andy2000

Going to see if I can get the crash bar off this morning, it doesn't look too bad but will need a coat of paint.

Nottm_S2

use lots of penetrating fluid and care, those bolts snap easy

andy2000

Came off just fine.
Just one bolt started rounding a bit, all rest came with a little WD40 and brute force. Will need to replace them all.

Deleted03.15

Its always struck me how that rear crash bar thing seems poorly designed/fitted if you like, it traps a serious amount of stones along with rotting, tugging the bottom number plate moulding I get a deluge of debris dropping on the floor...

andy2000

Its horrendous under there. I've spent a big chunk of the afternoon removing huge tar globs from inside of the bumper. Rust seems to be mostly surface,, nothing a spray of hammerite won't sort out.
Unfortunately it's revealed the true extent of the rot starting to get into the rear arches and also the exhaust hangers that I'm terrified to poke with a stick in case they disintegrate. A job being done in the nick of time I think...

Nottm_S2

the rear bumper is a bad gravel trap. a diffuser as santenay mentioned could def help

Santenay

I try and do pro-active maintenance, the brake calipers are showered with all kinds of road debris so I had them refurbished and painted before they were a problem, the same with the geo bolts. When I wash the car I wash the wash the wheel arches ensuring that the area around the rubber trim on the rear arches are clean, I have sprayed inside the rubber trim with grease to help protect the arches. I also wash underneath the car along with other things to try and keep the car in good order. Last year due to health problems we did less than 500 miles and I thought about selling it. fortunately for me the guy was more interested in the colour than the low mileage and condition of the car. I have lots of plans for the car this year, just waiting for the wheels to come back and the rear wheel arch liners to arrive.

Nottm_S2

dont flog it, worst case is its appreciating a little if you continue to look after it like that

DaveUK

I used some tiger seal and glued it on. Similar stuff that they use to stick cars together I think. Not ideal if you want to remove it in the future, but hey ho.