I am getting ready to take my car in for paint/bodywork soon. I have no bodywork experience, so I need some guidance. I would like help deciding if the driver's fender should be replaced or not. It is damaged on the front leading edge. I'm just not sure how well the original contour and sharp edge can be reproduced by a body shop. What do you guys think? (see pics below) Thanks!

http://www.nuibe.com/elco/pics/damage1.jpg
http://www.nuibe.com/elco/pics/damage2.jpg
http://www.nuibe.com/elco/pics/damage3.jpg

I would get a new one to save the trouble and potential cost. A body shop can fix that, but it will be filled in with body filler and on an edge like that, I personally would not want it there.

Considering the size of the damaged area and location, I would definately repair it. A replacement fender might create more problems considering how some of them fit. A good labor judgement time in my opinion from your photo would be 3-4hours. The repair should be no problem for any experienced bodyman IMO. Bob

I'd fix it also. Those repop fenders don't always fit right.
Roger

Wheres the damage?? smile.gif
I wouldnt replace it, as the others have said replacing with a new fender can sometimes open a can of worms. Even with a GM fender you still can fight with it getting a good fit.

A good Body TECH will have no problem with that damage. They take alittle added time I can see where NO FILLER can come into play.

Just make sure you give the shop any mouldings that go around the edge. That way they can test fit the mouldings to the repaired fender making sure its right...Eric