M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: normboudreault on January 17, 2014, 09:10:40 AM
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Welcome, glad you found you're way here plenty of folks around that will dig this. Can't wait to see the progress.
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Very cool, looking forward to seeing the car progress.
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Welcome!
My wife would be so pissed at me if I brought home a car and tore it apart like that... :)
And not knowing allot about cars. I seriously hope you have a taken like gazillion pics to remember what went where?! lol
Keep posting progress pics!
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Wonder what the wife is going to say when you bring home the body shell you bought from me. ;D
What? You didn't know about it either? ???
Welcome to the Club. :)
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Welcome. Very ambitious and VERY cool!
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The car looks pretty good except for the past ding/rust.
What are your plans for it?
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Well that is going to be a huge job then! Your wife will be pissed for awhile then!
Just to get a m42 to 200 hp na is a lot of work, I'd suggest a big brake kit then to oppose the donk. Heaps of options there.
What's with all the blue figure 8 wiring, stereo?
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Canada?!?!
Poop. I guess you won't be buying that shell after all.
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True, about the Canadian dollar.
But in Australia we buy a $200 part from America get to checkout and then, they try charging $750 p+h.
Oh crap cancel cancel!
Plus finding extractors for rhd car real pain in the date, not to mention getting the things in.
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The plastic coolant pipe is part number: 11531714738
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Anyone know why the camcover and inlet manifold are black, aftermarket?
I thought 318is all had a/c, or was that just Australia?
All you really need to do for alternator is clean bearing and brushes, there pretty indestructible!
Or replace with brushless permanent magnet alternator.
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They all had A/C in the US, but Euro and Canadian cars could be had without. My 318is is from Vancouver and without A/C. It's nice cos I have a single-mass flywheel, but no A/C and black vinyl seats make it almost unbearable on hot Los Angeles days. Thinking about shelling out for 3M crystalline tint (you can get it almost clear, but it still blocks heat) and cloth sport seats, cos I'm so tired of my shirt sticking to my back.
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Anyone know why the camcover and inlet manifold are black, aftermarket?
Looks like someone probably took them off and painted them.
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Great Wife, better postie!!
Alright what didn't you buy? Kitchen sink....
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Two years?
LOL! Aren't we the optimist.
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With the thermo fan go electric, main advantage is that they will only run when required rather than constantly which means less drag on motor most of the time!
Most of it is already done too on a/c modules there is a thermo fan already wired of a switch on the radiator right hand side 50 mm from top. Change that to 80 degree c and update fan all good!
2 years I think possible your doing really well at the moment!
How are you going to do the engine, yourself or somebody else?
Where did you get that dash? Anymore?
What are you planing for interior?
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slightly lowered
I'd highly recommend looking in to a solid skid plate then.
Dean
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Or a dry sump, that takes away the problem!
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I hope it takes you longer than two years...I enjoy your style. :)
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if you're looking for a new tank, i picked one up here
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_fuel-tank-spectra-premium_18320000-p?cm_mmc=ET-_-Trans-_-Shipped-_-General#utm_source=et&utm_medium=trans&utm_campaign=shipped&utm_content=general
I had an online coupon code, came out to $148 shipped to my door. I haven't installed it yet, but i've opened it up and it looks good.
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What lock ring are they talking about?
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if you're looking for a new tank, i picked one up here
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_fuel-tank-spectra-premium_18320000-p?cm_mmc=ET-_-Trans-_-Shipped-_-General#utm_source=et&utm_medium=trans&utm_campaign=shipped&utm_content=general
I had an online coupon code, came out to $148 shipped to my door. I haven't installed it yet, but i've opened it up and it looks good.
Thats awesome - thanks! Want to know the funny thing? The company that makes these fuel tanks is about 15 miles from my house. I will just go straight there and buy it - no shipping required!
I got the exact same tank from AdvanceAuto a while back and the only 'Mod' or adjustment I had to do with it was one of the outside corner tabs need to be modified ever so slightly to allow the exposed stud to come thru the hole in tab. No issues since.
Thanks again! ;D
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Note to self: Get a proper chain or one of those engine tilting devices that hook to your hoist. REMOVE EXHAUST PIPE from exhaust manifold. Better yet, unbolt exhaust manifold. You will be removing it anyways. Even better...pull engine AND tranny as one unit. Hooked up to proper chain or one of those engine tilting devices. OR...pull car out of garage...pull drivetrain (after unbolting exhaust manifold)...then push car back in garage. That way your cherry picker is not trying to bust out of your ceiling like one of those Aliens busting out of your chest. You'll learn. Here is another tip...put the front of the car on some jackstands. That way when you pull the drivetrain...you can stand it up on end and get 'er out. Also...when you put it back together...same thing. I assume you will be doing the clutch. Easier to do it outside of the car. So is reassembly. Then stab it in as a unit. Have fun! But make it easy on yourself.
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The important issue is that you got it out safely. Safety is always paramount. The way I would have done it is to pull the exhaust and intake manifolds. I would have left the tranny attached. Put the car on jacks stands. Run your boom out to max length. I have a chain set up I bought 20-30 years ago. Hook the engine/tranny so that when you left you lift in front of the weight centerline so that the engine tilts up.
As you are jacking the engine up the tail of the tranny will drop. As you are jacking the engine up you can pull the cherry picker forward a little bit at a time. As you are doing so the make sure the oil pan clears the radiator core support. Take it up. All the way up. Pull the jackstands and lower the car. You should be able to maneuver the engine/tranny out without dinging anything.
Now...whats next? Hell if I know but I will make a comment that if you are stabbing in a longer BMW 6 cylinder....You will have to stand the engine on end. Especially if the tranny is hooked up. I did a mock up
using an M30 3.2l out of a 733. With the transmission hooked up. Stand her up. Drop it down. As it was lowered, I had to go back under the car to make sure the tranny was sliding towards the rear of the car.
Once it was in I placed a floor jack under the tranny to lift it up. Slid the engine mounts in and then lowered the block the last few inches.
What ever you are doing have fun. That is what it is all about. It isn't rocket science.
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Haha, I've ordered almost the exact same parts you did. Still deciding on a suspension set up though. Can't wait to follow along so i can get a better idea on some of it, and things to watch out for if you run into issues. I picked up backing plates and bearings for all all 4 wheels as well. I'll be testing out my new shop press. Picked up a 12 Ton from harbor freight for 100. I figured why not try it.
Where did you pick up the O2 sensor and how much was it, if you don't mind my asking. Best i've found is about $110, which makes me want to try this
http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=256671 and splice in a Bosch sensor for a ford mustang... Amazon has it for $33 but if you found it not much more i may just buy it for convenience
I'm stuck on my hand brake cables too. PBblaster is just not cutting it. I was thinking of attaching them to my tow hook of my other car and just ripping it out
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H&R Sports and Bilstein Sport combination for suspension, not too low, not too high.
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Why so rusted? Did it live near a beach or something?
Is there some sort of cover on the differential?
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I have a 4.1 diff, in my car!
But I would much prefer a 3.73!
At 110 km/h I'm pushing 3000 rpm in 5 th. Too much!
Stick with the 3.73 or 3.9 particularly if your going to turn your motor in to a 2 or 2.1 l. It won't care with the extra torque that it give you! And with all the work you are doing on the body, you would be nuts not to when you do the engine rebuild!
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Have you turned yours into a 2.0? I hadn't even thought of that.... ??? If you did what HP do you have? How did you do it?
I started with a e30 318i. In Australia they are m40 powered sohc timing belted buckets with about 3 kW move than your average go cart!
Loved the handling of the car though which was originally my mums. When she died I inherited it.
It basically lived in my garage for about 10 years! :)
But then I drove a 318is thinking to buy it! But couldn't see myself selling my e30. Also in oz they make it very hard to put an engine into a car that it didn't come out with!
So i brought an m42 engine and started rebuilding it.
When I brought the engine and it was running in car and was told it will rev to 9000k. Collision victim!
The dme chip was altered and I have not found any real non standard parts in motor to warrant those kind of revs!
I have rebuilt 2 engines before l20b and fj20t so when I took the rocket cover off the m42 I stood there and looked at hydraulic lifters and thought where are the tappets for about an hour! :o
Anyway metric mechanic do a complete m42 either 2l or 2.1l motor but they are very $$$$.
A couple of seniors around here have them but I still am waiting for photos. Would love to see them!
But a few years ago a guy came up with a cheaper alternative ;D
By using s50 pistons 86 mm and m47 crank 87 mm 2l (my plan)
S52 pistons 86.5 and m47 crank 87 mm 2.05l
S50 pistons and m44 crank 1.9l
S52 pistons and m44 crank 1.95l
Thereabouts!
Hartge even made a 88 mm crank.
Heaps of possible combinations and the parts are relatively inexpensive.
But the compression ratio goes up depending on combo you use.
So no more unleaded for these engines and straight to 96 or 98 octane.
Don't know what your octane rating the fuel you use is?
Any way my engine is in bits still getting bored and pistons decked crank key way cut.
Can't wait till it's done, but I'm working on my head, port and polishing.
What will drive me mental though is the afm, it will restrict me badly.
That's what I'm upto here in oz. but there are heaps of engine builds going on around here!
Some are even using s50 throttle bodies.
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You're an ozzie? Lucky you... :P Im sick of this damn winter we have going here!!!
Grass is always greener on the other side, try our summer and 40+ deg Celsius for 4 days straight!
Cars overheat, particular European cars with there 1.4- 2 bar cooling system and people overheat!
I ended up putting a 6 cylinder (550 mm wide) dual core radiator in mine, had enough of nursing car above 38 deg.
Ok so you have never rebuilt an engine before. Have you ever rebuilt a car before? And your doing it. I'm highly impressed with what you have done so far! Leave it till later and make up your mind then, but you only truly gain wisdom from experience and stuffing up!!!!
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This thread is awesome! I loved reading it. Keep up the great work, especially the pictures!
You couldn't have picked up a better car for learning on IMHO. The E30 is simple, well made and cheap - a rare combination. While the M42 seems to be an exception to that rule, the remainder of the car hasn't changed much for decades. You could argue that it's more or less the same as a 700, first on sale in 1959!
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This thread is awesome! I loved reading it. Keep up the great work, especially the pictures!
The E30 is simple, well made and cheap - a rare combination.
I have basically stated this exact same thing about the E30. Nothing i have wrenched on is as easy to work on.
And I love this thread too. i am wanting to fast forward to the end to see results.
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Great thread, mate. Keep it up! 8)
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Great work!
