I have recently purchased a 1991 E30 convertible. Overall the car is in very good shape and appears to have been garaged and looked after for all of its life. My only area of concern body-wise is the driver side fender and down to the front rocker panel. It would appear that for at least a year or two before I purchased the drain on this site has been blocked by debris leading to rust or at least surface rust around the rear of the wheel arch and the front section of the rocker panel.
I am keen to get this sorted but having visited several body shops I have had a range of reactions, and it is hard to know who is telling the truth. I understand offering advice remotely and only based on a few photos is not ideal, but I would be grateful if anyone had a view.
1) Replace the entire fender and pannel - My local BMW dealer and at least one bodyshop have recommended removing the parts buying new and fitting/respraying/etc. Sourcing the fender appears tricky and from quotes, the work could be expensive. I am fortunate enough to (if needed) bite the bullet and get the work done but clearly, if another option is open to me I would love to take that.
2) I visited another two body shops who smiled at me as I explained my story and "option one". They responded and said it is an easy job to remove the offending rust and remove the rocker panel part and replace with shaped sheet metal replacement or indeed a front fender kit - [url]https://www.valcasgarage.com/product/e3 ... r-kit/[url] this clearly is a cheaper option. As the car isn't designed for Concours condition I am minded to take this route.
My question is does anyone have any real experience in this area? Is it best to pay the money, get it done with full replacement body parts? Or is option 2 a perfectly straightforward alternative.
I've enclosed photos below and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
