Source for "good enough" body work

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 3:48 pm

Without going into details (still not finalized), I'm looking for a recommendation for a good ol boy that'll do some "good enough" repairs on an M3 that's seen some rear end damage. As best as I can tell, the important parts of the suspension geometry are unaffected (TOE and camber seem ok, and I see no damage forward of the rear of the wheel wells), so this is all really just to get the trunk lid to latch, the fender to be slightly more aerodynamic, and the bumper to be where it should be. The damage doesn't look it, but the car is being considered a total loss from the ins. company, but a reasonable buyout means "good enough to track" is my new moto.

And yes, a bottle jack, 2 chains, a BFH, some 2x4's (just because I can), and 2 large trees are in strong contention for the repair process - but I'd thought I might consider having somebody slightly more experienced consider the job as well.

Oh, and anybody know a yard to pull rear bumper shocks and beam for an E36?

RobLupella · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 4:18 pm

so they are considering the car with just a leetle cosmetic damage a total...... so they will pay you off and then you buy it back. Damn, I didn't think of that way to finance a track car.

You can try LKQ but last time I was there (awhile ago) they didn't have a real good selection of BMW's.

Did you try the BMW farm, I know Bret has a fine selection of BMWs from E30s to E36's.

Dustin Fredrickson · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 5:06 pm

RobLupella wrote:

so they are considering the car with just a leetle cosmetic damage a total...... so they will pay you off and then you buy it back. Damn, I didn't think of that way to finance a track car.

You can try LKQ but last time I was there (awhile ago) they didn't have a real good selection of BMW's.

Did you try the BMW farm, I know Bret has a fine selection of BMWs from E30s to E36's.

I've actually tried HARD to get them to not total it, and was willing to take a little hit from the net settlement if they would consider that option, but they felt their exposure for the repair bill put it over the edge. Oh well, now I (probably) have a race car :twisted:

steve remchak · **Posted:** Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:30 pm

since you are now building a race car Dustin, might i suggest you meet Dave Davis. club sponsor. he doesn't do body work but he builds nice race cars. :lol:

MikeWhitney · **Joined:** Wed Aug 20, 2003 9:15 pm **Posts:** 4724

Dustin Fredrickson wrote:

And yes, a bottle jack, 2 chains, a BFH, some 2x4's (just because I can), and 2 large trees are in strong contention for the repair process - but I'd thought I might consider having somebody slightly more experienced consider the job as well.

Sorry, no help for you on finding a shop, but if you decide to go the DIY route, let me know, I want to come out and help (and take pics, drive people to hospital, etc).

Arthur McDonald · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 1:54 am **Posts:** 2052

MikeWhitney wrote:

and take pics, drive people to hospital, etc.

That's all good and well, but take some video as well and sent it to http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/country-fr ... ries.jhtml

SimonWright · **Posted:** Tue Sep 30, 2008 6:09 pm

Dustin,

My tire guy (not far from you at all) is always pottering about repairing cars whenever I go get tires. He may be able to help or point you in the right direction. I'll PM you his contact info.

Simon

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Source for "good enough" body work

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