Rusty P6 series 1 3500 - Ease of repairing the rear wheel arch

P

puffernutter

New Member
I am probably going to acquire a 1969 P6 3500. It has an amount of rust on the leading edge of the o/s rear wheel arch that extends down into the sill area (the underside of the floor pan is rotten for about 6" - 8" forwards from that point). The same place on the nearside has been repaired (bodged) but would benifit from doing again.

I am a "reasonable" welder and have a well equipped workshop (I make miniature steam loco's for a hobby). In your experience as a new what sort of repair is this (hard, moderate or easy?)

Any thoughts?

The car otherwise is in very good condition with a recently (9000mile) refurbished mechanics (engine, gearbox, suspension, rear axle).

Happy Christmas

Peter
 
Hi Peter

I would say that this is a moderate job, but beware the underseal is thick stuff, once you start chipping it off what seems sound can be simply fresh air. You should be able to fabricate a panel quite easily for the wheel arch (use the pressed in tread area of a flat tire (on its wheel) to beat it concave. The floor is a patch job and fairly easy if done from inside the car, not much fun from underneath. The rear of the middle sill may need to be replaced together with the rear jacking point. I suggest you obtain a copy of the J R Wadhams catalogue and have a look at their repair panels. If in doubt cut it out - get right back to sound metal and dont try to weld to thin rusted parts it will just blow through.
Finally - beware the carpet "fluff" it burns like wildfire and if you are wearing a dark visor you will smell the damage before you see it !
 
Hi,

I did a similar repair to my car.

I had made the repair to the floor and sill first (I replaced the sills and patched floor). The patches for the arch were not a problem, but if you want it to look original Maybe best to but the panels especially if the full arch is gone.

I got some good thickness steel shaped it approx, cut back to good metal on the arch, tacked then Fromed with the aid on a 2lb ball pein hammer. grinded the welds down and seam welded it for MOT.

remember the petrol tank is between the arches when you cut and weld. Don't forget the interior could go on fire with the heat I forgot to unbolt the seat belt and it caught fire...oophs.

Wing ands wheel off, car off the ground as much as you can.

Arthuy
 
Thank you for the replies.

It seems that pyromania is a common disease with the P6's.

Anyway, based on your comments and after chatting to Ely Restoration and JR Wadham, I went ahead and bought the car. Collecting it January 4th. I'll put some pictures on my website when it has arrived and I've had a better chance to crawl all over it!

I suspect this forum may be seeing a fair amount of business from me over the next few months. I'll formally join the club as well.

Happy Christmas to you all. :)
 
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