Bodywork or mechanical first?

[Hobbsram]

I have owned my 1987 635csi for 14 years but had it sorn for 6 years. I would like to get it back on the road - would you get welding done first or sort mechanics? Known faults are holes in inner wings and rust in rear quarters, turns but no start, exhaust and that is without an expert getting it on a ramp! Any advice would be greatly received or any contacts.

[X5smw]

I would personally get the welding and body sorted first.

I wouldn’t want to drive a car knowing it was rotten and needed structural work. You would probably need to remove engine bay stuff to weld anyway, so why do it twice? Build your house on strong foundation and it will not fall. 

[Hobbsram]

many thanks for your advice!