Hate to be your air compressor.
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How many miles on the diff? Why lean towards a rebuild if there (most likely) is nothing wrong with the one you got? Replace the output seals and call it a day.
Why did you have your foot under the diff when lowering it? I prefer to use a good floor jack instead of a body part...only gonna' add to your "rebuild costs". You do have a "good" floor jack, right? The one you have in your pics does not fall into that category. You need to get a real 1.5 or 2 or 3 ton jack with a nice big cup that will support/stabilize the diff as you are lowering it. It would appear that you must have tried to balance the diff on the end of that jack as you were lowering it. That wasn't going to work. Using your foot as bump stop as the diff fell off of your jack would not be my idea of a good time. what was the worst thing that was going to happen...you were going to scrape your concrete? In one of my earlier posts I told you to be careful. This is not worth getting injured over. It is all fun and games until...somebody loses an eye. Don't be that guy. I have two Sears 1.5 ton floor jacks. One I have had for 25 years. The other (identical twin) I scored at an auction for $30.00. So, for a grand total of $130.00 I have two good sized floor jacks. If I can score a 3 tonner at an estate auction or yard sale, I would buy it. Ya' gotta' have the right tools for the job. Don't cheap out on the tools. If you are going to continue to play these games of screwing with cars...they will come in handy in the future. I like what you are doing...but it is not worth getting hurt over. To give you an example...in the next 2 weeks I am going to be swapping an automatic transmission on a 1998 Audi A4 Quattro...old one out, new one in. Do you remotely think I would consider using your floor jack at any stage of that project? If you said "yes" you need to hand in your man card and put the tools down...step away from the car. I cannot afford to get hurt doing my hobby. Enough of the lecturing.
As an aside...you can probably find a good take out diff for less than a "true" rebuild. Especially if you are remotely going to consider altering the rear gear ratio.
I like what you are doing. Don't get hurt over it. If you do...you are only going to pay people like me to take care of people like you. And that is OK, too. I have to make a living.
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And all the heavy work is done - nothing but details now for a good long while...
bwaahahahahaha... You're not even half way there?! Rebuild, repeat the 'heavy work' getting it all back together then the stress starts.
I love this guy. :) Keep posting!
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Brilliant work!
3.73 is a great ratio, from the photo that diff looks in great condition. But your there and if you can't see much wear don't bother rebuilding! Replace seals and give it a clean and paint job!
Is it lsd?
Who put that in? It's a medium case diff 8 bolts usually small case 6 bolts! Nice ;D
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Norm: Nobody is hounding you. You're the one that dropped the diff on your foot. Even I have never had that pleasure. Keep up the strong work, have fun and best of luck to you.
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Hey thanks Darky... ;)
It is a LSD, 3.73. I eyeballed it and the gears are in great shape - no markings, grooves or anything.... Overall look great but needs a media blast and new paint and of course new output bearing and seals... I figure if I'll do that I may as well change the pressure plates while Im at it but I havent look into the cost yet.. So, like the other 123,687 things I gotta do on the car, its on the list.... :P
Hey tell me you win a lot at gambling don't you, tatslotto etc!
Don't you!
That's a option extra in the 325.
Quite rare and here in Australia about $1000 compared with 4.10 small case standard diff at $150.
The reason they are that expensive is because they are nearly bullet proof, you could turbo or supercharge a m50 in your car and your still good!
Hang on a minute what does your gearbox say on the left side getrag 240 is standard?
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Yes the 3.73 ratio is a good unit 4.1 is too low and makes the car rev too much at speed. But that diff and lsd is a win anyway you look at!
Do you know why they started using the longer gearbox? Stronger maybe?
Rohan
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Not sure on the why but it is a closer ratio gearbox than what came before - therefore I think it was performance based reasoning... but who knows - those germans are a funny bunch.. :P
Been busy though...
When I started this "project" (insanity is also apt) I was pretty sure I wanted to get rid of the ABS as I would be completely redoing the braking system A-Z and the ABS looked like it was going to be a real b*tch to deal with... I weighed the pros and cons and since I have no fear of drifting, errr I mean, driving without it, I had at her...
Here you can see the corrosion on the mess of lines leading to the ABS unit...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/690/d4r2.jpg)
Same view but with my pot-belly included... (no charge!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/27/ora0.jpg)
This pic reminds me of my vasectomy....snip snip... :-\
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/690/tq4b.jpg)
Top view. I had tried to loosen those nuts on the ABS unit but they would NOT budge. I took that as a signal from the gods I was doing the right thing...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/607/vv9q.jpg)
The main bundle merging with the loom...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/829/1w5o.jpg)
Ground straps...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/534/ldkg.jpg)
Bolts loosened and forcefully "wiggled" out of its mounts...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/802/g5xy.jpg)
This is were it gets scary... Look away if you fear multi-colored wires!!
That big red wire was the power to the unit. I found my man courage and cut her...like totally fearlessly too... :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/10/l2rf.jpg)
The rest of the signal wires were cut in one go. I assume I will be teasing them out of the loom soon enough...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/841/l5pe.jpg)
The ABS sensor on the hub was removed. Torx for that one if I recall...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/841/ufui.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/716/yva8.jpg)
And removed the associated sensor and wire...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/198/xjc8.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/202/6e1f.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/541/6j01.jpg)
Its new resting place...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/802/0b2j.jpg)
I also went off to BMW and ordered a bunch of sh*t including brake lines and fuel lines... I was told all brake lines
come pre-bent though Id heard different on the forum.. We'll find out....
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My OEM BMW brake line did NOT come pre-bent... It's not hard to bend yourself but with some patience and allot of measuring you'll be just fine.
You had stated you were removing the gas tank, be a good time to rebuild the rear brake line before you put that all back together so plan ahead.
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Been doing a few odds and ends...
I mostly completed a rebuild of my alternator - by mostly
I mean that I've left the bearing removal and the brass slip ring
to a rebuild shop as they will do it for less than I can buy the
parts for. Not because its too much of a pain in the *ss.. Oh no... :P
Also, I will have them test the output to ensure a nice steady
stream of power. If not I know I will have to change the
voltage regulator...Not what I originally wanted to do but it just
makes sense... :-\
So here is how she was:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/bgnm.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/35/7oz2.jpg)
Once she was out I took stock of her:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/203/vbqg.jpg)
Not sure what color she may have been when new but there was
no lack of rust, grime and grease!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/594/js2v.jpg)
So after a few months of thinking about it I hauled her out of the
shed this week and figured Id have a crack at her... I was pretty
much in the zone on the disassembly as I completely forgot to
take some pics... :-[
Basically you need a 24mm socket to loosen the nut in the center
of the pulley. I used a pneumatic gun on her and she came right
out (after trying for 20 minutes the old fashioned way...
My forearms aint what they used to be!!)
With that out you pull the pulley out and then the spacer. Easy.
Then you have 4 bolts in opposite corners. You need a phillips
head screwdriver for those but if you don't have one don't
worry because you won't be able to get them out anyways... ::)
What will work is a good fight with the wife to get your blood
boiling (or a regular day dealing with your teenage daughter)
and then use a vise grip wrench tightly clamp to the middle of
the bolt (its exposed on the sides of the alternator). It will p*ss
you off for a while but they will give... Of course spray
penetrating oil before trying this... duh...
Then you remove all the stuff on the back:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/541/asjp.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/513/busx.jpg)
Then I lightly tapped the sides apart and she opened up... Here is whats left over:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/404/bmeh.jpg)
Im not a big fan of rust so I put the parts thru my magical rust removal process..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/822/uj1w.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/849/h7nq.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/198/iq8n.jpg)
After about 5 days...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/23/w5q1.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/pzfd.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/138/koxa.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/39/ecp3.jpg)
Not too shabby... 8)
Worked on the exterior
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/22/tkg1.jpg)
and I also worked on the rotor..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/546/29so.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/ffsj6.jpg)
With all that done I cleaned her up with some compressed air
and polished the outside on the wire wheel out in the shed...
and proceeded to put her all back together so the rebuild guys
can take her apart later on... :P
Finished...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/197/bu02.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/203/i9aj.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/138/uqn5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/43/hece.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/22/2qol.jpg)
And that's it for alternator porn....
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Neat!!
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Nice work! So thats grandma's recipe for cleaning alternators then eh? lol
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but not having any mechanical experience is a bit of a problem...
Im not useless, just never played around with cars...
I am starting to wonder of your lack of experience? :)
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Im not a big fan of rust so I put the parts thru my magical rust removal process..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/822/uj1w.jpg)
We've had big fights in my family regarding alternator cleaning. Grandma always swore by vinegar...Mum uses ketchup...I use EvapoRust...but that molasses really does the trick, doesn't it?
;D
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Nice work! So thats grandma's recipe for cleaning alternators then eh? lol
You got it!! Dont stick rusty parts in her apple pie though!! That'll piss her off!!!
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Sounds great.
Although you might need something to snack on while the parts clean, so any left over can be used for baking molasses cookies. Yummy!
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I'm a fan of white vinegar, but one thing I know for sure is that we are all mental.
Soaking engine parts in cooking products is the second sign of sanility!
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I'm a fan of white vinegar, but one thing I know for sure is that we are all mental.
Soaking engine parts in cooking products is the second sign of sanility!
I used vinegar on a few parts, with good to excellent results. Then I tried it on a motorcycle fuel tank. :-[ Won't do that again. I learned that all these agents require total immersion - if not, it'll mark the position of the bath permanently. Worse, if you don't rinse well with a base like baking soda, it'll also remove good metal. I was left with a few pinholes...not a good idea.
I also did some reverse electrolysis; that's a bit messy and hard on the charger.
I prefer Evaporust or other chelating rust eaters, but they are expensive and unkind to zinc. But I'm going to try the feed molasses and water for my next chelating job. I'm told it'll ferment in a few days though, anyone have some first-hand experience? Does rust make for a decent rum? ;D
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I'm a fan of white vinegar, but one thing I know for sure is that we are all mental.
Soaking engine parts in cooking products is the second sign of sanility!
I used vinegar on a few parts, with good to excellent results. Then I tried it on a motorcycle fuel tank. :-[ Won't do that again. I learned that all these agents require total immersion - if not, it'll mark the position of the bath permanently. Worse, if you don't rinse well with a base like baking soda, it'll also remove good metal. I was left with a few pinholes...not a good idea.
I also did some reverse electrolysis; that's a bit messy and hard on the charger.
