Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping profile/size

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Tue, 12/05/2015 - 23:32
Simon666
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Hi All So I have a 460 which I have managed to source some OEM arches for to replace the aftermarket fibreglass ones - good quality, but not original. I got some 4mm P section panel piping, but that is not going to work. Or more correctly that has not worked. So a question to the great and good is what profile would have originally being used. There is a very shallow rectangular recess set back about 4mm from the arch lip which might be for the original seal? Just to be clear this is to seal the irregular (especially if fitting second hand parts :-)) joint between the arch and the body panels.. Obviously therefor dramatically improving the aerodynamic efficiency of the G :-) I can source the piping and the choices (profiles from 4mm to 15mm) are P section (I know 4mm of this does not work as it ends up in the gap which can be over 4mm in places) or Tadpole or just a D section? Any idea what was originally used? I'm erring towards a close cell neoprene sized to fit in the 'grove' in the arch recess, but thought I'd ask. And alternative is a rubber vs PVC P section, but that's means a 6mm bead size.? Thanks in advance Simon.

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Tue, 12/05/2015 - 23:47
#1
Arnie
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

The seal strip is a c-section, with a bevelled  outer edge, which slots around the lip edge of the wheel arch. The fit between genuine wheel arch extensions and the body panels is normally very good, so just a thin seal strip is adequate. Note, however, that the first version of 460 wheel arch extensions were indeed fibre-glass.

 

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Wed, 13/05/2015 - 12:31
#2
Simon666
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...
Hi Arnie You live and learn with a G - never knew the early ones were Fibre-glass... mind you mine were definitely aftermarket as the bumper ends were/are the short version and for some reason one of the rears had odd drill holes - other than that the OEM one went straight on. The genuine ones I have have spent too long on another G I suspect so have moulded to it's front end - which may have had a bit of damage as both lower front edges show signs of the bumper endocarps having being pushed back and rubbing against the arch. Thanks for the info on the C section trim. I have got a good site for all sorts of this type of thing from when I had my 85 SL so will order something that looks more suitable than 4mm PVC P section and see how I get on. Ta Simon
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Wed, 13/05/2015 - 12:49
#3
Arnie
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

I don't think the seals strips are very expensive from a dealer.

 

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Wed, 13/05/2015 - 14:48
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cox.adrian
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

  STEYR /  PUCH  WHEEL ARCH SEAL  35 EURO INC TAX EACH

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Wed, 13/05/2015 - 16:46
#5
mgrays
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

C shaped, bought from dealer, not a perfect fit as it tends to roll where it turns corners but it hangs in there..

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Thu, 14/05/2015 - 04:09
#6
cox.adrian
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

 part 4608890698  the seals are NOT C shape THERE IS A FLAT EDGE THAT THE BOLTS GO THROUGH

   AND THE ROUND BEAD SITS ON TOP OF THE FENDER FLARE

    if you put the seals in warm / hot water you will not have a problem

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Thu, 14/05/2015 - 09:28
#7
neilmarton
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...

I didn't think they were "C" shaped either Adrian ! (my 460 has approx 5-6mm round bead and flat which is behind flare and bolted through)

 

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Fri, 15/05/2015 - 18:34
#8
Simon666
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Re: Wheel arch trim advice - what was the OEM panel piping ...
Hi all As usual thanks for the comprehensive replies.. €35 a side - if understand that right - is more than I paid for the arches :-)) This link shows the type of profile etc I was thinking of using and going down the rubber route - either P to Tadpole section, I suspect P might work better. http://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/shopping.asp?intDepartmentId=3 I actually found the one I used for the SL, which does more options in the rubber P section, thicker deeper tail without having to go to a massive head size, just having a bit of trouble relocating them in my bookmarks! I was thinking rubber vs PVC as the tail is thicker and can be bulked up if required for the arch to grip. I have noted Adrian's comment about the OEM version being held by the bolts as well, but given Depth of tail on this I'm going to need the arch lip to grip the tail as well. Well that's the current plan - the one I got before was 4mm tadpole with a 30mm tail in PVC. It's useless. Ta Simon
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