Rust repair or replacement wing?

[massive]

Got some bubbling paintwork going on on the drivers wing just below the small side repeater light. I guess the patch is getting to about the size of the diameter of a coffee mug. It hasn't broken through the paintwork yet so doesn't notice at a quick glance. But I'm thinking about getting it sorted out one way or another. I've got a feeling this particular wing is a patent part (and not made from galvanised steel) because the application of underseal doesn't look as comprehensive as the other side and the fact that it is rusting.

My question therefore is it cheaper to:

a.) Get the wing repaired (rust cut out, welded and resprayed)
b.) Buy a good secondhand wing and get it resprayed and fitted
c.) Buy a new wing (fibreglass or steel?) and get it resprayed?

And if anyone knows a good place to get the work done in the UK near north London then I'd appreciate that too.

Cheers.

[MrTibbs]

Hi,

Sorry, this isn't from experience, but I've got a similar issue with my wings - Right hand one has a bit of bubbling a bit further back from where you describe, and both are going a bit ropey at the bottom.

When I've seen fibreglass wings on ebay they seem quite pricey.

If your car's a common colour like guards red you might be able to find a good second hand wing that wouldn't need painting (and you could fit it yourself easily enough so cut down the cost a bit). Otherwise, I'd be tempted to have a go at sanding it down and using a bit of rust converter and filler then spraying the area myself. Though it depends how good you are with the spraycan and how immaculate you want it to look I suppose.

The problem I have is my car's Maraschino red, which isn't very common, especially on 924s.

You could try James at "only 9". He's in Cheshire but he might have a wing for sale and he's cheaper than many of the Porsche breakers. I've bought things from him a couple of times and he's always helpful.

Not sure how much postage etc would cost though - the cheapest bet might be to repair yours either DIY or at a bodyshop.

Let us know what you find out - suspect I'll be making a similar decision soon.

Mike

[massive]

Originally Posted by MrTibbs

Hi,

Sorry, this isn't from experience, but I've got a similar issue with my wings - Right hand one has a bit of bubbling a bit further back from where you describe, and both are going a bit ropey at the bottom.

When I've seen fibreglass wings on ebay they seem quite pricey.

If your car's a common colour like guards red you might be able to find a good second hand wing that wouldn't need painting (and you could fit it yourself easily enough so cut down the cost a bit). Otherwise, I'd be tempted to have a go at sanding it down and using a bit of rust converter and filler then spraying the area myself. Though it depends how good you are with the spraycan and how immaculate you want it to look I suppose.

The problem I have is my car's Maraschino red, which isn't very common, especially on 924s.

You could try James at "only 9". He's in Cheshire but he might have a wing for sale and he's cheaper than many of the Porsche breakers. I've bought things from him a couple of times and he's always helpful.

Not sure how much postage etc would cost though - the cheapest bet might be to repair yours either DIY or at a bodyshop.

Let us know what you find out - suspect I'll be making a similar decision soon.

Mike

Is the wing as simple as removing the bolts along the bonnet edge, inside the wing near the door and the ones that attach it to the front valance?

[MrTibbs]

yeah, pretty much - I've taken one off my parts car eaily enough - the other's a bit trickier.

The main thing is taking it slowly and making sure you've got all the bolts out (and I think the factory underseal was over the top of the bolts so the ones just in front of the door might need to be uncovered).

I'm not sure if there's a list of bolts on clarks or here, if I get a chance this weekend (not sure if I'll be at my garage this weekend) I'll have a look at the one I have off the car and note down where all the bolts are - pretty sure there's one or more you have to raise the lights to get to; it's under the rubber strip I think.

The wing might also be attached to the valence with a bit of mastic type stuff so might need to be carefully prised off or disolve the mastic with something. The wings on my parts car are dead so after taking the bolts off I just tore it off as I only wanted better access to engine and suspension.

hope that helps - will try to make a list of bolts later.

Mike