2009-2013 Nissan GT-R Fender: A Guide to Aluminum, Fitment, and Model Year Changes
This guide covers everything you need to know about selecting, inspecting, and installing a replacement fender for your R35 GT-R, with a focus on used OEM parts.
- The OEM fenders are aluminum, making them lightweight but also more difficult and expensive to repair than steel; replacement is often the better option.
- Fender compatibility is critical. The side vent design changed for the 2012 model year (DBA), so a 2009-2011 (CBA) fender is not a direct cosmetic match for a 2012+ fender.
- Professional painting and blending are required for any replacement fender (new or used) to achieve a perfect color match.
- When buying used, carefully inspect the back side of the fender for signs of previous repairs like body filler or sanding marks.
Symptoms of a Damaged Fender
Unlike mechanical parts, fender failure is almost always the result of physical damage. The symptoms are typically easy to spot.
- Visible Damage: This is the most obvious symptom and includes dents, dings, deep scratches, cracks, or paint damage from a collision or road debris. Because the fender is aluminum, it may crack or tear more easily than steel upon sharp impact.
- Poor Panel Alignment: After an impact, a fender can be bent or its mounting points damaged. This results in uneven gaps between the fender, hood, front bumper, and door. A misaligned fender can also cause the door to rub against it when opening or closing.
- Noise or Rattling: A loose or damaged fender, or a damaged inner fender liner, can vibrate or rattle while driving, especially at high speeds or over bumps.
Known Issues and Model Year Differences
While there are no recalls or common Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the 2009-2013 GT-R fenders, compatibility is the most significant issue for buyers. The R35 GT-R has been in production for a long time (2009-2024 in North America), and while the basic fender mounting points are the same across most years, there are key cosmetic differences.
Side Vent and Emblem Variations:
- CBA (2009-2011): This is the first generation. The side vent assembly is a specific style, and the fender emblem is a separate piece.
- DBA (2012-2016): The GT-R received its first major update. The side vent assembly was redesigned with a new shape and a different finisher. While a DBA fender will physically bolt to a CBA car, the side vent from a 2009-2011 model will not fit correctly in a 2012+ fender, and vice-versa.
- EBA (2017+): The car was updated again with more angular styling. The fender shape was changed more significantly around the side vent and headlight area to match the new front bumper and side skirts. While some sources claim basic fitment is possible, using a 2017+ fender on an early car is not a direct swap and would require other matching body parts.
Warning: When buying a used fender, you MUST match it to your car's model era (CBA: 2009-2011, DBA: 2012-2016) or be prepared to purchase the corresponding side vent assembly for the new fender style.
Buying a Used 2009-2013 GT-R Fender: A Buyer's Guide
For a high-performance car like the GT-R, a used Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) fender is often the best choice. It guarantees perfect fitment, material quality, and crash performance, which is something cheaper aftermarket parts may not offer.
Inspection Checklist for a Used Aluminum Fender:
- Check for Previous Repairs: Look at the back (unpainted) side of the fender under good light. Look for signs of body filler (which may look like a different texture), sanding marks, or non-factory welds. Tap the fender in different spots; a repaired area may sound duller than the original metal.
- Inspect for Cracks: Aluminum can crack under stress. Pay close attention to the mounting points, the sharp crease lines of the body, and the area around the wheel arch.
- Look for Dents and Gouges: Minor dents can sometimes be repaired by a paintless dent removal (PDR) specialist, but this is more difficult on aluminum than steel. Deep gouges or tears in the aluminum are very difficult and expensive to repair properly and are often a deal-breaker.
- Verify All Mounting Tabs: Ensure all the tabs and holes where the fender bolts to the car are intact and not bent, broken, or elongated from an impact.
- Confirm the Part Number/Year: If possible, confirm the part number or the year of the vehicle it came from to ensure you are getting the correct side vent style for your GT-R.
Replacement Overview
Replacing a GT-R fender is a moderately difficult job that is feasible for a skilled DIY mechanic, but the final alignment and painting require professional expertise.
- Bumper and Liner Removal: The process begins with removing the front bumper cover and the plastic wheel well liner to access the fender bolts.
- Unbolting the Fender: The fender is held on by several bolts. These are located at the top under the hood, inside the door jamb, behind the front bumper, and along the bottom near the side skirt.
- Installation and Alignment: The new fender is bolted on. This step is critical for achieving even panel gaps with the hood, door, and bumper. The bolt holes have some play in them to allow for fine adjustments.
- Painting: Fenders, whether new or used, must be professionally painted to match your car's color. This includes primer, base coat, and clear coat. For a perfect match, a body shop will often 'blend' the new paint into the adjacent door and bumper panels.
Pro Tip: Loosely install all bolts before tightening any of them down. This allows you to shift the panel slightly to get the gaps perfect before securing it in place.
Cost Comparison for a Single GT-R Fender
| Part Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM | $1,000 - $1,500 (unpainted) |
| New Aftermarket (Fiberglass/Carbon) | $600 - $2,000+ (per pair) |
| Used OEM | $400 - $900 (condition dependent) |
| Shop Labor (Installation & Painting) | $500 - $1,200 |
Note: Prices are estimates and can vary based on location, supplier, and the specific condition of the part. Aftermarket fenders are often sold in pairs.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Common OEM Part Numbers (Right/Passenger Side) | 63100-JF00A, FCA00-39BMA, FCA00-6AVMA, FCA00-80BMA, FCA00-JF0MA |
| Common OEM Part Numbers (Left/Driver Side) | 63101-JF00A, FCA01-39BMA, FCA01-6AVMA, FCA01-JF0MA |
Part numbers can vary by color code and exact production date. Always verify with a VIN when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a fender from a 2017+ GT-R on my 2010 model?
No, this is not a direct swap. The 2017 and newer (EBA) models have different headlights, bumpers, and side vent designs that require the matching fender shape. Sticking to a 2009-2016 fender is recommended for a direct fit on an early model.
Why is it so expensive to repair a damaged aluminum GT-R fender?
Aluminum has different properties than steel. It doesn't have the same 'memory,' making it harder to hammer out dents. It also requires special welding equipment and training to repair cracks. For these reasons, body shops charge more for aluminum repair, and often, replacement is the more cost-effective option.
Do I have to paint a used fender if it's already the same color as my car?
Yes, professional painting is almost always necessary. A used part from a different car will likely have a slight color difference due to sun exposure and batch variations. To get a perfect, invisible repair, a body shop will need to paint the fender and blend the color into the surrounding panels.
What is the difference between an OEM fender and an aftermarket carbon fiber one?
An OEM fender is made of aluminum by Nissan and is guaranteed to fit perfectly. Aftermarket fenders are made by third-party companies, often from carbon fiber or fiberglass for a different look or weight savings. While many are high quality, they can sometimes require more work (sanding, drilling) to fit perfectly and may not have the same crash safety characteristics as the original aluminum part.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 63100-JF00A 63101-JF00A FCA00-39BMA FCA00-6AVMA FCA00-80BMA FCA00-JF0MA FCA01-39BMA FCA01-6AVMA FCA01-JF0MA
Material: Aluminum
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Nissan GT-R:
- Symptoms of a Damaged Fender
- Known Issues and Model Year Differences
- Side Vent and Emblem Variations:
- Buying a Used 2009-2013 GT-R Fender: A Buyer's Guide
- Inspection Checklist for a Used Aluminum Fender:
- Replacement Overview
- Cost Comparison for a Single GT-R Fender
- Technical Specifications
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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