Rocker Panel Replacement?

[E30-Ellerman]

Hey gang,

I’ve searched but haven’t found a sub post specifically regarding a how to or if anyone has used the ECS rocker panel replacement parts.

Has anyone? Can I just buy these new rocker panels, cut out the old, weld in the new. My driver side is rusted but passenger side is fine, nothing visible yet and doesn’t appear too bad but would like it sorted out before it gets worse.

Also, the battery tray in the trunk has a bit of surface rust so I may look at replacing that, ECS has a new one so same thing, cut and weld in? Mine is minor so I may just grind and treat it with some POR-15.

Thank you

[rturbo 930]

Post some pics so we can see how bad the damage is.

[E30-Ellerman]

Post some pics so we can see how bad the damage is.

Will do. It’s basically along the bottom seam from front to back, it’s split along the bottom but doesn’t go too high.

[sampayne]

part # for the battery tray?

[E30-Ellerman]

Battery tray:

http://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/trunk-mounted-battery-tray/51711922158/

Rocker panels I’m referring to:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-325i-M20_2.5L/Exterior/Body/Rocker_Panel/

[rturbo 930]

Be aware that any aftermarket panels are going to require some fitting to the car. This is assuming that they are any good to begin with. I bought a few panels for my 280Z, and one of them was flat out not usable.

[E30-Ellerman]

Be aware that any aftermarket panels are going to require some fitting to the car. This is assuming that they are any good to begin with. I bought a few panels for my 280Z, and one of them was flat out not usable.

Yes that’s my concern. Possibly the genuine BMW one at over double the price would be worth it? Hoping that someone here has attempted to use any of the ones off ECS.

[rturbo 930]

If it were me, I'd be spending the coin for the OE panel. IMO it's worth knowing that the replacement was made by the same company that made the original, and that the quality is on par as well. Aftermarket panels are pretty hit or miss IMO... The ones available for Zs really aren't great.

[E30-Ellerman]

If it were me, I'd be spending the coin for the OE panel. IMO it's worth knowing that the replacement was made by the same company that made the original, and that the quality is on par as well. Aftermarket panels are pretty hit or miss IMO... The ones available for Zs really aren't great.

Thank you! Since I only need one and will be doing the work myself or with dads help and saving the labour, think I’ll spend the extra and get OE. Do you think this should be a direct replacement? It seems like to me, there’s an inner and outer rocker panel. Maybe because it’s split in half from the bottom of the seam rusting and splitting. If the OE is likely a weld in place piece then I should be able to handle it over a weekend.

[rturbo 930]

Well, there's a reason I asked for pics, and that's because I want to see just how bad the damage is. I think you should look up the procedure to replace the panel, and see what's involved. Are you going to have to cut into any other panels to get the panel off? How about the interior? Basically, I think you should determine if it would be better to replace the entire panel vs patching the panel you have now.

I'm assuming you can weld, yes? And for the record, I haven't done this job (yet - I'm procrastinating), so I'm not an expert.

[Mpolito3355]

Honestly you could try and find a used rocker off a used e30 assuming that it doesn't have the same problem you are looking to get rid of , trust me alot of junk yards prob have tons of the metals for this and they will be will to cut it out for you , you just have to "trim" it to what you need

[MR E30 325is]

Honestly you could try and find a used rocker off a used e30 assuming that it doesn't have the same problem you are looking to get rid of , trust me alot of junk yards prob have tons of the metals for this and they will be will to cut it out for you , you just have to "trim" it to what you need

Excellent idea.

A battery operated sawzall and 30 minutes and you have what you need.

I cut an E30 in half for a trailer project and it literally took about 45 seconds to zip through the entire car.

[E30-Ellerman]

Well, there's a reason I asked for pics, and that's because I want to see just how bad the damage is. I think you should look up the procedure to replace the panel, and see what's involved. Are you going to have to cut into any other panels to get the panel off? How about the interior? Basically, I think you should determine if it would be better to replace the entire panel vs patching the panel you have now.

I'm assuming you can weld, yes? And for the record, I haven't done this job (yet - I'm procrastinating), so I'm not an expert.

My dad is a half decent welder and would be helping with that part of the project, I'll zip cut the old off.

[E30-Ellerman]

Honestly you could try and find a used rocker off a used e30 assuming that it doesn't have the same problem you are looking to get rid of , trust me alot of junk yards prob have tons of the metals for this and they will be will to cut it out for you , you just have to "trim" it to what you need

That's a great idea, only problem is up here anyways... It's really hard to find an E30 being wrecked or at a wrecker. We only have 1 or 2 wreckers in within a 4-5 hour drive and probably in our entire province (state). Land is too expensive for wreckers to make it, they've disappeared in the last 10 years.


I'll keep my eye out though, can probably cut one out in a few minutes.

[rturbo 930]

You're gonna need to invest in a spot weld cutter.