Rusty wings, sort before rust or leave alone?

[PT82]

Hi guys. Would like some imput please.

I have had my car a week or so and the wings are fine, no rust at all, it's a 57 plate with 32k.
Would you suggest I take the sponges out the wings, trim the inner arches, inspect and treat the inside according to the VW PDF before any potential issues? Or leave well alone and hope to claim 100% free warranty claim should the problem rears it's ugly head in the future? Obviously if I remove and cut things my warranty claim will be void.

Third owner, FSH, not main dealer.

[lukemk5gti]

What vw pdf is this?

[Nodz]

It's one detailing the investigation process of the "warranty" claim. It actually goes through as a good will gesture not warranty.

Basically they sand back the rust and see if it can be repaired or if new wings are required. The worse it is the more likely it is to disintegrate and you getting new wings. I believe VW have stopped doing it FOC and now go for 70/30 (you pay the 30%).

Mine was FVWSH at the time of my claim but sue to European ruling they cannot penalise you for have non main dealer service history as long as genuine parts have been used.

Personally I would leave it until it appears because, as you point out, if you alter anything and it appears you then have to sort it.

[chris-182]

Hi had my wings replaced 100% under warranty last week on my 05 plate GTI

[Mk5Dom]

Just my 50 pence....

Volkswagen replaced mine around a year ago and I wasn't aware they wouldn't be blended. In different angles and daylight you can see the colour difference.

With this in mind, if I was in your position I'd remove the foam.


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[Matthewsimone]

Where are these foams located please?
Want to remove mine as no rust and dont like idea of paint etc

[lukemk5gti]

Where are these foams located please?
Want to remove mine as no rust and dont like idea of paint etc

Just inside the wheel arch. You need to remove the mud guard around the arch and its right at the top of the arch!

[PT82]

Thanks for your views guys. I think I am swaying towards the removal of the sponge, trim the arch liners, treat and tape the inside of the existing inside arch and hope for no rust issues. Especially if the wings aren't replaced unless shagged and not being blended anyway!