I prefer Evaporust or other chelating rust eaters, but they are expensive and unkind to zinc. But I'm going to try the feed molasses and water for my next chelating job. I'm told it'll ferment in a few days though, anyone have some first-hand experience? Does rust make for a decent rum? ;D
Does rust make for a decent rum??
;D ;D ;D
Priceless.... ;)
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Small update... :P
Getting ready for the subframe cleanup! First had to crack-free the four bolts holding the trailing arms to the rear beam... It was an EPIC battle, one for the books for sure, but I did manage to get them loose!! I now firmly believe restoring a car is all about forearm strength... atleast 95% of it anyways.... :P
Dirty rotten bast*rds out and bagged:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/853/p16q.jpg)
Whats left:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/89/5rpy.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/203/wmql.jpg)
Also got to work on the rear sway bar...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/824/rzl7.jpg)
Removal, with the subframe out, was easy for a change... The bolts gave easily, probably scared by the beating those subframe bolts got!! ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/849/mm4o.jpg)
Not too shabby but a little rusty in spots and the bushings and links were FINISHED...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/89/zgsp.jpg)
New kit, including bushings and brackets, links and bolts..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/89/nmsa.jpg)
Took her out in the incessant cold and cleaned her up... lots of fun when your hands are numb... :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/62/pi0o.jpg)
With the cleanup complete, a few coats of anti-rust paint applied and the bushings as well. I used KY jelly, uh, cause it works...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/812/s63r.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/811/iu34.jpg)
Fuel tank is next!!!!!
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Well fuel tank is next... With the subframe out of the way this isnt a huge job - but throw in 24 years of rain/road salt/snow/sand/dirt and it gets interesting... :o
Thinking ahead, I started WD40ing the bolts a few weeks back..
Here you can see the state of my brake lines ( a wee bit of rust there..) and the rusted seam of the fuel tank:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/836/jx2e.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/27/zp1e.jpg)
To get started first I disconnected the fuel filler hose here on the right:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/203/sz7w.jpg)
Here was the result of my first bolt removal attempt:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/812/qztu.jpg)
:o
I took a moment and thought "This is going to be fun..." :-[
Undetered I continued on.. The tank has 3 attachment points facing forward, two bolts far left,
and center and one nut which attaches to a stud on the far right - that's good to know cause I didn't...
Luckily I took it easier and got the 2nd one off.. Here is the stud:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/197/vjyi.jpg)
On my car the far left forward bolt has the fuel filter
in the way..While a small pain in the *ss it came out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/811/v1mq.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/3ae8.jpg)
Out:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/827/v1vu.jpg)
Being optimistic about my chances of actually getting this thing out I disconnected the fuel lines to the filter
and put a support underneath the tank...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/546/z7v4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/41/csdp.jpg)
Oddly enough the rear facing bolts came out no problem - 8) go figure... and I was able to drop the tank:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/163/o7i1.jpg)
However there are a few lines to disconnect: Electrical supply to the pump (previously removed)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/543/w2xi.jpg)
Fuel line to the filter:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/812/cumb.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/845/qf4f.jpg)
Vent lines:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/69/okyg.jpg)
This line, at the top of the pic below is a vent line to the charcoal filter. Its completely useless and will be completely removed. I will also not be reinstalling the charcoal filter. The vent line from the venting system (black part of it on right) will be rolled up with a small fuel line filter attached and vented to the atmosphere...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/534/htdx.jpg)
with something like this..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/809/y4bx.jpg)
The frame of the car with the tank out: Brake line and fuel line replacement is a breeze now... ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/843/4cx7.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/713/fjhh.jpg)
Almost out:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/845/rmqk.jpg)
Out and uh, in the way... ::)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/31/rldm.jpg)
-
Did you find it odd how light the fuel tank is?
Be careful with S-pipe that connects the two tubs as that short 12" pipe costs $40 from BMW and the only place you can get it from...
-
Yes I did notice it was a lot lighter than the differential - which happened to make a small dent in my foot when I "removed" it... ::)
I did remove the S line too, stored away already... thanks! I will be getting a new tank from Spectra here in Montreal at some point...
-
As most of you know I bought a new house with a big fat double garage to continue this build in style. 25 years and she'll be all paid for... hahaha
As a result, there may be a slight dearth of updates while I get things done. First thing is to move the car. Then all the other shit I own. Move date scheduled for end of May.
Should have some updates with my first stab at welding up in a little while though.
Please, no PMs telling me how my welding sucks.
Thanks. 8)
-
Cool, still looking forward to the progress :)
-
Nice
Where the engine?
-
Congrats on the garage (house). Now you can enjoy debt slavery like me any so many others! Houses are at least as much work as our cars, but luckily tolerances are measured in centimeters instead of microns, and the paint finish requirements are a hell of a lot looser too haha. How is the lighting situation in your garage? Mine is about 40m^2 (400ft^2) with joists at 3m height and I built up a SICK lighting system for a pretty reasonable price doing my own wiring (no permits, but it is all done to-code). I can make some recommendations if you need them. You just can't have too much light when you are working on a project.
-
Thanks bmwman91 - debt slavery is right - just got back from the bank, exactly DOUBLE my present mortgage payment and twice as long... :'( BUT I also painted the entire garage today, brilliant white and it looks awesome!! Tomorrow I expoxy paint the floor grey. If Saturday is nice I'll be moving the car over - so psyched about that!! Plus I got something cool in the works that I'll hopefully be sharing soon... :-)
Lighting-wise I've got 4 big neons with sockets for 2 standard bulbs in each so I will be good. Im also gonna put 6 window inserts into the 2 garage doors so there will be lots of natural light...
And then Thursday-Friday off to work - nice, I'll finally be able to rest!!!
Darky - the engine is already at the new house, it spent the winter there.
Jay-Vee - thanks, there will be lots more to come...
;)
-
I recommend this forum if you're not familiar with it:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/
-
Man there really are forums for EVERYTHING!!! Cool site, thanks keflaman! 8)
-
Been very busy getting things going for the big move...
But my biggest headache has been dealt with...
Pics are worth a 1000 words...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/829/f4cu.jpg)
The new garage!! (with house attached) :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/198/zdqz.jpg)
-
I don't want to think about working on a car in a single car garage. Far less restoring one!
Hats off to you norm, nice work.
-
Thanks Darky!
Official move date May 21st.. Should be back to work on the car by the 22nd...can't wait!!
-
Quite the crew you have there...and a Ford Freestar for towing?!? How well does that work? I need something like that myself!
-
Woułdn't have been able to do it myself that's for sure! They are my son, brother, best bud and me. The Ford is my dad's. Worked great. I've been busy in the new garage, its been painted white, floor painted armor grey. Shelves have been put up and I've built a work bench from scrap cabinetry which looks good. Ive got the neons to put in and a tool chest to buy. But im out in California right now working, what a waste of time with so much to do!
-
Well the big move is all done with.
Yesterday I was tooling in my new neighbour's garage while he was conveniently at work and came across this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/853/dpvp.jpg)
WOW! Amazing the things one can find whilst burglarizing one's neighbours.. :P
Figuring he wouldn't miss it I dragged it over to my place...
Now I stated before I have never welded but like all things in this project to date IGNORANCE is not an obstacle!
I went to the local welder and bought this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/lm3e.jpg)
I figured since my welding experience totals ZERO I would start where it wouldn't show "if" I messed up... Logical place being the footwells...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/819/opya.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/829/k9mq.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/41/yi9w.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/835/m9i5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/845/hxps.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/706/e1sb.jpg)
So out with the grinder nice and early next morning, the new neighbours must have appreciated that.... ;)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/541/0fqn.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/844/k938.jpg)
Like a fat girl in a tight shirt: not so pretty... :-X
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/843/5tca.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/823/3yu3.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/30/e30x.jpg)
That left hand corner was really bad. I have to be honest and say I was pretty scared.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/208/i05w.jpg)
Now, how do I turn this welder on...... :o
-
Your back at it, cool!
-
Nice to see you working on this again, can't wait to see the progress.
-
Thanks guys!
Now kindergarten was my highest academic achieving year and its paid off here:
Find some card board:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/qi6u.jpg)
Make a template:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/833/umhd.jpg)
Cut it out: (you still with me?)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/845/rfku.jpg)
Transfer it:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/580/nzc0.jpg)
Double check (this part is seriously easy to skip...)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/545/9b67.jpg)
Take a picture with a pencil so it looks like you know what you're doing..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/43/3cpk.jpg)
Cut template out then try bending it..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/24/ugl4.jpg)
Fit...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/35/hsx1o.jpg)
Fit again... (AKA: whack the living sh*t out of it with a hammer)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/23/2hbw.jpg)
Weld!! (Sincere apologies to those of you who know how to weld..)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/593/3pb3.jpg)
There you have it! My first ever welds ever! Ever! :P
Pretty damn challenging actually.. now to tackle the left hand corner which is gonna be a real $#%&!
-
Kinda forgot to post the first part of the floorpan welding... :o
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/844/k938.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/163/vpl0.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/577/3bpj.jpg)
Had to put out a small fire caused by grease and stupidity but soldiered on...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/839/7h8d.jpg)
As some of you have noticed Im tack welding - Ive tried to do a continuous run but its a little beyond me right now (READ: Cant F%^$# do it!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/811/7ib5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/5mj0.jpg)
Bottom view:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/59/b8de.jpg)
Work continues...
-
As some of you have noticed Im tack welding - Ive tried to do a continuous run but its a little beyond me right now (READ: Cant F%^$# do it!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/5mj0.jpg)
Bottom view:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/59/b8de.jpg)
Work continues...
I'm by no means a welding expert, but my neighbor taught me to repair panels in the exact way you are doing it. Looks good to me.
-
looks like a good project, way to dive into it! Just, one thing, keep the abs. it works great, and taking it out is more trouble than its worth.
Good luck and keep taking the pics. They are a big help putting it together
-
Ooopss.. Too late for the ABS, already cut out.. Not too worried about it though considering it will be a summer/good weather car only...
Thanks for the comments - more welding updates coming... ;)
-
Nice work on the car, and inspires me to some day try my hand at the process.
When I first skimmed your post, i thought that you had lost ABS function as a result of the welding (it was not).
Of course you should disconnect both the ABS unit and the ECU during any welding.
-
Nice work on the car, and inspires me to some day try my hand at the process.
When I first skimmed your post, i thought that you had lost ABS function as a result of the welding (it was not).
Of course you should disconnect both the ABS unit and the ECU during any welding.
Thanks - I was inspired the very same way..be careful, you may soon find yourself with a dismantled car in your garage!
