SC driver's fender removal question (fuel fill gaiter spring)

[jjeffries]

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year to All,

I'm removing both front fenders to repair rust by the bumper-shock reinforcements on the inner fenders, both sides, starting with left/driver side. Bumper already off, and threads already searched for this question:

How to remove that honking steel spring circlip (999 152 004) which holds the overflow gaiter/boot at the fuel filler, to the fender? Of course Bentley says "pry out retaining ring from fuel filler neck sealing bellows", but it isn't proving that easy, at least to me. I have the gas door off and other hoses disconnected, but cannot see how to remove this ring. It requires significant force just to flex it slightly. Do others disconnect the filler pipe from the rubber connecting hose closer to the tank, and thread the whole thing out that way?

Editorial note: one can now imagine why insurance companies so readily total air pre-996 911's with front end damage....they are such a pain to pull apart! I haven't even arrived at the adhesive caulk yet. Oh well, steady as she goes and lots of rest breaks (and protective masking tape).

Thanks in advance for any advice, John in CT.

[Dpmulvan]

Bigger screwdriver

[Cooper911SC]

I use one of those 90* hook/pick tools to get and end out, then follow behind with a flat screwdriver.

Still a PITA...

Cooper

[Lake Guy]

I'm actually in the middle of this same job. I also tried to undo the filler from the tank as I wiggled on the outer section. The spring comes out with large screw driver or hooking device as noted but the whole assembly is definitely a PITA. I'm not looking forward to the reinstall after the paint job.

I've found lots of rust and crud stuck in the forward most areas of the fenders so this job was a must for me prior to repaint. Hope you are luckier than me on the amount of repair work you will have to do.

Mark.

[Jonny H]

If anyone knows how to get that ring in after a $$$ paint job, please let us know!

[jjeffries]

Got it out, thanks for the advice. We will see what's involved in its replacement once I've completed the primary task.

What an odd assortment of hardware solutions Porsche used to assemble - or cobble together - this generation of the 911.

John