Front Wings and Headlight Bowls
Symptoms
The top of the front wings (fenders) rust badly, especially above the headlights and around the indicator lights. The headlight bowls themselves corrode from the inside.
Cause
Mud and water sit on the inner splash panels. No factory splash guards means years of damp crud eating through from the inside out. The headlight bowls are mild steel and live in a permanently damp environment.
Fix
Front wings are bolt-on, so replacement is straightforward.
New steel wings are available but pricey; plastic (polyester) reproductions are cheaper and won't rust.
Fit Locari-style inner splash screens immediately to prevent it happening again.
Headlight bowls can be replaced with cheap plastic items, they work fine and won't rot.
Know something we don't?
Owned a Volvo PV444 / PV544? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.
Submit an update