Can This Front Arch Bolt Be Removed?

[Arwing 3 1 Cars]

I'm in the process of trying to fit some mud flaps. I have noticed a bolt in just the right place in the front wheel arches (see pics). However, i can't for the life of me undo it. Plus it seems to have some grey stuff around it.I've heard the 205 is "glued together"... is this some of that glue? It does actually cover the bolt head a little on one side, so i can't even get a socket around it.

 

Didn't want to force it as i know how easily they snap (just changed bonnet over). Any advice on these bolts or fitting front flaps without drilling appreciated.

 

Cheers,

Matt

 

[Clapton_Is_God 21 1 Cars]

That bolt looks like the bolt that holds the tang of the front wing. I believe it is also the bolt that needs to be removed in order to fit the mud flap, at least it was when I did mine.

 

If I remember correctly it screws into an insert / rivnut and the glue over it is the factory under seal. You'll need to remove that.

 

As with any bolt on an old car you run the risk of snapping it. Take your time, work it back and forth and give it a go. I was able to fit a new rivnut on mine on one side and had to weld a nut to a washer and then weld the washer to the inner wing on the other.

 

Good luck!

[farmer 328 1 Cars]

When I did mine the nut was like brand new and undone with ease.

[Clapton_Is_God 21 1 Cars]

Here's a picture of the inner wing.

 

At the bottom you can see what the bolt screws in to.

[mowflow 67]

From the factory the wing is held on with glue/seam sealer/tiger seal type stuff plus bolts (along the top, 2 behind the bumper, 1 from the footwell out through the wing and that bolt). That bolt holds the bottom of the wing but there's so much sealer that if you remove it the wing won't budge. In fact, you can remove all the bolts and that wing won't shift.

 

That bolt comes out and goes through the bracket of the mudflaps to attach them to the arch. It looks like someone has given that area of your wing a going over with some grey stripe. All that visible grey sealer isn't normal, it should be body colour. I'd hit that with a wire brush, get a bit of plus gas on it then come back a few hours later and that bolt will come out no bother.