Author Topic: Will this hurt it? (Read 2612 times)

littleboyblues · « **on:** October 24, 2010, 04:30:16 PM »

The past owner of my car cut out holes in the metal panel behind the rear seats and well...it looks like shit. He did this for the subs that he had back there.

Could i just take out that entire panel with little harm to my structural rigidity? I could try and clean up the holes so it looks better but im thinking without the panel is the cleanest way. (cleanest looking way at least.)

Im thinking of welding some struts braces in the back so...would that maybe counter that panel coming out?

Im leaving me rear seats out so...thats why i care. If the seats where in it'd be a different story.

Any suggestions?
Thanks

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** October 24, 2010, 09:14:39 PM »

It actually does really help the rear frame. There isn't much there above the subframe mounts to prevent twisting. More modern cars have glued front & rear windows that contributes greatly to rear structure (the M3 was the only e30 with a bonded windscreen). Cutting graceful curves and smaller openings is far stronger than big square ones too.

But if you're planning on a rear suspension bar, I'd take it out. The bar will be far more robust than that thin panel, especially if it's cross-braced to the rear frame outriggers.

I always thought that a folding rear seat is do-able. Not worthwhile, but it'd be unique...there are many cars with a similar layout that could donate the parts.

littleboyblues · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2010, 06:06:01 PM »

Looking at it a little harder i dont think i really wana drill out all those spot welds. It would really make a mess of the other panels that its attached to. (Alot of body filler would do the trick but it would look like i had a panel robbed out my car).

Guess ill just make the holes better and call it a day. Maybe down the road i can think of something.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2010, 07:06:17 PM »

Don't you have one of the fiberboard covers on the back? You can get them for free...as a matter of fact if you're down in Pittsburgh you can have one of mine for a beer.

littleboyblues · « **Reply #4 on:** October 25, 2010, 11:47:20 PM »

I dont have one of those...ill go just check the junkyard.

longtallsally · « **Reply #5 on:** October 26, 2010, 01:19:02 AM »

That wall is a very critical bit for structural integrity in the car.

If you have a welder or access to one, I'd highly recommend properly replacing the holes with metal and ensure that the cross bracing- if cut- was replaced. The car will truly bring the suck without this stuff.

Or you could go the cooler route and build a fully integrated cage.