3 replies to this topic

[moonie311287]

hi there folks just wondered if any one could tell me step by step how to remove rear wheel archers thing is mines got holes in both sides ive welded them up with patchers but dont like the look of them i would rather it be neat much appreciated thanks

[sonikk4]

Iv'e moved this to the right section.

Now in answer to your question it is a very involved task but not difficult. Its more time consuming than anything else.

First thing to do is disconnect the battery and remove the fuel tank. Blank off the main fuel lines and move to one side.

Support the rear of the car and then remove the wheels.

Next disconnect the shock absorbers and remove.

Inside the car remove the rear seat completely. Also remove anything you have in the companion bins.

Now to the arch removal. Start inside the car, remove the spot welds that attach the rear of the companion bin to the rear arch. Then on the bulkhead remove the spot welds that attach the bulkhead to the wheel arch. These run up the side of the arch and across the top.


There will also be some spot welds that attach the companion bin close out panel to the arch so remove these as well.


Now into the rear arch itself you now need to remove all of the spot welds running along the inner arch to boot floor area. Follow this all the way round both ends as well.

Now you need to remove all of the spot welds that attach the inner arch to the rear quarter. Once this is done if you look inside the boot you will see the bump stop bracket. If you can find the spot welds for these remove them, if not then cut around the bracket. At the back of the arch will be the subframe mounting bracket, cut around this as it is normally seam welded (or it maybe spot welded)


Hopefully this should cover all the arch attachment areas. Fit the new one in the same sort of sequence as removal or whichever way you would like to do it. There is no real fixed way of doing it,

[moonie311287]

thanks very much mate only just seen your reply do you think the best tool for the job would be a grider

[sonikk4]

You could just use a grinder but that makes life awkward in certain areas. I would use the grinder and a twisted wire cup to remove any paint / underseal etc then hopefully you will expose all of the spot welds. Then use a spot weld drill bit like these
http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2500wt_1344

If there is too much rust to see the spot welds then use some 1mm stainless steel cutting discs like these
http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_1157wt_1110
and remove most of the arch with these. Then you can use a standard metal grinding disc to remove the remainder of the metal.