On 5/14/06, Harry Mann <clive.harman-smith@ntlworld.com> wrote:
>
>  Can't speak about the patch panels Ben, but just patched a short
> length of one of my rear arches, and that, after a heavy joggle to
> take the side panel (air intake area) continues on as the inner wheel
> arch and as such. I cut, and being pretty careful, finish ground to
> the point that the arch tucks under the side panel, or due to the
> seam, just back from there - so a butt weld for me there, both from
> inside and out.
> If the patch panel means you go over the original join there, (that
> is under it the inner arch metal!), the seam gap itself will be
> large...
>

Clive, I wanted to weld at the original seams front and back because there
is no damage beyond those seams. One listee pmailed me that the replacement
metal from Bus Depot is the same as the ones from CIP1. He said they were of
poor quality and thinner metal. I did not immediately believe hiim until
yesterday. A fellow listee had a set he bought from CIP1. Upon close
inspection, it was noted that there is a lot oof wrinkling inthe pressing
which would normally hides under the carpet or rubber mat. This is
especially noticeable at the bend from horizontal to the angle downward. The
visible parts are smooth enough. Since clean unrusted fenders are readily
available, I will opt to cut pieces off some parts vans instead of using
this replacement stuff. At the very least I can be assured of the same gauge
metal and correct fit.

 anyway, that was my take on it. No doubt you'll soon find out - we
> have various makers over here, but don't think any do that arch. Rear
> quarter panels are still available from VW, about �45 or whatever
> that is in $$$. They tend to get dented quite a bit, and are an
> original spot weld exact replacement panel (looking about a tenners
> worth, max!)
>

I am restoring my 2wd Doka which gets almost zero time off road. Sure
driving in the City (of San Francisco) can be just as hazardous to wheel
arches as the high banks of a badly rutted trail. This Doka will not have
that problem. Prices there seem comparable to prices we get steel panels
for.  However, after seeing what the replacement look like, I will spend the
extra time salvaging parts from vans being broken up instead.

Cheers,

BenT