Rust inspection

[E30 Wagen]

I want to do some events this summer in my 325es w/ 200k on it.

I'm in the process of replacing every bushing, sway bar link, mounts, etc with stock parts. Shocks and springs will be stock unless I find a cheap setup. Going to do all the necessary brake stuff, hoses, belts, etc. Engine runs great (but badly needs valve adj.) without using oil, but it leaks when parked. Tranny is perfect and clutch is perfect.

However, my front and rear subframes are badly rusted, along with other parts of the car. Some of the brake lines look scary too. Before I replace the rear suspension bushings I'm actually gonna have to get the rear shock towers patched b/c one is rusted badly. I have rust holes on the floor, too, but that's as worst as it gets.

Should I worry about those types of rust issues?

[jlevie]

Rust in the rear shock towers doesn't constitute a big safety issue since the shocks aren't a critical part of the suspension. The front strut towers, on the other hand, are a critical part of the suspension are are the front and rear subframes. In a like manner, rusted brake lines constitute a safety issue. Unless the engine oil leak is major, it isn't anything to worry about.

Without seeing the rust damage I can't say whether it has to be fixed before taking the car on the track. Best to have a pro look at the damage and determine what must be fixed to make the car safe.