Repair of rear fascia....(rusted through)...what's the easiest way?

[AFARR]

Rusted through the rear part where the jack is stored (I think it leaked around the antenna grommet)...now rusted through to the outside of the car.   

My brother can weld (I can fake it if needed)....

What's the easiest way to repair it?    New sheet metal or used parts?    Full replacement with bumper and fascia as one piece (think I've seen them before).

Thanks!

('91 E30)

[keflaman]

From previous experience I've learned the undercoating applied at the factory can hide a lot of rust damage. The first thing I'd recommend is determine the extent of damage. If it's just the aft section of the wheel arch or inner wheelhouse where the jack bracket attaches, I'd just cut it out, weld in a patch and lather the undercoating over it!

Of course you could always discover several areas of damage in close proximity to one another and that in itself may make replacing an entire section more feasible.

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E30-2-doors/USA/318is-M42/L-M/jul1990/browse/bodywork/floor_panel_trunk_wheel_housing_rear/
http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E30-2-doors/USA/318is-M42/L-M/jul1990/browse/bodywork/side_panel_tail_trim/