Recently some putz backed into my Explorer (1997 XLT) and put a heck of a dent in my left front fender. Fortunately there was no damage to any other parts (lights, etc.), but it was enough to require the fender to be replaced. To make a long story short, it was the friend of a good friend who did this, so I have been very patient as far as letting him use his connections (he used to work at a good size auto parts shop) to get it replaced.

Unfortunately lack of production on his part has me looking to other options to get this fixed, including paying my deductable, getting it replaced, and then letting my insurance company go after him and his company for the money, if he even has one.

A couple of questions for the group...#1 - If I look into it and get a few estimates, what kind of numbers are they going to be throwing out at me?...#2 - is it more doable, and perhaps way more cost effective in the long run, to order a fender through a source like JC Whitney, then take it to an auto paint shop and have them properly match the color/accent stripe/etc? #3 - if I happen to get a hold of one, is there anyone out there who has some experience with body work that can fill me in on whether or not this is something a friend and I can put on the car, or does it need to be done professionally in order to be done right?

thanks in advance for the help :chug:

Is the fender too far gone for a dent place to fix the dent? That probably would be the cheapest way to go if it is possible.

I have replaced a zillion fenders, Fords are not too tough at all.
OEM Ford with out question is the best choice for your fender.
It fits best, it lasts longer. Period.
If your Ex is black you will be in luck. Black does not need to be blended.
Any other color does if you want it to look great.
As with any thing it boils down to your level of expectation.

Now's the perfect time to get those baja fenders that you've always wanted and were secretly looking for an excuse to get! Problem solved! :bounce:

Well I was told soon after it happened that it looked to be something that could not simply be sucked or pounded out because of the nature of the dent, location, original shape, etc. Not to mention it will need some paint work. The dude has some sort of special steel bumper (it looks like a number of welded, thick steel pipes), with a couple of notches I believe to be towing or holding something down in the bed (which is what really got me), and even a light hit did some solid damage to it. If I can find the digital camera I will try and post a picture tomorrow. Its not like it effects performance, but it just looks ugly and we can't have that.

Monmix - I should know what you're saying, but forgive my ignorence and tell me what OEM Ford is? And yes, my Ex is black, and as for my expectation, I want it to look outstanding again, without having to spend a Powerball jackpot to get there. I think there are several local shops that have a pretty good rep. Hopefully it will not come to this, but I want to have this information now rather than scrambling for it later.

I had the exact same thing happen to my 94. The estimates were around $1000-1300 by the time paint, labor, and parts were all added together. They want to replace every piece of trim and molding on or near the fender. I'm going to be doing mine myself as soon as I find a decent matching fender. There is a guy on eBay that sells fenders that will match it to your paint code for around $170 shipped. It's an aftermarket fender but I don't think you could beat that price.

How do I find this guy? I also need to replace my front pass. side fender after some girl pulled out in front of me at school.

I don't see any of his auctions on there right now but it is and actual shop not just some guy doing it out of his garage. Just search for "explorer fender" and you will find some. His normally are listed at $169.99 and that includes paint and shipping.

Origonal Equipment Manufacture
meaning, it is the stuff Ford makes at the Ford factory.
With it being black that puts things in your favor in a big way as far as money is concerned.
Take it to a few of those shops and let me know what happens.

Wow, you are a repair tech from Glen Bernie, Maryland. Such a small world, that's where my roommate is from.

I am going to see the guy today, and if the situation doesn't get resolved there, am heading to several shops in order to start getting the estimate process going.

A friend just got some body work done at a shop outside of town, he knows the shop owner personally, and swears by his work. I may go there to see what he can do, even though I can't see him till Monday. Beyond that we will have to see what kind of numbers people will throw out at me. Like you and others have said, I have a feeling the numbers aren't going to be especially pleasant.

Thanks for the info, I will let you what happens.

The world gets even smaller,
My sister lives in Columbus.

The world gets even smaller,
My sister lives in Columbus.


oooooo weeeee ooooo..wispers the truth is out there :hammer:

I would find the same color car at a junk yard and just replace it my self

when I had to replace my driver's side mirror I couldn't find any Explorers at the local parts yards, and while that could have changed by now, I am not very confident that has changed, or at least the fender I need would be in suspect shape at best. I'll start with the estimate process tomorrow and see where it takes us. I have filed a claim with his insurance, finally, but who knows how much of a hassle that one will be since the incident took place on private property, and no one saw him hit the car, although he came right back into the building where I was talking with my roommate and admitted to doing it. I just want to get it done because this whole ordeal has gone on for far too long.