Hi everyone, my first post on the forum. Just got this beautiful 2003 SS. Today my wife opened her passenger door and heard a bit so pleasant sound. The fender, which I guess was being clipped by the door every time it opened, completely gave out and is now bent behind the door. (See photos). I’m pretty devastated because I just got this car, however I knew I was getting a 20 year old car and there could be some problems. Is the fender easy to fix? What about the door issues? I’ve seen posts on this forum about this issue but I have not seen the fender as bad as mine before. Thanks in advance for the help!!

p.s. I am very new when it comes to working on cars, this is my first project. So please talk to me like I’m a 5 year old haha

 

More than an age thing, it's more likely its been wrecked. That's by far the most common cause of panel gap misalignment.

As for how hard it is to fix - are you asking how to open the gap so its functional again without causing more damage or how to repair the body damage? TBH the latter isn't really a DIY thing unless you're just trying to get it roughly back in shape.

 

Took it in for a safety today and turns out the rocker panels are all rotted and rusting. Could not get it safetied. So that is what is causing my loose fender.

so now I am stuck with a choice: completely replace the rocker panels, hopefully find a cash job. Doesn’t need to be perfect as they will be covered by the skirts anyways.

or just sell the car for what I paid for it and move on.

car only has 107,000 KM on it so I think I can still get a lot of life out of it. I want to make this car work. Hoping I can find someone who will do it for $2000 or less.

what would you guys do in this situation?

 

Yeah, thats fairly common on w body cars in salty areas. Personally I'd dump it. Properly fixing a rust bucket is going to be a huge repair bill relative to the car's low value.

But at least disclose it to the next person, even if it means you take a hit on it.