Replacing the front fenders (Skoda Felicia)

Front wing (arrows indicate the locations of the mounting bolts)

The front fenders are attached to the body frame using eight M6x16 bolts. The bolt holes in the fender mounting flanges are oval, which allows adjusting the position of the panels relative to the surrounding body elements. The mating surfaces of the fender mounting flanges are coated with sealant.

Removal

1. Disconnect the wiring going to the turn signal and fog lights (if any are installed).

2. Remove the front bumper (see section Removal and installation the front bumper).

3. Remove one of the two M6 hood hinge mounting bolts, which is also used to secure the wing.

4. Remove the remaining seven mounting bolts.

5. Using a screwdriver, pry the top of the wing away from the body frame. Also, separate the bottom of the panel from the front pillar.

Note. The sealant may continue to hold the panel quite firmly even after the fasteners have been released, which is associated with the risk of damaging the panel during its dismantling. In view of the above, the wing should only be removed in the event of really serious damage, when there is no other way to eliminate the defect.

Installation

1. Treat the inside of the wing with an anti-corrosion compound.

2. Clean the mating surfaces of the mounting flanges, completely removing traces of old sealant from them.

3. Restore damaged factory anti-corrosion coating.

4. Lubricate the mating surfaces of the mounting flanges with a layer of fresh sealant.

5. Install the wing on the car and secure it with bolts, without tightening them completely yet.

6. Close the hood and front doors, then visually check that the gaps between the wing and the surrounding body panels are equal. If necessary, make the appropriate adjustments. If you cannot achieve a satisfactory result by moving the wing, try adjusting the hood.

7. Tighten all mounting bolts securely.

8. Reinstall the turn signal.

9. Restore the original electrical wiring connection.