Buy Chrysler 300 Fender

Snapshot

A fender-sometimes called a wing, wheel arch panel, mudguard, or side guard- is the curved sheet-metal panel that frames each tire. On a Chrysler 300 sedan (model years 2005 - 2023) the front fenders protect engine-bay parts, keep road spray off brakes, and shape the car's airflow for smoother driving (CARSTAR). "

Part Basics

• A fender runs from the front bumper cover to the door edge and sits above the wheel opening .
• It blocks mud, salt, stones, and rainwater that the tire kicks up, guarding paint, wiring, and pedestrians .
• On 300s the outer skin is stamped steel (standard) while inner splash shields are molded plastic to save weight and resist corrosion (1A Auto).

Generations

← scroll table horizontally →

Fit & Interchange

• 2005-2010 300 front fenders interchange across all trims (Touring, Limited, SRT-8).
• 2011-2023 fenders interchange within those years.
• Charger/Magnum fenders look similar but their slab-sided profile means they won't bolt onto a 300 without custom body work (300C Forums).
• Inner fender liners for 2005-2010 300 do cross-fit with Charger and Magnum liners because the LX wheel housings are identical (1A Auto).

Materials & Build

• Chrysler specs high-strength galvanized steel that is 100 % recyclable; over 14 million tons of auto steel are recycled each year (American Iron and Steel Institute).
• Inner splash shields use flexible polypropylene to shrug off curb taps.
• Advanced high-strength steel cuts structural weight by up to 25 % while lowering full-lifecycle CO₂ by ~15 % .

Common Damage

• Parking-lot "fender-benders" cause creases near the wheel arch.
• Rust starts at the lip where road salt gathers; hidden rust can lurk under aftermarket fender flares- a trick some dealers use to disguise corrosion (The US Sun).
• Minor hits may shift hood-to-fender gaps; always re-align before painting.

Replacement Prep

1. Confirm paint code. Chrysler prints a three-character code on the driver-side door-jamb label (e.g., PW7, PXR) (TouchUpDirect).
2. Order the correct side (left = driver, right = passenger).
3. Have basic tools: 10 mm & 13 mm sockets, plastic trim tools, torx bits, masking tape (1A Auto).
4. Buy primer, base-coat, and clear-coat or plan for body-shop paint.

Installation Steps

1. Disconnect battery (protects electronics).
2. Remove wheel-well liner fasteners and pull the liner away .
3. Unbolt headlamp & bumper corner screws.
4. Support the loose panel, then undo upper-rail and A-pillar bolts.
5. Lift off the old wing; test-fit the new one.
6. Torque bolts snug, check hood gaps, then reinstall liner and wheel.

Many DIYers finish the swap in about 2 hours per side on a driveway.

Paint & Finish

• Factory colors: Bright White (PW7), Granite Crystal (PAU), Billet Silver (PSC) among others (TouchUpDirect).
• A fender sprayed off-car yields cleaner inside edges and faster blend.
• Light wet-sanding (1500-grit) before clear-coat removes dust nibs for a glassy shine.

Care & Rust Control

• Rinse wheel arches weekly; trapped dirt holds moisture and speeds rust (Popular Mechanics).
• After winter storms, hose the under-body to flush away salt deposits that attack steel panels (Popular Mechanics).
• Wax the lower body; wax acts as a barrier against road grit.
• Surface rust? Sand to bright metal, apply rust-converter, then touch-up.

Regulations & Safety

• U.S. rules (FMVSS draft for pedestrian head protection) require external parts and mirror mountings to be free of sharp edges that could injure pedestrians (NHTSA).
• Any replacement fender must seat flush so no exposed metal edge exceeds 2 mm height above the surrounding surface.
• When painting, maintain the original reflective side-marker if it sits in the fender.

Styling Upgrades

• Bolt-on wide-body or flare kits widen the wheel arch for wider wheels; ensure extra tire coverage meets local mud-flap laws.
• Lightweight fiberglass or carbon-fiber wings can shave a few pounds but may need sanding and filler before paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What exactly does a fender do?
A: It covers the tire, keeps rocks and water from hitting the body or other cars, and shapes airflow around the wheel well (CARSTAR).

Q: Which Chrysler 300 years use the same front fender?
A: 2005-2010 share one shell; 2011-2023 share another. The two generations are not cross-compatible (Wikipedia).

Q: Will a Dodge Charger fender bolt onto my 2008 300?
A: No. The Charger's flatter body line leaves a gap at the door edge; custom metal work would be required (300C Forums).

Q: Is the fender steel or aluminum?
A: Chrysler stamped them in coated mild-steel for strength and easy repair (1A Auto).

Q: Where can I find my paint code?
A: Look at the white sticker on the driver's door; the three-character code is under "PNT" (example PW7) (TouchUpDirect).

Q: Can I drive with a missing fender liner?
A: It's possible but not wise-dirt and water can soak electrical plugs and belts. Replace or re-fit the liner promptly (1A Auto).

Q: Do I need to align the car after changing a fender?
A: No. The wing is cosmetic; it does not affect suspension geometry.

Q: How long does a DIY swap take?
A: About 2 hours per side with hand tools and an extra set of hands .

Q: How do I stop rust at the wheel arch?
A: Clean thoroughly, sand, apply a rust-converter, then seal with primer and touch-up paint; keeping the area washed in winter is the best defense (Popular Mechanics, Popular Mechanics).

Q: Are widebody flares legal everywhere?
A: Laws vary; most states require the flare or fender to cover the full tread from top-dead-center rearward, so measure before installing. Fender flares also hide rust, so inspect behind them before purchase (The US Sun).

Q: Does the new fender add weight?
A: A bare steel 300 front fender weighs roughly 12-15 lb-light enough that handling change is nil.

Q: Are sharp edges allowed after repair?
A: No. Federal safety guidance says outer surfaces, including mirror mounts and by extension adjacent panels, must not have edges likely to cut pedestrians (NHTSA).

By weaving these details-function, fit, materials, care, and questions-into your article, you'll capture search traffic from many angles while giving readers practical, trustworthy guidance about Chrysler 300 fenders.