For people in the car restoration business, the term ‘fender bender’ has to be taken literally. For they deal with their share of bent fenders every single day of their business.
Despite having an innocuous appearance and not being the most sophisticated of repairs, a fender will eat away valuable hours on the clock if you try to repair it.
Not to mention that it will probably look like a shabby job no matter how hard you try to restore it to its past glory.
Quick Comparison
Invalid table id.In such cases, replacement is a better, faster and easier option. This stands true even if you just had a bad day at the wheels and the fender looks like someone punched a hole in it. However, replacement is not the easiest nor the simplest of decisions to make because fenders come in a variety of shapes, configurations, and brands. Apart from getting the right one for your car, it is crucial that you also consider how easy it is to install, how long it is going to last and whether it is an OEM part or an aftermarket one.
We have created a small guide to help you understand a few things that you must consider when you go shopping for a fender.
Things to look for while buying a front fender
The fender is one of the parts of the car that will be constantly exposed to corrosive elements. Along with the dust, the dirt, debris, and stones that the tire will kick up, there will also be water, salt and many times, abrasive chemicals that it will be exposed to. So, you have to be very careful about what you buy. What looks like the swankiest one that you can get for your car may not be the best of choices when it comes to durability.
Material
Fenders are usually made of sheet metal. But in recent times, there are a lot more options like fiberglass and carbon fiber. The advantage of choosing one of the non-metallic materials is that they are lightweight, rustproof and a lot easier to repair as compared to metal. The caveat is that they are prone to impact and even the slightest one will cause a severe dent. Metallic fenders are clearly more durable. However, they are prone to rust and you have to ensure that you protect it with the right coating to prevent it from rusting.
Design
Along with the protective function, Fenders also enhance the look of the car. So, the aesthetics are something that you cannot ignore no matter how hard you try to focus on the other aspects. The good news though is that it is completely possible to get great looking fenders that are equally durable. You do not have to compromise on one aspect while focusing on the other.
The Fit
Since most vehicles have wheels that are accommodated within the wheel wells, the fenders are designed to ensure that they fit the wheel wells perfectly. So, even if you just mention the make and model of your car, you should be able to find the right fit. You may have to do some searching and possibly some modifications if you are looking for fenders for older classic cars because some of them have fender skirts or pontoon fenders. This design is seen in some modern-day trucks as well where the fenders have a protruding design.
Accessorize your fender
If you like to rev up the style quotient for your fenders, then you can always look at accessories that come bundled with the fender. Fender flares and trims in matching color, contrast, matte, gloss and a variety of other options can be chosen depending on the kind of look you are trying to achieve.
The Best front fenders
If it’s time to go fender shopping then here’s a small list of the front fenders in the market that are handpicked based on their customer ratings, quality and price. We have tried to create a diverse list that includes both OEM and aftermarket fenders.
1. Evan-Fischer Fender Set
Evan-Fischer is one of the most reputed names in the auto replacement parts market and its products are renowned for their quality and durability. This is a set of two front fenders for both the driver side and the passenger side.
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Crafted from durable stainless steel and primed, these fenders are resistant to corrosion and will give you years of trouble-free performance. Crafted to perfection to fit the original fenders that come with the car, you will not have to make any modifications to install these fenders. They are ready to use out of the box and ship with all the necessary hardware that you need to install them.
Irrespective of whether it is tough road conditions or a vehicular collision from the side, these fenders will have you covered.
It features the Ford Emblem in the exact position as the original and is backed up by Evan-Fischer’s one-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Best Features
Durable stainless steel
Primered and polished finish
Ready to fit out of the box
No alterations needed
1-year unlimited mileage warranty
Verdict: This is an OE replacement fender and it comes with Evan Fishcer’s quality and reliability behind it. You cannot go wrong with this one.
2. CarPartsDepot Side Front Fender
Sometimes, you are not looking to spend over $100 for a replacement part especially if you have an old automobile that you just want to keep running at a minimum cost. At the same time, you don’t want to throw a flimsy part on the car either. This 4DR left side front fender is a perfect fit for such situations. It is priced below $60 and is one of the most inexpensive choices you have for a replacement fender for the Toyota Camry.
- Replacing the old or broken fender to restore your vehicle with a brand new look
- Meets or exceed OEM specifications
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 05:30 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It is manufactured by CarspartsDepot who are fast becoming a hub for quality fender replacements for both restoration and repair works.
This 4DR left side fender is made from automotive-grade stainless steel. Further, it is stamped died and tested with 500-1000 hours of constant salt spraying to ensure that it can thwart even the most severe corrosion. If you live or drive in an area that is prone to road salt, then this replacement fender will keep your car going without the dreaded surface or internal rust.
