Oh, that's how it comes off!

There's nothing like taking apart a car to find out just how much thought was put into the design and construction of a car. I have always been of the opinion that BMW's of the 70's-early 80's were assembled with at least some logical process.

It's great when you can use a simple socket wrench to take a car apart. I managed to dissasemble the front end and side wing panels along with most other parts with either that wrench or a disciplined ability to pull things apart...



The biggest effort is finding the right tools to "do the job". I have grinding tools (air tools are the best), abrasive wheels (mounted to a drill, 3M make the best ones), or you can use that crazy stripper tool that you see on TV that uses a set of rods mounted to a hub to strip paint and rust. It works pretty well, but you have to be very patient and DEFINITELY wear eye protection!! Some of the wires came off during the agressive stripping process and you need to be clear of those!
Here's a shot of that wonderfull side wing area. I managed to strip the entire surface and rust treat the panel. If I knew that the back of the wheel well was plastic and a separate part, I could have unbolted the wing panel entirely and got it off fast. It still managed to be a standard "here's how be build them" situation. If you can bolt it together, you can take it apart.

Anyone attempting to restore a rusty E21 like I have, you need to get a collection of rust removal tools (strippers, grinders, etc.) and also get a supply of rust treatment chemicals (naval jelly, rust stop spray) along with zinc paint. The zinc paint is critical to the long term treatment of the steel on the car. With sprays like "Zinc It" you can treat the raw panels so that they are basically galvanized.

My experience with treating the rust on this car is that there are specific areas where the rust developed. The main areas (obviously) are the ones where constant water/salt spray/ stones have contacted the car. These are the front end, back of the wheel wells and anywhere the moisture has been allowed to accumulate.

I'll be useing the panels I have pulled off the car to make new metal panels to patch the rusty areas.