Auto body repair & detailing: Fender Removal, fender bolt, piece cowl

Question
Hi Dave, I have a 2001 Sentra SE and need to remove and replace replace the front left fender.  I'm just wondering exactly where are the mounting screws located outside of the ones under the hood.  Also, I was told that I may have to loosen the bumper and remove the side molding the runs under the door.  Any suggestion that you can pass along will be appreciated. Thanks

Tim

Answer
Hi Tim!....Yes, you will have to partially remove the front bumper cover..Generally, there is 1 bolt, either with a 7,8,or 10 mm head at very back edge of the bumper cover where it is attatched to the edge of the fender at the wheel opening....You will also need to remove the attatched rivets/screws where the bumper cover is attatched to the wheelhouse splash shield..Continue to remove the attatching hardware underneath where the cover is attatched to the lower crossmember, as well as on top at the rad support....Once this is done, you will then need to remove the headlight...These bolts should all be visible at this point....They will be 10mm....Next, as you mentioned, there is a rocker moulding...This will need to be partially removed as to gain access to the bottom fender bolt....You might even need to remove the wheelhouse splash shield, as bolts are sometimes run into support brackets from the inside of the wheelhouse...Open the door, and you will be able to see if the bolts are accessable from there, or if you will need to remove it...One last thing, it is possible that you might have to remove the windshield cowl assembly partially also, or just one side if it is a 2 piece cowl..A lot of manufactures are famous for hiding 1 bolt under here...You should then be able to access all of the bolts at this time and remove the fender....Just remember the golden rule...Re-install in the exact reverse order...First off...Last on...Hope this helps....Write back if you have any problem...Thanks...Dave