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Wp Wheel Arch Problems


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#1 Compdoc

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Posted 06 March 2019 - 02:13 PM

I recently purchased a set of MS133MS WP arches from MiniSpares, the ones that state, "Ultimate Wheel arch flares of choice if PREMIER quality of looks and FITTABILITY is the prime objective."

I wasn't expecting them just to screw on, but I am frustrated that they do not seem to fit at all. The principle is that the lower lip of the arch screws to the underside of of the wing flange but the radius of the bottom lip of the arch is smaller than the wing flange. The arches are very stiff and do not flex much, but I tried starting at one end and screwing every 10cm but each successive screw pulled the top lip of the arch away from the bodywork. Also the curve at the end of the arches that connect with the sill seam is much too tight compared with that of the "A" panel and rear side panel.

I include a couple of pictures of the front offside and although the arches aren't marked front or rear, the front ones do curve inwards slightly at their front edge to follow the curve of the wing, so I am pretty sure I've at least got that right.

The car has had a lot of welding, so I am not now sure if the problem is me, the car or the arches.

Any suggestions will be gratefully accepted.

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Before anyone mentions it, I know the arches don't fit like that, I just propped them up to take the pictures. :proud:

 

 

 



#2 Wizzalong

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Posted 06 March 2019 - 02:49 PM

It will be interesting to see how you get on, I have a set to pick up.



#3 ROD

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Posted 06 March 2019 - 07:27 PM

I had a similar problem when I fitted some. I ended up doing a LOT of cutting and filing to get them to fit, even now they still are not as good as I would have liked or expected.

A friend also has them fitted on his mk2 and they needed playing/cutting around with to get them to fit.

#4 Compdoc

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Posted 07 March 2019 - 09:25 AM

It will be interesting to see how you get on, I have a set to pick up.

I would be very interested to hear your comments when you get your arches and offer them up to the car. On first appearance they look like a strong and well made product. The problem starts when you hold them up against the car!

 

 

I had a similar problem when I fitted some. I ended up doing a LOT of cutting and filing to get them to fit, even now they still are not as good as I would have liked or expected.

A friend also has them fitted on his mk2 and they needed playing/cutting around with to get them to fit.

I am sorry to hear that, as I was really hoping that my problem would be a faulty product or even an error on my part.

I have always been a supporter of MiniSpares but if all these, "top of the range" arches are made to the same standard, then MiniSpares are doing themselves no favours by advertising these in the manner that they do.

If these were a £45 set off eBay I would expect to cut and shut them to make them fit, But I paid over twice this amount for a, "Premium" product.

Nearly every car on the road has some sort of GRP moulding fitted to the exterior and on even on the cheapest cars, they actually fit! So where is the production of these items going so wrong?


Edited by Compdoc, 07 March 2019 - 09:28 AM.


#5 gav

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Posted 07 March 2019 - 02:53 PM

Hi, please return them to Minispares or contact us to arrange a replacement, it looks like you have a set that was taken out the mould too early. We have only just been made aware of the issue, apologies.



#6 Compdoc

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Posted 07 March 2019 - 03:48 PM

Hi, please return them to Minispares or contact us to arrange a replacement, it looks like you have a set that was taken out the mould too early. We have only just been made aware of the issue, apologies.

OK, thanks. I'll give them a call and arrange a replacement.



#7 Compdoc

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Posted 12 March 2019 - 05:13 PM

After speaking to two more people who had fitted the WP fibreglass arches, both said that they required cutting and repairing with more fibreglass and filler etc. to look presentable. Interestingly, both said that they had not contacted MiniSpares to tell them of the problem.

This is a shame, because when I rang MiniSpares they offered to change the arches straight away. So I drove down to potters bar so that I could check out the new arches before taking them.

In the end I exchanged them for the plastic WP arches MS134 and got a refund on the MS133MS.

Back home, after offering them up to the car, I would recommend the plastic ones over the fibreglass ones every time and save £50 in the process. The bottom edge of the arch follows the wing and sill lip much closer and as the plastic is less rigid allows a bit of flex for tweaking.

All in all, well worth the 120 mile round trip and full marks for MiniSpares.






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