Hi CJ,

Arch repairs range from simply cutting out the rust and filling the holes with bodyfiller up to a complete replacement.

Very few folks replace the whole rear wing because it's so expensive.

Usually once the arches are gone, you need to replace not only the visible bits, but also the leading edge which is hidden under the sideskirt, and also the rear section underneath the bumper.

The filler route is only if there's very little rust, but even then I wouldn't bother myself.

IMO the only way to repair rust is to cut it out and weld in new metal, which gives you a few options;

1.

patch repair

- a decent panelbeater can make small repair sections, weld in, fill and make a decent job.

2.

Nissan cherry arch repair sections work, but need some fettling to get a decent fit.

I used those and they're roughly

£12 a side, plus fitting, etc.

The rear section underneath the bumper was cut'n'shut using sheet steel.

3.

Tony

(Jinxy) on here sells what is commonly agreed as the best repair panels and they cover all 3 areas.

If you're getting a bodyshop to do the work this is probably the best option because it's least labour intensive.

DIY cost is probably around

£100 or so, can't remember myself.

Bodyshop is more likely

£500+ depending on the skill/local labour rates, to do this properly isn't a 5 minute panel-bash.

Sills

- these are the bits underneath the side skirts between both wheel arches.

They usually go first at the rear arch

& it's MoT fail because it's close to suspension/seat belt mounts.

It's a complex area to repair properly because it's double-skinned inside the arch and because it's behind the side skirt it's often bodged.

(mine was) The next place is to go is the front/under the doors and difficult to assess without the side skirts removed.

Sills are available in 2 flavours.

I think the best panels are around

£100, but you can use Escort sills with the usual fettling and bending to fit.

£10-ish a side, plus fitting.

Because they're hidden by side skirts, this isn't a bad option and fitting is much easier than the nissan cherry arch panels.

If you go the repair route, then my advice would be to get someone trusted/reccomended by folks on this forum.

Don't accept a cheap quote from a local bodyshop or use anyone who doesn't know Mk1s.

It looks like an easy fix, but to do it properly is time consuming.

(read expensive

!

)

Brian