Front Wheel Arch Refurb - Questions

[GregorFuk]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Thats looking a lot better

[sailorbaz]

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,

[GregorFuk]

I have the before and after picks and I’d hope that if someone is going into that level of detail for inspection would know what accident damage looks like.

As part of this work I also have the anti rolls bars and brackets off for blasting and powder coating. I’ve also cleaned and painted all the oil cooler and power steering hard lines. I figure as these get older the ones that are actually used will require a change in mentality regarding their upkeep. Some fabric maintenance will be required and I’d rather do some simple DIY maintenance than leave things to rot. I’m hoping someone will value this approach years down the line.

[GregorFuk]

Almost back together now. Just waiting to get my anti-roll bars and their mounting brackets back from powder coating. I'll be refitting them with new drop links all round and Powerflex Black Series bushings.

[Chad]

[quote=GregorFuk;199258]I have the before and after picks and I’d hope that if someone is going into that level of detail for inspection would know what accident damage looks like.

As part of this work I also have the anti rolls bars and brackets off for blasting and powder coating. I’ve also cleaned and painted all the oil cooler and power steering hard lines. I figure as these get older the ones that are actually used will require a change in mentality regarding their upkeep. Some fabric maintenance will be required and I’d rather do some simple DIY maintenance than leave things to rot. I’m hoping someone will value this approach years down the line.[/

......Looking good mate, better to kill that pesky tinworm before the infestation gets a grip