Classic owners, how have you combatted the dreaded rust on the rear arches?
I recently purchased a classic in need of some tlc. The worst bit is the rear arches. I'm weighing up my options really. They are...
1. Cut rust out, fill & paint. Though I can see that being only a temporary fix.
2. I've heard you can buy fibre glass rear arches, then paint.
3. Weld metal part & paint. Which will no doubt cost more than the car is worth!

Is there any other options & roughly how much will any of the above options cost?

Can anyone recommend any places for this type of work around Manchester?

I'm so surprised no one has ever produced/done replacement rear quarters (at sensible money). As most classics are prone to rust in that particular area. *It's such a shame to see the iconic classic shape impreza rust away!

Cheers*

 

I agree, how come no one makes repair panel in metal?
I still can't understand that there is no Haynes manual.

 

I have heard that using front wings and cutting out the curved section and welding these in place.

 

I had mine cut out, weld new metal into place and respray. Only way to get rid of it properly.

 

Opposite side front wheel arch is same shape.

 

They look the same and that is what I am going to try this summer. I am more worried what I am going to find behind the outer skin.

 

If its rusty on the outside then I can assure you that it'll be 100 times worse under the skin.

 

That's what I'm worried about

 

If different arches, say ABW or even a 22b or wrc kit were fitted, will this remove enough of the arch that rust won't be a problem any more?

 

How much would that cost approx? I think it's the only method of ensuring the rust goes away for good or at bay for a long time at least!

 

Matt, have you tried this method & is it worthwhile? Costs?
Cheers

 

I haven't used that method but know some people have on here.
I opted to have all the rotton metal cut out and just replaced with fresh metal. A good body shop can do it without to much trouble. Price wise, £200 a side is about the going rate.
Also worth checking your sills. I was met with an awful sight when I removed my side skirts.

 

Where did you get yours done Matty? Don't know I can be bothered with the hassle of doing it myself if that's the going rate.

 

Cheers mate. I can live with 200 per side. I'll have to ring around in that case.

 

I'm in the process of fitting abw arches, the rust gets in unbeaten the 2 skins. It's scary cutting into the rear arch lol but the metal is thicker than I expected.

 

****ing spellchecker, inbetween not unbeaten.

 

How much is taken off? Any pics?

 

what the rears? not that much tbh because the arch by the door limits you anyway. i ****ed up that bit by the door so have had to weld a piece back in lol. i`ll take pics when i do the other side , i now know what i`m looking for ,the tutorials ive seen on rs25 are wrong and dont give the details you need.

are you on about doing the abw arches or a repair btw. you only need to take off between an inch and 1 1/2 inch for the arch

 

Does anyone sell grp replicas of the standard Classic front wing?

I don't mean wide arch or 22b replica.

 

im thinking of a pair of these ones : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUBARU-IMP...item3a72b14a5f

any thoughts on these ones lads? the plan would be to rub down the arches where the rust is coming through and rust treat them etc then some paint to protect and seal the repair underneath then get these arches sprayed up an fitted over them.

 

Don't think the repair woould last long like that as the rust is coming thru from the inside and you havn't eliminated the cause.

Tho the arch covers would disguise this for some time. Depends on your intentions and how long you want to keep the car.

 

You only have 1 option, cut them out and weld in new metal otherwise it will always comeback eventually. The problem is 9 times out of 10 there are holes through the metal, it might not look like it, if you grind it back and it looks shiny you might think a bit of filler and paint and it will be fine but if you can see tiny pinpoint black dots it's gona come back. A job like that would only last 6 moths if your lucky. I have done many arch replacements and know what works and what does not.

 

As above, if you remove the trim out the boot, get a torch and look down the inside of rear wing you will see the problem. If you are getting bubbles on the outside the rust as eat through the metal already,you have to cut it out mate.btw it's not coming from underneath in the wheel well

 

How do you "cut it out" though as its a corner?, like the top of the arch. I hear just under the rear window can be a problem spot as well?.

 

you cut through both skins and cut the corner out

 

i waisted 350 quid on a very beautiful paint job done by the very best body shop up here and 3 months later it was back- the lads did it again foc - it looked stunning - its back again - cut it out dont waste your money on any other fix

iain

 

Heres some pics of my car.

What it looked like after I gently sanded the outer skin to show up the corrosion.



As you can see it doesn't look too bad.

A little hole to inspect.



Looked a little worse underneath so it was opened up

Found this...




Also a pic of the sill. Looked all good from underneath but once the side skirt was removed it became obvious we had a problem.




As you can see, what may appear minor can and usually is quite alot worse. I had every piece of rotton metal removed and new metal welded in. Sills, arches and inside the boot were also fully treated to prevent future problems.

 

MattyB how much did it end up costin, I fear I might find mine in a similar or worse condition after seein your pics lol!! Ive got considerably more rust lower down towards the door!

 

I got a bit of a deal so can't really compare my price. I would say you would be looking at £200 per arch repaired and painted and same again for the sills.

 

Do you still do this kind of work mate? How much does it cost & whereabouts are you? I get depressed everytime I see them damn rusty arches lol.