After reading several threads recently regarding rear wheel arch rot and that the rubber edging strips harbour muck and moisture, I removed mine today and cleaned a ton of the English countryside from my arches. Mine have no rot luckily but my question is, do the rubber edging serve any purpose? Shall I clean them and put them back on? Thanks in advance.

 

I think the original purpose is to prevent against stone chips, but as you've found out they are great at trapping moisture and crap which can lead to rot.

I just put a bit of hammerite around the back of the arches for peace of mind (extra protection) when I took mine off a couple of years ago, no issues.

 

Put them back..there for a reason to stop shot blasting from road grit,
just clean regular have them on the other Honda 1998 and still as new behind them as is my "S"
+ the spot welded area looks shit without
Or a future £500-£800 will be needed for arches and will never be the same as oem

 

Thanks guys, yeah I am trying to keep oem and I can see the spot welds. I might need to see I I can get some new ones, the ends of my rubber strips are fooked! Cheers!

 

Pro's and con's either way.

Fit them and they'll retain moisture

Don't fit them and dirt will lie there and retain moisture also.

Keep on top of cleaning the arches and you should be grand.

If you were to fit the seals again, smoother the inner arches with some marine proof grease.

 

fill them full of waxoyl or some such and refit them
No gap for moisture to get in