Fender issues, Finding more and more bondo Options

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

First off....(IMG:http://vwvortex.rely.net/zeroforum_graphics/mad.gif)

Grinding away the material around the front right side marker (obvious bondo there) and as I spread out I'm finding that the bondo continues -- in various thickness, btw -- beyond 6" from the marker. Yes, even sculpting the turn signal lip! The more I grind away the more unevenness I'm finding (IMG:style_emoticons/default/fighting19.gif) So I've stopped grinding, kind of smoothed out the grinding in case I have to re-bondo the area so I won't have to reform the sharper contours myself.

The right fender was smacked, no doubt about it. Saw it in the headlight damage. So, would putting in a new fender be easier? I have some basic body shaping tools and experience from an automotive restoration class I took for a couple terms from the community college (good experience, I recommend it). My welding experience is above beginner with my MIG -- I don't have the smaller setup necessary for thin sheet metal welding for my oxy-ace. I've assisted some friends with welding a nose on an air-cooled VW (our first time and it was deadperfect! ). It's a little intimidating looking at all the contours and spot welds and seam sealer holding the fender on and I question whether I could do it myself (that's probably my biggest problem right there, self-doubt).

What are your recommendations? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) Personally, I like the idea of a new fender: No shaping (hammering, bondo) required, just attach. My experience with fiberglass is limited to just a couple small uses and I would rather have a metal fender instead of a glass one. Thanks