Wheel arch sealing

[M]

Yesterday I was reading about wheel arches rusting after the plastic extensions had been removed because the arches hadn't been 'sealed' afterwards.  I want to replace the two rear plastic arches on my 16v and wanted to know if the new ones need sealing back onto the body or anything.

What does it mean?  Any ideas?

M

[VWnut]

What that means is that when you refit the new ones, water can get between the arch and the body work and cause it to rust. When i swapped my arches around i used a clear silicone sealer around the top edge of the arch to keep rain out.

[modulater]

Yeah basically thats it. when you fit new ones you need to seal them to make sure that it wont be a water trap.

Also before you put your new rivets in be sure to add a little waxoyl and touch up any paint flaking around the holes.