Rusty arches

[l200]

Have got s reg ex bt transit , both front arches are totally rotten
a pal tells me he will fibreglass arches opposed to weld in new ones
cos theres a big saving and assures me rust will not come back through
is this right ?

 

[Ron Gamma]

Replacing rusty steel is OK providing you cut far enough into the panel to remove the rot. You also need to have a clean surface for the resin to bond onto.

The real problem here is to check the seam between the front wing panel and the inner wheelarch. (If the two layers are welded together then it is considered structural. If it is a single skin at that point then it is merely cosmetic)
The reasons for this question is:
1. to prevent an MOT failure next time around - they won't take kindly to this not being welded securely

2. If it is structural and you have a frontal impact at speed the front seat occupants may end up with the "A-post" in their lap.

If it was me I'd fit a new steel panel or let in a replacement arch in steel. And I actually like and use fibreglass panels............