Anyone know what these are about (on a Mk2 saloon)?

Under the black plastic arch trim there are three deformations, obviously factory made. They're dented inwards on the wheel arch side and stand proud towards the filler cap. Are they some kind of strengthening? Would smoothing them out hurt anything? (The bodywork is double-skinned at this point).

i think they are supposed to have holes in for the arch spats to clip into?

should be fine to smooth out tho mate, go for it!!!

I thought only the later spanish cars had these - as J said,they usually have holes in and are the anchorage points for stone-chip protectors/spats on the later cars.

If its the same on the other side,and yours is a very late MK2,its probable they used the new pressings before the face lifted car.

If not,its possible you car had an accident or corrosion,and the panel was replaced with a later one.

Otherwise,i dont know.

OK, thanks, makes sense. So it's either smooth them out or invest in a pair of Derby or Mk1 Golf quarter-spats - could look OK. I've taken all the plastic off but I think she looks better with the rub strips left on. Pics when completed.

My -92 Mk2 2F has them too. I'd like to run it with out strips, but those make it look ugly, so have see if the old and ugly-a**-painted strips can be fix back to life again.