Rust in car wheel wells is a common problem, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions. If left unattended, it can lead to significant structural damage. Fortunately, there are effective repair methods you can employ. One such method, particularly useful when dealing with missing flanges or weakened metal, involves using a flange strip. This approach offers a robust and practical solution for restoring the integrity of your wheel wells.
A flange strip is essentially a 90-degree metal bend, often custom-fabricated to fit the contours of your wheel well. Creating this strip typically involves pie cutting or using shrinking and stretching tools to shape the metal. Once formed, the flange strip is plug-welded into place. This technique is highly effective for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the rust issue directly by replacing or reinforcing the corroded metal. Secondly, it creates a more protected and easily sealed seam compared to the original factory construction, enhancing the longevity of the repair. Finally, it provides comparable structural strength to the original design, ensuring the wheel well can withstand normal road stresses.
The flange strip method is versatile enough to be used in various rust repair scenarios. It is particularly beneficial when dealing with repairs where original reference points have been lost, such as in extensive floor pan or trunk pan replacements. In such cases, maintaining alignment and preventing sagging during repair is crucial. Using a flange strip, especially along the inner side of the wheel well, helps to re-establish the correct positioning. By temporarily screwing the flange strip into place, utilizing the remnants of the original rusted panel as a guide, you ensure that the new replacement panel sits exactly where it should.
For complex repairs, particularly those involving the wheel well to tray brace, it’s essential to consider temporary support to prevent misalignment during the process. Disconnecting these braces without proper support can lead to sagging, especially when combined with panel removal. Therefore, when undertaking extensive rust repair on your car wheel well, employing a flange strip can simplify the process, improve the quality of the repair, and contribute to the long-term durability of your vehicle.
