How long does it take to replace fender?
A straightforward front fender replacement usually takes about 2-4 hours of labor if no repaint is needed. If the fender must be painted to match your vehicle, plan for roughly 1-3 additional days in the shop, depending on the paint process and shop scheduling.
What affects replacement time
Several factors can influence how long it takes to replace a car fender. The following factors commonly determine the overall timeline:
- Vehicle type and construction: steel vs. aluminum fenders can affect removal and alignment difficulty.
- Need for painting: whether the new fender requires color matching and a full paint job adds time.
- Access and disassembly: some models require bumper removal, inner wheel-well work, or access to hidden fasteners, which adds labor hours.
- Damage extent: if there’s rust, body damage, or structural issues around the fender, repairs may be needed before replacement.
- Integrated systems: sensors, cameras, or airbags located in or near the fender may require calibration after installation.
- Shop workflow and part availability: backlogs, part delays, and the shop’s schedule can stretch timelines.
In practice, these variables create a broad range—from a few hours for a simple swap to several days for a paint job and sensor recalibration. Always get a detailed estimate that covers parts, labor, paint, and any special calibrations.
Typical timelines
Here are common scenarios observed in auto body shops, with a note that actual times vary by vehicle and shop.
- Front fender replacement without painting: 2-4 hours of labor in a typical shop.
- Front fender replacement with color-matched painting: 6-12 hours of labor plus 1-3 days for paint drying and curing; total project time often 2-4 days.
- Front fender replacement involving bumper removal and sensor calibration: adds 1-3 hours of labor and may extend the project to 3-5 days, especially if recalibration or parts delays occur.
Paint timing and calibration needs are the primary drivers of extended timelines. If insurance, rental arrangements, or dealer-backed processes are involved, those can also affect the overall duration.
What to expect in the shop
Beyond the clock, the shop environment and workflow influence how quickly a fender is replaced. Typical steps include disassembly, removal of the damaged fender, possible bumper handling, alignment checks, and then the chosen finish—whether a quick repaint or a full color-matched paint job. For modern vehicles, expect sensor or camera calibration to ensure safety systems function correctly after replacement.
Sensor calibration and safety considerations
Many newer cars rely on ADAS features that connect to the fender area. Replacing a fender can necessitate recalibration with specialized equipment. This step can add time and should be requested upfront if your vehicle has cameras, radar sensors, or lane-assist systems integrated near the fender.
Planning and budgeting tips
To avoid surprises, plan for both parts and labor, and clarify whether your quote includes paint and drying time. The following tips help with budgeting and scheduling:
- Ask for a written estimate that itemizes the fender, bumper removal, alignment, paint (surface prep, base, clear), and labor separately.
- Confirm whether the quote covers paint cure time and whether a rental car is available during the repair.
- Check whether sensors, cameras, or ADAS features in the fender require recalibration and include that in the timeline and cost.
- Consider whether you want the entire car repainted for color consistency or if a spot paint on the fender is sufficient; the latter is cheaper but may be noticeable.
With clear expectations and a detailed estimate, you can coordinate with your insurer and shop to minimize delays and ensure the replacement meets safety and aesthetic standards.
Summary
Replacing a car fender runs on a spectrum: a simple, paint-free swap can take only a few hours, while painting, bumpers removal, and sensor recalibration can push the timeline to several days. For the best planning, obtain a detailed, written estimate that separates parts, labor, painting, and any required calibrations, and confirm lead times for paint and any ADAS recalibration.
How long does it take to replace a car fender?
How Long Does a Typical Fender Repair or Replacement Usually Take? A simple fender repair usually takes 2-5 days to finish. If you need to get the whole fender replaced, it takes a bit longer - about 3-7 days. The time can change based on how bad the damage is and whether the repair shop has the right parts ready.
How much does labor cost to replace a fender?
PRO TIP: On average, it takes about 2 hours to replace a front fender. Hourly labor rates in the US typically range from about $75 to $150 an hour, although you may pay more or less than that depending on where you live.
Is it worth fixing a fender?
Opting for a new fender typically ensures greater durability and longevity compared to a repair. This investment can provide peace of mind, knowing that the likelihood of needing to address the same issue again is minimal, potentially saving money in the long term.
Are fenders hard to replace?
Replacing a fender can range from moderately difficult to very challenging, depending on the car's model, the extent of the damage, and the installer's experience. The mechanical part of removing the old panel and bolting on a new one is often described as a relatively straightforward DIY project with the right tools. However, the difficulty increases significantly if the old fender is severely damaged, if aftermarket parts are used that require significant adjustment, or if the work involves painting and perfect alignment.
Factors that increase difficulty
- Severe damage: A fender that is mangled from an accident can have damaged bolts and clips that are difficult to remove.
- Imperfect fit: Aftermarket or used fenders often need to be adjusted, bent, or hammered to fit correctly, which can be time-consuming and requires specific skills.
- Alignment: Achieving perfect gaps between the new fender, the door, and the hood takes time and patience.
- Hidden damage: A replacement may reveal underlying damage to other parts of the car that are more difficult to repair.
- Painting: If the new fender isn't pre-painted to match, the job requires painting and blending, which is an advanced skill that adds significant complexity.
Tips for a successful replacement
- Gather the right tools: You may need a good set of hand tools, a cordless drill for rivets, and special tools to pry off trim pieces without causing damage.
- Have the right hardware: Old plastic clips can become brittle and break. It's wise to have replacement clips on hand.
- Protect adjacent panels: Use painter's tape to protect surrounding body panels from scratches during the process.
- Consider professional help: If you have no experience with car body work or if the old fender is badly damaged, it may be worth getting professional assistance.
- Buy a pre-painted fender: If you want to avoid painting yourself, look for a fender that is already painted to match your vehicle's color.
