Author Topic: how do i fit wheel arches?  (Read 1169 times)

Offline vwjack

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how do i fit wheel arches?
« on: 21 April 2007, 18:33 »
Like I have said im new to the vw scene and I have to say having a vw is so awesome. But that’s not the point im having problems on how to change my wheel archers I got it with the big bumper wheel arch on the back and now I have the front and back small bumper arches how do I fit them and what will I need please help.thanks.

Offline ScottMk2Gti16v

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #1 on: 25 April 2007, 16:36 »
Not entirely sure about fitting wheel arches to your car, as ones that are meant to have them have holes for pop rivets to go into that hold it to the car. Some also use a sealer when fixing it on. Drilling holes in the arch is probably something you need to make sure and get done properly if it comes to it, that's if it's a good idea at all - maybe someone else can confirm.

Anyway, you might want to have a look through some of the posts I've been involved in before. Ignore anything about not being able to find a wheel arch - you can order then from a VW dealer. I always chose to do that rather than get another make.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=47912.0
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=48344.0
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49125.0

Offline vwjack

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #2 on: 25 April 2007, 20:28 »
thanks mate for the help i dont know what 2 do so ill just have a look and see. im fitting new front ones do i have to make new holes or something. how do the back ones come off.

Offline vwjack

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #3 on: 25 April 2007, 20:47 »
oh the back ones are holded on by rivets do they just pull out.

Offline ScottMk2Gti16v

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #4 on: 01 May 2007, 13:12 »
Just so we're clear - your wanting to fit plastic arches to a model of Golf that did NOT originally have arch trim?  i.e. there are no holes at all already in the arch?

Whatever is happening you can't just pull the rivets out - they are pop rivets - the need to be put in using a special tool (simple, but special). When they go in they 'pop' or in other words explode outwards inside the arch, kind of like a fish hook effect, easy to go in, impossible to come out - you'll have to drill any old ones out carefully.

Offline g@un

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #5 on: 02 May 2007, 10:45 »
Just out of interest, whats the best drill bit to use for removing the rivets?

Just a standard 4mm bit and lots of patience? :smiley:
1997 Golf GTI 16v
2004 Seat Leon TDI SE 130

Offline vwjack

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Re: how do i fit wheel arches?
« Reply #6 on: 06 May 2007, 01:39 »
did mine with a 5 mm i would say 4 or 5 mm maybe smaller.