wheel arch replacement...

[minimans]

To me as a professional restorer I think what you got is a job done to a budget maybe the budget was not there for the quality of work you were expecting? But as long as the welding was done to a good standard it looks like an expectable job. If you spend a bit of time with a grinder and hammer and dolly it will look a lot better. I guess I'm trying to say is you got what you paid for which is fine if you weren't expecting the perfect job.

[smithyrc30]

Without power that is a problem I would think.
Many garages a few years back were charging £500 to do sills alone on a Mini.

That might still be true. I just paid UKP2000 to have the sills removed and repaired on my son's Focus RS.

I left him to sort out a shop he felt comfortable with after showing him good and bad welds and good and bad body preparation. I think he rejected 8 or 9 places before he found one that was prepared to show him other 'work in progress' and take pictures of the job throughout.

From the pictures I have seen they did do a good job. Can't be too careful with a 145mph rocket...

[cheesebadger]

Thanks for all the replies, I am a little happier now.

I'm still not 100%, but it seems like I can still end up with a good end product.

Keep your eyes open for my project thread...

[mikep]

Thanks for all the replies, I am a little happier now.

I'm still not 100%, but it seems like I can still end up with a good end product.

Keep your eyes open for my project thread...

I think the problem comes from following threads on here by professional restorers or talented amateurs where the budget for panels is more than your total spend.
Some panels on yours have been repaired not replaced as in other projects, the work is journeyman type stuff with less than brilliant welding but perfectly acceptable non the less.
Personally I would generally rather see less grinding on repairs as, if the panels are not perfectly level, then one will have the parent metal ground out somewhat especially with electric welding as many over grind to take out the undercut.
Some of the 'wonderful' restorations I have seen over the years have had so much cosmetic grinding as to leave the panel tissue thin (blued). What's better a proud weld or an overground one? One looks good the other is stronger, you pays your money I suppose.

[Andrew1967]

That's very true Mike.

There is a fine line between the two and it's a case of knowing when to stop, before you compromise the welding and weaken the surrounding metal.