As for the ECU - ooops! Never thought of that! I will find out in a year or two when I try to start it!
-
Good to see you're back at it!
-
While we're giving constructive criticism...I'd disconnect the starter and the alternator as well...just sayin' :D
Nice work so far! I'd also like to nominate your car for an honorary 'rust belt' certificate! I've seen worse though...good thing that car is in good hands!
-
+1 to Dave
Where did the car live near a ocean or salt flats never seen one that bad.
Cheers
-
Dave: starter and alternator disconnected LONG ago as shown in the thread, of course if you meant it as general advice - I agree.
Darky: it's 24 years old! They use salt on the roads here in winter but it doesn't seem to be the cause. More like a wet carpet that never dried. Its the worst area on the car but not the one that will give me the most headaches...
So continuing on with the work...
The RH side was pretty rusted out, so after cutting it out and grinding it:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/208/i05w.jpg)
I started with a template..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/811/w1bo.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/833/tqve.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/62/s3qj.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/33/wwnt.jpg)
This idea while nice, didn't work. I couldn't bend it properly and just got angry... So I tossed it out and did this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/593/z851.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/e65h.jpg)
It was easier to bend the narrower pieces. Now I needed a piece to brace the top..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/801/xkas.jpg)
As I ground to clean up for the welding more rust appeared and required more patches.. Not pretty but stronger..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/812/o2ij.jpg)
Had to cut out the outer edgeand tack in a new one..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/703/1f8k.jpg)
With the final piece welded in and a quick coat of primer
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/845/9e12.jpg)
Got the POR-15 out and cleaned everything up and voila:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/855/fg54.jpg)
Not beautiful but solid...
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Keep the updates coming! Like many other BMW vampires, I'm inspired by other people's blood/sweat/tears. I went out and started some bodywork on the E23 because of this thread.
-
Awesome Dave ;)
Hell if I can do it, just about anybody can! Not to say welding is easy - its not - but like everything in life, you'll never know until you try!
Updates to come...
-
Forgot to mention: Happy 4th of July to my American cousins!
On to the passenger side..
Didn't look too bad with the sound-deadening still in place...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/829/cjzq.jpg)
Once it was scrapped off however...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/853/6xfu.jpg)
Lots of little areas to fix...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/856/p82o.jpg)
And this corner which looked to be a real challenge...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/841/ocgs8.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/834/7c6np.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/822/vh05.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/836/10x1.jpg)
So I started with the easier stuff which was still a challenge because a few of the cutouts were
curved making it tricky to fit the new steel.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/819/aqow.jpg)
Pretty ugly welds.. Didn't notice my gas wasn't flowing properly which gave me lots of trouble...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/541/8qbm.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/836/iqe6.jpg)
That grey stuff is like epoxy steel, I used it to smooth out the welds. That was stupid, I won't do it again...
Live and learn...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/69/bf7d.jpg)
I puzzled over this angle for a while. Its the floorpan steel curving up to meet the door frame.
I decided to cut it out and weld in a bent piece of steel. This would unite both sides and make it stronger..
Cutting it out was tricky due to the lack of space but it got done...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/21/4t28.jpg)
Quick coat of primer first..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/196/xkyj.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/577/hsrz.jpg)
Then on to template making...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/600/yxg5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/199/row5.jpg)
Steel bending homestyle...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/855/3teq.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/401/hdyd.jpg)
Holy Sh*t it fits!!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/560/gpl3.jpg)
Weld it in!! Hurry...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/69/j8ms.jpg)
Nice... ;)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/36/7fb5.jpg)
Por-15 it and there you go...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/823/0owur.jpg)
-
Oh NO! More welding!!....
Problem:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/163/m0q9.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/833/rm5g.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/163/9v4t.jpg)
Screwed this part up the first time. It's a tricky piece cause its curved (tricky for me that is...).. So on the second attempt..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/38/w0x5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/812/6jme.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/823/vlns.jpg)
Not the best pic but its a smooth finish.. Im happy..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/545/ihdo.jpg)
Im getting a new welding helmet - one of those auto darkening jobbies.
Mine is a PITA...I'll need it cause the next section of the car I'll
be doing is scaring me...
-
Feeling good about my welding "skills" Im tackling a biggie. This is what the back-end looked like when I first took things apart:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/745/de9a60.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/a0d099.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/674/893b9c.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/633/f48dfd.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/674/6c13e2.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/746/56c09c.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/57019c.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/999e64.jpg)
That was back in August of last year! This is now:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/539/edff42.jpg)
Added a little primer a while back while I thought what to do.
And thought..and thought...and thought...
Finally, figured I knew how to go about it...
Step 1.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/af513c.jpg)
Step 2.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/536/d0aff1.jpg)
;D
-
I decided to replace the rear panel completely instead of trying to cut out and weld every rusted area.
So I ordered up the rear panel from BMW (about 200$).
Here I continued to cut out the panel..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/d41900.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/b5fab0.jpg)
With most of it removed, the next part is to grind off the weld spots which you can clearly see in the pic below.
If you haven't done this yourself, the panel is spot welded every 10cm or so..So it requires a grinder to grind
down the weld (or a special bit if you have one) and plyers to pry the steel back and keep repeating all across...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/8af734.jpg)
Closeup... the seam sealer is tough as hell.. I used plyers and
the grinder with a wire brush to remove it where necessary...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/536/0520a8.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/e83497.jpg)
;)
-
Where's the "eating popcorn/watching with interest" smiley? You're really going for broke with that rear panel, aren't you? Looks great though.
List your tools, if you don't mind - I have an E23 in the driveway that needs a lot of similar work done to it...I'll drop it off if you need some more practice. ;)
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Nice work Norm :D
Look at it this way, you'll know how to wield after this!
-
Where's the "eating popcorn/watching with interest" smiley? You're really going for broke with that rear panel, aren't you? Looks great though.
List your tools, if you don't mind - I have an E23 in the driveway that needs a lot of similar work done to it...I'll drop it off if you need some more practice. ;)
Dave, thanks for the comments. Tools required are quite straightforward: grinder, plyers, flathead screwdriver...
Darky: well, let's see how this panel comes out first!
-
Cutting out the center section of the rear panel is the easy part...Once out of the way I had to concentrate on the
attachment points and here is where patience pays off...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/674/ee8d42.jpg)
I ground and pulled away the steel all along the bottom sill and it went pretty good. The scary part is grinding
along the bottom corners, I was cautious, not wanting to cut away too much. I kept checking my clearances against
my new panel..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/536/38f3ef.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/ade37a.jpg)
The trickiest part of the whole operation are these two top corners. The metal is thin and surprisingly I discovered as
I went along that there was another layer of steel running underneath the outer edge.. You have to be really careful
working these pieces...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/673/88c00f.jpg)
If you look at your new rear panel you will know where the steel is you need to remove...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/539/2cc640.jpg)
Here is a rear shot with all the steel of the original rear panel removed...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/904/eafe30.jpg)
Now that I'd done all that work I realized that there was absolutely no way the new panel would fit
with these two pieces in place. :o So I had 2 options:
1) Try to remove these corner pieces with the grinder (near impossible!)
2) Cut them out causing as little damage as possible...
That's what I chose to do...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/46d1a4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/742/d8f82f.jpg)
Test fitting of the new piece up next!! ;)
-
Okay, the 2x4 fixture is pure genius?!
Dean
-
Okay, the 2x4 fixture is pure genius?!
Dean
I thought I was just being cheap... hehe...
;D
-
did anybody ever told you you're crazy???? no! surprising!!!! :o ;D ;)
this is amazing job! congrats and keep on! ;D
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did anybody ever told you you're crazy???? no! surprising!!!! :o ;D ;)
this is amazing job! congrats and keep on! ;D
My wife does actually....daily... :-X
-
I just came across this, very entertaining. Being at work I haven't had time to read through it all. Early on though, I saw you comment about deleting the ABS. If it is working, I'd keep it. It is the most transparent ABS I've had on a car and I know mine probably saved my car on a bridge with a slight (but not slight enough) glaze of ice a couple of years back.
If it is bad it might be another story but with all you spent so far.....
-
Well too late.. I've already cut it out... It won't see any ice, as it will be just a summer car but I figured early on in the resto not dealing with the ABS would be easier than trying to replumb it all... We shall see...
-
Been working my *ss off, at work unfortunately and not in the garage but things are advancing...
With all the stripping and grinding away of the old metal it was time to start some test fittings of the rear..
First up was cutting out the top edges which I'd done previously but forgot to post..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/905/f0b790.jpg)
With those out it was now possible to fit the rear panel...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/pBMKwb.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/673/bcc4fd.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/4bc52f.jpg)
Overall not bad but I had to widen the lower part of the rear wings...
Grind...grind..cut..swear... :P
Looking better...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/a37809.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/540/2ed4e1.jpg)
Also cut out a rust hole in the battery compartment..
before
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/674/6c13e2.jpg)
after..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/536/aa65e8.jpg)
Now for more serious test fitting I figured I would put on the "new" trunk lid and eyeball it all..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/2ca2d6.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/904/8f45b0.jpg)
Getting ready to weld.... ;)
-
This rocks, you make me want to turn mine into a project one day and make it perfect.
-
Thanks Nick, I was inspired the same way... ;)
With the old rear end removed and the rest cleaned up as best I could it was time to get the new rear end in...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/901/05d0d6.jpg)
Now the super astute among you will notice this isn't quite a 318iS rear end (double cutaway for the exhaust). I did order a 318iS rear end but got this, which happily enough works better as I will be putting in some form of double tipped exhaust.
So I started by putting it in place (with the rear lights and trunk closed) to make sure it was all properly lined up then traced a line along the frame of the car onto the rear panel. My idea was to be able to then drill holes through which I would weld the rear panel in. If you look closely at the rear panel again you can see all the holes I drilled out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/550cd8.jpg)
I also sanded away all the areas that were gonna be welded on the rear panel to ensure a clean weld. Here you can see the cutout for the tow hook which, if you'll remember from a million years ago when I started I said I would delete...Well here it is ready to be deleted...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/ead790.jpg)
The battery tray area was pretty rusted and required me to rebuild some of the corners so that I could weld the panel in...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/673/eaaa8e.jpg)
I also welded in a patch for that nasty hole in the battery compartment..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/8c7707.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/536/eac9f9.jpg)
Next up..the panel...
-
Great work, as always!
-
Thanks Darky!
With everything ready I had no choice but to start welding!
