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Old Feb 6, 2022 | 04:32 AM
  #1  
J1978's Avatar
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Fender damage

I have a 1978 delta 88. Lugs we’re out on to tight and my wheel fell off.

the bottom part hit the ground and got a little mashed up.

the fender pushed up a couple inches. And the edge slightly caved in. Causing me to to be able to open my door all the way.

Is there any way I can get it fixed so I can at least get the driver side to work functionally?












Thanks for any information given.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 05:07 AM
  #2  
fleming442's Avatar
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From: Mt.Ary, MD
Looks like you mangled it pretty good. You ask about getting it functional. Is it a daily?
It all really depends on the end goal. Obviously, the right way to fix it would be to get a straight fender. Otherwise, a piece of 2x4, a big hammer, and a few pry bars could get it back enough to open the door. Pull the wheel and inner wheel well to get some access, and put a couple layers of blue tape on the leading edge of the door, so it doesn't get damaged in the process.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 05:57 AM
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A large slide hammer (aka Morgan Nokker), come along or winch MIGHT be able to move that enough for the door to clear but you need a thin, flat hook like on the Nokker. I fear that may not be sufficient and you may still end up with a cut off wheel or sawzall.

Can also remove liner and try a porta power to push it out.

You can try to unbolt the bottom of the fender and space it out, most likely after getting the edge outward as far as possible with above methods.

IMO the fender is a write off so do what you gotta to get it clear of the door. Be careful not to damage the door edge. Unfortunate!

Old Feb 6, 2022 | 05:58 AM
  #4  
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That's a bummer! The sledge was a good idea as well as jumping on the fender top. Have the hood oped so you can hold on. Anything you can unbolt will help weaken it especially at the bottom portion. That buckle will probably prevent it from coming back down.
Steve.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 06:13 AM
  #5  
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You're going to have to remove the fender to repair that. There is underlying bottom damage that will need attn to at least get everything to function.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 07:20 AM
  #6  
Bfg's Avatar
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Never heard of a wheel falling off because the lug nuts were on too tight.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 08:05 AM
  #7  
joe_padavano's Avatar
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From: Northern VA
Originally Posted by oldcutlass
You're going to have to remove the fender to repair that. There is underlying bottom damage that will need attn to at least get everything to function.
^^^THIS! With the fender off, this can be straightened pretty easily.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 08:17 AM
  #8  
Vintage Chief's Avatar
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I'm not sure cost of repairing the fender, supposedly NOS (below) - might be worth a look anyways.

1978-79 OLDSMOBILE NOS LEFT FRONT FENDER 98 ALL DELTA 88'S NEW GM # 558247
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 09:33 AM
  #9  
rocketraider's Avatar
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Southside Vajenya
Originally Posted by Bfg
Never heard of a wheel falling off because the lug nuts were on too tight.
Talk-to-text and autocorrect strikes again! I think J meant "weren't on too tight" and his electronic marvel took that to be "we're out on to tight". The things cannot understand accents. I don't use TTT because of what it does to a Vajenya Piedmont accent!

His experience is why, every time someone else pulls a wheel off my vehicles, I loosen and retorque all the lug nuts when it gets home.

J, if you can find a good fender it will be a simpler and better repair than trying to unmangle that one.
Old Feb 6, 2022 | 03:15 PM
  #10  
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Originally Posted by Vintage Chief
I'm not sure cost of repairing the fender, supposedly NOS (below) - might be worth a look anyways.

1978-79 OLDSMOBILE NOS LEFT FRONT FENDER 98 ALL DELTA 88'S NEW GM # 558247
Thats the ticket, right there. Well done inspector!


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