Got broad sided today...

[1st 5er]

Got it, cha ching!!!

Now the repair process begins.

I'm seriously considering learning, with professional coaching, and doing the body work myself.

It'll be, IMO, the perfect opportunity to also complete the 5 speed swap,
replace all the intake gaskets, injector fuel lines, etc.,
and do all the underhood maintenance and cleaning I've been wanting to do since day one.

So step one will be pulling the motor tranny combo, and,
who knows, maybe even a set of Euro Bumpers may be in this cars future...

Any support form board's members will be greatly appreciated.

[Brad D.]

Sherman, you can likely tackle the body work yourself. It is not terribly difficult but can be messy, tedious, time consuming and occasionally frustrating. A small investment in some tools will be most of what you need. Read all you can about general body work and post here if you have any specific questions you may need answered.

[1st 5er]

Tools you say?
How about a short starter list?

I do own a small air compressor and since most tools can be purchased in either the electric or air powered variety, any opinions?

[1st 5er]

It's been a while, but I decided it's about time to tackle this.

Step #1 has been taken;

[Coldswede]

Cool! you should be in fine shape (bad pun I know ) soon.

Keep a fire extinguisher close when welding and grinding

[Dinan e28]

Now all you need is, chicken wire and bondo.

[tsmall07]

Looks good so far! I'm interested to see the end result. I'm a decent welder, but panel replacement has always made me nervous. It's really the cutting part that makes me more worried than the welding part. I don't think I can cut well enough to get it to match up.

You must have done a LOT of research and practicing in the last YEAR, right?

[Coldswede]

Now all you need is, chicken wire and bondo.

I always use aluminum door screen and day old pancake batter.

[1st 5er]

And then, there was Step #2.

[1st 5er]

The 3rd hoop has been jumped through.

V@V & RTT here we come, hopefully...

[skip535i]

NICE WORK!! Looking good, Sherman.

[1st 5er]

I need to add this addendum to Step #3 above.
I didn't do the welding.
I had a friend do that for me, though, I helped!

I decided since the rest of the body isn't in that great of shape,
not to enlist my friend with the skills in this project,
except on an advisory level in Steps #1 and #2.

So, here's 'the rest of the story'.


Step #4





Didn't get pics of Step #5, the filler or primer work. Too focused, I guess.



Step #6





And finally, the finished product.
It ain't perfect, but it matches the rest of the car, so I'm .





Now off to .

[cvillebimmer]

Looks good!