Rear panel in with lights installed for final adjustments and a couple of bolts thru the bumper bolt holes
to hold the panel in place and I started to tack..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/bea74f.jpg)
tack tack..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/673/90d3a8.jpg)
tackety tack..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/2e16c4.jpg)
tack tack..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/537/a20401.jpg)
inner tack tack...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/c4d484.jpg)
Stopped to assess..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/237a5d.jpg)
Looks good...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/539/c0f653.jpg)
Penetration is looking good too...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/905/af3ca9.jpg)
Tow hook deleted!! :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/911/8ac9b7.jpg)
Now the hard part... came out ok I guess...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/33bb8f.jpg)
And finally, welding those corners back in...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/76c524.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/538/d37b0f.jpg)
Done! Voila!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/661/68358d.jpg)
I wasted no time and ground down all my welds and painted on a coat of POR-15.
You know...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/eN2aGx.jpg)
-
Next up... ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/jyy7x.jpg)
To remove the Mtech 1 steering wheel just pop off center cap, loosen nut..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/853/lu7j.jpg)
There is a collar behind the nut...don't lose it...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/p7676.jpg)
Next step is to get the board out...
Board out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/829/kuac.jpg)
Left side clips...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/6igd.jpg)
Right side clips..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/7z9gw.jpg)
Disconnected..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/dluxd.jpg)
This guy is next but I ran into "difficulties"...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/850/37cc.jpg)
The right side bolt holding the unit in place won't come out because it pushes up against the electrical unit as seen once out...
Patience is a virtue getting this bastard out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/823/xd6j.jpg)
I didnt need to remove the center console as I already had LAST YEAR... So off to the right side and the glove box..
later...
-
Over to the glove box and DME...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/856/nmxh.jpg)
No flashlight but the connection is still there...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/829/cik4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/m93p5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/iq54s.jpg)
Computer out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/1vf40.jpg)
Center dash...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/855/u6lz.jpg)
Radio out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/820/18nk.jpg)
This thing too...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/850/2zt1.jpg)
and that thing too...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/e22sz.jpg)
Fun finding the screws on this part...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/6u0v4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/u850c.jpg)
Trickiest part of it all coming up...
This is how to get the cover plate out.. go slow and pry gently...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/842/d76gx.jpg)
Cover plate removed with mounting screws visible...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/301j1.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/823/7mp4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/837/7fn6.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/840/okg3.jpg)
Side mounting screws and that's pretty much it..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/zgqt.jpg)
Last little bit...
Used a scraper to allow the metal clip which is part of the dash to slide freely without damaging the inside moulding..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/829/g29o.jpg)
You can see it here...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/823/ftpny.jpg)
Gently pulled on it and it came out fairly easily.. did it alone too...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/25wpn.jpg)
Out!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/855/we4h.jpg)
and done!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/820/9hmh.jpg)
Not really...Center fan console needs some TLC... So its coming out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/841/ms08o.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/819/z6i3.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/819/7iu0j.jpg)
Plastic inlet/outlet pipes and not aluminium.. Important to note when ordering parts for the fan and associated rad system...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/820/737q.jpg)
Looks clean and tidy...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/820/22jz.jpg)
Done!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/820/lbvj.jpg)
Just a few odds and ends and the car is finished..
-
Great project mate. Wish I had even just half the time and skill to do the same to mine.
-
Good lord I hope you have a mind like a steel trap?!?
Are you taking it all down to sheetmetal to have it media blasted?
-
Great project mate. Wish I had even just half the time and skill to do the same to mine.
Time I have... Skill? Not so sure....
Good lord I hope you have a mind like a steel trap?!?
Are you taking it all down to sheetmetal to have it media blasted?
No.. though I know I should...There is some rust but I will grind it out, repaint with POR 15 and redo the whole bottom... Stay tuned...
-
With the fan center section out I wanted to clean it up and have a closer look at that seized fan...
There are two different fans, one for a/c cars and those without. The shorter one is for a/c:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/3ZfAI5.jpg)
I had a spare that came with the car. Obviously the PO had ordered the wrong one: Pay attention to the details
on realoem to not screw up your order... Same goes for the rad unit...
I point out the plastic inlet/outlet piping on the rad for the same reason...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/o4Sxcw.jpg)
To get the fan out, pop the clip that holds it in place with a flathead screwdriver from the bottom and disconnect the two wires as shown..
Clip and wires...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/xCn2Yc.jpg)
bottom...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/BurSpY.jpg)
open...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/IbJJba.jpg)
With the fan out I really wanted to get my hands on that rad..
Three screws and it slides right out.... Oh no... Not so easy..
You have to get this POS out of the way first... Just to p*ss you
off of course...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/ff9SA3.jpg)
Tried the lazy way...Almost...but not quite...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/539/BfcUql.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/XZ0BqE.jpg)
out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/743/Kqcubo.jpg)
With that out of the way NOW I slid out the rad...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/FXgbB8.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/gT0LZU.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/zufWLD.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/f7KvYZ.jpg)
Much to my surprise it seemed to be in really good shape. So of course I ordered a new one.
For those of you scratching your heads, look up Murphy's Law in wikipedia... :P
Next up I cleaned what was left of the foam sealer (shown here)..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/xCn2Yc.jpg)
It crumbled into dust. New one ordered.
I also completely washed the unit, inside and out. Well within my abilities methinks... ::)
With that done my attention turned back to the seized fan:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/JdsDT7.jpg)
That pic was taken after grinding all the surface rust and shite off of it... I air blew it cleaned and tried to rotate the shaft..
No luck...So I got angry and tried again...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/U1XJ51.jpg)
Almost went cardiac and again no luck...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/IyL0YW.jpg)
Gave it to my son for a go...Here is a pic after he got it free..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/LOWiXj.jpg)
Jerk...
-
Where the hell is everybody -working??? ;D
With the fan rotating I decided to see if it worked. I wired it up to a 12V battery and she spun like crazy!
While she was out I decided to have a looksee at the brushes..
There is the clip..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/29y6GQ.jpg)
Pry it off and keep a finger on it cause the spring underneath will send it flying.. (NO, it didn't happen to me!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/iQrQKW.jpg)
Said spring...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/o2v5Mv.jpg)
Metal sleeve for the carbon brush...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/XUZQtb.jpg)
Pry it out gently...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/9IYfzE.jpg)
Out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/cuIZFE.jpg)
Still more than half left...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/951EDb.jpg)
Guess I shouldn't have ordered new brushes then... :?
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/QjPX0D.jpg)
I'll just keep 'em till I need them... Like in 2035.... :P
-
Drove down to the US to pick up my new replacement rad:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/DJrFFe.jpg)
Really nice, except the foam is complete scrap - I will have to find some foam tape somewhere...aarghh...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/tOl7jK.jpg)
Also got some other goodies...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/N9sMIX.jpg)
Complete set of new hoses and all fittings for the mighty M42.. (sarcasm intended..) and the driveshaft center bearing and new guibo...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/BoQT7I.jpg)
Z3 short shift complete kit..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/qGpKQI.jpg)
Clutch thingie...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/oaPXU4.jpg)
And kickass new eurospec front end stuff (and new front end bearings too!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/fGnqRl.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
-
I'm loving the progress on this car. Great pics and I love your commentary. I have to do a heater core one of these days. I mean, actually fix one. I tend to pull them out of E30s, but they usually end up at the scrapper's place. We're on a first-name basis now.
-
Thanks for the comments Dave. Appreciate it :P
My heater core was in surprisingly good shape but I bought a new "old stock" one off ebay anyways - not planning on having it blow once Ive done with all this craziness!!
Next post, more craziness....
-
With the rear panel welded in I did
this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/743/QVa3FZ.jpg)
then this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/dSnABC.jpg)
wound up with this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/brzeB0.jpg)
In the front, I did this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/r232LQ.jpg)
then this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/t6OVrC.jpg)
Introduced this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/Y8COt2.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/Rx6TXe.jpg)
and this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/x8uall.jpg)
Did some heavy lifting and wound up with this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/eiOxBK.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/mjG93T.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/RAIaih.jpg)
Now the fun starts.... ::)
-
Now you have enough room for a parts car also.
-
Wouldn't use it - she getting all new stuff... ;)
My wife is getting jealous... ;D
-
Norm
Are you going to seam weld your e30?
Cheers Rohan
-
Good question! Thought of it but no. Figure I'll do more harm than good. Besides, I won't be tracking it and it won't see very hard use...
Rohan, gonna post pics of your ride?? ;)
-
Good question! Thought of it but no. Figure I'll do more harm than good. Besides, I won't be tracking it and it won't see very hard use...
Rohan, gonna post pics of your ride?? ;)
Soon mate
I started doing a simple little m42 upgrade and it sort of got a bit bigger!
When you do yours you will understand.
Trust me when I say start your engine build now that way when you get your car altogether your not waiting a year for your engine.
Cheers Rohan
-
Well I plan on starting it over the winter (Dec-Apr). But I don't want to drop more than 5000$ and Im not sure what that will get me. There are so many options and paths to take but I think if I can achieve around 160-170hp NA with a tune/chip I will be very happy. I am planning a lightened flywheel/clutch setup from here http://store.bimmerworld.com/e30-m3-lightweight-flywheelperformance-clutch-kit-p790.aspx (http://store.bimmerworld.com/e30-m3-lightweight-flywheelperformance-clutch-kit-p790.aspx). I think this will give me the biggest bang for my dollars. Engine wise maybe a new crank, lightened con rods and new pistons, maybe new top end (?). What are you doing???
I want to keep the rebuild cost reasonable because, and I don't want to bullshit here - but I am slowly but surely planning on buying an e30 M3 once this one is done. Im certainly not rich - but I would sell off my e46 to help pay for it. I came oh so close this summer to buying this one:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/834/ih7qi.jpg)
but it had been severely accidented and had mileage discrepancies that the owner was denying... So the deal fell through. Im glad it did in a way though because I would have lost my enthusiasm for the 318iS for awhile!
But I am completely in love with the idea of opening both my garage doors and having two e30's staring out at me - Im completely in love with these cars!!
Maybe that comes thru in my thread.... ::)
-
Hi Norm
I must admit the m3 is a very nice looking little beasty!
Alright here we go mate!
I planned on doing a 86 88 2.05l, little polishing, lighter flywheel m40, same rods m42, Lower timing case m44, nothing special sort of thing just more fun!
And that went straight in the crapper! :-[
I ordered a crank from uk m47d20 but I got m47 tu2d20, so I went to a friend of mine and now that problem is solved thanks to heat differential bonding and pinning! It's getting crack tested as we speak!
