Fender Damage: Fix or Replace?

[Fonz54]

Hi All,

Looking for some advice. The PO's wife tagged a mailbox and caused some damage to the left front fender. Finally got around to removing the fender flare today to examine the damage more closely. Based on the pictures would you recommend I try and fix the damage or spring for a new fender. The part that looks most challenging is on the side where the gusset under the fender is. the top of the fender actually has a small crease which is hard to see in the picture but it is directly across from the dent near the gusset. I have done some body work in the past but that one rearmost dent on the side is giving me some concern. Also, the entire fender will need to be painted because where the fender flare was in contact with the fender allot of the paint has been worn off.
Thanks,
Lou

 

[FireJeep]

There is a place on ebay for around $300 you get a new fender painted to match. This is what I did and the paint matched very well, coincidentally it is the same color as your's......

painted_parts4u (1831)

 

[Steel City 06]

I would say it depends. If the rest of the Jeep is in really good condition, replace. Otherwise hammer it out and repair.

Or use this as an excuse to get the aftermarket fenders (GenRight, Metalcloak, etc.) you’ve always wanted

 

[Camhabib]

There is a place on ebay for around $300 you get a new fender painted to match. This is what I did and the paint matched very well, coincidentally it is the same color as your's......

painted_parts4u (1831)

How good is the color match on these? I’m debating between ordering one of these in black, vs just getting them painted myself.

 

[jeepndogs]

If the rest of the fender is in good shape that’s about a 30-45 minute fix. Jeep fenders are pretty stout, I have finished out worse than that with little to no filler.

 

[Fonz54]

There is a place on ebay for around $300 you get a new fender painted to match. This is what I did and the paint matched very well, coincidentally it is the same color as your's......

painted_parts4u (1831)

Found it there for $269. Thanks I plan on ordering one.

 

[TJ2]

Repair it and buy / install a front fender armor and no one will see the difference..

 

[Fonz54]

Thanks for the suggestion. You know this was what I considered doing originally. However, the outer front lower corner is pushed in about 1/4". When I tried to line up the new fender flare I picked up on CL it does not fit. I am going to try and use a 2x4 behind the that corner and see if I can pull it out . If I can get it aligned so the fender flare fits then I can clean up the rest of the damage an get some Duplicolor and spray it. If that does not fly then I am definitely going to drop the $269 and get a new fender.

 

[pagrey]

I just pulled a dent like that on my fender. Put a sledge or another BFH behind the dent and use a hammer on the front. It will easily straighten out. It is a really easy section to work on, just go slow.

 

[billiebob]

Fix it and spray bomb it. Makes it easier to handle the next dent.