Help with spraying up a winter hack

[drophead]

Hi Folks,

I recently purchased a winter hack (E46 BMW 320d) for £500 as my 350z is being slowly turned into a track car and it won't survive another winter.

The BMW is a glorious 191k mile heap with crash damage on the drivers side. As it's a winter hack, I'm not looking to panel beat the dents out the side but to just spray it so it doesn't rust (and also doesn't look like a complete nail). I am cautious over doing a single rattle can job since I heard they're not great for longevity.

I've been looking at trying to do it myself with a 2 pack option and I'd be able to do most of the prep (sand, primer, base coat), but I'm dreadful with applying the clear coat!

So I'm asking if anyone knows of either a body shop who want a car to test a new recruit on, someone who's happy to do it themselves (happy to offer money obviously) or anything in between within the Norfolk area?

Here's how the car is currently looking.



Any help would be appreciated.

[E63eeeeee...]

drophead said:

Hi Folks,

I recently purchased a winter hack (E46 BMW 320d) for £500 as my 350z is being slowly turned into a track car and it won't survive another winter.

The BMW is a glorious 191k mile heap with crash damage on the drivers side. As it's a winter hack, I'm not looking to panel beat the dents out the side but to just spray it so it doesn't rust (and also doesn't look like a complete nail). I am cautious over doing a single rattle can job since I heard they're not great for longevity.

I've been looking at trying to do it myself with a 2 pack option and I'd be able to do most of the prep (sand, primer, base coat), but I'm dreadful with applying the clear coat!

So I'm asking if anyone knows of either a body shop who want a car to test a new recruit on, someone who's happy to do it themselves (happy to offer money obviously) or anything in between within the Norfolk area?

Here's how the car is currently looking.



Any help would be appreciated.

Have you looked for a door for sale? It won't cost much and even if it's slightly tatty you'll be starting in a much better place, or you might even be able to find one you can just fit and live with. Loads of E46s being broken.

[E63eeeeee...]

Sorry, if that's the coupe, ignore me. Must look more carefully at pictures...

[boxy but good]

E63eeeeee... said:

Have you looked for a door for sale? It won't cost much and even if it's slightly tatty you'll be starting in a much better place, or you might even be able to find one you can just fit and live with. Loads of E46s being broken.

That isn't a door.

[steveo3002]

looks ideal for a few rattle cans...how long does it need to last?

[drophead]

steveo3002 said:

looks ideal for a few rattle cans...how long does it need to last?

Ideally for a couple of years til it inevitably goes bang.

[drophead]

E63eeeeee... said:

Sorry, if that's the coupe, ignore me. Must look more carefully at pictures...

No worries, thank you for replying! If only it was just a door eh!

[DS129]

OP, you mentioned using 2 pack paint/ clear coat, to do that you need professional ventilation and air-fed suit/ mask.
Without that you are seriously risking your health
Google isocyanate.

[drophead]

DS129 said:

OP, you mentioned using 2 pack paint/ clear coat, to do that you need professional ventilation and air-fed suit/ mask.
Without that you are seriously risking your health
Google isocyanate.

I did not know that and I thank you for your advice!

[SlimJim16v]

I would just treat the rust and touch it up.

[Duke Caboom]

Nick Jupp https://germancarspareskent.uk/about-us may well have a door and has a good reputation for E46 spares.