So to keep it squarer I went with 87 mm Pistons.
Also with these diesel cranks and there 17:1 compression are quite heavier than the 10:1 petrol so there might be a aluminium flywheel in my garage now.
Giving me 87 90 2.15l
So I looked at the head and the 7 mm stems (e30) of which a couple where damaged and did a bit of maths, if 33/30.5 is good for a 1.8 l what do I want for a 2.15 l and the answer was MORE!!!!
So there might be 6 mm ti 34/31.5 in the mail heading towards me now.
Looking at the s50 cam tray now.
All through this process I have been asking Ralph a lot of questions, bless his cotton socks he hasn't told me to get stuffed YET! Top guy.
So in conclusion to your question Norm
T. Your L. Bloody C.
Ps love your work on your car, every time I get stuck with my project I look at what your doing for inspiration!
-
Hey Norm.....I would wait a couple of years to get the E30M3. I believe the bottom will fall out on the market for them and they will be more affordable again. Don't react to the market now, it's just a phase.
I can give you a recipe for the engine....not sure how much power it makes yet but I know that all depends on the cams you put in and what kind of driving you'll be doing. I went for street mode. I have the M3 for the track 8)
Cheers,
~Ralph
-
Hey Norm.....I would wait a couple of years to get the E30M3. I believe the bottom will fall out on the market for them and they will be more affordable again. Don't react to the market now, it's just a phase.
I can give you a recipe for the engine....not sure how much power it makes yet but I know that all depends on the cams you put in and what kind of driving you'll be doing. I went for street mode. I have the M3 for the track 8)
Cheers,
~Ralph
Hard to say man. Porsches have all gotten crazy expensive. Maybe that bubble will burst, (I hope so - cos otherwise, I'll never get in one), but maybe it'll just plateau and the cool Bimmers of the world will move in the same direction. If I had any money, I'd buy an E30 M3 and an E28 M5 cos I think the early and "pure" M cars are only gonna get more expensive as new cars get more and more "electronic" and "synthetic." Also - an FD Rx7 and an NSX. Japanese hero cars have got to go up in value soon.
-
Hi Norm
I must admit the m3 is a very nice looking little beasty!
Alright here we go mate!
I planned on doing a 86 88 2.05l, little polishing, lighter flywheel m40, same rods m42, Lower timing case m44, nothing special sort of thing just more fun!
And that went straight in the crapper! :-[
I ordered a crank from uk m47d20 but I got m47 tu2d20, so I went to a friend of mine and now that problem is solved thanks to heat differential bonding and pinning! It's getting crack tested as we speak!
So to keep it squarer I went with 87 mm Pistons.
Also with these diesel cranks and there 17:1 compression are quite heavier than the 10:1 petrol so there might be a aluminium flywheel in my garage now.
Giving me 87 90 2.15l
So I looked at the head and the 7 mm stems (e30) of which a couple where damaged and did a bit of maths, if 33/30.5 is good for a 1.8 l what do I want for a 2.15 l and the answer was MORE!!!!
So there might be 6 mm ti 34/31.5 in the mail heading towards me now.
Looking at the s50 cam tray now.
All through this process I have been asking Ralph a lot of questions, bless his cotton socks he hasn't told me to get stuffed YET! Top guy.
So in conclusion to your question Norm
T. Your L. Bloody C.
Ps love your work on your car, every time I get stuck with my project I look at what your doing for inspiration!
Until I went back and re-read it several times, I literally only understood every other line. :)
-
Hi Norm
I must admit the m3 is a very nice looking little beasty!
Alright here we go mate!
I planned on doing a 86 88 2.05l, little polishing, lighter flywheel m40, same rods m42, Lower timing case m44, nothing special sort of thing just more fun!
And that went straight in the crapper! :-[
I ordered a crank from uk m47d20 but I got m47 tu2d20, so I went to a friend of mine and now that problem is solved thanks to heat differential bonding and pinning! It's getting crack tested as we speak!
So to keep it squarer I went with 87 mm Pistons.
Also with these diesel cranks and there 17:1 compression are quite heavier than the 10:1 petrol so there might be a aluminium flywheel in my garage now.
Giving me 87 90 2.15l
So I looked at the head and the 7 mm stems (e30) of which a couple where damaged and did a bit of maths, if 33/30.5 is good for a 1.8 l what do I want for a 2.15 l and the answer was MORE!!!!
So there might be 6 mm ti 34/31.5 in the mail heading towards me now.
Looking at the s50 cam tray now.
All through this process I have been asking Ralph a lot of questions, bless his cotton socks he hasn't told me to get stuffed YET! Top guy.
So in conclusion to your question Norm
T. Your L. Bloody C.
Ps love your work on your car, every time I get stuck with my project I look at what your doing for inspiration!
That was a great reply - but Im gonna need Ralph to explain it to all us mere mortals!!! Ha!!!
Seriously, Ive been thinking about the m47 crank route as well - but Ive kept that thinking peripheral as Im just juggling so much with the car now. Im finishing up the welding (update to come shortly) and will then do the bottom, brakes, fuel and then bodywork. Its hard to see starting on the engine right now. With all the body work there will just be too much dust and general mess to consider working on the engine.I've looked into engine shops but my main choices here won't touch this engine. There seems to be an interesting shop in Toronto, which is 700 kilometers away, which might do the work but I'm still thinking about it. If everything goes to plan I think I will start on the engine sometime this winter, maybe February, I'm not sure how long the whole process will take. I will have to decide on the setup before then to get parts ordered. No doubt the engine shops schedule will be a factor...
Thanks for the kind words - Im telling you, with all the work I have to do yet, I need some inspiration!!
-
Hey Norm.....I would wait a couple of years to get the E30M3. I believe the bottom will fall out on the market for them and they will be more affordable again. Don't react to the market now, it's just a phase.
I can give you a recipe for the engine....not sure how much power it makes yet but I know that all depends on the cams you put in and what kind of driving you'll be doing. I went for street mode. I have the M3 for the track 8)
Cheers,
~Ralph
Ralph, I agree. I dont see prices going much higher either, because who will buy them? Generally the average joe buys these cars, and all the best ones are owned by the lucky few who have the means. For the rest of us it is a serious expense and endless price increases cant go on because the average joe will be priced out of the market.
So I am not buying one now that is certain, Im just starting to plan on it... Im really just keen on my 318, I just hope my meager skills can do justice to what I want the car to become...
And I absolutely want to know your recipe - trust me, you are the lead mechanic on "Team Norm", you just didnt know it!!! :-)
-
Norm…..Here is where I learned everything that I know. You should be in good hands with me at the helm!!! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac7G7xOG2Ag
then this one….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fjcJp_Nwvk
Cheers,
~Ralph
-
Hey isn't that Darky talking about his M42 rebuild??
;D ;D ;D ;D
-
Hey isn't that Darky talking about his M42 rebuild??
;D ;D ;D ;D
Nope it's not me!Norm…..Here is where I learned everything that I know. You should be in good hands with me at the helm!!! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac7G7xOG2Ag
then this one….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fjcJp_Nwvk
Cheers,
~Ralph
That thing won't work, be like pushing a cubic meter of concrete with a remote control car!
😎
-
With the car up on the rotisserie things are getting easier. Did a quick run down of what needs doing body wise on the bottom...
Serious-*ss welding...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ODtovt.jpg)
More welding...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/oEzc5T.jpg)
Scraping, cleaning, welding...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/ixnGW9.jpg)
uhh...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/n6UU41.jpg)
More....aarrghhh...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/yoEJXS.jpg)
-
Well that was depressing.. So I figured it was a good time to remove the windshield seeing as I had a tiny rust spot on the RH corner.. No big deal... No pics of the removal as I was pretty absorbed in the process... Not very hard anyways...
Here is the "little" rust spot...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/yyrH34.jpg)
F$ck!!!
Wait, it gets worse...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/QXAfuS.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/902/CIjmXE.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/pAOL1R.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/wjr2xd.jpg)
"Hello Bmw Parts department? Yes, Id like a new apron for a 1991 318iS...." :-\
-
o new apron arrived next morning...
Here we go...
See spot welds? Drill them out... Fun!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/atYQhh.jpg)
Wish I had the right tool but had to use a regular drill bit..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/y8UUXs.jpg)
Cut out most of the apron...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/J0cbfe.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/rI9QBr.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/FB471d.jpg)
Had to cut away the edges - the apron won't go in unless its all cut away. You'll see it has been braized in..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/pObfLO.jpg)
-
The other corner was as bad but the rust wasn't deep... These were ground out and cleaned and POR15'd...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/Yo1vRl.jpg)
Cleaned everything up as best I could...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/CJ16gY.jpg)
Test fitted new apron... It fit!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/pnUysr.jpg)
However, I had to cut away two large sections of rusted out edging.. So these had to be rebuilt...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/0mRyPA.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/erJCVU.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/kz9d23.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/YHKonK.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/slvTGL.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/iuWdff.jpg)
Fit the apron again... Ready to weld...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/h4GxIO.jpg)
Wife got me in action... (ok I asked her to...)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/eXdf7i.jpg)
Done...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/KYRBqK.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/s6SKXe.jpg)
Alrighty... Bottom's next....
-
So....sweat equity is one thing....
Everyone loves a challenge....
I have to admire and respect your tenacity, but...
Er....are you nucking futs?
-
Oh wait...
It'll get worse.... :P
-
nice, I hate that that apron section gets rusted. I had it replaced on my cabrio due to the same thing and a few years later I see bubbling rust again!!! Wished the shop had rust proofed it more.
-
And to think... this is what you started with? and the amount of work/metal you have swapped out is amazing!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/801/l1uz.jpg)
Hopefully your kids didn't really want that trip to Disneyland to really happen?! ;)
-
Thanks man but is that my car?? I don't even remember what it looks like all dressed up!! Man oh man, Ive got a lot of work ahead of me.... :-\
-
Hi Norm
You are seam welding your car, you just don't know it yet! :-X
Cheers Rohan
-
Its kinda looking that way isn't it??
:P
-
Hi Norm
You are seam welding your car, you just don't know it yet! :-X
Cheers Rohan
The best comment yet!! ;D
-
Lots to do on the bottom Im afraid...
First on the list...
