Originally Posted by
macbudge
My wife's car (55 plate) has some paint blisters appearing on the rear arches - verdict from couple of bodyshops is that even though treated and painted, they will reappear. One shop suggested 'repair/cover' arches but no knowledge of these or if they would work - I assume this would involve cuting out the rear arch lip and welding in new metal!! Any views or advice on these or other options.?
Yes the rear arches have a deep lip which holds large amounts of road dirt which stays damp and slowly eats the car from the inside out, the bubble under the paint finally telling you the rust has eaten all the way through.
Most body shops will only do a quickie job to a standard good enough to sell a car to an unsuspecting new owner, grinding the rust, filling the holes and paint it, and after the next winter the rust is back. A good body shop will completely remove the rusted section and replace with new metal welded in place. With proper treatment and sealing on the inside, and quality finishing the problem will be gone, but remember to keep those wheel arch lips clean and under sealed.
