More holes...(rust)

[2002VT]

Anyone ever deal with holes like this before?  I can see right into the cabin. ? I've looked at some replacement panels, but it seems it is not a panel. 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2017 by 2002VT
Typo

[Simeon]

It's pretty bad but others have done worse. Depends upon your skills, budget etc etc. How far are you into the car? How much money do you have in it?

 

The pillar and the horizontal inner wing reinforcement are available. I think you will need to make patch panels for the actual holes. Strip it back to solid steel, find the full extent of the holes. 

 

Not to make ale you feel bad but here's pictures of my inner wing so you can see what you are looking at. 

 

[Buckeye]

I think you will need repair sheet for A-posts. looks like avilable from WN;

https://www.wallothnesch.com/en/body-work/bmw-1502-2002-turbo/catalog-picture-41-06.html

 

Picture from Jim's Project Blog

 

[TobyB]

Oof.  That's the difficult rust repair you have there.  It CAN be fixed.  Carefully.

On the up side, it doesn't have to be pretty, just strong.

 

How's your welding?

 

t

 

[2002VT]

Thank you for the responses everyone!  Those pics of the car all fixed up gives me renewed hope. When I took the fenders off I took a step back with disappointment. Other rust seems minimal for a new endgland car.  Front outside corner of the floors pans are gone (supports are ok) and there is rust where the rear suspension attaches to the body. The rear drivers shock tower has a small bit, but not bad. I whacked at these spot just to test. 

 

The good news is I have very little into the car. I paid $1.00 for it. I bought some wheels and a brake fluid cap. I bought the wheels are for inspiration.  

 

My welding skills are amazing - in my dreams. The truth is I've never done it - but I am not afraid to learn, just maybe not on structural components. 

 

Im pretty happy there are so many pieces online as far as replacement sheet metal. I just wish I didn't have to use any. 

 

 

[2002VT]

Ah, found the a posts here too. 

 

http://www.restoration-design.com/store/category/BMW

[EvilEmpire]

Hear ya on the rust - we just got to digging into our '76 project. Some rust we knew some we didn't like the swiss cheese floor. Fortunately my son can weld - and we got some replacements from Restoration Design. 

[Mike Self]

Be careful welding around that plastic hose--it's the front drain for the sunroof, and if you melt or otherwise damage it, it's a bitch to replace.  My '69 had rust in the same place (30 Ohio winters) and I welded in several small patches to preserve that compound curve (no patches were available back in the 1980s).  

 

I'd be much more concerned about rust where the rear subframe attaches to the body.  Repairs there are critical, unless you don't mind the rear subframe parting company with the car--at an inopportune moment.  And while you're at it, examine the rear subframe itself for structural rust.  Whang it with a hammer; if the hammer goes through, you need a new subframe!

 

mike

[Tommy]

7 hours ago, 2002VT said:

The good news is I have very little into the car. I paid $1.00 for it. I bought some wheels and a brake fluid cap. I bought the wheels are for inspiration.  

 

My welding skills are amazing - in my dreams. The truth is I've never done it - but I am not afraid to learn, just maybe not on structural components. 

 

Im pretty happy there are so many pieces online as far as replacement sheet metal. I just wish I didn't have to use any. 

 

 

 

If you have a work space and tools or chance to invest go ahead. You don't have much to loose. Structural places are actually good to practice because they're not that visible and the metal is thicker (some places) so it's easier to weld. There's many good project blogs to see how it's done. If you don't have a good place to tinker with it then I'd say don't pour any more money into that one.

[2002VT]

I do have a good deal of space and many tools. Just need to get some more, I guess. lol 

 

here's the blog so far on the car. 

 

 

[2002VT]

This weekend I'll go hammer the actual subframe. If that looks ok (man I hope it does) I'll go buy a Lincoln welder. 

 

Ive watched so much how to weld on YouTube, but part if me is worried about it. I just don't want to screw up. I did work in a body shop for over a year as a high school kid, but never welded or used a plasma cutter.  I know the basics, sanding, filler, and paint. 

 

Part of me also likes the idea of doing this myself. I feel like it's a great life project. Man - it's hard to not grit my teeth on this, guys. 

 

Josh