KD3NE

Looking for a write up on removal of fenders from a ZJ.

I need to replace at least the right side fender and replace it as well as take care of some rust damage that is behind the fender right behind the wheel.

It is a must repair for inspection prior to registration on the passenger side but I can see where it will be needed to be done on the drivers side as well.

Looks like a build up of leaf debris got down in there and the rust began.

Plans are to remove the rust, close up any holes and install new fenders.

I have pulled and replaced fenders from an XJ but they are simple.

Looking at the ZJ tells me it might be slightly more involved.

I guess that's why I got the 98 ZJ Limited for less than $1,000.00

My 'get it on the road budget' is a total of $3,000 so I have $2,000 to work with.

TOOLS: I do believe that all I need is the Torx 27 and maybe one smaller size, 10-15mm wrenches/sockets as well as a screwdriver or two will be all that is needed.

TIA for your help.


ALSO: if I have to go aftermarket for a replacement fender is any one brand better than the others????

ol"blue

Here you go. https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f5/fen...ment-zj-74097/

KD3NE

Thank You!!!!!

As I thought, it is a lot more involved.

Now to decided on wether I go to the boneyard, pull them myself or find a boneyard that has them pulled.

The other option is buying new replacement aftermarket units but they do not look like they have the studs in them for the plastic trim.


( I shoulda bought an XJ - )

ol"blue

Pick a part will save you quite a bit, but you have to do the work.
Having the JY pull the parts is easier but you pay for their labor/experience/time in pulling them. Plus they usually don't break anything.
I wouldn't buy the cheap repop new ones. They're thinner than original, and don't have the retaining pins as you say. Besides, they cost more than the real JY parts.
Check ebay, you can find someone parting ZJ's there all the time.

KD3NE

I'm gonna give pick-a-part a shot first.

At least there I won't have to be to worried about something getting broken while removing the fender.

I think pick-a-part is $40 per fender ..... they pull it and it goes up to $75

I did call one junk yard and they have both sides in the same color as my vehicle. I may go look at them, I mean that would be $150 but the paint work is all but done.

Aftermarket ones are priced anywhere from about $80 to $150, I am sure the cheaper one is thinner .... the $150 one has a better warranty but there again paint work is involved.

Maybe in the junkyard I'll get lucky and the front end parts, grill, fascia etc. will already be removed so all I have to do is yank the fender.


My biggest concern now will be focusing on the rust removal/repair.

ol"blue

True. Lots of yards are getting to where they just sell parts now, and don't want you to remove anything because of insurance costs. Not like the good old days...

1slo_camaro

where are you located??? if your local to me i could come give you a hand with it.

KD3NE

Well we are close, but not close enough!

I am in Maryland, about 20 minutes south of the Delaware state line off of 95.

1slo_camaro

ok where at exactly? my parents live in North East, MD and i headhome every weekend. ill be home this weekend if you wanted to come over my house saturday i could help you out

Bustedback

I managed to find a fender at the boneyard that was the same color as my Jeep. You might be as lucky as I was.

KD3NE

Not all that far away, I am in Bel Air.

I'll see how my weekend is shaping up.

I got two fenders today, just need to clean them up and spay some paint on the areas I clean up.

I still have to deal with the rust issues, it rusted through the outer and inner rocker covers but the area is all hidden behind the fender.

The passenger side was the most severe or so it seems, I mean the lower section of fend was having on by a thread.

Drivers side I can tell it started but have not tore into it as yet but I figure if I gotta tear it apart for one side, might as well do the other.

The vehicle is not tagged yet as we have to get to the MVA tomorrow ( hopefully ) to transfer title and get a tag.

Two inspection fail items that I know of is the rusted out fender and the headlamp lenses need to be polished up.

Mattnkc74

I had the same luck with mine found a straight red one with minimal rust on bottom. Took the hood too mine was hail damaged. 30 for the fender. Came off pretty easy pop the headlight and splash gaurd rest is gravy. there is a glued on tab that



kinda sucks to get off by the door post. Be careful with it if its still attatched.

1slo_camaro

id come down to you but im trying to get mine through inspection as well lol. all 4 balljoints, a u-joint. a loose wheel bearing. ebrake shoes and a few lug studs so ill be on the lift all day saturday

KD3NE

shoot me an email with contact info to 21015vtxer@gmail.com


Sometime today or tomorrow I plan on cutting away the bottom section of the driver side fender to see and get at whatever rust is behind there so I can clean it up and treat it.

Once that is done all that I hope to need to do is install the two fenders and then it is off to inspection.

I had the inspector give it a real quick once over and the fenders and headlight lenses were the immediate visible items.

It runs out really nice, and the guy *was* fairly good about maintaining ( except for that rust.

Once I get this inspected I may cut out a hole on the bottom of the fender so that the crap won't build up back there anymore ( or at least I'll be able to easier clean it out )

KD3NE

Well now .....

I got two fenders, they both had blobs of glue but NO TABS !!!!

I guess I'll have to salvage those tabs from the old fenders!!!