1972 250C fender removal question

Hello, I need to remove my left front fender from my 72 250C (wife bashed it backing out of garage). It looks like it will bolt off quite easily but I have heard horror stories about the adhesive they used back in the 70s to bond the sheet metal together at the seams. Does anybody have any experience with fender removal from this era of cars and if so are there any issues that I should consider before embarking on this project. Thanks

Forums

Body and Interior Specific Aid

Chassis Model Number

W114

It IS a bear!

You may be lucky and find the fender has been replaced somewhere along the way. If that be the case, it will come right off when you remove all the bolts. If not you will have to tackle that glue one way or another. Some have used a torch to burn the glue off, but this can be very dangerous, especially with a gasoline car. Breathing the fumes of this burning glue can also be hazardous to your health.

In the alternative, you will have to jack the car up and remove the front tire. I would recommend you pressure wash all the seams from the underside before you begin. Use a razor knife and start cutting into the glue, using long strokes with criss-crossing. Work all along the upper edge of the fender. The hardest part will be cutting around the headlight area where the glue is often the thickest. You can use a sharp narrow chisel and hammer where you have the room. Keep checking your progress by lifting up on the front of the fender. When you start to break through the glue the fender will start to move. Have a helper lift up on the fender while you cut the remaining trouble spots from underneath. Not fun but doable. I have done it at least 40 times....Good luck.

Kent Bergsma