wheel arches?

[phil ramon]

I've just bought my first Saab! I'ts a 1984 900gl 4-door sedan in pretty much immaculate condition apart from the wheel arches are beginning to show signs of bubbling! What's the best way to stop the rot setting in? Any suggestions gratefully accepted!

[adrian]

Depends how much you want to spend and how long you are going to keep the car. Ideally cut out all rot, weld in new as required, prime and paint, seam seal etc. Alternatively, remove as much rot as you can, treat with rust treatment, maybe fill prime and paint. I have a black 900T8v with black plastic wheel arch lips. I carefully removed them, removed all rust, treated surface painted with black smoothrite (excellent colour match), waited for it to harden (in garage for a few days) filled lips with black silicon sealant and refitted. Then inside or arches had large amount of Waxoyl underbody wax. Make sure you get the mud flaps off and look behind, rot can really set in here. I had to get these areas welded.

[phil ramon]

Thanks for the advice! It gives me something to go on! I'd like to keep the car for good at the moment, it really is a pleasure to drive and own! As for the expence, I have a very low income and would have to do all the work myself, but what you suggest seems feasable! Thanks!