The part is unpainted and not primed. So you’d want to ensure that you paint and prime it before installation.
The Best features
High-quality stainless steel construction
Perfect fit out of the box
Priced under $60
Unpainted and unprimed
Tested with 500-1000 hours of consistent salt spraying to ensure resistance to corrosion
Verdict: This is a budget-priced replacement fender from CarPartsDepot that will be a great fit for your Camry. Complete value for money purchase.
3. Evan-Fischer EVA 16972011886
Evan Fishcer is a name that keeps popping up repeatedly when we are researching the front fenders and this is the EVA16972011886 passenger side Fender for Dodge cars. This is an OEM replacement part and fits most Dodge Dakota models to perfection. Coming from Evan-Fishcer, it is a very durable replacement part that is crafted from heavy-duty steel and resists corrosion for long.
- Direct Replacement Fender Compatible with 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota
- Direct Replacement Fender Compatible with 1998-2003 Dodge Durango
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One of the caveats of ordering replacement auto parts, especially fenders online, is that they tend to get damaged in transit during shipping. If it arrives with a dent or two, then it defeats the very purpose of getting a replacement fender, especially for restoration jobs. When you order Evan-Fishcer replacement front fenders on Amazon, it arrives in immaculate condition without any scratches or dents.
The Fender is not a direct replacement for a few models and you may have to make minor modifications when you install it. So, it is recommended that you double-check with your exact car make and model before placing the order just to ensure if any modifications will be necessary.
This is primed black but not painted. So, if your car color is different, then you may have to do a paint job on it.
The Best Features
Durable RH fender for Dodge Dakota
Crafted from heavy-duty stainless steel
Manufactured to perfection to match the original
Extremely resistant to surface rust and other corrosives
Shipped without any damage or scratches
Verdict: Give your old Dodge a completely new look and protect it from debris, scratches, and corrosion with this new fender.
4. OE Replacement Front Fender
This is a replacement fender for Ford vehicles 1993 – 1997 and is designed according to perfect specifications as the original. You can just pick it out of the box and install it in minutes. No modifications or drilling holes required. The fender is shipped in a double packaging with filler sheets which ensures that there are no dents or scratches on it.
- Package Dimensions: 11.43 H x 139.7 L x 87.63 W (centimeters)
- Package Weight: 22.4 pounds
Last update on 2023-03-26 at 22:36 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a high-quality steel fender that retails at almost double the price with local auto stores and the original part number is FO1241136. It has a black electro deposit primer coat that ensures rust-free performance. You can paint it to match the color of your car.
It also includes a provision to attach the emblem. Like most replacement parts from Discount Body Parts, the fender undergoes a rigorous salt and water test for 500-1000 hours to ensure that it can withstand even the toughest of road conditions. You can rest assured that this will keep your Ford in prime condition for the next few years.
Best Features
Perfect match for the original
No modifications or drilling holes required
Shipped in a double box packaging
Heavy-duty steel
Tested with Salt and water blasts for 1000 hours
Perfect for tough road conditions
Verdict: If you are looking for an inexpensive replacement for the front fender on your old ford, then you just found it. This is an exact replica that fits the car straight out of the box without any modifications required.
5. CarPartsDepot Steel Front Fender
CarsPartsDepot is fast becoming one of the most popular retailers for replacement and restoration auto parts. Their products are a perfect match out of the box and everything from the molds to the nuts are provided in the package.
- REPLACEMENT - Replaces OE Number: 12477994 Replaces Partslink Number: GM1241289. You can use this number to match the part you need to replace.
- VEHICLE - 2002-2009 CHEVY Trailblazer ( Detail below)
Last update on 2023-03-27 at 03:05 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a front fender assembly for the right side for the Nissan Altima and is designed to match the specifications of the OEM part which retails for $120.
The Fender is made from galvanized steel and is a very good quality replacement part that undergoes a series of tests to ensure that it can withstand corrosion. Stamp died, it also has a coat of electrodepositing primer that gives it an added layer of protection against external elements.
The salt and water testing ensure that even if you live in an area with heavy snowing and salt on the road, the fender can withstand it and prevent rusting.
Like most aftermarket parts, this is not painted and you will still have to paint it to match the body color of the car.
The Best Features
Crafted from heavy-duty galvanized steel
Stamp died
Tested with sand and water for 500-1000 hours
Coated with electrodeposit primer
Manufactured to match OEM specifications
No modification required
Verdict: If your Nissan Altima has a broken or damaged fender and you were putting off the job due to the cost of the original part, get this inexpensive fender and make it look as good as new. This is a great quality product available at a very attractive price.