Z3 outer Sill ...minor rust treatment

IvorZ3

Regular Member
British Zeds
Joined
Jul 3, 2024
Points
18
Location
Suffolk
Model of Z
Z3 2.2i
Hi, i've been working on my face lift Z3. I had to strip some of the car as i needed to fit a new lock actuator into the drivers door and cable for the fuel flap lock . I decided to rust proof it with some Bilt hamber wax whilst its stripped..... My question is about the outer sills.... The inner sills are basically rust free, so i've waxed those inside and out.....The outer removable sill panels whilst very good, have some mild corrosion on the unexposed side under the surface at each end. My plan is to sand them back, use some bilt hamber gel to remove the corrision as much as possible, then apply some rust converter and an epoxy paint.
Should this sort them out or am i better off just fitting new panels? This car is a keeper so looking to do the best for it long term.

Thanks for any advise.
 

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t-tony

Zorg Expert (II)
Supporter
British Zeds
#ZedShed
Joined
Dec 31, 2013
Points
226
Location
Torksey Lock,Lincoln, England
Model of Z
E89 Z4 23i Auto
They look, to me, like they're well worth repairing.

Tony.
 

Ianmc

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
The M44 Massive
Joined
Oct 12, 2014
Points
165
Location
New Forest
Model of Z
Z3 (M44)
For the long term, best replace with new would be my way forward. :)
 

petecossie

Zorg Guru (IV)
British Zeds
M Power
Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Points
158
Location
Teesside
Model of Z
Z3 M Coupe
You be best getting them grit blasted to remove the rust and then you will see if worth saving. I did that with my front and rear wings on the M Coupe and passed to my paint guy straight away so he could prime and treat straight away. Saved me £2k on new wings.
My sill covers didn't look too back but fell apart on removal so I bought new.
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
They look recoverable if you get rid of the rust and treat with a rust killer before priming them and top coat on the insides finally coating with something like Waxoyl before fitting to a similar waxoyled inner sill, I used stainless hex head self tappers to secure it back to the car.
Alternative is buy new sill covers but then you have to get them painted.
 
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