usually easier to pull the bumper as well so you can get to the screws that attach the bumper smile to the fenders.
Inside the headlite buckets, there are bolts that hold the fender to a bracket.
In the lf fender, you have to remove the bolts for the washer bottle and pull the expansion tank off as well.
The rocker panels need to come off in order to work the fender away from the body.
The gas filler neck needs to come out and the rubber cup that it goes through needs to come out.
You need to either drop your antenna or pull the wire out of the body.
Probably more but I'll have to think about it.

[paulgtr]

cool
rocker panels are off already. never liked the look of them.
pulling the bumper is not too difficult?
need to do a quick search on that

[Porsche_monkey]

That job is a complete pain in the @ss. The bolts behind the door are covered in a thick goop that has to be removed. Take the wheels off, heat the goop with a heat gun and then cut it away with a knife. The 5 mm bolts at the dash level are also hard to remove, they can be very tight and the ball end hex driver will slip out.

Good luck, I hate removing fenders..

[paulgtr]

oh no!
fortunately I have put aside plenty of time.
what kind of goop?
like a rust sealant?
do I need to re-goop it after wards?

[2Utes]

the goop seems to be factory coating and is not really sticky, just tough. on the right front fender there is one bolt at the top behind the oil lines. you will need to loosen the oil line clamps to get to this bolt. you may need a mirror to locate it.
for the 2 allen bolts just below the windshield, i used a 5mm allen screwdriver tip in a 1/4 inch socket with a universal joint with extensions to get it out. getting it back in is a real pita.
nothing hard, just use patience to avoid creating additional work.
if you pull the bumper, try to record all wire connections, especially the ones inside the turn signal housing to make reinstallation easy.

[PcarPhil]

Originally Posted by PBH

That job is a complete pain in the @ss. The bolts behind the door are covered in a thick goop that has to be removed. Take the wheels off, heat the goop with a heat gun and then cut it away with a knife. The 5 mm bolts at the dash level are also hard to remove, they can be very tight and the ball end hex driver will slip out.

Good luck, I hate removing fenders..

I agree. Removing fenders are an absolute pain.

[Formerly Steve Wilkinson]

Seemed pretty easy to me, and I'm about to do it again--the dreaded Rust Monster.

[paulgtr]

so is it necessary to melt the goop in the left front fender well?
I plan to take plenty of pictures as I take things apart
that usually simplifies the re installation process
are the wires different colors?
or should I label them as well?

[Porsche_monkey]

You don't need to melt it, you need to soften it.

[PcarPhil]

I generally don't do anything with the undercoating on the lower 3 or 4 bolts. I just apply decent pressure on the ratchet while attempting to remove the bolts and the ratchet eventually catches the bolt head through the undercoating.

The top bolts on the other hand (top of the fender in the curve) generally require scraping off some undercoating around the bolt head in order to get the socket to fit the bolt. Those bolts are a PIA.

[RoninLB]

hey Paul


how did you make out?

did you use dum dum or the factory goop between the fenders and tub?

how did the front spoiler install go?



post some pics

[paulgtr]

haven't done the swap yet.
waiting to find a good paint shop out here and get an estimate on painting the car.
once I know when I will get the paint done then I will swap the fenders out.
I have collected all the factory parts to do the job apart from the plastic dog bone spacers for the top of the chin spoiler.

[RoninLB]

you're the type that could do a paint job.

If they're throwing around big numbers maybe give it a second thought?

[paulgtr]

with no garage to work in I think that would be a step too far
I have to work al fresco

[RoninLB]

Originally Posted by paulgtr

with no garage to work

dam

[paulgtr]

yup....
so if you know a good paint shop
I am all ears