hello everyone - new member from south Devon -

just had my Barchetta MOT'd -disaster its failed due to excessive corrosion of the rear wheel arches from the rear seat belt anchorages to the suspension component mountings. What to do?? - it's far to nice a car to scrap. Does anyone have knowledge of availability of replacement panels or any suggestions of how to tackle.

That is sad news. Rear arches are prone to rustvas you well know.
I think you need to find someone that is prepared to do some serious welding work.
Barchetta parts.com do sell body sections have a look on there web site, here is a link to an example
.http://www.barchettaparts.com/catalog/index.php?route=product/product&path=23&product_id=781
Hope this helps.
Regards Dave M

My Barchetta is also in south Devon. Where do you get it serviced? Mines being mot'd next week

hello - nice to know there's another owner in the area. "Perfect Service" at Newton Abbot are good,as the proprietor- Peter, used to work on the cars so has good knowledge (they also have the kit to turn off the air bag warning light !) a rare piece of kit these days. They don't do MOTs though.

thanks Dave your reply appreciated

Ahh yes I was on the phone to him yesterday. He said he had one coming in today that needed the airbag light turning off as mines going in next week for a service and having to do the airbag light also.

Hi chaps,

I'm in Exeter so at least 3 of us in Devon. I use a mechanic over at Cullompton just off the M5 junction, young lad, Fiat trained, very good - MOT is across the yard from his unit.

I downloaded the Barchetta service manual, this has a section on body, how to replace sections, where to cut etc, you may find that of use.

Have you got a link to the service manual?

zutanoz said:

Have you got a link to the service manual?

Click to expand...

Had the link from Ikka, quite a big file so be warned. If you look on this thread, looks llke a few manuals to be had.

https://www.fiatforum.com/barchetta/310765-official-barchetta-service-manual.html
https://www.dropbox.com/s/bzhdtbagf35hbzm/FIAT Barchetta Service Manual.zip?dl=0

thanks Dave I'll have a look over the weekend - appreciate your response

pooch said:

hello everyone - new member from south Devon -

just had my Barchetta MOT'd -disaster its failed due to excessive corrosion of the rear wheel arches from the rear seat belt anchorages to the suspension component mountings. What to do?? - it's far to nice a car to scrap. Does anyone have knowledge of availability of replacement panels or any suggestions of how to tackle.

Click to expand...

Hi pooch, my Barchettta failed for passenger side rear wheel arch too. Doesn't sound as bad as yours though but it was close to seat belt mounting. This is a big job! I cut out all the rusty metal back to good, then assessed what i had to do. Wasn't aware of any available panels so made my own in about 3 sections and welded it to make a whole part. Replaced most of the upper wheel arch.Fitting is measure - check - measure - check etc. It is a diffucult area to work in for space and remember the proximity of the fuel tank! Was glad when it was over.
Strangely drivers side was fine with no corrosion.
Can't remember who it was but someone posted excellent pics of the same job on here.

many thanks Blackydog - does anyone know of the pics posted on the Forum of this work mentioned by Blackydog?? that would be very useful along with the info in the service manual mentioned by Dave-M

pooch said:

many thanks Blackydog - does anyone know of the pics posted on the Forum of this work mentioned by Blackydog?? that would be very useful along with the info in the service manual mentioned by Dave-M

Click to expand...

Better searching in google which will link back to forum.
https://www.fiatforum.com/barchetta/293601-rust-rear-arch-pics.html

many many thanks Blackydog - all I've got to do now is find someone willing to take it on. The pics will help a lot I'm sure in explaining whats involved.

Hi pooch, did you make any progress with this?

As well as the info posted on this forum in regards to rotten wheel arches, I found this by 'Stoocake' on Pistonheads. I am not sure about the etiquette in relation to other sites, so apologize if this isn't the done thing. It is an interesting read though. http://www.pistonheads.com/Gassing/...t+Barchetta++-+Pictures+and+Restoration&mid=0

That's a great thread - thanks for posting the link.

Intersted to know how the mot repairs are going...

Phil.

Have had the car inspected by a trusted & specialised person in the trade. Sadly unless I can source replacement inner arches for both sides, I am going to have to abandon the project. The car is too good to break I think, & is worthy of someone taking it on. I've done some research but replacement arches seem not to be be available now. I'll, be advertising it for sale in the hope someone out there wants one, as I did. The car is always liked by those who see it - it's a great shame they have this flaw - but hey its a 17 year old Fiat !