Discussion
ok so its that time. i have 2 alpinas on the e46 platform and its those pesky wings
i dont have the funds for 2 full resprays inc a pair of new wings for each car so who do i go to see to get them 'made good' for a short term fix. i just need them smartened up for about 3 years when i can get both cars properly sorted cosmetically
im in south bucks so any tips appreciated from those with direct experience
i dont have the funds for 2 full resprays inc a pair of new wings for each car so who do i go to see to get them 'made good' for a short term fix. i just need them smartened up for about 3 years when i can get both cars properly sorted cosmetically
im in south bucks so any tips appreciated from those with direct experience
Grind worst of rust off then apply one of the proprietary rust converters, do not put the brush you use into the original container, it will contaminate the product and it will deteriorate, decant some into another container and use that, discard any unused do not return it to original container.
Apply a filler of your choice and sand down to a smooth finish.
Buy rattle cans from a car paint specialist, both primer, top coat and lacquer they will supply a can that has a decent spray head on it and you can, with patience achieve a good finish. Biggest problem will be paint matching, I have not had great luck getting a good match between new and old paint.
If you want to be fussy after the primer use cellulose putty to fill in minor imperfections then re prime.
Final finish is up to you how much effort you put into rubbing down.
Hopefully more experienced members will recommend good, more up to date products than the rust converter I have used, it is some time since I did any bodywork repairs so I am probably out of touch with more modern products
Apply a filler of your choice and sand down to a smooth finish.
Buy rattle cans from a car paint specialist, both primer, top coat and lacquer they will supply a can that has a decent spray head on it and you can, with patience achieve a good finish. Biggest problem will be paint matching, I have not had great luck getting a good match between new and old paint.
If you want to be fussy after the primer use cellulose putty to fill in minor imperfections then re prime.
Final finish is up to you how much effort you put into rubbing down.
Hopefully more experienced members will recommend good, more up to date products than the rust converter I have used, it is some time since I did any bodywork repairs so I am probably out of touch with more modern products
You are wasting your time on both counts.
E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
I-am-the-reverend said:
You are wasting your time on both counts.
E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
Op has asked for a budget solution which I have suggested. I have done it and it has worked. The wings I used were made in Malaysia. I’m sure we’d all love Harry Metcalfe’s restoration budget but sometimes compromise is necessary.E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
I-am-the-reverend said:
You are wasting your time on both counts.
E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
maybe i need this message. my concern is getting the new bmw wings painted once and then again when i get the cars done properly.E46 wings rot from the inside out and you'll not stop it - not even for three months, never mind years.
The ready painted Ebay wings are crap. Chinese pattern wings with a breath of paint approximate to the car. They aren't even primed, just rubbed down and painted body colour.
For an even remotely acceptable job you'll need a pair of the better pattern wings. Paint the shuts and edges, fitted to the car to get the fit and gaps right and painted from a test card.
ive been quoted about 800 for the pair of touring wings and about 600 for the coupe and thats from cotswold who are usually very competitive on price
helix402 said:
Op has asked for a budget solution which I have suggested. I have done it and it has worked. The wings I used were made in Malaysia. I’m sure we’d all love Harry Metcalfe’s restoration budget but sometimes compromise is necessary.
yes and i have a real decision to make now as i really dont have his enviable garage nor funds sadlyRC1 said:
great thanks
what other parts do i need just in case? do the fixings sometimes need replacing ie the torx head bolts etc?
what other parts do i need just in case? do the fixings sometimes need replacing ie the torx head bolts etc?
The torx bolts normally survive if you’re careful. There are a few plastic rivets which hold the arch liner on-which don’t!
51161881149.
Edited by helix402 on Wednesday 3rd May 20:33
RC1 said:
maybe i need this message. my concern is getting the new bmw wings painted once and then again when i get the cars done properly.
ive been quoted about 800 for the pair of touring wings and about 600 for the coupe and thats from cotswold who are usually very competitive on price
Be aware that E36, E46 etc wings from BMW aren't original as such, but aftermarket ones. My mate runs a bodyshop and says this: they need some fettling to fit and they bear the sticker 'BMW Approved Parts' as opposed to 'BMW Genuine Parts'. I saw a pair for a 330i Touring last year and thery were nothing special.ive been quoted about 800 for the pair of touring wings and about 600 for the coupe and thats from cotswold who are usually very competitive on price
In his opinion, the 'premium' wings Euro Car Parts sells are as good as you get. Don't waste your money on dealer wings. Their prices are the usual BMW comedy of course.
helix402 said:
Op has asked for a budget solution which I have suggested. I have done it and it has worked. The wings I used were made in Malaysia. I’m sure we’d all love Harry Metcalfe’s restoration budget but sometimes compromise is necessary.
I can only go on my own experience of an Audi A4 B6 wing. I fitted it and the paint finish was so bad I had it painted again locally. It was red and had been painted over the black E coat. You've been luckier! Whilst the above mentioned budget solution will work for a time I think it's a waste of time and money. I did the same on one of my cars and it began rusting very shortly afterwards, even worse I paid a smart repairer (chips) money to do it. Learnt the hard way that rust needs cutting out or panel replacing for a long term fix.
Differernt I suppose if you're doing it yourself.
Differernt I suppose if you're doing it yourself.
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