Tricks for removing front fenders from wheelwells...

[6.2Blazer]

Trying to remove a nice set of OEM front fenders from a mid-80's Suburban in the local junkyard. The only issue is that I can't get 2-3 of the bolts out that hold the fender to the wheelwell on each side. The problem is that the captured nut/clip broke off and now the bolt with the rest of the nut just spin. The place was closing so I didn't get to mess with it anymore that day, but appears that it would be tough to get hold the nut with a pair of vice grips or something.

Any tricks for doing this in a junkyard?

I have a cordless drill but that's the only power tool available for this job. Really don't care about the wheelwells of the junker.

I'm a rookie at body work but did just replace the rear quarters, but having it in a shop with a plasma and power tools is quite a bit difference from being in a middle of the junkyard.

 

[DR]

It wouldnt exactly be easy, but a good quality chisel and a nice big hammer would do the trick. An easier way would be a small generator or power inverter big enough and a grinder with a cutoff wheel. Or, maybe you could borrow a small portable torch... Thats the best I can think of anyway.

 

[bp71k5]

Battery powered sawzall or angle grinder could slice the bolt head off. I've done it that was before on similar items as long as they will let you bring the tool in the yard.

 

[dhcomp]

The small top bolts? if so, even a cordless dremel might do the job.

 

[onetonbb74]

use tin snips on/around the inner fender where the problem is.

 

[dyeager535]

If you can get your arm through any of the holes on the inside of the fender in the right place, use an object to either grip, or fix the offending broken clip in place while you undo the bolt.

 

[USSkoval]

Torch or sawzall, or just leave the inners attached to the fender and deal with them when/where convenient.

 

[tourdog]

with your cordless drill try a holesaw just big enough to fit over head of bolt drill hole around head the use big fender whasher when ready to put back on the new truck

 

[6.2Blazer]

with your cordless drill try a holesaw just big enough to fit over head of bolt drill hole around head the use big fender whasher when ready to put back on the new truck

I had been thinking around these lines. You might actually just be able to cut the wheelwell and not the fender?

The small top bolts? if so, even a cordless dremel might do the job.

They are 13 mm bolts heads, same as most of the other bolts holding the fender so not exactly what I would consider small.

use tin snips on/around the inner fender where the problem is.

I'll think about this one. Was considering drilling holes around the bolts, then I could use the snips...

Unfortunately a generator is not practical as I don't have one or know anybody with one. I also don't own a cordless sawzall or angle grinder but will ask around.