Found hidden damage prepping for paint. Need guidance.

[phenryiv1]

I found the damage below as I prepped my '89 325iC for paint. I was aware of damage to the front fender (it was replaced with one of a different color) but it did not look like there was any damage behind the sheet metal. A few fasteners later, I found this:











In intend to have this repaired when I get the car painted but I want to know what is the RIGHT way for it to be repaired? That way when the body shop tells me their strategy I can be educated on how the repair should be done and discuss it intelligently with them.

Thank you in advance.

[nrubenstein]

The "right" way to repair that is to drill out the spot welds and replace the panel.

In reality, you could either splice in a piece, or just bend it back.

[UNHCLL]

The "right" way to repair that is to drill out the spot welds and replace the panel.

In reality, you could either splice in a piece, or just bend it back.

Since that is part of the front unibody structure, you should have a competent frame shop pull and straighten the front of the car. That is an easy pull, and does not require replacing the upper structure.

-Chris

[E30_Pare]

Since that is part of the front unibody structure, you should have a competent frame shop pull and straighten the front of the car. That is an easy pull, and does not require replacing the upper structure.



-Chris

This.


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[BlackSpeed66]

Since that is part of the front unibody structure, you should have a competent frame shop pull and straighten the front of the car. That is an easy pull, and does not require replacing the upper structure.

-Chris

Also agree. I work in the collision industry as well and even though it will have a good bit of repair time on it, a "pull" should be able to get most of it out since it's not completely destroyed and they have plenty of access for their tools. That portion of the vehicle is often referred to as the "apron" or sometimes the "upper rail" depending on who you talk to. What the shop will do is clamp your car down to the frame rack and either clamp or weld on a bracket to that rail so they can use their equipment to make the "pull". They may also take some measurements to compare to the other side to make sure everything is lining up properly. Once complete, everything that attaches to it should line up & fit properly.

[phenryiv1]

Approximately how many hours?

[phenryiv1]

Approximately how many hours?