Removing Fenders

  • Thread starter Thread starter HighRule
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HighRule

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I received my headlight today and I'm starting the needed work.

I going to replace both fenders and headlights (with restore) and take my bumper off to have it painted. I want the LSE bumper but couldn't find a good priced one.

I know how to remove the headlights and restore them.
I found the front bumper removal tech page.

I searched and couldn't find anything for removing the fenders. Is there anything showing how to remove the fenders or has anyone removed them that can give advice and tips on the process?
 
I just did my driver's side (hit my garage backing out, had to drive to detroit to find a Silver Frost fender in good shape)

Most of the bolts are easily accessable.

there is one in the middle of the fender, door side, that you need a really long extension for, and the door has to be half open.

that was probably the toughest one for me.

You will need the headlights off to remove the fender...

Your best bet would be to pull the headlights, then the bumper, then the two fenders.

I had my driver's side off and the new one on in about 3 hours.
 
2000sport said:
I just did my driver's side (hit my garage backing out, had to drive to detroit to find a Silver Frost fender in good shape)

Most of the bolts are easily accessible.

there is one in the middle of the fender, door side, that you need a really long extension for, and the door has to be half open.

that was probably the toughest one for me.

You will need the headlights off to remove the fender...

Your best bet would be to pull the headlights, then the bumper, then the two fenders.

I had my driver's side off and the new one on in about 3 hours.
Click to expand...

I drove 4 hours to get my fenders. Already black and with the "LS" on the molding from a 2000. I'm putting on my 03 so I hope the "LS" looks good. I got both for $200.

Did you have to remove the hood also or just the piston and use a stick to prop it up?
 
Heres what it looks like sans fender...

vbpgimage.php
 
2000sport said:
Heres what it looks like sans fender...

vbpgimage.php
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks.

Looks like I'll be waiting until my ordered paint for my rims come in. That way I do everything at the same time and no rework needed since I will be taking off the tire. Might as well paint the caliper and check my ball joints for that stupid clunking sound. I guess I could change my brakes also.

-The project will be-
-remove lights and restore
-remove bumper and paint
-remove and replace fenders
-paint rims
-put everything together again

It's funny how one little project turns into an overhaul lol.
 
2000sport said:
And heres the damage from hitting the garage :)
Click to expand...

Damn, that sucks. My damage was from my step-dad backing into my car 3 days after coming to visit. Over $2000 in damage. That's why I'm doing all the work now cause I finally found all the parts.
 
2000sport said:
You may want to check the sway bar bushings as well while the cars in air
Click to expand...

Good idea. I was told about checking those in a previous post but I forgot. Thanks for the remind.

Anything else to check?

And for the calipers, do I need a special paint? I was going to go with a caliper paint but could I use something else?
 
Any high-heat paint should work.

I used the VHT Caliper Paint... been on for 2 1/2 years with no problems.
 
2000sport said:
Any high-heat paint should work.

I used the VHT Caliper Paint... been on for 2 1/2 years with no problems.
Click to expand...

I like the red look on yours. I was thinking of going Yellow on mine.

Black and Yellow. Stupid song, cool look. I'm not sure it will look outta place since that would be the only thing yellow and would stand out a little more then red or blue.

Any thoughts?
 
Thanks for the post. Im removing these today. the headlights was easy but the fender looks like it can be time consuming. Does anyone know how much hours the dealer charges to remove and replace a bumper. Im parting out my ls and offered to replace a clockspring, mirror,inner door handle,Mount dismount wheels and fenders. I dont know what a fair price to charge for my service. Anyone knows what a good price to charge for replacing these parts.
 
dNyce LS said:
Pretty much what I have. I like it
Click to expand...

I have those same rims in your sig picture.

Do you have a closeup picture of your rims were you can see the calipers? If you can't really see the painted calipers with our rims, I might not bother with it.

Edit: I will be taking the car apart tomorrow. I'll take pictures to post to help others out that might need it.

I'm using this for the bumper and the tips/advice from 2000sport for the finders.
 
dNyce LS said:
Pretty much what I have. I like it
Click to expand...

VHT has a cranberry red engine paint that would look pretty nice against the black.

Good luck with the fenders. I will take a pic tomorrow of the wheels with calipers peeking through.

Still have to upload my photos of the gen2 fog swap :)
 
On a side note, is a Gen1 and Gen2 fender different as far as the body lines go? I know the Gen2 hood and headlights and bumper come together differently in the front. Just curious if the fenders were redone as well.
 
Maybe HighRule can post pics when he gets his fenders on, since he is putting 1gen fenders on his 2nd gen LS.
 
2000sport said:
Maybe HighRule can post pics when he gets his fenders on, since he is putting 1gen fenders on his 2nd gen LS.
Click to expand...

I will post pictures when done. I was going to do a walk through while doing the work but the batteries I just bought are no good. Damn you Duracell. They say they're good till Mar 2014, but none of them work.
 
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