Where to Start, front wheel arch replacement and HI all

[Tub Thumper]

First off new to the forum so Hi all

OK down to the nitty gritty

I need to replace RHS Wheel arch, wheel housing and Cab Floor. What is the best way to go about this?

Do i :-

1. Cut the whole lot out and weld in the new bits starting with, wheel housing, cab floor then wheel arch or the reverse of this order


2. Cut a bit out at a time and (tack)weld in the new as I go, starting with wheel housing, cab floor then wheel arch or the reverse of this order


3. Not sure if there is a 3


I have never personaly attempted anything like this before but between me and some work mates we think we can get it licked just need a bit of advice on were to start and what to do.

Also what is the latest gen on welding in repairs in this area does it have to be continious or is spot ok?

Many thanks in advance

 

[Guest]

If possible its best to keep as much of the original good metal on the floor as you can so, only if its completely shot, you should remove the whole lot. Its probably better to cut the whole arch out.

The most important thing when removing the arch is to make sure the door fits good before welding in the new one. With repro arches you may find that there will be a fair amount of fettling to get this to happen.

front arches are spotted on you should be able to remove the paint to see the OG spot welds with you will need to drill out.

Have you got any pics to show us how bad it is? and remember measure 3 times cut once! :wink:

 

[caesar]

Hi and Welcome

Agree with above post, keep as much good metal as you can.

Where in Wilts are you?

I'm in Chippenham!

 

[Camperdan]

What year is your Bus?

1972 model year has a one-year-only front arch and exact replacements are not available (unless you are lucky enough to find and NOS one - and that won't be cheap - saw one at Volksworld show for £250!)

If it is a 72 then you have to decide whether to fit an earlier arch that will fit the floor but have no outer lip.... or fit a later arch with the lip but modify the floor or step area to fit?

 

[Sittingonthedockofthe BAY]

3....Get some 1 to do it for you ))

 

[Tub Thumper]

Thanks for the responses. It is a 68 bay, The wheel arch has been replaced (badly) before, the cab floor is made up of a number of dodgy patches as is the wheel housing. I havn't got any pictures as yet but planning to take some over the weekend ( I will try to post a bit of a computer biff).

Ceaser I'm in Lyneham

Sitting on the dock of a Bay option 3 is not financaly viable

p.s. Is this forum plagued with any problems as most of the time i get "SERVICE UNAVAILABLE"