I'm going to start my wire tuck within the next month and am planning on going through the drivers and passenger's quarter panel up to the nose.

Getting the fenders off, I dont think should be too big of a deal. However it looks like they're sealed on there with some sort of caulk. I guess my biggest concern is re-installing the panel properly.

Might it be worth paying a shop to do it properly? Or easily done at home?

 

I would do it at home. I have taken mine off a few times. If you drive the car in rain, snow or the sort then I would definitely consider re-caulking it. How's the paint? Be careful as to not destroy it when removing the fender and caulking it. If you decide to do it...don't pay anyone to do something so simple (just need a patient hand for maybe 5 minutes I would guess). You could probably get away with regular sealant/caulking for windows and the sort

 

easily done at home. you have two options, one is to put the fender back and just live with the broken caulk, if its been wrecked this is how it will be anyways.

two is to chip it all off and reapply it, its been forever since i did it, but i think ge silicon II is a good match, its off white so the color matches.

 

The stuff used by the factory is seam sealer. You can buy it at any paint supply store or online. The advantage of the seam sealer is that it will hold paint, unlike most of the silicone sealants. When I removed my fenders, I pulled them off, did what I had to with them, added a little extra seam sealer over the existing, reinstalled the fenders, and finished with touchup paint. The original seam sealer served as a guide for re-installation.

 

Don't take it to a shop..

I just pulled a fender for the first time to address some damage, and its a very simple job for anyone who can hold a wrench..

Extra long socket extensions and removing the plastic headlight surround make the job much easier..

I didn't remove my front bumper either, which the Haynes manual will tell you to do..



.

 

Any hidden bolts I should be aware of?

 

Yes. Make sure you disconnect the lower front corner of the fender where it attaches to the front valance and I believe the brake duct as well. Just don't start pulling too hard until the sucker is completely detached bolt wise

 

There also a bolt that you won't see unless you take off your fender liner it inside the fender toward the door. Its close to the crease in the fender just shine a light upthere and you will see it. its either a 10 or 12 mm.

 

all bolts/ nuts that hold all the front end body parts on are 10mm socket head type