I have no idea what I'm doing...

[PA E36]

Always liked this car.... Props for taking this big of a project on, looking forward to seeing the bay finished. .

[fitted_fit]

running a bead and cutting it will remove the possibility of flex, which is exactly what you want if you're shaving and painting it. Stitching it will suffice, but it could flex and crack after awhile.

Indeed ever coat is the brand and it's far superior in comparison to other bondos I have used. It spreads evenly, very strong, and easy to sand. Here is a link to the good stuff (I'm sure you can find it cheaper, but this is the local place i use)

http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=120&cat=644

In addition, I would go over your windows with a razor blade and take all the metal shavings off right now and mask the rest of your car off (body and windows). You will quickly have rust spots sinking into the clear coat and stuck in the window seals. No fun trust me!

Looking good though!

I appreciate all the help man, I'll order some of that filler when I get to that point. I'm doing all the body work and painting the whole car too, so will it matter if I get metal shavings on it if I'm gonna sand the whole thing down anyways?

[Heist]

running a bead and cutting it will remove the possibility of flex, which is exactly what you want if you're shaving and painting it. Stitching it will suffice, but it could flex and crack after awhile.

Indeed ever coat is the brand and it's far superior in comparison to other bondos I have used. It spreads evenly, very strong, and easy to sand. Here is a link to the good stuff (I'm sure you can find it cheaper, but this is the local place i use)

http://www.coastairbrush.com/proddetail.asp?prod=120&cat=644

In addition, I would go over your windows with a razor blade and take all the metal shavings off right now and mask the rest of your car off (body and windows). You will quickly have rust spots sinking into the clear coat and stuck in the window seals. No fun trust me!

Looking good though!

[fitted_fit]

Thanks guys, the holes in the bay aren't really rusty. Also the bay color I'm not sure on. Most likely it'll be the car color or a cream color. The only way it'll be a different color than the body is if I end up wrapping the car for sowo.

[aLaFleur]

That looks great man! I love a good shaved... bay

[VanDamage]

I'm glad someone else has some rusty holes in their shock towers to repair so I know what I'm doing when I fix mine haha. Good luck on the bay shave!

[lambo]

I apologize if this was stated earlier on... but, what color are you painting the bay?

[fitted_fit]

Much cooler than cell phone shots. hopefully the rest of the build will be documented by my friend jeremy:

[fitted_fit]

also, where would i buy ever coat bondo? is that the brand name of it?

[fitted_fit]

Any specific reason you're stitch welding it? I would run a clean bead around all of it and use a grinding wheel to flatten the welds. Finish it off with some roloc pads to flatten the weld out. Once the weld is cut down buy ever coat bondo (not the cheap shit) and run a bead over it with your finger. After that sand your fingers off (sponge pads help near the end).

It's better to weld the seam shut now and save you from the misery of cracks. The other option is using paintable flexible seam sealer and going that route, but it will never look as good. Considering the time you have put in already, go with option one imho.

only reason i stitch welded was because i wasnt sure what to do haha. i didnt know if i should do a full bead or if the spot welds would be better then use seam sealer. but since you suggest it ill definitely run a bead along the whole thing, thanks for the help man.

[Heist]

Any specific reason you're stitch welding it? I would run a clean bead around all of it and use a grinding wheel to flatten the welds. Finish it off with some roloc pads to flatten the weld out. Once the weld is cut down buy ever coat bondo (not the cheap shit) and run a bead over it with your finger. After that sand your fingers off (sponge pads help near the end).

It's better to weld the seam shut now and save you from the misery of cracks. The other option is using paintable flexible seam sealer and going that route, but it will never look as good. Considering the time you have put in already, go with option one imho.

[fitted_fit]

I did some things. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves, Please excuse my somewhat awful welds, theyll be covered after body work.

Before/After Pictures:















I also have a question for anyone who's shaved a bay before and can help me out:
What should i use over the welds? I'm not sure if i should use a thin bead of seam sealer before i bondo the corners or i had a friend suggest using duraglass. I'm still a couple weeks away from that step but i need to know what route to go once i get there.

My friend brought his camera over and took some cool shots so ill post those later

[Queef|Chief]

Saw and stance works and loved it. Waiting for the feature after
you finish it

[fitted_fit]

congrats ryan.. lmao my big ass head is in the first pic..

hahahaha thats awesome

beautiful

thanks man, shes getting there

[j.money]

beautiful