5th Gen Rear Arch Replacement

[toadster]

LO

Just wondering how many 5th Gen owners on here have replaced the rear arches on their Ludes

Really after details on if the new metal was fabricated or using cebul's replacements

I noticed that cebul's ones are much more than just the arch area too , so would be quite expensive.
It states they are 0.8mm thick , is that the same as the original Honda metal

I have a bit on my drivers side arch and didnt know if its worth just replacing the small area thats affected or replacing the whole arch

I would guess if good quality galvanised metal is used that it should be rust free for a long time if its undersealed afterwards , or do you guys know different

Many thanks in advance for your feedback

Cheers

Toadster

[cebul]

Arches what Im offer for sale are zinc protected so after primering and painting that extra protection to avoid the rust. I can not promis they will be immortal but they defo will be for long life.
I will organize another group buy as winter coming and a lot of prelude fans will work on their cas over winyer in their garages

[3gdean]

I would just replace the small area. less chance of panel distortion through welding = less filler = less chance of rust coming back.

[RattyMcClelland]

You will want to etch prime the bare metal then put a nice thick epoxy primer like 2k epoxy mastic over the etch. Epoxy will stop anything. Then go one with the undercoat, paint and lacquer.
IMO replace the whole bastad further down the line.

[Vtecmec]

Those replacement panels are thicker than the Honda panels, I'd guesstimate that the OEM's are somewhere between 0.6 and 0.7mm.

As to replacing a bit or all, I think that is best decided once in there and the extent of the rust is better understood. You could replace a bit now and find more coming through in other areas at some point, replace it all and then you know it'll all be good.

[3gdean]

You will want to etch prime the bare metal then put a nice thick epoxy primer like 2k epoxy mastic over the etch. Epoxy will stop anything. Then go one with the undercoat, paint and lacquer.
IMO replace the whole bastad further down the line.

on the outside yes, know fact - they pretty much rot from the inside out

the right sealer and protection (inside the quater) is key.

Those replacement panels are thicker than the Honda panels, I'd guesstimate that the OEM's are somewhere between 0.6 and 0.7mm.

As to replacing a bit or all, I think that is best decided once in there and the extent of the rust is better understood. You could replace a bit now and find more coming through in other areas at some point, replace it all and then you know it'll all be good.

debatable really, yes; you can make sure the inner arch is good all the way round, being the only real benefit.

no, unless your doing the work youself and are a perfectionist you dont know what your going to get from a bodyshop.
welding removes the standard protection on the inside of the car (sealers and factory primer)
if there is the tiniest imperction in weld, and water from the inside manages to get in filler, even a stone chip or a scratch on the outside itll be back 10 times worse guaranteed.

disturb as little as possible and protect the rest

[RattyMcClelland]

What about weld through primers. But yes any inperfection will cause 4th gen disease.

[3gdean]

What about weld through primers. But yes any inperfection will cause 4th gen disease.

well that is put on before the panel is welded, not allowing for the amout of heat disipation disturbing the factory finish

[toadster]

Lo All

Cheers for the replies peops

Has anyone on here fitted one of your panels cebul

Cheers

Toadster

[cebul]

Hmmm I;ve sold many 4th gen's panels and a few 5th gens, have a look in the group who bought them and have a chat with buyers, all nick names are there