Fenders & Inner Fenders

Fenders and Inner Fenders: What Each Panel Does

The outer fender is the visible body panel that covers your front wheel and shapes the car's profile. The inner fender sits behind it and walls off the wheel well from the engine bay. Together, they keep the tire's spray and debris where it belongs.

On many classic cars, the inner fender is a stamped steel panel that's part of the front-end structure. Later vehicles often use a molded plastic fender liner or splash shield in the same spot. Either way, the inner panel blocks water, mud, and road debris thrown by the tire.

Fender braces tie the outer fender to the inner structure so the panel holds its shape and alignment. Wheelhouses do a similar job at the rear, forming the arch around each rear tire.

If you're replacing more than one panel, browse the full range of sheet metal and body panels to plan the job together. If your vehicle uses a separate cover in the wheel well, check our splash shields too.

Types of Fender and Inner Fender Parts

This category groups the panels and parts that form or support each wheel opening. Here's what you can shop, so you can source a complete front-end or rear-arch repair in one order:

• Front fenders that form the outer body line over each front wheel
• Inner fenders and fender liners that seal the wheel well from the engine bay
• Wheelhouses and wheel tubs that form the rear wheel arches, including mini-tub housings for wider tires
• Fender braces and extension braces that tie the fender to the inner structure
• Fender patch panels that repair rusted sections, such as a rear lower fender patch for 1969 Camaro
• Hardware kits, body bolts, connectors, flange shields, and fender emblems that finish the install

Some inner fender kits include matching hardware, such as a 1967 Chevelle, El Camino, and Malibu front inner fender kit with polished stainless hardware. If the damage extends past the fender, you can pair these parts with quarter panels at the rear or radiator supports up front.

Steel Fenders vs. Fiberglass and Plastic

Steel is the material to choose when you want your replacement panel to match factory construction. Many of the classic front fenders, inner fenders, and wheelhouses in this category are steel. Steel fenders weld, bolt, and adjust the same way the originals did.

Some steel panels ship with an EDP coating, an electrocoat primer that protects bare metal from rust until you're ready for bodywork. The black EDP-coated front fender for 1969 Camaro from Auto Metal Direct is one example. You'll still need to scuff, prime, and paint it to match your car.

Fiberglass fenders are lighter than steel, which makes them a common pick for drag and weight-conscious builds. Plastic is typical for fender liners and splash shields because it won't rust and flexes when debris hits it. Use the Material and Finish filters to compare steel, fiberglass, and plastic options that fit your vehicle.

How to Choose a Replacement Car Fender That Fits

Start with the year, make, and model selector, which narrows the page to parts listed for your vehicle. A car fender for one model year can differ from the next, so don't assume a close match will line up. For example, 1966 Chevelle and 1971-72 Chevelle front fenders are separate parts.

Next, set the Position filter, since fenders, inner fenders, and wheelhouses are often sold as left or right sides. For example, OER lists its 1969 Camaro inner fenders by side for Base, SS, and Z28 models. Use the Body Type filter when your model came in more than one body style, so the panel matches your car's lines.

Finally, check the Material and Mounting Hardware Included filters. If a panel doesn't include hardware, add a hardware kit or body bolts to your order so the install isn't held up. For prep, fitting, and cost planning, read our body panel replacement guide before you start.

Classic Car and Truck Applications

GM muscle car owners can shop 1967-69 Camaro fender braces, 1968-72 Nova extension braces, and 1970-81 Firebird fenders. You'll also find front fenders for 1966 Chevelle and El Camino and for 1971-72 Chevelle. Challenger owners can find 1970-74 outer rear wheelhouses, and Camaro builders can choose outer and inner wheelhouse panels for 1967-68 and 1970-74 models.

Golden Star covers several classics, including a front inner fender for 1957 Chevy 150, 210, and Bel Air. It also offers the FE20-64L front fender for 1964-66 Mustang. If you're still choosing a first project, see our list of muscle cars that are easy to restore.

For trucks and later vehicles, Sherman Parts offers a fender liner for 1988-02 GM C/K pickups and a fender for 1986-89 Suzuki Samurai. It also lists a front fender for 1996-2000 Chrysler, Dodge, and Plymouth models. Truck owners can compare more options in our roundup of best aftermarket truck body panels.