Am I doing something wrong? I've read all the threads about how it only takes 10 minutes to do the driver side... but heck i went out there today to try and install my clear sidemarkers, and despite having all the instructions printed out... it took FOREVER just to get the fender cover off... even with the screws out, the plastic just doesn't want to give!

On the instructions it seems like the plastic is just held on by the screws/bolts, but they're actually held together *very* tightly by friction and by the fact that they're a very tight fit with the body

I've tried:

1) taking off the front part of the fender and then "pulling" it back and away to reveal the sidemarker screws
2) removing the plastic undercover to get to the markers from underneath the car

In both cases all I ended up with were scratched up hands from the plastic, and a cracked fender

What am I doing wrong?

I should probably mention that I left my wheels on... but according to all the instructions I've seen, removing the wheel only helps to remove the screws... those weren't an issue

 

I had the same problem removing the bumper.
I elevated the front end by driving up on ramps, took off both front wheels and the plastic lining in the wheel wells. This allowed easy access to driver's side reflector--two philips head bolts hold the reflector.

The passenger side bolts were blocked by the washer bottle.

I tugged on the bumper to the point where I was afraid about breaking or scratching something. It was wedged and I didn't feel like taking the headlight off so I ended up using a 1/4 socket extension and flex joint to get to the bolts.--ended up replacing the philips head bolts with a hex head.

 

Did you get a chance to read this:

http://www.activetuning.com/pat/4/3

 

D@ActiveTuning: Wow! Nice description and illustrations. thanks,

 

sometimes the fender just sorta sticks. well, more like catches by dirt between the fender and liner. get the right movement and itll happen for you.

 

Great advice/link... thanks guys

i'll give it a try when my cuts heal up

 

took me like 5 mins to get the front bumper off. U guys must be doing something wrong ? Make sure all the tabs are off.

 

front bumper is the other way about it, I think he's still working on the wheel wells.

 

Taking the bumper off is probably the easiest way. Good luck.