Hi, just joined the forum after browsing the site a few times over the past few weeks looking for tips ready for when i get stuck into my first project!

I have recently bought a 1988 fiesta xr2, its in pretty good overall condition with only a small amount of work needed to pass the mot. However one front wing has rotted out the other has a few dents and has started to rot so the plan is to replace both outter front wings and the front pannel. I have started sorcing parts and tools, and im in the process of sorting out the garage ready.

In therory replacing these parts is fairly straight forward but im sure you all know your 80's fords and what I have potentualy let myself in for! basically i am prepared to have to repair/replace at least the inner wing top/mounting sections and possibly the battery tray ect due to the dreaded rot. First of all the plan is to remove the wings and front pannel, remove any surface rust with a grinder and chop out any rot, then take it from there.

As time is tight i want to remove as little as possible from the engine bay. A friend of mine tells me he just uses wet towels over the engine componets near wear he is working (grinding and welding) however I am usure about this advice especially for welding! how do you guys minimise the risk while grinding and welding around the engine bay?

Any thoughts, tips/advice or questions would be appreciated! and of course pics to follow shortly....

Thanks, Dan.