Butt Transplant Question? Swapping rear end sheet metal?

[josh72ooh2]

A ray of shining light on some unfortunate luck... after my rear ending accident on Friday, i came across a local 2002 of the same year with MAJOR front end damage. But the rear is relatively fine. Just a small dent near the side reflector.

I saw the car today and the person offered to let me have it for a fair price.

Before i take possession of it, can a 'professional' take the rear end of her car and swap it onto mine? then paint... and i'll be back on the road?

I'm assuming the answer is yes... but the other question is how? Where would the cuts and welds be?

Attached are some photos.

My entire rear left side is wavy around the rear DS tire and the damage extends over to the PS tail light.

Thanks.

[Bill_Riblett]

Here is pretty much what I was about to write:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewtopic/t,344251/

It can be done. I was quite surprised to discover that the California shell I bought had a used left quarter and rear panel installed. The work was very well done and I only discovered it because of some Agave green paint on the inside of the panels when the rest of the car was the original Malaga maroon color.

So, it can be done, but like 02tom says, most shops would be reluctant to take this kind of job on because of all the unknowns in the used parts.

[72Golf]

Yes, this can be done but in the end, it may be a can of worms. Possibility of hidden rot or previous body work, re-alignment of grafted parts, finish welding, body work and painting will far exceed the cost of a clean shell or other '02 to which you can transplant your goodies into. Aren't you in California? Your insurance settlement should get you a good start, maybe cover a nice clean one with a shot motor. Take your time and don't screw around with cut and paste.

[02tom]

This seems like it would be a lot more work to cut one car and then clean up the panels before the install. Most body shops I've talked with would rather use new panels for better customer satisfaction.

After buying some used panels in the past, I can understand why. I found rust where there wasn't any sign of any and there's always the potential for hidden body work. It may cost you more in the end, depending on what they find once they get into the work.

If you can find a reputable shop that will agree to it (this has been my problem) it may be worth it. You can find individuals that are willing to do bodywork, but I've had to question whether or not I could trust the work to even begin. Anyway, maybe someone local to you has some real world experience with a shop that would be of more value than my speculation?

[josh72ooh2]

I guess the $1000 price tag for a new side panel and the $500 rear panel is what scared me.

Especially if a reasonably donor is sitting there....

But yea, after 39 years, who knows what the sheet metal is REALLY like....

I'm still worried about what my insurance will say. All TBD over the next week or two.

heck...I may end up getting the donor car anyway for parts. The price is right...

and the girlfriend already approved of the added temporary eyesore in the garage...

[Pigpen]

Hi Josh,

I have done a similiar repair. It's true that it takes just as long to clean up the used parts as it does to remove the damaged panels from the car. Here are some photos.

Mark

Look for more in another post

[Pigpen]

More Photos, Mark

[TobyB]

yours can be fixed. Let the shop decide. if it's an insurance job,

try for new metal. done it both ways, neither is hard.

t

[josh72ooh2]

Thanks guys.

I will let the shop decide (hopefully today).

Impressive work Mark!

I want to learn how to do body work and paint... someday.

-Josh

[ryanfudger]

Damn Josh, I must have missed this. What a bummer. Side note, I'm supposed to be getting an engine today/tomorrow for my car and will probably try to put it in this week if you're around and want to come over.

[josh72ooh2]

Damn Josh, I must have missed this. What a bummer. Side note, I'm supposed to be getting an engine today/tomorrow for my car and will probably try to put it in this week if you're around and want to come over.

yeah, major bummer. I'm out of town this coming weekend but the following weekend I may have a donor car coming with some extra engine parts....

I'll check in after i return from my travels.

-Josh

[ryanfudger]

Word. No problem. Got the engine today and started tearing it apart and cleaning it up. Hopefully I'll have the car running by this weekend. I'm absolutely clueless with bodywork, but if you need any help, let me know and I'll see if I can make some time.

I went and tracked-back your original post. Damn. No other word for it, just...bummer!