No option other than safely dealing with that spring. I would chain it so it cannot go anywhere. And take the temper out of the spring with my torches.

In a few areas until I thought it was safe. Any attempt to circumvent this is not worth the risk. They really can kill you. I did notice or it looks like the lower fender to door gap appears to be closed up a little.

Might want to look for a little buckling. Usually the fender will buckle before moving back. Not always I suppose. Most likely the mount for the locating bar may have had any backward movement transmitted.