I'm cracking on with repairs to all four inner rear arch panels.
Question:
How should (best way, rather than original!) the rear inner arch panels be secured to the inner wing? Bonded in? Screwed onto brackets and then sealed?
I guess you're referring to the 3 individual sections that make up (at the rear, anyway) the inner arch. Mine were originally bonded to the body with one single layer of CSM and came off rather easily.
My idea (and I stress that it's only an idea) was to use an 'L' section of Upvc type material as used in window construction. Cutting a series of slots into in would allow it to conform to the desired radius to suit the wheel arch. I would then bond the appropriately bent section of L section to the inside of the body shell using Sikaflex or similar. Clamping would probably be required to ensure a complete bond. Once cured, the resultant protruding face of the 'L' section could be drilled. The inner arch sections could then be attached with SS fixings (nuts, bolts as opposed to self tappers) and Sikaflex again. A couple of layers of CSM over the lot should see them fixed for life.
I like Sikaflex having used it to bond my car's body to the chassis already.
Is there any need to remove the rear inner arch panel once fitted apart from another restoration? The front panel covers the filler neck so that needs to be removable.
If fixed rigid, the rear panel would add much strength. I can only think it might need removing to access the rear spring eye or will an access panel cut into it suffice? This had been done to a spare panel I have.
All the best, Gary
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Rust Never Sleeps - Cavity Wax and Valium Should Do It
Well, mine could certainly do with some added strength. The three panels folded like a triptych when I took them off. Personally, I can't see any reason for removing them once in place. Any access could be a work around if necessary.
Well, mine could certainly do with some added strength. The three panels folded like a triptych when I took them off. Personally, I can't see any reason for removing them once in place. Any access could be a work around if necessary.
A picture paints a thousand words. That's basically what I was trying to get to, Nigel. The only difference being I was intending to use some 'off the shelf' angle rather than making up a grp one. Good solution, though.
