Rust on perimeter of windshield

[Ironhead]

hm...any tips on what type of guy does this job best?

i don't really know what to google...

even better would be if anyone knew of guys in Southern California, but if not, I'll go to a mechanic locally who would probably know a good body guy

Ideally you want to find a reputable shop that does auto restorations.

[mikejungle]

hm...any tips on what type of guy does this job best?

i don't really know what to google...

even better would be if anyone knew of guys in Southern California, but if not, I'll go to a mechanic locally who would probably know a good body guy

[JEDM3]

Tony, does the vin on this car end with 33188? Just curious because it looks a lot like my old car. Sold 7 years ago or so.
Cheers,
John

[13blackknight]

My opinion, I've weleded before, but based on the prices these cars are worth today, I would go to a professional because if you don't form the metal incorrectly the windsheild will leak again and you be at the same point as before. If there'sa hole in the cowl it can be much worse on the firewall and floor.
Invest in the car, do your research on shops that have restored these cars and get them to do it. It will pay for itself in the long run.

[mikejungle]

ok, i'm feeling a little more confident about the welding itself, but does anyone know of any good guides on how to shape the metal perfectly?

it's not exactly as if this is a flat section where I can just cut out another flat piece of sheet metal. there are some "crazy" curves. crazy for an amateur.

with a hammer and whatever might work, but otherwise, Mike's suggestion of just finding a junker e30 seems to be the better way to go right now. do other peeps agree?

[njboy]

can i just buy complete panels to cut down on the individual cutting I have to do?

I can tell that windshield removal is a must, but if i could just cut out four (for example) parts of the a pillar and weld in just at those spots, it'd be easy, but i don't know if BMW offers that like they do with new roof skins.

I think a pro might be the way to go, especially because I don't have experience welding thinner sheet metal and i might blow out the weld, but I'd really want to try to take a stab at it myself first so I wanna gather the necessary info first. I'll try to post pics soon for reference

thanks

Welding thin steel is not a big deal. Use the lowest setting on your mig and go from there. Limit heat by spot welding long sections. Use gas not flux core.

[HANDBLT]

also if you 'need' the whole cowl, it has the VIN stamped in it. Take pics of yours before removal because that will be needed later if the car is ever sold.

T

[Mike185]

try to find a junk yard with a e30 and you can cut out the sections you need or search CL for a cheap parts car and sell the rest. The only difference on the m3 is the lip on the cowl is slightly extended where the windshield bonds in. Or but a e30 cowl but if you need sections of the a-pillar you need a parts car.

[HANDBLT]

I wish. The cowl is not avail for the M3 right now.

T

[mikejungle]

can i just buy complete panels to cut down on the individual cutting I have to do?

I can tell that windshield removal is a must, but if i could just cut out four (for example) parts of the a pillar and weld in just at those spots, it'd be easy, but i don't know if BMW offers that like they do with new roof skins.

I think a pro might be the way to go, especially because I don't have experience welding thinner sheet metal and i might blow out the weld, but I'd really want to try to take a stab at it myself first so I wanna gather the necessary info first. I'll try to post pics soon for reference

thanks

[njboy]

Nothing like fresh new steel!

[HANDBLT]

This can be a good amount of work, glass removal, possible dash removal depending on degree of rust, rust removal, metal patch work, body work, painting.

You can get away with just painting roof and not other panels. So that will cut down on costs a bit.

I suggest you have someone that knows what they are doing take care of it.

Amen.

This is what the little hole under the windshield led to on mine........

[JOEBMW]

This can be a good amount of work, glass removal, possible dash removal depending on degree of rust, rust removal, metal patch work, body work, painting.

You can get away with just painting roof and not other panels. So that will cut down on costs a bit.

I suggest you have someone that knows what they are doing take care of it.

[M-technik-3]

Do it once or the rust worm will continue to grow in size and eat some strange areas.

[Split_S]

Get it done by a pro - because if you're talking bondo to fix rust you're much better off not doing the work yourself! (no offence!)

Do it once - do it right.