How expensive is it to replace a fender?
Replacing a fender can vary widely depending on whether you’re talking about a car fender or a Fender-brand guitar. In general, car fender replacement tends to fall in the low thousands, while guitar-related replacements range from a few dollars for small parts to several thousand dollars for major overhauls or new instruments.
To understand the question more clearly, it helps to separate automotive bodywork from musical instruments. Car fenders are external panels that may require parts, paint, and labor, often pushing totals into the mid-to-high hundreds or thousands. For Fender guitars, pricing depends on whether you’re replacing hardware, electronics, necks, or the entire instrument, with a wide spread between budget and premium options.
Car fender replacement costs
The typical cost components you’ll encounter when replacing a car fender are listed below to help you estimate a final bill.
- Fender panel (OEM vs aftermarket): about $150–$600 for the panel itself; aftermarket panels are typically $100–$350.
- Paint and clear coat: roughly $300–$1,200, with metallic/pearl finishes on the higher end.
- Labor for removal, alignment, and installation: approximately 3–6 hours at $75–$150/hour, or about $225–$900.
- Hardware, trim, and related repairs: $50–$300 if additional brackets, lights, or sensors are affected.
- Total typical range: $800–$2,500; high-end scenarios (new OEM parts with extensive repaint or bodywork) can exceed $3,000.
Prices vary by vehicle make/model, labor rates in your area, whether inner components are damaged, and whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. In many cases a straightforward fender swap with minimal repaint sits toward the lower end, while a full repaint or complex repairs push the bill higher.
What influences the price
Several factors drive the final cost of a car fender replacement, including the vehicle’s design complexity, color (metallic or multi-stage finishes cost more), shop location, and whether diagnostic or alignment work is required after the panel is replaced. It’s always best to obtain multiple quotes to compare OEM vs aftermarket parts and to confirm whether paint and labor are bundled in the quoted price.
Fender guitar replacement costs
Costs for replacing Fender-brand guitar parts or the instrument itself vary widely. The list below covers common scenarios and their typical price ranges.
- Small hardware and cosmetic parts (strap buttons, tuners, knobs): $5–$50 per part; kits often $20–$100.
- Pickups and electronics (sets, wiring, pots, switches): $50–$300 for pickups; $50–$150 for installation labor.
- Neck replacement: aftermarket necks typically $150–$350; OEM/Fender necks $200–$600; installation labor $50–$120.
- Body replacement (replacement body or substantial refinish): $200–$700 for an aftermarket body; OEM Fender bodies often $300–$900; repaint/finish $100–$400.
- Full guitar replacement (new instrument): entry-level Fender/Squier models $199–$399; mid-range Fender Player/Standard $500–$1,000; American Professional/Original lines $1,100–$2,000+, with Custom Shop models higher still.
As with cars, the total price depends on whether you’re buying new or used parts, upgrading components, and whether you need professional setup or cosmetic refinishing in addition to the replacement itself. Labor for wiring, setup, and inspection can add hundreds of dollars to the bill.
What influences the price
Price drivers for guitar replacements include the quality tier of parts (Squier vs. American vs. Custom Shop), whether you source parts new or used, and the extent of work required (bone-stock replacement vs. upgrading to higher-end pickups, electronics, or a new neck). Also, professional setup and intonation checks can add to the overall cost.
Summary
In short, replacing a fender spans a broad spectrum. For cars, expect roughly $800–$2,500 on average, with possible costs above $3,000 for premium finishes or significant bodywork. For Fender guitars, minor hardware replacements are relatively inexpensive, while necks, bodies, or entire instruments can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on parts and model quality. Always compare OEM vs aftermarket options, request written estimates that itemize parts and labor, and factor in finishing and setup costs when budgeting.
Summary: The final cost depends heavily on scope, model, and whether you choose budget or premium parts. Planning ahead and getting multiple quotes will help you land the best value for either a car fender or a Fender guitar replacement.
