The Art of Improvisation: Repairing AE86 Arches with a Shopping Trolley - Juiceboxforyou

In the recent videos, Barry tackled the last absolute misery on the list for the 86, and it was none other than the arch work. Initially, the plan was to go in one direction, but as they progressed, it evolved into something entirely different. We ended up using shopping trolley pieces to rebuild the shape of the arch, which was an unexpected twist.

The right arch had some unsightly damage due to rolling, a common issue for AE86s, which causes the sealer to aggravate and moisture to get trapped between the panels, ultimately leading to rust. Meanwhile, the left side looked much better but had a nasty surprise hidden behind the stock arch’s pleasing shape. It turns out that the quarter panel had received mig welding many years ago, and the rust had rotted through on the inside.

Watching Barry work his magic was awe-inspiring. He devised a solution to rebuild the inner and outer arch on the left and the same process on the right. Although it was a tense few sessions spread out over a few months, I trusted Barry and his magic hands for metal, and it all worked out great, as it always does.

As a result, we’re left with inner arches that have a hilarious story and, most importantly are structurally sound, thanks to Barry’s incredible work. The photos from those few weekends are a testament to his skill, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to share them with you. Check them out below and enjoy!