Dirt Trap Rust Potential

clf · 17th July 2016, 21:13

This has been discussed previously, but I cannot find the thread, but whilst checking behind the plastic arch protectors, I thought I should remove the cover that protects the fuel return pipes. I did shear off a bolt, hopefully this will allow less dirt to catch anyway. You most likely will encounter rusted solid nuts, so plenty of penetrating fluid and wire brushing (WD40 probably will work for this, as you are just cleaning the threads to allow the removal of the nuts).

Behind this cover I found lots of muck, I mean literally in places, filled with it! Some heavy surface rust on the body behind the muck, would no doubt, become disastrous with time.

This is what I found

A scrub with a wire brush, was all that was really needed in my case, but it would be a good idea if you have a few hours to check it out and give it a clean.

David Lawrence · 18th July 2016, 05:21

Here's one after a touch up.

And as a work in progress

RogerHeinz57 · 18th July 2016, 07:02

Good point made here, I have cleaned out both the front wheel arch liner covered areas & that was incredible to witness what was living behind them inside the rear part of the wing. All cleaned and protected prior to re-assembly. I have yet to attend to the rears, but out of all the highly polished examples of these cars - I wander how many really have been looked at in this way to give a fighting chance in the future ?
My car is old and by no means show material, but solid reliable and cared for since my ownership. It has stood up really well and this car is truly a dream to own and drive.
Well done for bringing this one to our attention and hope others may take it as an important part of preservation alongside other areas often ignored.

JohnH.

HarryM1BYT · 18th July 2016, 07:57

I am surprised that cover wasn't made from plastic.

zedhed · 18th July 2016, 08:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

I am surprised that cover wasn't made from plastic.

They ain't that clever

clf · 18th July 2016, 08:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryM1BYT

I am surprised that cover wasn't made from plastic.

I wondered this myself, only reason I can think would be that they cover the fuel return pipes to the fuel cooler. although, that begs the question, why not behind the arch, it comes through a hole in the arch.

17th July 2016, 21:13	#1
clf This is my second home MG ZT CDTi Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: carrick Posts: 7,859 Thanks: 3,494 Thanked 2,657 Times in 1,973 Posts	Dirt Trap Rust Potential This has been discussed previously, but I cannot find the thread, but whilst checking behind the plastic arch protectors, I thought I should remove the cover that protects the fuel return pipes. I did shear off a bolt, hopefully this will allow less dirt to catch anyway. You most likely will encounter rusted solid nuts, so plenty of penetrating fluid and wire brushing (WD40 probably will work for this, as you are just cleaning the threads to allow the removal of the nuts). Behind this cover I found lots of muck, I mean literally in places, filled with it! Some heavy surface rust on the body behind the muck, would no doubt, become disastrous with time. This is what I found A scrub with a wire brush, was all that was really needed in my case, but it would be a good idea if you have a few hours to check it out and give it a clean. __________________ It is not gloss primer .............. it is duct tape silver!

18th July 2016, 07:57	#4
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	I am surprised that cover wasn't made from plastic. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

18th July 2016, 05:21	#2
David Lawrence This is my second home Rover 75 CDT-2001 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Wrexham, North Wales Posts: 3,606 Thanks: 195 Thanked 606 Times in 501 Posts	Here's one after a touch up. And as a work in progress

18th July 2016, 07:02	#3
RogerHeinz57 I really should get out more....... A Reasonably Priced Car Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Burton Latimer Posts: 2,530 Thanks: 408 Thanked 1,064 Times in 712 Posts	Good point made here, I have cleaned out both the front wheel arch liner covered areas & that was incredible to witness what was living behind them inside the rear part of the wing. All cleaned and protected prior to re-assembly. I have yet to attend to the rears, but out of all the highly polished examples of these cars - I wander how many really have been looked at in this way to give a fighting chance in the future ? My car is old and by no means show material, but solid reliable and cared for since my ownership. It has stood up really well and this car is truly a dream to own and drive. Well done for bringing this one to our attention and hope others may take it as an important part of preservation alongside other areas often ignored. JohnH.