All components of the front suspension have to come off..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/t5kYzT.jpg)
Fuel Expansion tank crap has to come out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/wEieGC.jpg)
Lower rear quarter panel must somehow be rebuilt...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/6sp9.jpg)
The rear right arch too...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/nfGD9C.jpg)
Remnants of the fuel system must be removed and refurbished..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/9Ec3aM.jpg)
What's left of the brake lines must be removed..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/oihfyv.jpg)
Oh so many areas to weld and fix...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/PL9qxk.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/902/AQK0ow.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/jmTlUC.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/RtfB4K.jpg)
Oh and of course, the entire bottom needs to be scrapped clean and scrubbed before it can be resealed and undercoated.. I'll see if I can get the wife to do that one... :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/mjG93T.jpg)
-
Amazing how the view of where the petrol tank lives is so much different like this compared to when you are laying on the ground looking up at it when the entire car 16" off the floor? Seems less claustrophobia inducing? :o
-
I know! That rotisserie is the cat's meow... 8)
Here are the plans for those of you who may be interested..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/qSnBhI.jpg)
The plan is not my creation but was put out by a gentlemen who goes by the moniker of xworks.
I modified it, putting the reinforcement bars at 90 degrees to the bearing as you can see in the pics.
The car does rock back and forth if you put apply front/back motion (ie scrubbing/sanding) thats why
xworks chose to put in those braces. Problem for me is they won't exactly clear the car. So when it comes time to
sand I will brace one of the ends against the garage door thereby preventing it from rocking...
Donations for the rebuild are appreciatted... ;D
-
Fuel Expansion tank crap has to come out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/wEieGC.jpg)
Norm,
I emailed you a word document regarding the repair I did to my car for the rusted overflow pipe. If you didn't get it check your spam or junk box.
-
Keflaman,
You did a great job on that fix..hope you had posted it...
Thanks again...
-
Remember this?
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/22/ru7p.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/706/n8b5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/809/lypk.jpg)
Did a bit of this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/480sIP.jpg)
And wound up with this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/819/4v6u.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/855/pxu4.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/856/dz1r.jpg)
Added this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/850/w40n.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/843/utd9w.jpg)
Got this:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/855/sq7q.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/822/m67e.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/850/yxh3.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/855/uo45.jpg)
Next week I will have the new bushings and bearings pressed in as well as install the new brake dust shields.
Big *ss welding update coming next.... ;D
-
I am {literally} speechless. Gobsmacked (https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/gobsmacked). I see there's some amazing work going on at Carrozzeria Boudreault these days!
-
Beautiful!
-
Jeez guys, you're embarrassing me!! It's only a little (super high quality synthetic polyresin-polymer, 10X the solids) paint!! ;D
-
Well time to tackle the bottom...
Fuel expansion... not sure what all this shizen does but its rusted and needs beautification....
The fuel exapansion tank is held in place by two nuts - on at either end. These were rusted but came off
fairly easily. I think I used a 10mm...or was it 8mm??
Here is one of the brackets holding the tank - a wee bit rusty...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/eKJpIA.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/cn7bhP.jpg)
Here I removed the protective plate on the fuel expansion tank lines...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/nFsy7T.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/dD5913.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/GkZmwD.jpg)
Closeup of the lines...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/XyZiUj.jpg)
Tank out, lines pulled out, steel filler pipe removed (one bolt)...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/crpKRU.jpg)
Were the fuel lines ran thru... (it was HARD to pull them thru but cursing helped)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/4Z2FTZ.jpg)
All the crap out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/nJHwIs.jpg)
Removed the fuel filter bracket (NLA btw).. Had to cut thru the rubber "shock" mounts.. The bolts
thru them were rusted out... New rubber mounts are available and cheap.. Already ordered and received...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/gMV0G8.jpg)
Wire wheeled clean...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/MURA8s.jpg)
First coat of POR15.. (they should be paying me endorsement fees...)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/UH79BN.jpg)
Done...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/25pQG8.jpg)
Fuel filler pipe about to be wire brushed...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/aAMpty.jpg)
And POR 15'd...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/7FaeXp.jpg)
That was easy....
-
Great. Now you've made it impossible for me to re-install the ball joints on my control arms without painting them.
THANKS A LOT, HOSER!
:)
-
Hoser!! Haven't heard that one in a while!! Bob and Doug McKenzie.... great skits... ;D
As for you having to paint your ball joints - Good!! - glad Im raising the bar around here!!
Have fun painting!
;D ;D ;D
-
Begun work on the bottom finally!
Just before I pulled out the expansion tank...Grease, grime, dirt and rust...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/B4NBzJ.jpg)
After pulling out the expansion tank and associated lines I was good to go...Did some very light wire brushing just to get the grease/grime off most places....
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/Xv5lb3.jpg)
Started applying POR15 where I uncovered rust (areas ground and clean of course!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/FqiVYm.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/fcGBq8.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/GqXdSQ.jpg)
At this point it was high time to take the front suspension off as I will be doing the engine bay and most of that crap is being binned anyhow..
Pretty straight forward (on a rotiserrie!), just find the bolts and remove them...duh...
Started with the wishbones then the turret...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/mpklsl.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/id1J9b.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/KItZ54.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/2WdB8p.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/t17gmW.jpg)
This is where things slowed down...steering knuckle of course...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/xiLAtj.jpg)
Of course just loosening the bolts did NOTHING.. I had to find a way to pry open the knuckle..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/HLwwH2.jpg)
Used this...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/lOyL10.jpg)
Tapped it fairly hard with a hammer...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/YctvrN.jpg)
Worked on the bottom portion but not the top...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/fd5jGM.jpg)
Was told by the PO that he thought the rack and pinion was leaking,
I am seriously considering an e36 rack at 2.7 turns..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/grK5nT.jpg)
Next up was the crossmember...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/rVFrd3.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/YBTiH1.jpg)
Off..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/EFHqkm.jpg)
Done...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/wbZNHX.jpg)
With all that sh*t off I wire brushed the frame to steel...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/dKpk88.jpg)
amazing... No rust... :P
-
The shorter turn rack is a sweet upgrade. Makes the car feel a lot more like a go kart, one of the best things I've done to mine.
-
It does look like a sweet upgrade but pricey if I order a rebuilt rack... It's a PITA to have to send the core back too- how much will that cost? And trying to find a e36 m3 rack at the scrapyards..forget about it! So I will probably order new... Im also looking at another 318iS a guy has here..started a resto project but stoppped when he hit a failed head gasket... Im going to see it tonite if the guy is available... Gonna buy it to source some stuff off of it and then sell it on...Gonna be cool having 2 318iS's in the driveway!
-
I put an E46 330i rack in mine, along with replacing the upper steering column bearing and the u-joint mechanism and it feels terrific now. I would have replaced the lower column bearing as well, had I known about it.
IIRC, I shipped my old rack back to the rackdoctor in the box they sent, and received a credit.
-
Must have required a bit of modding??
-
It does look like a sweet upgrade but pricey if I order a rebuilt rack... It's a PITA to have to send the core back too- how much will that cost? And trying to find a e36 m3 rack at the scrapyards..forget about it! So I will probably order new... Im also looking at another 318iS a guy has here..started a resto project but stoppped when he hit a failed head gasket... Im going to see it tonite if the guy is available... Gonna buy it to source some stuff off of it and then sell it on...Gonna be cool having 2 318iS's in the driveway!
I have a core sitting in my garage right now! I got lucky with a '98 M3...I grabbed the whole front suspension, brakes, rotors and the steering rack. Jus' wanted to brag a little. ;)
Good luck with the projected project...
-
It's getting a bit crazy now Dave...hehe :P
-
***UPDATE***
Just bought ANOTHER 1991 318iS..Runs good and will be a parts car even though the shell looks better than the one I have now...
Gonna pick it up on Tuesday...
Amazingly the wife isn't even angry...she understands its a disease.... :P
-
Must have required a bit of modding??
Spacers were required to adjust for the difference in height/thickness between the two racks. I got the spacers from Dungeonmotorsports/E30tech, but they are a common item.
The only other thing was grinding the firewall hole where the steering column comes through.
You should probably bend your power steering lines for an ideal fit, but I just used a pry bar to tension mine out of the way as I tightened its banjo bolt. (I was in the middle of moving and didn't have facilities to do it the right way.)
-
Still following this project mate, looking real good and great to hear you're adding to the collection 8)
-
Must have required a bit of modding??
Spacers were required to adjust for the difference in height/thickness between the two racks. I got the spacers from Dungeonmotorsports/E30tech, but they are a common item.
The only other thing was grinding the firewall hole where the steering column comes through.
You should probably bend your power steering lines for an ideal fit, but I just used a pry bar to tension mine out of the way as I tightened its banjo bolt. (I was in the middle of moving and didn't have facilities to do it the right way.)
Thats why the kits for the swap appeal to me - everything included. I think it may cost a couple hundred bucks more but will be very straightforward
-
Still following this project mate, looking real good and great to hear you're adding to the collection 8)
Thanks! Updates and pics of the latest addition to come later this week...
-
It's not a sickness if it's done well...then it's called a "hobby."
???
...looking forward to pics of your new addition.
-
I's not a sickness if it's done well...then it's called a "hobby."
???
...looking forward to pics of your new addition.
I was about to say you should know as you have 3 too but then i realized i have 3 as well... if the e46 counts....i hope to have pics by Thursday if i can can get the exhange and registration done....
-
I have three BMW's as well and planning on a 4th in the next 6-12 months...
-
I have four that actually run! 8) Ha!
'07 X3 3.0si
'01 Z3 Coupe
'91 318is (X2)
-
Wish I had that many running cars. Running, I have the E30 318i and the 745i. I also have the E24 and a pair of E21s not running.
It's not a problem...
-
I have four that actually run! 8) Ha!
'07 X3 3.0si
'01 Z3 Coupe
'91 318is (X2)
I hate feeling like I am taking this thread over but how do you feel about your x3?
It's between that and the x5 for the Mrs.
-
Thats why the kits for the swap appeal to me - everything included. I think it may cost a couple hundred bucks more but will be very straightforward
Careful with the kit (I used the zionsville one), if I remember correctly their kit was designed for a non airbag e30, so you had to modify the knuckle or something along those lines for an airbag car. It's well documented on R3V and e30tech I believe.
-
I have four that actually run! 8) Ha!
'07 X3 3.0si
'01 Z3 Coupe
'91 318is (X2)
I hate feeling like I am taking this thread over but how do you feel about your x3?
It's between that and the x5 for the Mrs.
PMd you. :)
-
Hello everyone, my name is Norm and Im an E30 addict....
;)
-
Welcome to the club, we dont judge here. Remember the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem ;D.
