Expert: Michael Kakuk - 6/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: I can get a used fender from a wrecking yard
Will it be difficult to replace?
Can husband do it in yard?

ANSWER: CINDY......I AM ASSUMING THAT THE REASON THE FENDER NEEDS REPLACED IS DUE TO A COLLISION.
THERE ARE SEVERAL FACTORS INVOLVED WHEN REPLACING SUCH A FENDER.

AS LONG AS THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE MOUNTING POINTS IT IS A MATTER OF REMOVING AND RE INSTALLING PARTS THAT HAVE TO COME OUT IN ORDER TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE FENDER BOLTS.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am 77 years old and can not afford a new car so how hard would it be to gain access to fender bolts?
My daughter did have a collision and a friend got the fender off and tried to bang it out but it does not look good
I value your opinion.  My mechanic of 22 years says the car is so well cared for it should go on for a long time even tho I have 180,000 miles on it.....It never misses a 3000 mile service or a 30,000 mile tuneup
I thought I would get the fender and have the car painted...I now only drive about 15 miles a day
How long do you think this car can keep going?

Answer
IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING GETTING THE ENTIRE VEHICLE PAINTED IT WOULD BE WORTH YOUR TIME TO SEE WHAT THEY WOULD CHARGE TO INSTALL A FENDER FOR YOU.

IF NOT DONE PROPERLY YOU COULD DO DAMAGE TO THE HEADER OR OTHER PARTS AND END UP SPENDING MORE MOOLA.

YOU HAVE KEPT UP ON THE MAINTENANCE SO I SEE NO REASON THAT YOU COULD NOT GET ANOTHER 50-80 K
OR MORE OUT OF IT.