86 325es Refresh

[HEIS83]

New to r3v and new to e30's in general. Earlier this summer I found a 1982 320i on CL 2 miles from my work and couldn't pass it up. Bought it that day and immediately begin fixing it up and enjoying it. It wasn't meant to last as a week later it was totaled in a rear end accident. Insurance paid out and I found a 86 325es in MD that was clean and a 5 speed.

[george graves]

That e21 looked great! Have fun with the e30!

[HEIS83]

about a week in upgraded suspension with a H&R super sport spring set and new shocks from ECS. I like the drop but with my driveway angle its as low as I can go and still get it in the garage. air ride may be the solution down the road. Then came 16" ESM staggered with 205 and 215's in the rear. Tucked the front bumper and still in the process of repainting the trim around the car. rear bumper tuck is next on the list and then this winter ill get the rockers and other minor rust addressed.

[LateFan]

I like that color.

[HEIS83]

next up is some much needed rust repair. both rockers are rusted but i don't know how to tackle this (floor pans, frame, and trunk all appear to be rust free thankfully. I have seen replacement panels and IS side skirts online but don't know if they fully address the issue. cant decide on whether it needs to be cut out, bondo'ed, or what.

any advice would be appreciated.

[dereliiict]

Yikes. That's a big project. Looks like you need a fender too.

I built mine from sheet metal stock, using a hammer and sandbag for contouring, plannishing hammer, and hard work to get it factory.

I actually rebuilt the lower half of the fender itself. The style line is the only tricky part, but is easy enough once you get it going.

I also had to do a battery box in the rear, as well as part of the rear valance. Took me close to 40 man hours and mine was not nearly as bad as yours.

The replacement rockers seem like a good plan, but are usually 6 months back ordered. DO NOT bondo over rust. Even if you think you wire wheeled it or Por 15'd it away. It isn't referred to as cancer for no reason.


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[HEIS83]

thanks for the input.

i stopped by a local pick and pull looking for fenders but the "multiple e30s" they claimed to have on the phone were mysteriously not there. the hunt continues...