The type of fender and the design of the car will determine if the front fender needs to be drilled or welded. Most of the time, all you need to do is drill holes for fixing, and you don't need to weld. The following is a detailed analysis:
I. When you need to drill
Models that don't have reserved installation holes
If the fender doesn't have a screw hole already, use an electric drill to make one at the right spot. Then, put in the fixing parts, like screws or expansion bolts.
Key points of operation:
Before drilling, make sure you are in the right place to avoid damaging the wiring or structure of the vehicle.
After drilling, clean up the mess to make sure the mudguard fits snugly against the body of the vehicle.
When to use: Economy models or models that usually need drilling for mudguards in the aftermarket.
Mudguards made of metal, like stainless steel or aluminum
Most of the time, you need screws to fix metal mudguards. Drill a hole and then fix it with screws if there aren't any reserved holes in the original vehicle.
Pros: It's very strong and can be used for a long time. However, drilling it requires professional tools to keep the metal from bending.
II. Situations where drilling isn't necessary
Models with holes for installation that are set aside
Most original mudguards have screw holes that match their design. To fix it, just screw in the screws. No need to drill any more holes.
Important things to remember:
Make sure the installation area is free of dust and other impurities by cleaning it.
Change the angle of the mudguard so that the outer edge of the mudguard is parallel to the outer edge of the tire and fits in with the lines of the car.
Benefits: Easy to install, doesn't take long to install, good for fixing things around the house.
Mudguards with glue
Some plastic or rubber mudguards are held in place with glue, so you don't have to drill or weld them.
Important points of operation:
Choose a glue that is made for cars, like epoxy resin glue, and make sure it sticks.
Before sticking, clean the surface of the car and let it dry.
Situations where it can be used: temporary use or situations where installation must not damage anything.
III. Situations without welding
Common installation situations
Most of the time, screws, clips, or glue are used to attach the mudguard, so there is no need to weld it.
Welding will hurt the paint on the car, and it needs professional tools and technology, which are expensive.
Special repair situations
Plastic or metal welding can fix a badly damaged mudguard (like one that is cracked or falls off), but this is part of the repair process, not the installation process.
Important things to remember when using:
To weld plastic, you need a hot air gun or a plastic welding rod. To weld metal, you need a professional welding machine.
After the repair, the surface needs to be sanded and painted again to look like new.
IV. Suggestions for how to install
Pick the way to fix it based on the type of car.
First, see if the car has holes set aside for installation. If so, screw in the screws directly to hold them in place.
If there are no reserved holes, it's best to choose a drilling-type mudguard that fits your needs or get help from a professional repair shop.
Don't install it by welding.
Welding will hurt the structure of the car and needs to be done by a professional. It is not a good idea for regular people to use it themselves.
It is best to have a professional repair shop fix the mudguard if it needs welding.