EvilRobs awesome wheel arch repair panels, fitting

[JPTipper]

Alright guys,

Just had a quote from the body shop for cutting, welding and painting to match with one of our arch repair panels, £400-500!! eeek!

Is this now the going rate for arch repairs? Was thinking this is a bit excessive...

I'm in Dover, Kent

 

[grayfox]

That is a lot, £350 is more the general quote given, bit less if both sides are being done.

 

[lusid666]

most places I rang said around the £350 mark per side +VAT. Think I got a bit of a bargain for the full both sides of mine.

http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=23342" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Ian G]

Does also depend how much work is required on the inner section. The rust originates from the seam between the outer panel and the upper metal arch, and if the latter if heavily corroded, that needs rectification before you can put the new panel on.

At least, I'd recommend you take the car there with the rear cards removed so they can quote it properly and you can make sure that's going to be done if it needs it (it probably will).

If you compare these two pictures you can see on the second the stitch welds where the new section of inner arch has been introduced at the front edge of the arch. That's where a good portion of the money goes.

At least if you can't get the price down locally you can be sure that it'll last for a long time.

No harm in shopping around. Although I'd say that was about right unless you get a great deal.

 

[tuonokid]

All good advice but unless you can see the work being done you don't know what quality you're going to get so expensive might not necessarily be better than cheap. Ian G's photos are excellent at showing the preparatory work that needs doing. If an arch repair is done like this it has a chance. The only thing is getting paint into it after it's been welded. I suppose originally the Puma shells would have been primer dipped after welding but we, unfortunately, can't do that. The best thing we can do is use a small spray gun and saturate the back of the panel with etch primer followed by a good waterproofing agent. Talk to people who've had work like this done and when you do decide on a garage talk to the owner to get an idea of what he will do to finalise the repairs.
Barry

 

[Ian G]

Not my pics - they were in this recent thread - http://www.projectpuma.com/viewtopic.php?f=64&t=23342" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Also worth noting that the inside of the panel needs to be kept clean. I actually think some of the rust proofing over time is counter-productive because the sticky nature of Waxoil type substances means the seam collects dirt, and in turn moisture.

 

[JPTipper]

I can get it done for £500 all in up here in manchester

both sides that is

Yeah thats what i was thinking, £300 i would have thought would be on the right track for one side,

I originally asked the bloke who does the tricky stuff or the bits that require tools i dont have, typically i asked him on the day his welder person was leaving! :S he said he could do it but not the painting afterwards

I will keep having to look I reckon, cambelt first, £250 for the kit and £68 for the waterpump inc fitting from Ford :thumbs: