Looking at pictures, it seems to be an integral part of the car, right along the roof to the A column, and then also including the bit that runs over the sill.

Assuming I could get one of these bits easy enough, how easy would it be for me to change it on mine? PS: No, I've not had a crash. :P

short , simple answer , a lot of work will be involved to get it on

cutting off the old panel , making the new panel fit , prep and painting etc , deffo a bodyshop job

Trying to get rid of the LPG filler J?

i agree with ric04vrs. it's a bit of a non-starter as a diy job... isn't easy drilling off all those welds

i agree with ric04vrs. it's a bit of a non-starter as a diy job... isn't easy drilling off all those welds

yeah, but remember what Jason's favourite tool is..

If he gets it off and then gets a body shop to re-fit it, sure he could save some cash there, or not?

Didn't Jase have a rust issue due to a possible previous repair??

I reckon your looking at best part of a grand at the bodyshop J for a rear panel replacement.

How about this as a cost-saving way of doing it:

?Take off existing quarter panel and ditch. With newly discovered abilities/tricks carefully remove 'new' one off a donor vehicle.

Take panel and car to a bodyshop for the proper fitting/painting.

Wouldn't that save on costs????

Just have a minor accident and claim off your insurance!

Just have a minor accident and claim off your insurance!

Or drive down the A5 in Northampton quite happily and wait for a learner driver to sideswipe you!

When my car went in, i questioned them about replacing this part, it wasnt very damaged on mine but looked like it might need replacing. All they said was, 'if that needs doing they will write it off i imagine', so must be a difficult and expensive job.

Replacment panel on a BMW couple (last shape) my friend was quoted

OK, fairy muff. Then it would be cheaper in the long run to just get the rust treated (properly this time ) and any spraying work done at the same time.

I just wondered how a like for like swap would work.

Jason, depending where the rust is, you could change just a section

Jason, depending where the rust is, you could change just a section

At the moment it's on the underside lip of the rear right wheelarch, but is starting to bobble the paintwork around it, just as it did the first time I realise it was bad. Had it treated over a year ago, but it must have been botched, or some contaminant got in while the wing was re-formed....

It's not spreading fast and I'm not worried - I just wondered if I could literally swap like for like, but as the bodywork is welded on (not bolted on like the front wing) I guess this would be really tough.

and if you dont get it done properly you end up with more point where rust can start.

Just how bad is the rust, a pic will help

Yup, there is only one permanent cure for rust, and that is to remove the section of affected metal and replace with new. Once rust has started its virtually impossible to stop, you can fix it as you did last year BUT it will come back just a case of when not if.

Jason, rust is like CANCER, cut it out!

It was supposed to have been cut-out last time. It's only just started to become slightly evident again. I will get it sorted no worries.