Alright, I am posting a new thread, as the one I started yesterday asked too many questions. As it happens, I picked up a used bumper reinforcement, absorber, and cover today - spoiler snaps on to the cover.

So, now all I need to do is replace the RH fender. The fender comes off with about 6 or 7 bolts - pretty easy. Has anyone here bought aftermarket panels? Dealer is around $380, aftermarket $140 and up + shipping (ends up $200+). Should I spring for the OEM on this?

It would be great if I could get a body shop to spray just the fender in 418 Regent Red Metallic, but my guess is they will want to "blend" into the surrounding panels. It seems like a shame - is there any chance it would look ok if not blended? I would like to drop the fender off and pick it up painted - sounds easy enough.

Finally, any specific places people successfully bought body panels from would be helpful. Thanks again, Don

Don--If you found your bumper and spoiler in a wrecking yard, it shouldn't be that difficult to find a right front fender for your car. Look around at all the big wrecking yards on the net. You might even get lucky and find a regent red. I personally wouldn't go with the after market fender because they rarely come up to OEM standards. The metal is sometimes thinner and won't stand up to the eight-year chassis warranty, even though the warranty is about to expire on the 97's. Go for the OEM, but do a thorough search of the yards first. Dick

Thanks Dick - and thanks for the info on how the spoiler/cover mate up and attach. I did see several fenders at one site (can't remember name), up to around $200. Only one in my color, with damage. It seems like it would take over $100 of prep work to ready one to paint, and then the painting itself. Your suggestion is a good one, though, and now that I have the car back in one solid piece, I can surf some more and take my time. Thanks again. Don

TTBTD,

I'd go with OEM. $100.00 is hardly worth the worry.

Any competent body shop should be able to match the color on the rest of the car without having to "blend" into the adjacent panels, even accounting for exposure.

Bryan