Long story short, got into a minor accident in my ‘93 4x4 Reg Cab (sideswiped) and insurance wont pay for complicated reasons. Every shop has recommended new door and fender, plus subsequent paint matching, etc, which is a can of worms that I’m not sure I want to open for cost reasons. Is it that hard to replace the door and fender myself? I can get a remanufactured door skin and a fender and just have them painted to match. Has anyone done anything like that, and if so was it a huge project or fairly simple? Input appreciated, thanks!

 

Body work would probably cost more than just replacing them like they told you.
The fender and door is an easy bolt on situation IF you use OEM parts. IDK if new is available. Aftermarket often needs extra work to fit. Some parts are decent, some suck.
Maybe ask the body shop what aftermarket brands they recommend if you don't find a good OEM part. The more work you do, the less the body shop will cost you.
Good luck with your truck and post up when you're done.

 

Fender is actually pretty easy. That caulk-like adhesive you see between inner apron and fender is seam-sealer. a tube is pretty cheap at the local parts store or amazon.

A door skin is harder. Watching some videos on youtube will be beneficial.

 

I’d replace the whole door instead of just the skin. The skin would require separating the inner and outer shells by drilling spot welds and whatever else they use to seal the two halves. Then rewelding it all back together.

 

Thsnks everyone for the advice!

Where are you referring to for the adhesive?
I was able to pull out the biggest dents, and I think now I’m on to taking out the fold on the edge of the fender toward the top, then touching up paint. New fender liner will be in order, but just hoping it fits since I’m sure the bolt holes have moved.

 

Also, the cup I have doesn’t want to pull the door dent out any further. I’ve seen people use hot glue sticks but that can make paint even worse as far as I’ve seen. Since I can’t get behind the door panel without taking the door apart, how would you guys suggest I pull that out?
I’ve invested boatloads of money to keep this truck nice and the cosmetic damage just hurts my soul, especially since it didn’t happen out on the trail.

 

There's not many bolts holding the fender on. The ones you see when you open the hood ( if you look you can see the seam sealer between the fender and apron where the bolts are.) You'll have a few bolts at the bottom corners. Once you get the bolts out and cut the seam sealer with a putty knife the fender will come right off.
I've used hot glue to attach plates to remove dents from rocker panel. Took a few modifications, but it did work. But all those techniques are typically used when access to the back of the panel isn't happening.
Remove the inner door panel. Make getting that dent out 100 times easier. Just take your time around the push clips holding the panel on. Trim tool works great for this, and a cheap tool. You can spend five minutes removing the panel, or spend hours trying to work around.
As far as saving the paint, i think that concern has to be off the table

 

If you can find a good PDR guy they can work some amazing magic, BUT they can only do so much when they can’t get behind it. If you can find a good guy take it to him, they can massage it out, maybe enough to make you happy, not perfect but way better.

I have a guy that uses some crazy stuff to get dents out, it’s so amazing to watch, they will tell you right away if it’s possible or not, if it’s not possible they will do what they can but tell you it won’t be perfect.

Post back what you end up doing!!