Hi all, I would like to replace my damaged front drivers side quater panel myself rather than go through a crash reparier. Car is a 2002 TJ exec sedan.

Before I go on the hunt for a replacement part which matches my car colour, just how difficult is it to remove the panel and fit the new one, what is generally involved, how long can I expect it to take, what kind of tools or equipment would I need and is it a one man or two man job?

Thanks in advance guys.

Ben

Ben...it's a bit more complicated than just unbolting the panel from the engine compartment as you need to disconnect the front bumper, the wheelwell cowling, etc... I'm no expert so wait until one of the mechanically-minded posters chimes in. I'd be going to a panel beater myself.

Well, I had found this diy http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62516 and thought how much extra work is needed to remove the panel, and would you need to completely remove the front bar or just unbolt from the one side?

Grille off.
Front bar off.
Indicator off.
Headlight off.
10 mm bolts to remove, 4 or 5 across top, several behind headlight, several from underneath, 2 across bottom of guard, one in door opening.
Remove indicator repeater from guard.
Remove self tappers between plastic guard liner and guard.
Pull up, pull forward.

New guard on.
All bolts put in but not tightened, align with closed bonnet, shut door. (Important to get this spot on)
Tighten bolts.
Replace all bits removed previously in reverse order.


Step one though, is to find a pristine, correct colour one at the wreckers - good luck with that!

Tools: 10 mm spanner, 10mm socket, 14 mm (?) to undo bumper bar, screwdriver.
Time: 2 to 3 hours.

You do not have to take the front bar or headlight off.....

You do not have to take the front bar or headlight off.....

Probably not, but I wouldn't know. Did a full colour change on a TJ 4 years ago, where everything had to come off anyway for the clean and respray stages.

Probably not, but I wouldn't know.

Well if that is the case, then why post in point form what is needed to be done?, you are only leading to making a job bigger and more complicated than the OP plans to do

In this case you should either have stated you wernt sure of the whole process, or just stayed quite altogether

You must remember this is a forum containing a database of information, keeping it accurate and relevant is in the best interest of not only the forum, but also those members who take advice posted within the forum

My 2c

Can anyone chime in to make it clear to the OP in what is required

All I can say is it no big complicated job, 1 person, only a few tools needed, and I agree when fitting the new panel up you do not tighten the bolts as you go, but rather have them finger tight so you can make slight adjustment to the panel alignment

Ricbec is the expert. I salute you. I will bow out of this forum and let you field all and any questions people have in the future.

Hi everyone,

Just first wanted to say thanks to all who have replied.

From what I am reading, its not an overly complicated task to do if you have some basic technical / mechanical skills (I believe I have these :think:) and the correct tools - along with an appropriate place to do the work, some time and the right amount of patience......


Step one though, is to find a pristine, correct colour one at the wreckers - good luck with that!

You are correct, and I dont doubt for 1 min that this won't be difficult as most cars that are wrecked usually have some kind of body damage.

As long as I can find one that is same colour and straight, minor imperfections I can live with - heck almost anything would be better than what I have on the car atm (might have to post a pick so you can see what I mean)....

Like I mentioned in my original post, I wanted to get an idea on how big a job it would be before I go hunting for a replacement panel. Im an optimist - nothing ventured nothing gained so I am feeling pretty confident I could do the job done and will start looking around for a replacement panel. The aim is to save myself some $$


All bolts put in but not tightened, align with closed bonnet, shut door. (Important to get this spot on)


when fitting the new panel up you do not tighten the bolts as you go, but rather have them finger tight so you can make slight adjustment to the panel alignment

These are both good tips, I would have never thought of that but it makes sense to align the panel before tightening the bolts.

Any more tips are welcome

Ben

Ricbec is the expert. I salute you.

I wouldnt say that... lol, but if you want to think that, go right ahead!