Front Wheel Arch Refurb - Questions

GregorFuk · 02-01-2017, 11:46 PM

So as is the norm this time of year the CSL is up on jack stands and I’m chipping away at little DIY projects. This year I want to clean and repaint the front wheel arches. I had an extended floor pan repair by Redish last year so the rear arches are looking minty fresh but the fronts are in poor shape with a lot of paint missing and exposed metal.

So far I’ve degreased and cleaned up the arches as much as I can but I really need to remove all fixtures and fittings before I begin rust treatment and painting. And I have a couple of questions.

I need to disconnect the brakes lines so I can paint the bracket that the sit on. I really I’d like to disconnect the hard lines and cap them to stop brake fluid leaving the reservoir and pi$$ing everywhere. Does anybody have any idea where I could find caps?

Alternatively I could brake the lines, move them clear of the bracket then remake the joint. That will let me paint the bracket. Which brings me to another question….What type of spanner do I need for the fitting on the bottom of the brake line, shown in the pic below? I’ve never seen anything like it before.

Lastly. I’d like to remove the little plastic box the pad wear cables etc sit in. How are these remove is there a trick or do you simply get in behind them and wedge them out.

Cheers

Gregor

**alexk** · 03-01-2017, 08:01 AM

hi

You can tap the brake lines by simply using a plastic tube and then bend it in the end and zip tie it.
If this makes no sense, I can post a photo tonight.

Also, there is no special spanner needed.
Notice the 2 ends of the pipe, you can slide a spanner right in.

Monkey · 03-01-2017, 07:28 PM

If you can find a rod/piece of wood, wedge it between the drivers seat and slide it forward until you depress the brake pedal slightly. This will stop the fluid escaping, even if you have the hoses disconnected.

An alternative to capping them off

GregorFuk · 19-01-2017, 12:30 AM

A few progress picks for those that are interested.

Cleaned, degreased and ready for paint.

Two coats of POR 15 in, one to go.

**Mark CSL** · 19-01-2017, 11:20 AM

Thats looking a lot better

sailorbaz · 20-01-2017, 10:05 AM

Great work mate, and excellent attention to details. Something which I don't disagree on however, my only concern would be upon inspection when selling the car, you might raise questions asking if the car has been involved in an accident, even minor.

A devils advocate of me, and I understand entirely where you're coming from and why you're doing it, I would like to do mine at some point too, looking forward to seeing the final result mate,

02-01-2017, 11:46 PM	#1
GregorFuk S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 318 Casino cash: $11097	Front Wheel Arch Refurb - Questions So as is the norm this time of year the CSL is up on jack stands and I’m chipping away at little DIY projects. This year I want to clean and repaint the front wheel arches. I had an extended floor pan repair by Redish last year so the rear arches are looking minty fresh but the fronts are in poor shape with a lot of paint missing and exposed metal. So far I’ve degreased and cleaned up the arches as much as I can but I really need to remove all fixtures and fittings before I begin rust treatment and painting. And I have a couple of questions. I need to disconnect the brakes lines so I can paint the bracket that the sit on. I really I’d like to disconnect the hard lines and cap them to stop brake fluid leaving the reservoir and pi$$ing everywhere. Does anybody have any idea where I could find caps? Alternatively I could brake the lines, move them clear of the bracket then remake the joint. That will let me paint the bracket. Which brings me to another question….What type of spanner do I need for the fitting on the bottom of the brake line, shown in the pic below? I’ve never seen anything like it before. Lastly. I’d like to remove the little plastic box the pad wear cables etc sit in. How are these remove is there a trick or do you simply get in behind them and wedge them out. Cheers Gregor

03-01-2017, 08:01 AM	#2
alexk Driving it like I nicked it Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,784 Casino cash: $29969	hi You can tap the brake lines by simply using a plastic tube and then bend it in the end and zip tie it. If this makes no sense, I can post a photo tonight. Also, there is no special spanner needed. Notice the 2 ends of the pipe, you can slide a spanner right in. __________________ www.clubcsl.com - I am a BMW Motorsport fan ! My youtube channel is here

19-01-2017, 11:20 AM	#5
Mark CSL CSL Register Uber-poster! Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 8,777 Casino cash: $42229	Thats looking a lot better __________________ www.procarkits.co.uk

03-01-2017, 07:28 PM	#3
Monkey S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: May 2013 Location: Haywards Heath Posts: 266 Casino cash: $7387	If you can find a rod/piece of wood, wedge it between the drivers seat and slide it forward until you depress the brake pedal slightly. This will stop the fluid escaping, even if you have the hoses disconnected. An alternative to capping them off

19-01-2017, 12:30 AM	#4
GregorFuk S5 - Full Throttle Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 318 Casino cash: $11097	A few progress picks for those that are interested. Cleaned, degreased and ready for paint. Two coats of POR 15 in, one to go.