Expert: Michael Kakuk - 2/14/2010

Question
My brother's 1998 Malibu was involved in a fender bender that damaged the front bumper cover and the passenger's side fender.  The passenger's side front door is still able to open, but not perfectly, there is contact with the fender.

How difficult is changing a Malibu fender?  I have intermediate experience with mechanical repair, and I've replaced the front bumper cover before so I'm confident if the job isn't too advanced.

Thanks!

Answer
JOE.....NOT FAMILIAR WITH AN 88 MALIBU BUT....YOU PROBABLY HAVE TO GET TO THE MOUNTING BOLTS THAT ARE BEHIND THE FRONT HEADER....AND FRONT COVER IF THEY ARE ATTATCHED THERE.YOU MAY HAVE TO REMOVE THE HEADLAMP ON THAT SIDE TO GAIN ACCESS.

THERE ARE MOUNTING BOLTS LOCATED IN THE DOOR JAMB AS WELL...REMOVE THE FENDER LINER BOLTS.

AFTER YOU HAVE REMOVED ALL THAT YOU CAN SEE PULL ON THE FENDER AND FEEL WHERE YOU ARE GETTING RESISTANCE....THAT USUALLY INDICATES THERE IS A MOUNTING POINT THAT WAS OVERLOOKED.