rust on bottom of door-quote

[Russell]

I got a quote for fixing rust on the bottom of my driver's door on my 95 525i. Keep in mind the 95s have Mtec "painted" trim pieces. This higher end restoration shop wanted $624.00 for one door. This included R/I door moldings, all painting inside teh door fram, sealing and various rust inhibitor sprays after repairing. He was also using the spray on the other three doors which do not show rust signs.

Even so this seems high. Labor rate was $45 per hour for almost 9 hours of labor.

BTW, this shop has an interesting bunch of cars currently in one of his shop building. @ corvetes gathering dust while waiting of rparts. Caynne with rear damage. Repairing rust and repaingan old riveria. looks like almost stripped down late 60' to early 70s Dodge Corronet or similar. Most interestingly what looked like two airpane wings in 4 sections. He has two other buildings I did not go into. When they fixed my front end a couple of years ago, there was a Porsche Carrrea and a cobra kit car being restored/built.

[Mr._Graybeard]

I just bought that M-tech door trim from BMA for $88 plus $14 shipping. My local stealer wanted $120. Factor in $50 for paint and other supplies, and the estimate rings pretty true.

[Russell]

I just bought that M-tech door trim from BMA for $88 plus $14 shipping. My local stealer wanted $120. Factor in $50 for paint and other supplies, and the estimate rings pretty true.

I think his price quote for the trim was abt $92. i know I can find the repair done cheaper, perhaps $450. However, these guys do restoration with rust issues on a regular basis.

[Mr._Graybeard]

That's the thing. There's a bodyman in my area who touches up rental trucks who works cheap, but the rust has returned on a couple projects I've sent him. I'd rather spend a few extra bucks and get it done right. I can do a quick an dirty job myself.

[Ross]

Quality metalwork is expensive, I'd say 9 hours is at least reasonable time to fabricate, properly install and finish a single door bottom.
The expense isn't merited here. With some patience you will find a rust free used door, perhaps in the correct color for far less money.
I paid north of a thousand to have two headlight doors rust repaired, but only because there are no replacements.

[philbyil]

Had a couple of slight bubbles appearing on my door bottoms, Got it done at a suburban Chicago BMW/Mercedes body shop. Cost me $1200 back then (plus I bought the trim parts!). However, they took the doors back to the bare metal, sprayed it up to the belt line and did a fabulous job. If you like your car, aim to keep it and want it done right you need to use a quality shop. Sounds like you found one......

[outomoneyracer]

I had all 4 door bottoms done about 4 years ago by a body man that did it on the side. He did a good job but the rust and bubbling is back again. I think it has alot to do with the strips that go on the bottom of the doors. I think they hold and trap water/salt in there and cause it to rust. I am thinking about taking the strips off, repairing rust and repainting and not putting the bottom door strips back on. There is foam weather stripping in the door jam which should keep dirt and water out of the car. Has anybody else taken these strips off and left them off? Or am I just asking for some other probs...Barry

[repenttokyo]

i've been quoted $100 per door by a shop that has done good work for me in the past.

[Russell]

i've been quoted $100 per door by a shop that has done good work for me in the past.

That seems terribly low. It would take a lot of time to grind all the rust off each door, rust proof, prime with rust inhibiting primer like epoxy, then add seam sealers etc. and two stage paint.

I assume that price is for labor only and did not incude trim pieces or materials. Materials would be at least $100. The 95s require the under door trim pieces to be painted and they are about $100 each.

[Ross]

That seems terribly low. It would take a lot of time to grind all the rust off each door, rust proof, prime with rust inhibiting primer like epoxy, then add seam sealers etc. and two stage paint.

I assume that price is for labor only and did not incude trim pieces or materials. Materials would be at least $100. The 95s require the under door trim pieces to be painted and they are about $100 each.

$100 will get you a "pave and paint" job, slather on some bondo and cover your sins. Good paint is ~sixty bucks a quart and up, plus primer, sand paper, clear coat,.....