BMW e46 330cI by Notloudenuf

[naiku]

Next came the bondo to try and smooth everything out

How was it working with the bondo? I know people typically recommend Rage Gold. I need to pick up some body filler for when I plan to blend my tweeter pods into the A-pillars, I don't need a lot (basically enough to fill in and blend around the pod to the pillar) so spending $20 on Bondo is more appealing than $60 on Rage Gold, especially as most likely 75% of it will end up in the trash.

[Notloudenuf]

It really wasn’t that difficult. You mix it together and spread it on with something like a putty knife. I may have mixed mine hot because it started to set up fast. That worked in my favor though because I could use my gloved hands to smooth it out before it got completely hardened, and then I sanded it once it was fully cured.

[Notloudenuf]

I added some texture with this spray paint I had in the shop. The plastic has a light sand texture to it and this does too


a few coats of flat black to match



and in the car they go




Houston we have a problem



Test fit people. Oh who do I need to lecture on here you all know what to do. I did NOT test fit and this is what it got me. The sail panel fit behind the door panel and I didn't take that into account. In addition, I tried to force them back into the mounting holes in the door and broke the top tab. I think I can salvage them by shaving off the bottom "wedge" portion that fits behind the door panel. I ordered another set of sails just in case or to replace them if I ever need it back to stock.

[chithead]

Test fit? Whaaaa? Who doesn't do that?

[Cutaway]

How was it working with the bondo? I know people typically recommend Rage Gold. I need to pick up some body filler for when I plan to blend my tweeter pods into the A-pillars, I don't need a lot (basically enough to fill in and blend around the pod to the pillar) so spending $20 on Bondo is more appealing than $60 on Rage Gold, especially as most likely 75% of it will end up in the trash.
[/COLOR]

Personal experience is that Rage is so much easier to work with, sand and shape over Bondo... If you're considering it, just pull the trigger and get the Rage Gold

[Notloudenuf]

I ordered a spare set of sail panels off of ebay. I used them to see where I'd need to trim off the bottom of my pods so they fit.


Used a dremel with a cut off wheel


They fit much better. Still tweaking the upper mounting point. The piece must have warped when it cured.

[naiku]

Personal experience is that Rage is so much easier to work with, sand and shape over Bondo... If you're considering it, just pull the trigger and get the Rage Gold

Too late...



Honestly, I think if I were doing a bigger job then I would have gotten the Rage Gold. As is, I already had the tweeter pods, but just wanted to blend them into the pillars, so ended up using the spot putty which seems to be working out well.

[Notloudenuf]

The car needs paint. I like the color but 22 years of road rash has done a number on the exterior. A few scrapes and dings here and there too.
An option I'm considering is vinyl wrap. I understand that wrap is somewhat temporary (2-3 year life) and really needs good smooth body surfaces to look its best.
I love the matte look of some of these wraps though.
I like this one the best so far


Pretty sure that is this color https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...YRFBZH9IS&th=1

What do you all think?

[chithead]

Uhhh, yes? Yes. Absolutely. Do it!

[Salami]

Heck yeah!