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[humbucker]

something i've often wondered, and i know it affects a lot of car owners, is the appropriate course of action to repair rear arches. i know that welding in new arches is the way forward, filling is just going to result in prolonguing the inevitable, however, i was unsure on what was required when welding new ones in...

is it best to get arches cut out, replacement ones welded in and then the aesthetic work, or just get new rear quarter panels and weld them in then do aesthetics?

i wondered from a cost perspective too cos rear arches alone dont cost much but quarter panels do. then again if you're paying a bodyshop more for their time to weld arches in and make them look nice as opposed to the joins on a quarter panel maybe the latter is more cost efficient??

anyone had experience with this kind of thing that can advise? which is the best method and which is the more expensive?

thanks as always!  

[vauxfan2k]

Hi

I know if it was me I would replace the whole quarter panel, as getting a welded on arch to sit perfectly inline with the door lines is hit and miss (goingback to the mk3 cav days)

I never did like the thought of a jagged edge inside the inner arch(from the old arch being cut out) rusting away inside there. but I guess it depends how long you plan on keeping the car for and of course your budget.

cheers

Ste

[Martin_1962]

I have had arches ona car in the past.

Pro fitted them over the top of the originals and filled around.

The other side I did after learning to weld was sandwiched between rear quarter panel and inside arch.

My repair was much nicer but took longer to do

[humbucker]

so you would recommend simply replacing rear quarters? and presumably this is a more straightforward job than just doing the arches (but the parts are more expensive?). not something im doing in the immediate future but doesnt do any harm to have an idea whats involved if the time ever comes...

[vauxfan2k]

its entirely up to you, but if the rear quarter panel is genuine vaux and its fitted properly, then I see no way of ever knowing that it was changed, a replacement arch on the other hand could be noticed at certain angles depending on light direction and car colour. I know from experience and from being a tad fussy with my cars lol

Cheers

BTW not sure if its the right side or year but there is a genuine vaux rear quarter on flea bay just now.  

[holtender]

A new quarter panel would be the better but clearly the much more expensive option. Unless you can do the job yourself it would be too expensive  to even consider.

I've replaced many wheel arches in years gone by and if done with decent fitting panels can be effective and almost invisible, if the inner flange is corroded then this will need to be repaired also.

I have known people pop rivet arches on , griding back and then  filling, not the best job, but an option for someone without welding skills.

[MutantCav]

Is the rear quarter removable?? If so how easy/hard is it to do? Welded or bolted on?

[Martin_1962]

Spot welded - main structural panel

[MutantCav]

Is it removable then?

[Welung666]

With lots of careful spot-weld drilling and gentle chiseling yes but a long slow process.

[MutantCav]

Careful...and gentle...hmmm