Repairing rear valence

[MazterDizazter]

It seems like every E30 I see has a smashed, dented, or otherwise damaged rear valence. Here's pics of mine, for example:




What would be the best way to go about repairing this? I've looked at a few junkyard E30's thinking of cutting it out of the body, but as I stated before, every E30 I see has a damaged one. Any help is appreciated.

[norcalE30]

body hammers + sheet metal + welder + paint = new valance

i think thats your best bet

[EA8]

I have the same exact issue and dilemma ... I was thinking about getting a body cut for the passenger side area, having a body shop line it up and weld it in and then I would take care of the primer/paint. I just haven't gotten any helpful suggestions yet.

cheers

[MazterDizazter]

Well, I was thinking along the same lines except the material the valence is made out of seems very flexible and it is rolled at the bottom; it would be challenging to replicate.

[EA8]

that is true for the mid section of the valence, but around the corner its a bit sturdier ... cheers

[structure]

hah that's funny my 325ix has the exact dent and small rust spot. it's definately on my list of to-do's. i'll keep an eye out on this thread. keep us posted (if you get it fixed).

[N2MYE30]

Mine was all fubared...twice and I hammered it back just fine.

[EA8]

just a rubber mallet or something? that was it ?

[Jand3rson]

I've looked at a few junkyard E30's thinking of cutting it out of the body, but as I stated before, every E30 I see has a damaged one.

Also not nearly as easy as you think it is. That lower valance is part of the unibody, incorporating parts of the frame, as well as the battery tray and spare tire well. When I did mine, I found out just how much had to be done to get it to a useable state:

[EA8]

Also not nearly as easy as you think it is. That lower valance is part of the unibody, incorporating parts of the frame, as well as the battery tray and spare tire well. When I did mine, I found out just how much had to be done to get it to a useable state:

an inquiry from the noobie within ... to me this just looks like you cleaned it up so it would be a clean outside fit (without including any pieces for the battery tray and such)? I just don't see how this would fix the rust issue right underneath the battery tray area ... more info would be great and for the record I am not dissing your work ;)

[MazterDizazter]

Wow yeah that is way more involved than I thought it would be. I uhhh, think I'm just gonna pass it on to the next owner to take care of...

[bimmer630]

Im in the process of repairing the same rust problem under the battery.. i am using scrap sheet metal for right below the battery and for the actual valance part i cut a peice from another E30 in the junkyard, but had to cut it out from the middle of the valance, since the battery area was rusty too. this way i can replicate that body line