Front fender removal

[kybronco]

Hi guys,

I am taking my bronco apart for an off the frame rebuild. That being said it's been a bitch so far. i've got tailgate and doors off and started on passenger side fender.

So far i have all the bolts up to the front where there are four bolts that attach the fender to the front grill.That's where im gonna have a problem,whats the best way or better best tools to get these off ? there is just no room to get to nuts or clips on that back side and no room on the front to get any tool to cut or grind or just plain turn a wrench.

So i know one of you has done this before. Give me some ideas Thanks

 

[Rons beast]

Most of the time it's easier to disconnect the rad hoses and such. Then take the bolts out of the frame to rad support and remove the entire front clip. Dissemble the unit off the truck. 

 

[Bully Bob]

On the EB's actually it's pretty simple.  The nut-plates are on the front, just behind the grill as you've seen.

Wet them with some penatrant.  Use a socket set with one or more long extensions up under the wheel-well

to turn the 4 bolts.

First though.., theres another bolt/nut at the seam where the hood closes.  (seam where grill meets fender)

Hard to see but you can feel it with your hand.

Takes some penatrant & small wrenches to get that one out. A bit slow but doable.

There's a couple bolts just inside the door jam as well. Guessing you saw them with the doors off.

 

[kybronco]

Thanks guys they say the job is always easier with the rite tools lol but In my case I don't know ! I did get the bolts in the door and across the top also the brackets at the bottom and bottom front . I had to do a combination of heat on some grinding on others and a cut off tool on others , every dang nut and bolt is rusted or froze tight the bolts in the front look challenging do to the space involved but I will give it a go! As always thanks for your help this is an awesome wealth of info from everyone here!

 

[Bully Bob]

There may be coating on the bolt heads so some scraping may be necessary for the socket to fit "full-on"..!

May be able to use a Dremmel/mini wire brush.

Seems I used a swivel on the socket on a couple bolts to get a good bite.

Worst case.., but not really..., is the bolts will "snap" if they're rotted. 

Bolt condition is = to your geographical location...

BTW.., do fill-in your info pages.  That will help a lot.

 

[kybronco]

Got those pesky fenders off in one piece , thanks guys!