Hello all.
Have a new wing and front valance that need painting and fitting plus some minor rust removal.
Question is, do I go for a whole re-spray or just do the bit's that need doing?
What do good bodyshops do when 'de-rusting' before paint?
Finally, good bodyshops in the South East?
Thanks.
Recommend and advise on paint...
Moderator: martauto
- fozzymandeus
- E30 Zone Regular

- Posts: 392
- Joined: Tue Mar 07, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: North Wales
Whole car for £1500 is asking alot, if it's to be a decent job. My local favoured bodyshop would be asking more like £3k (hence why they don't see my E30)
- RonnyRaygun
- E30 Zone Newbie

- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Jul 30, 2007 11:00 pm
I'm thinking along the same lines at the moment as my car needs a bit of work to bring it back to its original glory. I can't afford £3000 for a full respray, although I would have thought you'd get a respray for less than that if the colour isn't being changed.
Is it such a problem to colour match existing panels? If it's possible to get a good colour match I'd rather just get the panels sprayed that need doing.
Is it such a problem to colour match existing panels? If it's possible to get a good colour match I'd rather just get the panels sprayed that need doing.
it's usually quicker and easier to paint the new pannels, then blend in the old pannels.
often getting a single pannel to match perfectly is tricky, and you see an obvious shade difference with the new and old next to each other. to match the wing they might suggest blowing over the door and rear 3/4 on that side too. front valance shouldnt be too bad as the lines and shape of the bumper, front grille etc will be more forgiving to a very slight shade difference.
proper rust removal involves cutting or grinding out any rust and replacing with fresh metal before skimming with filler and painting. however, i've seen a lot of rust 'repairs' that have been little more than a spot of wire brushing bbefore treating the rust with some sort of inhibitor, bunging in lots of filler, then painting. i'll let you guess which is the proper method
often getting a single pannel to match perfectly is tricky, and you see an obvious shade difference with the new and old next to each other. to match the wing they might suggest blowing over the door and rear 3/4 on that side too. front valance shouldnt be too bad as the lines and shape of the bumper, front grille etc will be more forgiving to a very slight shade difference.
proper rust removal involves cutting or grinding out any rust and replacing with fresh metal before skimming with filler and painting. however, i've seen a lot of rust 'repairs' that have been little more than a spot of wire brushing bbefore treating the rust with some sort of inhibitor, bunging in lots of filler, then painting. i'll let you guess which is the proper method
cheers,
harry
harry

