Hi All - I've been reading the forum posts concerning front fender replacement. I realize that the outer fender skin and inner fender are welded together. My intent is to replace the outer skin only. I would like to remove the assembly from the truck, drill out the spot welds on the old skin and weld on the new skin. Here's my question - Before the assembly is installed on the truck, does it make sense to paint the assembly off the truck and install the painted assembly on the truck? I would like to do this so I can completely paint the fender, while alleviating any overspray or preparation on the truck itself. Thanks in advance. Jim PS - Any other advice in this area of fender replacement is appreciated!

 

Doing the cut in off the truck is best. As far as painting the outside of it, you can paint it off the truck but I pretty much guarentee it will not match.

What you should do is do the cut in (paint inside and edges). Bolt on fender. Prep the hood and door for paint. Mask off door and hood. Paint fender until it has the coverage (color). Unmask door and hood. Add one more coat to fender and blend color into door and hood. Spray clear on door, hood, and fender.

What this does is blends the color into the door and hood giving a transition into the different colors that if done right with the colors close enough of a match it wont be seen.

Otherwise you will be able to see the color difference.

I say this because no matter how hard you try, or where you get the paint, you NEVER have a 100% perfect match in color.

 

sounds like alot of work rather than replaceing the whole fender anyway id paint it off the truck

 

+1......unless you paint the whole truck......heehee.....

I have been watching a lot of you tube videos and other websites on painting, and this is correct. Even if it looks pretty good at first, the difference will be greater over tims.



Yep. Would you wonder later why it did not match so well? Since kejobe has done this for a living I would (and have) followed his advice. But that's just me....

 

Hehehe...sucker!! just kidding. Although my ASE Cert. does expire in December.

 

So don't go over to Tims.

 

I think there is a way to renew that puppy......does it require painting so many vehicles,.....because if it does, you can come down here and do some of mine....I'll put in a good word for ya!

 

It just requires the payment for the test and the 4ish hour test itself (multiple choice). Probably not going to renew it anyway though. I dont work in the "field" anymore so Im not worried about it.

 

You are OBVIOUSLY missing the point...the field is my garage.....


Jimmy52dodge, it will not be easy, but by removing the fender, doing as kejobe stated, the paint and blend, you WILL be happier with the end result. Paint and clear is too expensive not to do it right. And if you are like me, it will tick you off ecery time you look at it if you are not satisifed with the end result. Good luck....and pics while you are doing it, please!