Fender

This procedure covers removal and installation of the front fender on a 2008 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of the side marker light and removal of all mounting hardware.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front fender × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent
• Fender mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Side marker light seal (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent electrical shorts when disconnecting side marker light
3. If replacing fender due to collision damage, photograph fastener locations before removal for reference
4. Apply masking tape to edges of hood and door adjacent to fender to protect paint

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove front wheel and tire
   Loosen the front wheel lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground, then raise and support the front of the vehicle on jack stands at the manufacturer-specified lift points. Remove the wheel and tire assembly completely to access the inner fender liner and fender mounting bolts.
2. 2

   Remove inner fender liner
   Working from inside the wheel well, locate and remove the fasteners securing the inner fender liner (wheel well splash shield). These are typically plastic push-type fasteners and screws. Remove approximately 8-10 fasteners securing the liner, noting their locations as fastener types may vary between positions. Pull the liner away from the fender to access the inner fender mounting bolts. The liner does not need to be completely removed; it can be pulled back and secured out of the way.
   ℹ️Plastic push-type fasteners are reusable if removed carefully; use a trim tool to pry the center pin up first, then remove the entire fastener.
3. 3

   Disconnect side marker light
   Locate the side marker light assembly mounted in the front fender. From behind the fender (accessible through the wheel well or from under the hood depending on position), disconnect the electrical connector for the side marker light by pressing the release tab and pulling the connector apart. Remove the fasteners securing the side marker light housing (typically 2 screws or clips), and remove the light assembly or leave it attached to the fender for removal with the fender.
4. 4

   Open hood and remove front fender-to-hood area fasteners
   Open the hood fully and secure it in the open position. Locate the bolts along the rear upper edge of the fender where it meets the cowl and door jamb area. Remove 3-4 bolts along this seam using a socket or Torx driver. These bolts typically run vertically through the fender flange into the body structure.
5. 5

   Remove fender-to-door jamb fasteners
   Open the driver's door (for driver's side fender) or passenger door (for passenger's side fender). Locate the bolts at the rear edge of the fender where it meets the door jamb and A-pillar area. Remove 2-3 bolts securing the fender to the body structure in this location. These are typically accessed from inside the door jamb area.
6. 6

   Remove lower fender mounting bolts
   Working from underneath the vehicle and through the wheel well opening, locate and remove the lower fender mounting bolts. There are typically 3-4 bolts along the bottom edge of the fender securing it to the rocker panel and inner fender structure. Use an extension and socket to access these bolts.
7. 7

   Remove front fender-to-bumper or fascia fasteners
   At the front leading edge of the fender, locate the fasteners connecting the fender to the front bumper cover or fascia assembly. Depending on the model year specifics, this may involve removing 2-3 bolts or screws at the front corner where the fender, bumper cover, and headlight area meet. Access may be from the top, through the wheel well, or from underneath.
8. 8

   Check for additional fasteners along inner fender rail
   With the wheel well liner pulled back, inspect along the inner fender rail (the structural member behind the fender) for any additional bolts securing the fender. On the Viper, there are typically 2-3 additional bolts along this rail that must be removed. Use a socket with extension to access these fasteners.
9. 9

   Remove fender from vehicle
   With all fasteners removed, carefully pull the fender away from the vehicle body at the rear edge first, then work toward the front. Have an assistant support the fender to prevent it from falling or contacting adjacent body panels. The fender should lift away once all fasteners are removed. If resistance is felt, stop and inspect for missed fasteners rather than forcing the panel. Once free, lift the fender up and away from the vehicle, being careful not to scratch the door or hood with the fender edges.
10. 10

    Inspect mounting surfaces and transfer components
    With the fender removed, inspect all mounting surfaces on the vehicle body for damage or corrosion. Clean mounting surfaces as needed. If installing a new fender, transfer the side marker light assembly from the old fender to the new fender if it was not removed separately. Inspect all mounting hardware and replace any corroded or damaged bolts.
11. 11

    Position new or repaired fender
    With an assistant supporting the fender, position the new or repaired fender onto the vehicle. Align the fender with the door, hood, and rocker panel, ensuring proper gaps all around before installing fasteners. Start by loosely installing 2-3 bolts at different locations (one at the top rear near the door jamb, one along the inner rail, one at the bottom) to hold the fender in position while alignment is verified.
12. 12

    Install and tighten all fender mounting fasteners
    Once the fender is properly aligned with even gaps to the door, hood, and bumper cover, install all remaining mounting bolts in the reverse order of removal. Start fasteners at all locations but do not fully tighten until all are started. Tighten bolts in a sequence that works from the rear of the fender toward the front, alternating between top and bottom fasteners to allow the fender to settle into proper alignment. Tighten all bolts to a snug fit; do not overtighten as this can distort the fender or crack mounting flanges on composite panels.
13. 13

    Reconnect side marker light and install wheel well liner
    Reconnect the electrical connector for the side marker light and verify the light is properly seated in the fender. Reposition the inner fender liner and install all fasteners in their original locations. Ensure the liner is properly seated and not binding against any wiring or components.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and tire
    Reinstall the wheel and tire assembly. Hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern, then lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle's weight on the wheels, torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the factory-specified value (verify against the 2008 Viper service manual; approximately 100 ft-lbs).
15. 15

    Final alignment check and door operation verification
    Close the hood and door and inspect all gaps around the fender for uniformity. The fender should have even spacing to the door, hood, and bumper cover. Open and close the door to verify it does not contact the fender and that the door seals properly. If any gaps are uneven, loosen the fender mounting bolts and adjust the fender position as needed, then retighten. Remove all masking tape from adjacent panels.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect the negative battery cable after all electrical connections are complete
2. Test the side marker light for proper operation after battery is reconnected
3. Inspect all panel gaps and alignment before declaring the job complete
4. If the fender was replaced due to collision damage, the vehicle may require professional paint blending and wheel alignment depending on the extent of prior damage

Verification

• Verify all panel gaps are even and consistent around the fender, hood, door, and bumper cover
• Confirm the door opens and closes smoothly without contact with the fender
• Test the side marker light to ensure it illuminates properly
• Verify no rattles or loose fasteners by gently pushing on the fender at various points
• Check that the inner fender liner is secure and not rubbing on the tire during steering

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