Fiberglass Fender Installation Tutorial :

I decided to include this tutorial in my blog for the simple fact that I have learned a lot installing my own fenders, and there are some do’s and don’ts which I learned that can and will save someone time and money if they set out to install their own fiberglass fenders.

My fenders were made by a company called “Glass Action”. They are made of very durable heavy duty hand laid fiberglass, and despite being heavy duty they are flexible enough to form to your late model VW very nicely. 

Some tools and hardware to gather before you begin the installation are:

• Cordless Drill & Drill Bits (11/64 & 9/32)

• Screwdrivers (Philips, Regular)

• Ratchet & Sockets (Fender Bolts)

• Fender Bolt, Washers, & Lock Washers (approx. 10 )

• Sheet Metal Screws & Fender washers (If needed)

• Marker or pencil

Secure points (Typical VW)

Begin by inspecting the vehicle’s fender mount retaining nuts. Pay special attention to any that may be missing or damaged. If your vehicle is missing any of the fender retainer nuts, you can purchase replacement ones from “Parts Place” in Pontiac, Michigan (see the link on the side of the blog) or you can use 2” sheet metal screws with fender washers for the ones that are missing. As an example, the VW in the above picture is missing the fender retaining nut for #7, #8, & #9.  As we progress, we will be using the sheet metal screws on these areas. 

Important note to remember : When installing front fiberglass fenders always start at the front first, or the #1 secure point.

Align the fender on the vehicle.  Make sure the front corners are flush.  Measure and mark the #1 secure point on the fiberglass fender. Once it is marked, use a 9/32 drill bit to drill a pilot hole in the fender.  (DO NOT start with the larger 11/64 as it could crack or chip the fiberglass.)  Once your pilot hole has been drilled, switch the drill bit and drill the larger 11/64 bit in the hole.  Make sure to keep the drill speed low to avoid cracking or chipping of the fiberglass.  Start a fender bolt into the top most fender mount point on the vehicle (#5).  Set the fender against the vehicle, resting the top flange of the fender on the bolt you just put into the #5 spot. This will help hold the fender up as you work on securing the front #1 bolt.

Once the #1 bolt is in place, use some force to push the fender towards the vehicle. This will cause the fender to conform to the vehicles body contour and allow for proper marking of the #2 hole. Once it is marked, remove the #1 bolt and repeat the drilling process. After the # 2 hole has been drilled and secured onto the vehicle repeat the steps for the rest of the secure points.

If there is a damaged secure point, (to where the mount nut is missing or damaged) follow the next step.

With the fender mounted on the vehicle, apply force to the fender allowing it to conform to the vehicles shape then drill the hole for your sheet metal screw. Drill this hole through the fender as well as into the vehicle’s body side. Use a fender washer on the sheet metal screw and secure it snugly.

A great tool to have for tightening down the sheet metal screws is a flex bit.

This allows you to flex the shaft up to 90 degrees for hard-to-reach area’s.

*Note on using sheet metal screws.   Typical sheet metal screws and fender washers work great for securing a missing fender mount point, but you should try to use a hex head sheet metal screw instead of the standard Philips head screw. This allows for easier tightening of the screw, without as much stripping of the standard Philips head sheet metal screw.

Flex Bit allows you to reach the difficult areas.

2 damaged secure points secured using sheet metal screws & fender washers.

Side profile of finished fiberglass fender