Discovery 2 Wheel Arch Rust

I have discovered a rusty patch behind the front wheel arch liner. The plastic liner is a terrible design that seems to trap dirt and rust behind the liner.
My question is what should be done to remedy this? How can I stop the rust? Is it hard to replace the panel? Is there any long term fixes for this design flaw?

Gingerbread said:

I have discovered a rusty patch behind the front wheel arch liner. The plastic liner is a terrible design that seems to trap dirt and rust behind the liner.
My question is what should be done to remedy this? How can I stop the rust? Is it hard to replace the panel? Is there any long term fixes for this design flaw?
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The place you really need to look at is the rear of the wheel arch where it joins the bulkhead, that is a serious rustrap!
I've just had to have both sides on mine done!
It's steel it rusts, it is a simple as that.
Give it a good clean then treat it with a good rust treatment substance containing phosphoric acid. See where that leaves you. You may be able to get away with just painting it but if it is seriously thin or perforated you may need to get pathses welded in
I have no idea if there are replacement panels, but if there are you could just put new ones on.
Best of luck

As @Stanleysteamer said! Check the area between the arch and bulkhead? On both sides, you will need to move away the dampener to view the area??

As for panels? Have a look at eBay? As there are some on there for numerous prices

Also we have both just done welding around those areas.

Kev

I did mine last winter, both sides. But only these areas where the floor meets the bulkhead. Relatively easy place to do, just have to remove the floor mat inside and protect the wire harness from heat.

That's a very neat job. Is that red oxide primer you used? I never know which id best. zinc etch or red oxide.
Mine in the bulkhead area is sound with no rust. Jus the area behind the plastic liner near the abs pump. I'll take some more photos tomorrow.

Another question: what is the best coating to use in the wheel well? I feel I need the thickest and most chip resistant coating product. What is the thick gummy stuff used by the factory?

Yes the red is some kind of oxide primer. It says it prevents rust to advance, when applied to metal. I have been using it as a primer to the bare steel after doing welding. On top is just multiple layers of rock chip preventive spray.

Both of these products are spesific for my location in Finland, so there's probably no benefit to share links to the products. Unless you live here too