Damage and repairs

#1

I tried searching and didnt have any luck finding a solid answer.

I’m looking at a '90 325is locally to get into racing. At some point in its life the car hit something and damaged the front end. The fenders and hood have been replaced. The radiator support was not replaced and is banged up in a few areas. You can see some damage behind the passenger’s side headlight in the engine compartment. How is this type of damage viewed? Everything else is great and besides that damage it’s a really clean car but I’d hate to buy it only to find out later that I cant race it. Any input is greatly appreciated.

I should mention that the damage doesnt affect the radiator or anything else that mounts to the support.

#2

You must be kidding! In SpecE30 circles, this car sounds like Cherry+++ !!

If you can attach the fenders, hood, bumper, and lights, and it sorta looks like it did when new, then you’re good to go.

Grab that car and get to work.

#3

ctbimmer wrote:

[quote]You must be kidding! In SpecE30 circles, this car sounds like Cherry+++ !!

If you can attach the fenders, hood, bumper, and lights, and it sorta looks like it did when new, then you’re good to go.

Grab that car and get to work.[/quote]

+1

unless it’s bronzit

#4

is it worse than this? you gotta ball an e30 up pretty good before it’s done.

#5

Find a mentor in your NASA area and ask for their help. Where do you live? You’ve got valid questions, but lots to learn yet.

Regards, Robert Patton NASA southeast.

#6

From the NASA CCR…

Here’s how it has to look for your first race:

11.4.1 Appearance
All entered vehicles must be in good condition and appearance. Vehicles with excessive body damage, primered body panels, etc., are not allowed. The vehicle must meet the “50/50” rule, which means they must look undamaged and straight at fifty (50) mph from fifty (50) feet.

Here’s how it has to look for your second race: :laugh:
27.4.2 Damage
Damage from an incident is limited to the following definition: Any sheet metal, fiberglass, or other body material, deformity significant enough to cause the NASA Officials to enforce the “50/50 rule,” thus requiring repairs. Damage to suspension or other mechanical components are not included in this definition. Damage to plastic or vinyl bumper covers, trim pieces, splitters, marker lights; and marks from tire rubs, are not considered damage for the purposes of this section.

50/50 is pretty forgiving.

#7

OK, I’m going to help you out here… First of all, totally disregard that car - it’s no good.

Second, please forward all information regarding the vehicle to me. Be sure to include exact location. I will make sure that the car never sees a race track. Well, as far as you would know at least. :woohoo:

#8

The only thing I can tell you to look out for is how long ago did this damage happen?

I bought a car that had previously been in a “Minor fender bender” say 10 years ago and was all fixed a looked good. This was near the left side fender. The frame rail looked good a straight and the price was right.

When I started stripping the car I found almost all of the repaired areas were full of rust that had got in to the inner fender/firewall.

I was able to fix most if these issues, and that area is probably stronger than it came from the factory, but I wouldn’t race this car. It is now my parts car and winter beater.

I ended up buying another car that had minor front end fender bender, and all is well and good on that car.

you can see pics of the rust and repair and the new car here
http://picasaweb.google.com/dpereda/SpecE30?feat=directlink

#9

Thanks for the info, I think I’m going to pull the trigger on this car.

About the mentor - I going to check the nasa website and see what I can come up with, but if anyone has info on how to find a good mentor let me know. I live outside of Pittsburgh, PA.

Thanks again.