I have a 98 Hatch. How can I tell if the fender is for a 98 civic or 99 civic?

The reason I'm asking this is I bought a new set of Headlights and I made sure it was for a 98 civic. When I test fit the Headlight, they wont fit all the way unlike the old ones I had. When I put the bumper back, I noticed that the Headlights was sticking out, unlike the old ones I had.

Is it something to do with the fender or something else?

I'm not sure if the previous owner had a front end conversion. The previous owner already moved out of state so there's no way I can ask him.

Just wanted to know. Any info would help.

Thanks.

 

Well you should check your old headlights if you have them if they match with the new set..If not then you probably have 99-00 front.

 

Just want to add, the hatch has an aftermarket front bumper.

 

I did this already, but I will try this again.

Other than this, is there any other way to check if the front end is 99?

 

Well most likely you do have a 99-00 front, even an aftermarket front bumper would have to make it adapt to 96-98 or 99-00 front.

 

any other way?

 

96-98 fenders at the headlight are not as rounded as the 99-00 fenders. The stock taillights should have a manufacture date raised in the plastic and that will tell you what year the lights are and thus the year of the car and fenders.