Got One !

[Pop-Rivet]

After a few weeks of searching and looking at a couple managed to get my Z3

Funny enough a word of mouth one so not advertised.
3 owner FSH 2002 Z3 3.0i Auto, was looking at 2.2 - 2.8 manuals and ended up with this one! That could be the way it goes perhaps when buying.
The only issue is some pealing lacquer from stone chips on the front.
Factored this into the price but not sure if to go full panel repair or spot repair.
I have heard that the spot repairs can be a short term fix and may have to bite the bullet for a full panel job.
Any views on the mobile spot repairs?

 

[Brian H]

Congrats on the purchase, if the lacquer is peeling I suspect it has had some paint before, if this is the case have the whole panel done.

The only other thing you now have to do is show us some pics

 

[Jack Ratt]

You can get those mobile guys to come round and do it at your house. Normal bumper scuffs cost around £120-150 so not really a lot of money

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Yes will get some pics on in the next couple of days,

I think a full panel job was £400 (Bonnet) and a few other patches according to a quote he had.

Some one I know with a Porche Boxer has had spot repairs that look fine to me but I have heard they are not long a term fix?

I can imagine by now more than a few Z3 owners must have had this happen to them so I was just trying to know the best way to jump with a fix.

All I know is that if I have a really good job done a cat or supermarket idiot will soon ruin it.

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Below is the car, I have a 1.5 garage and its a snug fit!

Also the damage its a bit worse looking than it is due to camera flash !

 

[oldcarman]

I've found the spot repairs are usually as good as the prep put into the project. I've seen high cost jobs which had improper prep that didn't last and rattle can repairs that last years. JIM

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Thanks Jim, I might ask a spot repair for costs does it not have to be done asap in this weather as its been like it a few yrs already.

The person with the Boxer had some similar spot repairs and they are invisible to the eye and after all they must have some warranty for the repairs they do.

The flaking does look worse in the pic as they are highlighted by camera flash but they do need fixing, apart from that the car is as sound as a pound and has know history so well happy.

 

[oldcarman]

Thanks Jim, I might ask a spot repair for costs does it not have to be done asap in this weather as its been like it a few yrs already.

The person with the Boxer had some similar spot repairs and they are invisible to the eye and after all they must have some warranty for the repairs they do.

The flaking does look worse in the pic as they are highlighted by camera flash but they do need fixing, apart from that the car is as sound as a pound and has know history so well happy.

The problem with warranties is the same person does the work and eventually they'll get one fix to get past the limit. I'd find out who did the Boxter repair as it seems to be done properly. I think that's the way to go. When I bought my car in the UK and needed decontamination I contacted Chris, a forum member and sponsor, at Summit Detailing for advise. He provided me with three names all of whom I emailed explaining what I HAD to have done. Decided on Sean at F5 who researched the car and performed all the requirements needed plus sent me 156 pics of the cleanup as it progressed. He'll do my next car definitely as it saved me a huge hassle at customs. So go with someone recommended and where you can verify the results on their car. Ask the repairman for referrals and follow through by checking them out before you decide. HTH JIM

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Will do Jim, I am obtaining the contact number of the guy who done the Boxer...he is hard to get hold of as very busy (says it all !) If you want a job done always give it to a busy man!

I am sure it will get sorted, thanks for your comments... Les A lot to be said for pre lacquer me thinks !

 

[BMBabe]

yey you got your Zed thats great news!! nice little project you have! looking forward to the updates

 

[oldcarman]

They both have their pluses and minuses and we have to live with them. There is no super finish that needs no attention as of yet but I'm sure there's someone working on one. Good luck, JIM

 

[Pop-Rivet]

yey you got your Zed thats great news!! nice little project you have! looking forward to the updates

Thanks, very pleased with the Zed, I will keep you posted with the updates and some better pics.

 

[FRANKIE]

Thanks, very pleased with the Zed, I will keep you posted with the updates and some better pics.

Just had the bonnet repaired. The clear coat was blistering in 4 places. They recommended doing the entire top. They said that the blistering was due to the exposure to the sun with not having proper protection, ie. wax, which I didn't, and if they did just a part of the bonnet, it would occur in another spot soon. Had the bonnet painted for just a little over $400. Looks beautiful. 2 year unlimited warranty, 5 year limited warranty. Frankie

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Thanks Frankie, I am going to shop round for different options & prices. The blisters were linked to stone chips probably unattended to in the first instant which may have prevented them spreading. Once the water can get underneath they will not get any better.
Then again moister underneath may well have caused them to get worse with expansion from heat (Sun engine).
Lesson though any stone chips...deal with them asap or watch them grow. Mine are at least several years old!
Only up side....very good lever on purchase price
If they were attended to it would have cost me far more for the car (far more than the repairs) its just for me a small inconvenience.
Rest of the car is spot on and very nice though!

 

[Zeti]

Enjoy the car!
We like decided people like you, here on the forum!
The maintenance and small repairs are just part of the fun now!

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Many thanks Update 1)
The spot repairer who is very good said it is better to get the bonnet resprayed as the heat from the engine (due to where the flaking is located) would probably sink over time so the way to go is bonnet respray. (Glad I factored that £ possibility in).

So now its multiple quotes for the spray.

The car is so nice I would not see the point of wasting money and was glad of his honesty.

I am ok with the spanners, mechanics, electrics etc but not so good on the respray side plus I don't have a big enough oven.

 

[t-tony]

Happy you have found yourself a car, hope the paintwork isn't too costly. Then for the fun part, spring is on its way.

Tony.

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Yae looking forward to that

 

[TaffZee]

Glad you found your love, Have you thought about wrapping the car, I realise that it will still need sorting so that any defects will not show through but a full wrap will still be a lot cheaper than a re-spray, A good wrap will cost around £1000 (perhaps a little cheaper for a ragtop)

These are local to you perhaps call in to discuss with them? http://www.wrapitinvinyl.com/

 

[Pop-Rivet]

Not thought about wrapping but update 2) :-
Full bonnet respray and bake, polish a few marks n/s wheel arch, do door edges, catch any other places around car. 3days £280 - £300 so I have gone with that, another good firm very busy cannot fit in until end April but thats fine.

Had a very enjoyable blast

Pics below in daylight of Zed last one is flaking taken in daylight.