E30 M3 convertible conversion - front wing question??

Thu Jul 24, 2014 9:37 pm

Hi guys, my first post on here so apologies if this has been covered already...

I'm halfway through my e30 m3 inspired conversion, everything has been done including m50 engine swap, running gear etc... Now it's ready to go into the body shop...

One problem, I'm struggling to get genuine body panels - my local dealer assured me they could get what I needed a few months back but as I investigated more i realised they can't supply rear quarters and can only supply coupe front quarters which I believe are slightly different?

My question is - can the coupe front wing be modified to fit a convertible? Has anyone attempted this? Any help, tips would be greatly appreciated.

Furthermore, if anyone has any access to e30 m3 body panels, skirts, bumpers etc please could you let me know?

Thanks again

Thu Jul 24, 2014 10:15 pm

Thanks for your help on this, so in your opinion could a good body shop modify a coupe front wing to fit a convertible???

Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:20 pm

The sill extension on a cab. wing is a separate piece, spot welded onto the main part of the wing. the join is covered on the outside by a trim piece.
If you remove the sill extension from a cab. wing, cut the lower few inches off of a saloon/touring wing at the appropriate place, then weld the two together you will produce a cab. wing identical to the genuine item.

Fri Jul 25, 2014 10:22 am

Thanks, I'm assuming rear quarters from a coupe to convertible needs similar modifications?

Fri Jul 25, 2014 1:41 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:The sill extension on a cab. wing is a separate piece, spot welded onto the main part of the wing. the join is covered on the outside by a trim piece.
If you remove the sill extension from a cab. wing, cut the lower few inches off of a saloon/touring wing at the appropriate place, then weld the two together you will produce a cab. wing identical to the genuine item.

As the OP has not got a M3 convertible wing, this move is a non starter.
M3 convertible wings, wheel arch liners ,sideskirts and rear quarters are very different to M3 saloon parts. Saloon parts can be used, with plenty of modifying / bodging.
Be aware that the doors are also unique.

Wed Jul 30, 2014 12:25 am

Thanks for the detailed response, unfortunately I've already invested a lot of time/effort and money into this project so the show must go on, I've managed to get original quarters and wings cut off an 89 m3 and we are going to see whatwe can do. Will keep you guys posted... If it ever gets finished I'm certain it will be one of the nicest examples around so wish me luck

I still need a front bumper and evo lip if anyone can help??