Rear wheel arch replacement panel

[T4R]

I posted this originally in the "Technical" section but on reflection I probably should have posted it here...mods feel free to delete the original post

Yesterday I thought I would tackle a spot of what I thought was surface rust next to the plastic wheel arch extension on my 4Runner. I took the extension off to find most of the metal underneath had rusted away. It was not a total surprise to me as I've seen other 4Runners with this problem...but I was upset nonetheless!

How have people tackled this problem? Is a weld on panel available?

[budweiser]

someone posted this recently
http://toyotafiberglass.com/4runner_11.html

[KERRSURF]

Any decent panel shop will be able to build an arch back up so you can attach the extension.

[T4R]

someone posted this recently
http://toyotafiberglass.com/4runner_11.html

Yes, I saw that...wish I could take the car over there to Canada and get it sorted and no more wheel arch rust problems! :-)

I was hoping to weld on the arches myself, so I know it's been done thoroughly and the rust problem will then be under control. I can bash some bits of metal if need be and weld them on, but it's a time issue versus the peace of mind, knowing the job's been done properly.

How much do you think it is reasonable to pay for a body shop to make some arches up and weld them on? It doesn't have to be a completely perfect showroon job, but also not something that will just get the car through the MOT and then rust worse than before a few months later. Often when people weld bits on, they don't clean and protect the weld properly, particulary on the inside, where it's difficult to reach and apply rust prevention.

[wishbone]

Just cut an arch out from a rust free breaker - it will be decent thick metal not cheap aftermarket rubbish.