How hard is it to replace a fender?

[FP]

I am getting ready to sell my wife's VW Passat and would like to replace the driver's side front fender due to damage. I have found a replacement fender at a local pick-and-pull which is a same color but am worried I will have to disassemble a significant portion of the car to get the new one on after talking to a mechanic.

I know all cars aren't the same but in general is replacing a part like this a lot of trouble?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Not sure, if it's bolted on it's not too difficult. If they welded it... do you know how to weld?

 

[AMCRambler]

I think it should be bolt on. You'll probably need to take the front bumper cover off, maybe the headlight and possibly the door. I can't imagine it would be welded on there. Body panels are made to be somewhat replaceable. If you can turn a wrench and unplug wires (headlights/turn signals) you should be able to swap it in yourself.

 

[bruceb]

Front fenders are very easy .. you already have the replacement, so you can see where all the bolts go. You will need to remove the wheel and also undo the inner fender, usually plastic, to change the front fender. And as mentioned, the headlight assembly, front grill, bumper cover on
newer cars, will need to come off ... on some cars, you will need new clips to reinstall the bumper cover.