Still available new?

[OttoF]

Looking to replace the rain tray in my 73, as it has some issues (fixable but I'd rather not).

I removed it out of necessity to fix this.

It is not devoid of rust either.

It is still in the part diagrams but no part # listed.

[Mike Self]

nice unrusted SW or Cali car and get the patch pieces necessary. The rusted spot directly below the heater is part of the firewall and I don't think you want to replace the entire firewall or pay the price of the whole part (if it's available) just for a small piece.

The forward part of the heater plenum chamber (the part you removed) doesn't look too bad--a few minutes with a MIG welder could fix that. Make sure you keep the drain tubes (AKA duck lips or elephant trunks) clean and clear--that's what usually causes the rust you found.

cheers

mike

[bluedevils]

It has been NLA for a very long time, but you will never know, some old dealers might have it in stock, ask Rob Torres, La Jolla Independent, Blunt, etc. It looks like it can be patched with new metal, firewall seems OK.

[OttoF]

The firewall should be an easy fix, but the piece I removed I'd rather just replace if possible. I have fixed so many of those small spots, and they always seem to be more of a pain than the larger areas. I guess I don't have the patience to let them cool long enough between tacks to prevent warping, and wind up having to hammer everything flat again.

[ArdenK]

Hi Otto,

I think I have the piece you want, good used from my 74. I haven't gotten to that area yet but it seems ok.

The shipping will be less from Ca.

Let me know if you are interested.

Regards,

[TobyB]

It's so much nicer working on the race car now that it

doesn't have that darned thing...

heh

t

[EricB]

Here are some pics from my resto that McGinn did in Connecticut and a link to pics of how it is done.

http://s94994139.onlinehome.us/gallery/1973-BMW-2002-Restoration

[OttoF]

Thanks for that link.

Mine overall is not as big of a project as that, but not that far off. The nose on mine is actually in good shape, as are the front fenders and frame rails (surprised the heck out of me).

As far as the patch to the firewall, that is exactly what I had in mind, except I will have to go a little lower.

[EricB]

You are a lucky man. It would be good to be surprised that your project is not as big as you thought as opposed to the other way around. Good luck.

[OttoF]

Actually I'm on the rebound, I went through the depression of finding rust in unexpected places, now I am finding others to be in much better shape than I thought. As I progress there will surely be more surprises, but looking at what others have gone through really helps.

[bluedevils]

Rust will be there no matter what. Do the best you can and seal all the problem areas with anti-rust epoxy, wax/oil etc., and keep her away from bad elements, will last a long time.