Should there be foam between the inner and outer rear arches?
 

Whilst undertaking my rear end tear-down (http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/380731-car-killing-me.html), I was looking for rust at the top of the rear arches - where the outer and inner arches meet. Now I was expecting to find that they meet and were welded, but instead I find a gap filled with some sticky foam stuff which had been covered with paint. Is this done from the factory or some garage DIY crappy thing. I have it on both sides, so I am assuming it is original?

So, fists question - what is this stuff, and second question - what is the best way to get it all out, and last question - what do I replace it with???

Thank you for your time and advice!!

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1196971830.jpg

Oh, it's sticky foam covered with paint.

Was the car ever repainted?

Yes, why?

Well, if it hadn't been then the foam would be original due to the paint... I guess.

If I remember correctly from working on my car, it is original and I believe is there to protect it from build up of dirt and grime the rear tires would normally shoot up there.

I used expanding foam to seal it, not sure it's the best material to use but it's what I had on hand.

Maybe it also prevents vibration?

That is good to hear. If you had the same, then it is original. Now to find out how to clean it all out, and what to replace it with :confused:

Good thinking...