88 Cabrio Rear Quarters

[AlexD911]

Hi guys, new to the forum

I'm looking to restore my dad's 88 Cabrio, I dug it out last weekend and gave it a quick clean. At first glance it needs a set of rear quarters, tailgate, tailgate lower section, scuttle panel, front wings and bonnet.

I have a bonnet and tailgate and 2 front wings.

I messaged E30 Garage Norway about the lower tailgate section, and rear quarters. First of all they are just totally frustrating to communicate with, takes days to get a reply and their UK Reseller never even replied. I eventually got a price for just the rear quarters which came in at 2k for the pair + delivery.

The price seemed a bit steep to me and I'm worried they won't fit because they are just pre-facelift coupe panels, they don't make any Cabrio specific panels other than M3 panels if I understood him correctly.

Are there any other suppliers for full quarters?

Thanks

Alex

[BenHar]

BMW?

Ben

[Satan]

Are the front wings totally shot?

Check out,

https://www.valcasgarage.com/category/bmw-e30/

[AlexD911]

Are the front wings totally shot?

Check out,

https://www.valcasgarage.com/category/bmw-e30/

The bottoms are gone on the fronts, I was planning to replace them as a whole item.

Thanks for the link I am going to grab the tailgate section and sills from there I think.

Alex

[corkie]

Bmw are cheeper for gen rear quators

[DanThe]

If you look at the photos of the norway quarter panels you will see they are not a proper panel, they are just a repair panel with no proper detail at the ends, lights, B pillar, sill etc etc, they have to be cut/shut into an original panel already on the car, add in the fact that they are costing near enough £1500 per side and it soon becomes a pointless operation. They dont have any proper dealers because they want their dealers to buy 20k worth of parts up front

[AlexD911]

Bmw are cheeper for gen rear quators

Do you have any Part Numbers by chance? I tried to find the E30 on RealOEM but it doesnt look like it goes back that far unless i am just being dumb? Is there another resource similar to it?

If you look at the photos of the norway quarter panels you will see they are not a proper panel, they are just a repair panel with no proper detail at the ends, lights, B pillar, sill etc etc, they have to be cut/shut into an original panel already on the car, add in the fact that they are costing near enough £1500 per side and it soon becomes a pointless operation. They dont have any proper dealers because they want their dealers to buy 20k worth of parts up front

They are very frustrating to deal with, never come back to you and seem really expensive, im glad i did not go ahead and buy them after reading your reply. I would much rather have a genuine BMW Panel i just assumed they would not be available.

I've got the car stripped to the point where i can see what i need to order and start ordering panels so i need to get some prices together.

Alex

[paultv]

You need to select "Classic" to find older cars on realoem - but easiest is put in your VIN - last 7 numbers.

Paul

[Cloggy Saint]

Bear in mind that panels bought from BMW aren't made by BMW but are out-sourced to various companies. I bought a tailgate for my touring from the dealer and the fit and quality were very poor.

[AlexD911]

Jesus Christ so where is the best place to find nice panels haha? I dont mind spending out for good quality stuff

[Alexnrrs]

Hi Mate

You won't find convertible wings anywhere, trust me, I've been looking. I bought the lower convertible wing parts from Valcas garage to have the original wings repaired.

[Satan]

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=41_0367

[AlexD911]

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=41_0367

I'd since found those thanks, need to get a price from BMW on them and the sills.

Bit annoying that the sills are unavailable on one side?

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=41_0268

[DanThe]

If a cabbies sills need replacing it must be in a bad way! Id suggest you start grinding first and see what you are dealing with before trying to buy unavailable parts

[AlexD911]

If a cabbies sills need replacing it must be in a bad way! Id suggest you start grinding first and see what you are dealing with before trying to buy unavailable parts

Its pretty solid, just where they meet the arches front and rear are slightly rusty

[DanThe]

Much easier to make a small repair than change a complete sill

[AlexD911]

Much easier to make a small repair than change a complete sill

I think maybe i can just get the Front and Rear sections of the sill. Failing that i can buy the whole length and cut out what i need? This is my first restoration so id like to try keep it as easy as i can for myself in terms of chop and simply replace.

Anyone have any good recommendations for a Mig welder suitable for the task? I see a company called RTECH have a good reputation and do a 180Amp Unit for ~£500

Alex

[AlexD911]

Just a quick update, managed to get both sides from Cotswold for £839. I'll post some pics of the fit etc when I collect them and offer them up.

Alex