mk2 golf - arch issues

[d_johnson]

hi, I'm new to this forum, but have been reading it for a while now and need some trusty advice!

i have a '91 driver with 8x15 et25 wheels, 195/45/15 tyres, [origional ride height]

the front is fine, no rubbing.....however the rear sidewalls rub on the lip of the arch.

different people have told me different things:
1) cut the metal where it rubs
2) spend lots of money getting a bodyshop to do it properly
3) get rid of the wheels!! (which I'm NOT doing as they were a gift!!)

my question/idea:
allthough 'sports' suspension would be automatically 30mm+ lower, would the stiffer setup compensate for this and more, therefore eliminating the problem?  the other possability was to get 'sports' suspension, then a distancing kit - surely this would allmost definitely solve the problem???

any suggestions much appreciated!!    cheers.

[Dizzie]

DON'T cut the lip off. this creates a razor sharp edge that is dying to murder your tyres the first chance it gets!

If you're intending on keeping the plastic arches on the outside then I think you should try and fold back the lip yourself. The arch on the outside will hide any imperfections you'll make.

The idea is to fold that lip up into the arch giving more clearance. make sure you clean out the lip inside before you start. then using a small hammer and a block of wood tap the lip up. put the wood on the outside to stablise the hits. As you'll be removing the points that the plastic rivets to you'll need to bond the top of the arch to the wing. Windscreen sealer is good for this and costs about £5. Scuff up the inside so it's rough then it'll hold a lot better. I lost so many arches before I did that and afterwards they never came off again.

You'll also have to remove the 'sh!t guards' from inside the wings, but this'll give you more clearance again. I'll be doing my arches soon.

[Agreeable Slick]

also cutting can mean you risk going through the skins. Which will mean you need to re-seam weld them back up.