Rust issues in wheel arches

[chrispauling]

My '71 Traveller is mechanically sound and in roadworthy condition but it has significant rust (holes right through the metal) at the rear of all its wheel arches. The rust also spreads along the underframe at the back between the fuel tank and the valance. My query is how can I (if at all) remedy or repair the problem short of a full rear bodywork and underframe rebuild. The intention is not to make a show car - just to seal the holes and stop the problem worsening. Is (somewhat tricky) welding the solution?[/b]

[Willie]

Of course the rust in the wings is caused by the build up of road
dirt and mud which sits there for years in a wet state slowly rotting
through the metal. New wings are bolt on but the trouble is that
if and when you can unbolt them you find more horrors underneath.
All you can say is that good quality repair panels are available for
all the rust spots on the Minor, and you do have the option of fitting
fibreglass wings after necessary repairs which will.of course. not rust.
Otherwise you will have to use any protective coatings you fancy.
Everyone should hose down the inside of the wings regularly, especially
after each winter, you will be amazed by the amount of muck which
is washed out. If your rear chassis outriggers are holed around
the rear spring hangars then good repair sections are readily
available.

[chickenjohn]

Learn to weld and you will fear rust no more!!!

[rayofleamington]

Do you mean the rear wings (sometimes called arches) or actually the inner wing?
If the rear of the inner wing has holes this is an MOT fail and should be welded (it's classed as structural becuase it is within a short distance of the suspension mounting)
Welding up a rear inner wing is simple unless it is extensive corrosion as that may need the wood to come off to be repaired properly

[Cam]

Learn to weld and you will fear rust no more!!!

True, but you will fill your garden with 'projects'

[chrispauling]

A belated thanks to Willie, Chickenjohn, Rayofleamington and Cam for taking the time to reply to my rust queries. Willie, I'll explore some of the repair options you mention. You suggest that repair sections are readily available and I assume that you mean one can order them from Morris parts specialists. Several things I've come to realise with the Morris: it's very much a British car (this may sound funny, but I'm not British although living in London [is London British?]) and because all parts are replaceable and quite readily available, you can go on ad infinitum renewing and replacing as necessary, which is not necessarily the case with contemporary cars. Thanks again.

[Willie]

Yes if you obtain one of the catalogues you will see that all common
repair sections are available.