RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

OK, got a few minutes at work just now to strip the paint off the middle section of my passenger gaurd. I knew that it had a new front section welded on (weld line running at mid point of the arch from the drip rail area down to the arch lip) so needed to strip it to see how much of a bodge was done.

There was a section of filler about 12" wide and maybe 3-4mm deep covering the weld. The metal is somewhat undulating and the weld area quite ripply. I am fitting bubble arches so most of teh side section will be cut out anyway but the upper areas will remain. (Will try to post a pic tonight when home)

Would it be reasonable to keep this panel and use more filler to smooth back out?????

Replacement panels are available in Oz now but its just another cost to add to the list. I will buy if it is considered necessary......

you'll be using 3mm+ of bog to blend the bubbles into the guard so I wouldn't worry too much, but purist will probably disagree

I would replace it, start off on a new pallet. Your going to all the trouble on the body work in the first place, why skimp.

That's my opinion....

Glenn
by the time you cut the arch and weld the flares on,you will really only have the top edge of the guard unaffected,so don't be scared of bog.
Filler these days is a lot better than it was years ago and a lot more flexible.
to save the extra cost and hassle of fitting an aftermarket guard,I would bog it again.
the damaged area on the outside of the guard will need to be beaten to match up with the flare anyway.
It's really up to you.
Great to see that the Esky is getting so much closer to completion.

Save the new panel to repair that first big understeer into the barrier....

Still undecided but thanks for the interest and input so far......

Yes getting closer. Still in discussions with the family as to colour choice. Bought green harnesses so I am thinking white and green in some combination. Saw a nice Capri in a back issue of Retro Ford that was white with a british racing green (or Brutt 33 ) green.

Replace it and bolt them on for future repairs

Def converting to bolt on.....

mk 1 bubble arched ,conversion

use 3/16" x 1/4" long countersunk pop rivets
prep both sides with 40 g grinder , then bond & rivet together
using high strength epoxy glue (not sika flex ) (ARALDITE or better)
if you fibre glass ( or gorilla hair) over the rivets & slightly over the join
of the steel to the flare

then grind & feather the edges in
then a mere swipe of bog ,& SPRAY PUTTY ,
sand paper then paint etc etc

wot no welding? I like welding.......

steel arch extensions or G R P moulded flares ?? ??

WELDING CAUSES FIRE !!

im using steel. and yes, my welder has set fire to my shed several times

get yourself a shrinking hammer etc and try smooth out the panel which will remain, two guard sections is no different to your floors etc made up of several panels and patches. so minimise the distortion around the weld and save the guard, a great learning experiance for the future when the tree gets you and doors or rear quarters need repair...
a small amount of filler is nothing to ba afraid of especially with the amount youll need blending the flares in, 1mm is better than 3 but 3 is much better than 12 and many panel shops will sculpt a new escort out of filler anyway.

If both ends of the guard are good stick with it save some casha nd time and get on with it.

But Im a tight ass and its a competition car.

cheers,

JP

it will be saved!!!!!!!!

Hi there I'm a noob here ;)

Can anyone tell me if its possible and if its been done before.

I am thinking of fitting MK2 forrest arches to my MK1.
As I quite fancy something different.

Any advice would be welcomed

;)

1771,
welcome to the forum.
Perhaps start a fresh thread about yourself and your plans.
I too think Mk2 flares would not look right on a Mk1.

Justin

Lol I appricate your opinion ;)

But I have got a set of mk1 bubble arches on there way out from the uk along with a carbon fibre roof, fibreglass bonnet and boot and some other bits but I was offered a set of mk2 arches for free And I'm just toying with the idea coz they are abit wider.

I'm sure someone has done it