Auto body repair & detailing: Removing the fenders, bumper, grill & cover, dodge durango, sawzall

Question
My car is a 1998 Dodge Durango.  I have to replace the fenders, bumper, grill, and grill cover.  Where do I start? Do I cut off the bumper with a torch? Are there any cautions or warnings that I need to keep in mind?  Thanks


Answer
DO NOT cut the bumper off with a torch! The blue wrench is only used as an absolute last resort. Molten splatter can cause fires, or melt holes in the radiator or a/c condenser. Remove the grille first, then the bumper. You will need to jack it up, and crawl underneath to see how it's attached. Once removed, remove the lamps, then the fenders. I use a torch for  removal of parts about 3 times a year, it tends to ruin good parts. I suggest a sawzall with a short blade, if you can't seem to access the bolts due to wreckage blocking access to them. Be sure to remove the fender liners, if they are plastic, they may hide a couple bolts underneath if them. Bill