Bora front wheel arch rust.

DIYspanner · 25 May 2017

A common problem.

When I've ground the rust out and applied body filler, is it best to apply primer before aerosol spray paint and varnish?

I'm not spaying the whole wing, just the arch area.

honda · 25 May 2017

Always best to use primer as it gives the topcoat something to stick to. It also after application gives you an idea as to what the finished job will look like as it will show any imperfections in your prep work with the filler which will allow you to apply more filler or smooth it off further.
BTW the "varnish" is clear lacquer. Good luck.

DaveHerns · 25 May 2017

Amazing how many early 2000 Golfs have rusty wheelarches , coming through from underneath. BTW, you'll need do something to the underside or the rust will break through again in months.

DIYspanner · 26 May 2017

A lot of the VWs have this problem it seems. I saw a Passat yesterday with a massive chunk rotted away.

Apparently there's a sponge behind the wing that acts like a water trap and is best removed.

I've read that coating the inside face of the wing with grease helps cure the problem.

Thanks for the reply postings.

Belle427 · 27 May 2017

Im not sure why the foam is there, maybe a sound deadening thing. I removed them on a passat i used to own, didnt notice any more noise etc.
Im about to take a look at them on a Golf ive just bought, will probably remove them too if they are present.
I think its better to spray in a good quality cavity wax although i know people years ago that used to paint on grease, probably as they had access to an endless supply of it!

DIYspanner · 27 May 2017

With the Bora, there's a foam at the mid point on the wheel arch and a foam at the rear where the wing buts up against the door.

Found this spray kit to match the colour on mine.

DaveHerns · 27 May 2017

Seems strange using foam when it's obvious it will cause rot. I had a Peugeot 508 and the wheel arch liners were made from some strange material which seemed to absorb water.

Belle427 · 28 May 2017

Its not well known but i think vw have a 10 year paint warranty, ive seen on other forums people have had success in getting the wings done, but there are some checks carried out on paint depth etc to see if they are original items.
Im sure my Golf (2006) had one done in 2015.

DaveHerns · 28 May 2017

Most of these anti perforation warranties rely upon annual checks and a stamp in the service book. I've found main dealers conveniently forget to do this at service time.

Burnerman · 28 May 2017

If the wing actually has holes in it, maybe it's a good move to find a replacement?
Personally I've used every anti rust treatment available and find them all pretty useless.
John

lostinthelight · 28 May 2017

Burnerman said:
If the wing actually has holes in it, maybe it's a good move to find a replacement?
Personally I've used every anti rust treatment available and find them all pretty useless.
John

I have a1999 polo 1.9 tdi estate with the ns wing rusted through and wont bother welding a piece in so have a second wing waiting to go on, just need some spare time to spray it the right colour.

Avocet · 2 Jun 2017

The "Rustbuster" website has some interesting information on it. I'm trying their 121 epoxy mastic at present.

Bora front wheel arch rust.

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