How long does it take to replace a fender?
Typically, a straightforward fender replacement at a professional shop takes a few hours, while painting and finishing can add one or more days to the timeline.
The exact duration depends on the fender type (OEM vs aftermarket, painted vs unpainted), whether other components must be removed, the extent of any collision damage, and the shop’s schedule and paint drying requirements.
What affects the replacement time?
Several factors influence how long a fender swap will take, from the complexity of the job to the availability of parts and paint. Understanding these can help you plan expectations and budgeting.
Typical timeframes you can expect depending on circumstances:
- Unpainted or pre-painted fender installed without color work: about 2–5 hours at a shop, assuming no additional damage and readily available parts.
- Fender replacement requiring color matching and repainting: roughly 1–3 days, depending on shop workflow, paint drying time, and curing requirements for the clear coat.
- Replacement as part of a larger collision repair (bumper removal, possible alignment, or structural work): often a full day or more, potentially extending to multiple days if parts must be ordered or extensive refinishing is needed.
In all cases, the timeline can be affected by factory color accuracy, the need to remove and reattach attached components (lights, sensors, hood latch, wiring), and whether the vehicle’s frame or mounting points are damaged and require adjustment.
Typical steps in a fender replacement
These steps outline the process a shop usually follows, which helps explain why the job can span several hours to days.
- Inspect damage and confirm replacement part (OEM vs aftermarket) and paint needs.
- Prepare the workspace and disconnect any electrical connections or sensors located in/near the fender.
- Remove interior components and the inner fender liner if required to access mounting points.
- Unbolt and remove the damaged fender, then inspect mounting points for wear or damage.
- Test-fit the new fender, adjust alignment, and reinstall any components removed earlier (bumper, lights, trim).
- Paint and color-match the new fender if needed, including primer, base coat, clear coat, and curing time.
- Perform a final alignment check, test components, and complete any cosmetic refinishing if necessary.
Concluding, the actual replacement can be a short, mechanical swap when no paint is needed, but adding color matching and refinishing typically extends the job to days rather than hours.
Cost considerations and how time translates to price
Understanding the time involved helps translate that into a budget. Costs vary by part choice, labor rates, and paint requirements.
- Fender part price: OEM vs aftermarket; typically $100–$800 depending on model and sourcing.
- Labor charges: hourly rates vary by region and shop, commonly $80–$150 per hour; total labor for a straightforward swap often ranges from 2–8 hours depending on complexity.
- Paint and refinishing: color matching, base coat, clear coat, and curing can add $300–$1,500 or more to the bill, especially for specialty colors or metallic finishes.
- Additional repairs: bumper alignment, sensor recalibration, or structural work can increase both time and cost.
Overall, a basic fender replacement without paint work may cost roughly $500–$1,500, while a full color-matched replacement with painting can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the vehicle and shop.
Do-it-yourself vs. professional replacement
DIY fender replacement is possible for some experienced owners with proper tools, but it generally takes longer and carries more risk for misalignment or paint damage. Professionals provide proper alignment, warranty on paint, and calibration for any sensors or tools integrated into the fender.
Times vary for DIY work, but you can expect a weekend or longer for a careful, painted replacement, including time to learn the process, source parts, and paint in a controlled environment.
Summary
Replacing a fender is a moderate to complex job whose duration hinges on whether painting is required, the repair scope, and the vehicle’s make and model. A simple, unpainted replacement commonly takes a few hours in a shop; adding color matching and paint work can extend the timeline to one or more days. Planning for parts availability, potential additional repairs, and paint curing times will help you set realistic expectations and budget accordingly.
