1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Front fender replacement?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-25-13, 05:05 PM
  #1  
'84 5-letter

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
ioTus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Washington State
Posts: 3,219
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Front fender replacement?

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?
Old 01-25-13, 05:16 PM
  #2  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
dankekong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
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
Old 01-25-13, 05:44 PM
  #3  
Moderator

iTrader: (3)
 
j9fd3s's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,827
Received 2,595 Likes on 1,843 Posts
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.
Old 01-25-13, 06:04 PM
  #4  
Rotary Freak

iTrader: (1)
 
elwood's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Posts: 1,540
Received 24 Likes on 19 Posts
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.
Old 01-25-13, 06:23 PM
  #5  
down, but not out

iTrader: (4)
 
RxTex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Posts: 318
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
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..



.
Old 01-25-13, 06:32 PM
  #6  
'84 5-letter

Thread Starter
iTrader: (5)
 
ioTus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Washington State
Posts: 3,219
Received 7 Likes on 6 Posts
Originally Posted by dankekong
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
Any hidden bolts I should be aware of?
Old 01-25-13, 06:34 PM
  #7  
Senior Member

iTrader: (2)
 
dankekong's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Schenectady, NY
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
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
Old 01-25-13, 07:10 PM
  #8  
Senior Member

iTrader: (8)
 
eprx799's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Akron area
Posts: 654
Received 47 Likes on 33 Posts
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.
Old 01-27-13, 10:27 AM
  #9  
Brap Life

iTrader: (11)
 
Shredduuhh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Rowland heights
Posts: 192
Received 4 Likes on 4 Posts
Originally Posted by eprx799
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
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
fjwheeler
3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002)
22
01-09-22 01:02 PM



Quick Reply: Front fender replacement?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:17 AM.