mc2 rear arch rust

[mc2hammer]

Hi all, the lower inner part of rear wheel arch on my Aerodeck VTi has some rust, which I have been aware of for a while but, on further investigation tonight, the near side has gone, i.e. it gives when you push it, the offside feels more solid. 

need to cut out to see how big the hole is, doubtless it will be gone on the sill section too. 

similar to this link  (Adzvtis pics)

just wondered if MB6/ MC2 are same in this area, and if repair panels are available (e.g. Rover 400 etc) , if rust is localised enough (yet to be determined) I guess patches can be fabricated and welded in.  Also are there any how to guides, Roverjoe was doing a vid on his MB6 resto I believe. 

I had the sill front section and jacking points professionally done several years ago but the work cost a bomb then and so I think will have to tackle the rear section myself. 

many thanks

 

[Dave]

The good news is all the Civic M's MB/MB/MC are the same body parts in that area so repair panels for the Rover 45/400/MGZS fit. @Roverjoe in the forum has restored his in this area and has videos on Youtube. The Civic Ms seemed to have outlasted the 3 door civics rust wise, especially in the rear arches/sills, so think they've done well to only be needing this done now. I'm luck that my deck still is solid in the sills/arches etc but she's garaged all the time since 2013. 

[dr_broon]

On 1/6/2025 at 10:40 PM, mc2hammer said:

Hi all, the lower inner part of rear wheel arch on my Aerodeck VTi has some rust, which I have been aware of for a while but, on further investigation tonight, the near side has gone, i.e. it gives when you push it, the offside feels more solid. 

need to cut out to see how big the hole is, doubtless it will be gone on the sill section too. 

similar to this link  (Adzvtis pics)

just wondered if MB6/ MC2 are same in this area, and if repair panels are available (e.g. Rover 400 etc) , if rust is localised enough (yet to be determined) I guess patches can be fabricated and welded in.  Also are there any how to guides, Roverjoe was doing a vid on his MB6 resto I believe. 

I had the sill front section and jacking points professionally done several years ago but the work cost a bomb then and so I think will have to tackle the rear section myself. 

many thanks

 

Hope it's not too bad when you get to it. 

[mc2hammer]

many thanks both, I had a quick look for repair panels yesterday, they do exist but not found for inner arch yet. also not sure how they compare e.g. in thickness terms with OE body shell ? suggestions on best place to buy the panels appreciated. otherwise I will just carry on googling. ours has been garaged (unheated though) so it is out of the weather, except when used - it's still the daily driver. 

[Dave]

Not sure the inner arch is available mate so might need to fabricate your own from some sheet steel.

[dr_broon]

When I was looking a few years ago all I could find were outer panels. 

[mc2hammer]

thanks both, what thickness/ gauge steel should I be using do you know ? 

[dr_broon]

@Roverjoe is probably best to answer this one having just done it - have you had a spy at his thread? 

 

https://civic5.com/forum/topic/12786-restoring-my-nana-and-grandads-honda-civic-mb6/#comments

 

[Roverjoe]

Hi there, I got tagged, and thought id reply, Metal thickness for the inner wheel arches id recommend 1mm. Factory used 0.8mm so either them would do.

[mc2hammer]

thank you Roverjoe, appreciated. I have looked for inner arches but seems just outer panels available, e.g. sills and outer wheel arch. so I guess would have to fabricate my own sections for the inner. have seen you can get Zintec sheet that looks good for the job. 

and, yes dr_broon, I have seen the thread, need to find time to go through it properly, but looks v helpful. thanks RJ !