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Pontiac Tempest Fender Hardware Kits

Pontiac Tempest Fender hardware kits

Starting at low prices, AutoBuffy stocks multiple fender hardware kits from top OE-quality brands for the Pontiac Tempest. A fender hardware kit contains the bolts, clips, grommets, and retaining fasteners that secure the fender panel to the body. When these corrode or strip, the fender rattles, gaps unevenly, or pulls away from the body — leading to paint damage and water intrusion.

Signs your Pontiac Tempest needs a new fender hardware kit

  • Fender panel vibrates or rattles audibly over bumps or at highway speed
  • Visible gap between the fender edge and the door or hood that wasn't there before
  • Fender feels loose or flexes when pressed by hand near mounting points
  • Rust streaks or corrosion visible around existing bolt holes or clip locations
  • One or more mounting bolts or plastic retainer clips are visibly missing, stripped, or broken
  • Fender sits noticeably higher or lower on one side compared to the opposite panel

Which fender hardware kit should you buy for your Pontiac Tempest?

The key decision is whether you need a complete kit — bolts, clips, and grommets together — or just a specific fastener type to replace what broke. Fit is critical: fender hardware is vehicle-specific, so confirm the kit lists your exact Pontiac Tempest in the application guide before ordering.

OEM-equivalent complete kit
Best for
Full fender removal, repaints, or collision repair where all hardware is compromised
What you get
Full matched set of bolts, plastic clips, and rubber grommets to reinstall the fender correctly
Clip and retainer kit only
Best for
Situations where bolts are intact but plastic push-clips have snapped or gone missing
What you get
Replacement plastic push-type retainers and body clips in the correct diameter and stem length
Bolt and nut kit only
Best for
Corrosion or stripping limited to the threaded fasteners, with clips still serviceable
What you get
Correct-grade metric bolts, washers, and captured nuts for all fender mounting positions
Rust-resistant stainless upgrade kit
Best for
High-salt or coastal environments where standard hardware corrodes quickly
What you get
Stainless or coated fasteners and grommets that resist corrosion longer than OEM steel hardware

Replacing a fender hardware kit on a Pontiac Tempest

Easy1–2 hoursMetric socket set and ratchetTrim panel removal tool / plastic pry toolRatcheting screwdriverTorque wrenchSafety glasses

Begin by removing the wheel for access, then pull back the inner fender liner to expose the lower and rear mounting bolts. Remove all old fasteners and clips, transfer the fender carefully to avoid scratching adjacent panels, and install the new hardware from the kit in the reverse order. Snug fasteners evenly by hand before final tightening to ensure the fender sits flush before you commit to final torque.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace fender hardware kits on a Pontiac Tempest?
Parts start at low prices for a fender hardware kit for the Pontiac Tempest. DIY installation adds no labor cost and typically takes under two hours with basic hand tools. Shop labor, if needed, is usually billed at one hour or less, so total out-of-pocket cost remains modest compared to most body repairs.
Can I drive my Pontiac Tempest with a loose or missing fender fastener?
Short trips are possible but not advisable. A fender secured by fewer fasteners than designed flexes under highway wind load, which widens panel gaps, stresses remaining clips, and can crack the fender edge or damage the hood and door adjacent to the loose panel. Replace missing hardware promptly to avoid compounding the repair.
Are fender hardware kits vehicle-specific or universal?
They are vehicle-specific. Bolt thread pitch, clip stem diameter, grommet thickness, and hole spacing all vary by Pontiac and Tempest. Using the wrong fastener can leave the fender under-secured or strip the mounting hole entirely. Always verify the kit lists Pontiac Tempest compatibility before purchasing.
How long do fender hardware kits last on a Pontiac Tempest?
In dry climates, original hardware often lasts the life of the vehicle. In regions with road salt, humidity, or frequent pressure washing, corrosion can degrade clips and bolts within several years. Hardware is frequently replaced after any fender removal for repainting, regardless of condition, to ensure a clean, rattle-free reinstall.
Do I need to remove the wheel or inner fender liner to replace fender hardware on a Pontiac Tempest?
For most Pontiac Tempest applications, yes — at least partially. Several fender mounting bolts are accessed through the wheel arch and require pulling back or removing the inner liner to reach. Removing the wheel gives better clearance. A complete install without moving the liner is rarely possible on fully enclosed wheel wells.
What tools do I need to install a fender hardware kit on a Pontiac Tempest?
Most jobs require a socket set with metric sockets, a trim panel removal tool to pop old clips without tearing the liner, and a ratcheting screwdriver. A torque wrench is helpful to avoid overtightening fender bolts, which can crack paint or strip threaded holes. No specialty tools are typically required.

More parts for your Pontiac Tempest

Fender hardware kits for other Pontiac models