Auto body repair & detailing: 1998 Dakota front right fender.., haynes book, dodge dakota

Question
  Good day William. I looked over past questions not see any that would help me with my problem.  My 1998 Dodge Dakota was wrecked few months back. The lower part of front right fender is now pushed behind the door by two inches or so. I've looked in my Haynes book got good idea how to remove the fender. But i'm not fully certain if i have to remove any bolts or hardware from inside the truck. If I do there in lays my problem, the passanger will will not open but six inces or so. I'm only wanting to remove the fender to hammer back the metal back enough so the door will open once again. Do you know if I need to have to do have the right side door open in order to remove the right fender?

Answer
I can't remember right off the top of my head if there are bolts inside the door jamb. Look on the undamaged side and see if there are any bolts. I really don't suggest removing any bolts before beating back the fender, you will never get the bolts back in. I highly suggest taking it to a body shop, and having them beat the fender back. A body man will have the tools to do that. You need a thin body spoon to slide between the door and fender to pry the fender back. if you try a crow bar, it will damage the door, and look like hell. A body spoon is about 4 inches wide, and will do little damage, because the force of prying is spread over a large area. If you can't get the fender back, maybe it's time to replace the fender. Bill