Front wing removal?

[Buzzark 0]

I've noticed I've got bits of rust developing on the lowest part of both front wings, the bit just above the sills.

I want to remove the front wings to get at the back and treat it properly but haven't looked what's involved yet.

Any tips on what's required to remove the wings and how long it takes?

I guess most of it comes down to how easy the bumper comes off on the mk3 golf, which I've never done.

Any advice to make it easier greatly appreciated!

[Buzzark 0]

lol - no answers, it's either stupidly easy or so difficult nobody talks about it.

Looking like I might be able to take next week off so I should be able to spend some time applying some TLC.

[duncs 0]

i have a similar issue with the driver's side front wing and need it off to sort out a dent, however only joy i've had so far is £350 for a bodyshop to do it so it'll stay dented for a while lol

[EmkayVR6 0]

Yep i got the same problem, drivers side has rusted right out, as soon as i took the plastic arch linin out i could see why, the mud had just clogged up right behind the plastic and rotted out the bottom of the arch, so i will be requlally take the plastic off and givin it a wash once i've sorted it

I think that the wing just bolts off (with a bit of pursausion) but i mite be wrong, will try and find out and let u know,

[cabrioman 6]

if they aint been off b4 they will porb have a sealant between the wing and the body which could be a pain to get off and then ull have a ugly bit under the wing when u refitt them that wont be painted .... body shop would be the best idea lads

[Buzzark 0]

Turned out the rust on mine was only surface rust. Ground it all out and treated what was there - had some issues with the crap Halfords paint I got though (poor quality) so I'll be repainting that.

The last time it went to a bodyshop they did more damage than it went in with and after refusing to take it 4 times, they got halfway close so I took it and corrected what they'd done myself.

Come to think of it, the last 5 bodyshops I've had do work (insurance) haven't been up to par.

Thnaks for the info on the sealant though. I'll bear that in mind for the future.

[EmkayVR6 0]

cheers cabrioman for lettin me know about the sealent probably would have been there scratchin my head wonderin why it wouldn't come off after i'd taken all the bolts out, lol

Gonna have a go myself due to cost and i love workin on my cars so might as well have a go,

[Phat VR6 3]

Its nice to see other people have rust on there dubs.

Not that i wish it one anyone but makes me feel alittle better about my rust on mine. Both wings, Rear archs, Sills and drain plug holes at the rear have rusted on mine. And a few spots one the chassie legs. Im getting the engine out and striping the hole lot down as its stressin me out.

My advise it dont look for it, Out of sight out of mind. Ive even thought about reshelling it!!!

[Buzzark 0]

I can't help it, I just see things - too observant!

This also goes for stuff round the house, tiles not straight door frames out of kilter, light switches not fitted square etc... *cough* done all the light switches since moving in though.

I'm a real rust hater though, I was gutted that mine wasn't galavnised. My mk2 was galvanised and the old brochure I had about the highline stated "fully galvanised steel shell" I don't get where that brochure was from but it obviously wasn't a UK one despite being in english.

[Phat VR6 3]

I think galvanised ones can still rust. If the galvanised layer gets damaged then the rust can start and spread underneath that.

Does anyone know how to tell if your models galvanised. I thought mine would be been a 1997 model. but prehapes not

[Buzzark 0]

If it's properly galvanised even if you break through the zinc it might creep a little bit but it'll be very limited.

[Steve_W 0]

I read somewhere on here that all Vr6's built after 95 were galvanised. *-)

Mines a 95 and i have the same problem.

[Phat VR6 3]

Ive just hurd that non of the mk3 of any age are galvanised.

I hurd that off VW brain from VW performance.

Best thing you can do if buy a mint one,

Even though the rust didnt look very bad atall on my rear archs ive ended up putting 2 new rear quaters on my car as the rust had traved past the lip, so it was just vissible. Because of this it made it hard to chop out the rust and fabricate new metal in there,

I would put new wings on if there rusty as rust returns

[Buzzark 0]

I'd forgotten about this thread.

I've since found out that the later mk3's are galvanised, at least in VW marketing speak..

They have a "galvanised coating" to the outer skins only of the body panels (front wings, doors, bonnet and boot lid)

I guess then it's some help against stone chips and scratches but being basically a sprayed on paint, it's not quite the same as a hot dipped Audi.

In the case of the front wings on mine it seems the previous owners thorough application of waxoil actually created a moisture trap as water didn't drain as it would normally actually increasing potential front wing rust issues.

A little slap in the face from irony there ;-)

I'll probably replace both front wings next year but until then the problem isn't too bad.