REPLACING DEGRADING JT FENDERS

Rust Never Sleeps Replacing Degrading TJ FENDERS

Rust, every Jeep owners other four letter word. My front fenders finally got to the point where I was running out of good metal to attach new metal. I came across a local supplier selling replacement fenders for $140 a side. They’re imported, solid enough, and came primed in a solid black. As I would come to learn, they fit as close to perfect as possible.

It’s not a hard job. I may have used an

impact and air ratchet, but there was nothing stopping me from just using hand tools. So this is definitely a driveway doable job. Be prepared for broken bolts, and plan for two days.

Also, expect to drill a couple holes. Over the years some accessory mounts changed, and things didn’t always line up on the aftermarket fenders. It wasn’t a big deal, just worth noting.

1 Part of what causes TJ fenders to rot out so badly, is that the support brackets lack any proper drainage. This allows dirt and grime to collect, causing the fenders to rust from the inside out. To counteract this, I’ve drilled holes at each end. Just a 1/4” to allow water to drain. Hopefully that keeps them healthy for a long time. At least for the same 18 years my old ones lasted.

2You can see by the pictures above the brackets I’m talking about, and the lower picture shows the damaged area. That’s the typical TJ fender rust. In my case, the rust had practically eaten through the entire centre of my fender. It was held together with some old ducting and rivets.