Forest arches...how to attach them

[preacherman]

Got some fibreglass forest arches coming for the mk2 escort 4 door 

How do you fit them. Are they bonded on, riveted or something else. Not to bothered if rivet or fixing heads can be seen.

Going on a 4 door so the rear arches will need some work.

 

Neil

[preacherman]

Like this

[BaileyMex]

Forest Arches!!! cor that takes me back

I had Forest Arches on my old MK2 Sport way back in the day, I think that photo has Tarmac Arches, as the rear arch comes above the swage line, From memory Forest Arches sit just below the swage line - could be wrong as it was a very long time ago (pic not mine - just for reference)

I think I cut the arch and pop riveted them on, then smoothed over the heads

[katana]

1 hour ago, BaileyMex said:

I had Forest Arches on my old MK2 Sport way back in the day, I think that photo has Tarmac Arches, as the rear arch comes above the swage line, From memory Forest Arches sit just below the swage line - could be wrong as it was a very long time ago (pic not mine - just for reference)

I think I cut the arch and pop riveted them on, then smoothed over the heads

Wouldn't it be the other way around - higher arches to account for greater suspension travel?

As regards fixing - its whatever you are happy with / can tolerate looking at LOL! PK screws, Rivets, Panel bonding glues, or Fibreglass, PK screws are a PITA as you will ALWAYS catch your wrist on a sharp point doing anything in the wheel well ! ! !

[Miniliteman]

As said, forest arches below the swage line, tarmac arches above. Monte Carlo arches also above but wider.

Alloy arches (like red car) are normally pop-riveted on, plastic / fibreglass arches (like blue car) normally bonded on.

[BaileyMex]

2 hours ago, katana said:

Wouldn't it be the other way around - higher arches to account for greater suspension travel?

As regards fixing - its whatever you are happy with / can tolerate looking at LOL! PK screws, Rivets, Panel bonding glues, or Fibreglass, PK screws are a PITA as you will ALWAYS catch your wrist on a sharp point doing anything in the wheel well ! ! !

Think the tarmac ones are bigger to accommodate wider and bigger wheels

Forest would still be running modest 13" wheels I think

[Miniliteman]

5 hours ago, BaileyMex said:

Think the tarmac ones are bigger to accommodate wider and bigger wheels

Forest would still be running modest 13" wheels I think

Correct. Forest cars would normally have upto 7 inch rims plus higher suspension. Tarmac cars upto 9 inch rims and lowered suspension so more room needed. The Monte Carlo cars had upto 11.5 inch rims. Modern arched Escorts had front arches also above swage line to accomodate 15 inch rims. (McRae Escort)

[DT36]

My first Escort, 1300 Sport had Forest Arches fitted. Never got a picture of it though after having them done. 

I had 7" rims on it with 205 tyres. Standard axle with spacers. Looked really good. 

I know the guy that fitted them definitely trimmed the original arches away to allow for the wider wheels and suspension travel. I'm assuming that the rears would also need welding where the arch to tub is cut away. 

Was about 34 years ago and if I remember, the whole job and complete paint cost me £500.

[BaileyMex]

Similar.

I rattle canned mine satin black as I couldn't afford a paint job.

It had 8" banded Lotus steels, hand painted white, and slammed, it was a beast 🤣