The rear wings on the DS saloons are easily removed with one bolt at the rear, which is the same 19mm socket size as the wheel nuts, and secured at the front by two pegs that locate into rubber mounts in the wing closing panel. The reason behind the simplicity is obvious to DS owners who have ever removed a rear wheel as the wing has to be removed first. Even in the high suspension position there is insufficient clearance to remove the wheel with the wing in place.
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| O/S/R wing showing securing bolt (the big hole is for the rear reflector) |
The closing panel with its seal that sits against the c-post was a trap for road dirt and moisture and hence severe corrosion was inevitable due to the lack of modern rust proofing techniques.
Fortunately replacement rear wings are available from the clever Dutch people, however, they are quite expensive. Alternatively, there are repair panels made for the common corrosions areas, providing the rest of the wing is in sound condition this is a viable solution.
On the Pallas models additional trims and door rubbing strips were fitted, which looked nice, but created water traps and surface corrosion which now needs treating.
The next 5 photos show the extent of the corrosion and bad previous repairs.
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| Corrosion around inside lower mount near support brace |
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| Corrosion around inside top mount |
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| Corrosion around outside top mount |
The photo below shows the location of the rubber seal that sits against the c-post and the tabs that secure the seal between the wing and rear door, both seals have long gone but replacements are available.
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| Corrosion around outside lower mount |
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| Corrosion around inside support brace |
After carefully measuring the original dimensions of the wing, cutting out the corroded areas can begin, this has been scribed to the repair panel which will be joggled underneath the cut. The next photos show the original dimensions and you can also see the surface corrosion caused by water being trapped in the trims and rubbing strips.
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| Bottom dimension |
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| Top dimension |
After a rough cut close to the scribe line with air shears I finished off with hand held tin snips, I find these more accurate and leave a better cut without distorting the metal. Care also has to be taken around where the support brace is welded in place.
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| Top of rear wing cut away |
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| Bottom of rear wing cut away |
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| Inside of rear wing cutaway avoiding support brace |
After cutting back to good metal the paint and underseal is removed and the repair panel is offered up for a trial fit. Keeping to the original dimensions the panel is clamped in place and secured with Cleco fasteners.
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| Bottom of repair panel in palce |
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| Top of repair panel |
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| Location of support brace which will be plug welded to the repair panel |
Cleco fasteners allow a temporary but secure solution to join two pieces of sheet metal together. They allow a trial fit and make any fine adjustments before being permanently welded in place.
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| Rear wing in place to check the fit and shut line against the rear door |
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| Here you can see the plastic pegs on the c-post supporting the front of the wing |
That's all for now, next step is to weld the panel in place... updates to follow.