-
Problem? What problem? My only problem is I don't have enough $$ to buy a decent e30 M3...
-
Pics of number 2: ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/kYpGzZ.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/H5RMoT.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/touzaz.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/AJdWAl.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/Dlvm0g.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/9XYrY6.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/CZ9r09.jpg)
M3 is next...There is some parking space left on the front lawn...hehehe
-
She looks really good.
Your going to use her as a parts car?
Save it and copy it to put the other one back together! :P
Rohan
-
Hey Rohan how are you?? Started the ball rolling tonight with the engine rebuild. Found a place here that has 25 years experience and the owner seems real keen on tackling the project. He's doing his research and will get back to me next week.. Details then...
As for the new car, yeah she is really quite clean.. It does her a disservice to call her a "parts" car but I will snag a few things off of her. Black interior for one. M3 rack, BC racing coilovers which are new (may sell them though as I think my Bilstein/Eibach kit will be a better ride), both doors are very clean and alternator has been rebuilt. I'll sell off the wheels and replace them with the ones I got with my original iS. I paln to keep the car about 1 year... Of course, I may just keep her too... hehehe
-
Norm....your project is amazing! Keep up the great work.
If you need ideas for the motor, don't hesitate to ask.
I just had to replace my starter and battery. Now its time to tune the stroker motor!!
Cheers,
~Ralph
-
Hi Ralph,
Thank-you.. I will definitely be asking you... I just made a phone call to a place here I hadn't heard of and spoke with the owner. They do A-Z and he seemed like a real straight shooter and interested in the project. I mentioned the stroker idea and plans for around 180HP (seems like a nice round number eh??!!)... He said he was gonna do some research so I will bounce his ideas off of you...thanks!
I have updates to post.. car is coming along... slowly... but surely..
-
Hi Norm
I love how alot of your cars in North america have there battery in the boot. Pretty rare over here!
Leather black interior nice. 8)
M3 steering rack what's that like? Ratio feel etc
Great to hear your starting your engine build.
For some drooling material Google xrallyparts. They have m42s they call them x42. 260hp 12:1 compression and titanium 5 mm valves. Let's not forget 1.9 kg flywheel. :o
Looks like they got a s42 and made the bits work in a m42!
Cheers Rohan.
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Thanks Rohan.. I never heard of them.. I'll check it out... The M3 rack makes the car feel like a go kart, in a good way, a very good way... I only drove it home (about 40km) but took the curves in my usual race car driver way and was blown away how flat the car handles. Beautiful really... Here's the latest and greatest...
Well with the apron welded in it was high time to get the rest of the d*mn welding done... Welding is a bit tedious and it really is an acquired skill. Therefore, since I lack the latter, my apologies for what comes next to those of you with the knowledge and skills to have done a better job!
The worst section of rust as far as I was concerned was the rear right corner: The section where the subframe bolts to the chasis and the lower portion of the wheel arch. This bit kept me up at night..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/KUKbsL.jpg)
The whole bottom part was totally rusted out and would have to be rebuilt. BMW made a nice replacement panel for just this scenario, which, of course, is NLA... >:(
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/PeI4BV.jpg)
And its basically where three sheets of metal meet...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/rhRxLs.jpg)
So, when in doubt, get the grinder out!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/kW7FI8.jpg)
A bit more...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/GAiuQQ.jpg)
And the arch too..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/UuiYb6.jpg)
I thought this approach would be better than welding in a complete rear quarter panel as all the rest of the quarter panel was mint...
So my first move was to replace the first layer, the lower edge.. I cut a piece to size and welded it in..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/DjSH9y.jpg)
Next up was to double this part up and create a piece that would mate ( ::)) with the top piece...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/VM504A.jpg)
Its actually one piece cut and welded together to give the curve required..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/KokBNO.jpg)
I welded in that piece and then started bending metal for my third layer.. Im pretty proud of this part considering Im a bit of a hack at this...
Hand-bent...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/vlgBt5.jpg)
Initial test fitting..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/n5Eb7H.jpg)
Before welding it in I POR-15'd the interior sheets to ensure NO MAS rust... Then I welded it in..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/TO4JLh.jpg)
After the shock that I had actually accomplished this wore off I proceed to spend an hour tack welding in pieces of steel to form the missing inside arch bit..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/c2a4B0.jpg)
Then I spent another hour shaping a piece of steel to form the outer edge of the arch, which was tricky due to the shaping where the arch and the rubber stripping meet...
Tack welded in place.. and then cut relief strips to be able to bend it over and weld it to my inner portion...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/R2zMVl.jpg)
Bent and welded.. (you can also see I completely stripped the lower sill and POR 15'd the whole thing..no biggie but nice!)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/jmpQAr.jpg)
POR 15'd and ready for final prep later on..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/hT36f3.jpg)
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Amazing work! Do you think the POR15 will be better than say a zinc primer on new metal?
Also, I'm not sure if you know about this site, which sells replacement body parts. It might save you some time vs fabrication, and the prices aren't bad at all.
http://www.fixmyrust.com/Category/1984-1990_3_Series
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I hate you Colin!! >:( You show me that site AFTER Im finished all my welding??? Man! I would have bought those parts for sure!! Well at least I know about them now... Maybe if rust pokes through in a few years!! Just kidding about the hating you part! :P
I have no doubt about the POR15 - that stuff seems bullet proof....
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Haha, well one way to look at it is this: you developed some rather marvellous welding/fabrication skills that would not otherwise exist. And you would need these skills if an unavailable part does decide to succumb to the tin worm.
Oh, and what else would you be doing with your spare time??? :)
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That is the truth brother!!... I started this project to not have any spare time - its worked!!
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For the one or two of you still following the worlds most boring resto thread here's an update....
Welding was FINALLY wrapped up with some strengthening of the supports for the fuel expansion system in the RR wheelwell. It was a REAL biatch to weld these up as there is so little room to maneuver...
All welded up and POR 15'd...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/kdmrSN.jpg)
I also welded a couple of supports in the engine bay (clutch line bracket) and fixed a rust hole or two...
With that done I turned my attention to completing the underside....
Got my professional tools out..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/902/jAMaCG.jpg)
And scrubbed like a slave for hours... Everywhere rust or a break in the undercoat was discovered it was ground out, cleaned, rust treated and POR 15'd... F*ck you rust!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/MbDECE.jpg)
It was pretty rewarding work actually - having this rotisserie is magical.... so is this stuff:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/zTUwiB.jpg)
I didn't F around with the quality of the seam sealant and undercoat.. 3M is the only way to go....
I got the underside so clean you can see the original undercoat was tan colored.... The pink is the 3M sealant...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/TDmxKe.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/pfuhk7.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/Wf7GOS.jpg)
With every seam sealed, it was time to introduce this member of the 3M family...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/5qV6Z7.jpg)
You guys are gonna like this part....
First coat...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/9vUBR6.jpg)
Second...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/KIhjFE.jpg)
Third... (white spots are sunlight)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/l9QVQk.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/XiJHMk.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/l9QVQk.jpg)
Yeah I know...trunk too.... Don't flame me... it's gonna be painted!!
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/SuQyre.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/z4dE91.jpg)
Car is starting to come alive..... 8)
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One word
Wow!
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How much to do mine? This is really great, keep up the excellent work in this NOT boring thread.
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Thanks guys.. Not sure I'll be taking on ANOTHER project yet Nick!! I've got the head gasket to sort on the 2nd iS and soooo much left to do on this one.. I also just busted 2 ribs playing hockey a few days ago so working on the car has been very painful and its slowed me down some... Breathing hurts but Im still managing to do some nice work in the engine bay ;) ... update to follow...
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Quit your bitching and get back to work?!
And stop hitting like a girl on the ice. If you didn't bleed or lose a tooth, you're doing it wrong!! :)
Dean
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This thread is epic! Also slightly painful. I'm not talking about your ribs...though I do empathize.
You have no idea how much I wish I had a garage like that. :-[
Keep up the good work; thanks for taking the time to post it all. :)
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Dam Norm
Hats off to you, your still playing hockey. I gave that up about 5 years ago after the injuries kept mounting up and that public liability insurance cost increase closed 75% of the rinks making it really hard to get rink time!
My best injury was when I lost the bottom front 4 teeth, something about opponents stick, boards my face etc etc.
Fortunately my girl at the time was a nurse and she gave me an address to a 24 hr dentist over the phone. Got there ended up being a psychologist! >:(
Funny now!!
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Quit your bitching and get back to work?!
And stop hitting like a girl on the ice. If you didn't bleed or lose a tooth, you're doing it wrong!! :)
Dean
Dean, you're right... Just trying to justify the slowdown in progress. here....
This thread is epic! Also slightly painful. I'm not talking about your ribs...though I do empathize.
You have no idea how much I wish I had a garage like that. :-[
Keep up the good work; thanks for taking the time to post it all. :)
Thanks Dave, really appreciate it - as long as you guys are bored enough to put it up with the thread, I'll keep posting... ;D
Dam Norm
Hats off to you, your still playing hockey. I gave that up about 5 years ago after the injuries kept mounting up and that public liability insurance cost increase closed 75% of the rinks making it really hard to get rink time!
My best injury was when I lost the bottom front 4 teeth, something about opponents stick, boards my face etc etc.
Fortunately my girl at the time was a nurse and she gave me an address to a 24 hr dentist over the phone. Got there ended up being a psychologist! >:(
Funny now!!
Rohan - I would call it quits after four lost teeth!! This rib thing is a PITA.. Just cracked 'em while I was diving for the net.. BS injury really.. But Im 42..with the mind of a 20 year old... so every once in a while I break something...It's the 3rd time for ribs.. my wife just rolls her eyes and gives me sh*t.... hahaha....Im so happy Im married... :'(
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Dam Norm
Hats off to you, your still playing hockey. I gave that up about 5 years ago after the injuries kept mounting up and that public liability insurance cost increase closed 75% of the rinks making it really hard to get rink time!
My best injury was when I lost the bottom front 4 teeth, something about opponents stick, boards my face etc etc.
Fortunately my girl at the time was a nurse and she gave me an address to a 24 hr dentist over the phone. Got there ended up being a psychologist! >:(
Funny now!!
Rohan - I would call it quits after four lost teeth!! This rib thing is a PITA.. Just cracked 'em while I was diving for the net.. BS injury really.. But Im 42..with the mind of a 20 year old... so every once in a while I break something...It's the 3rd time for ribs.. my wife just rolls her eyes and gives me sh*t.... hahaha....Im so happy Im married... :'(
[/quote]
I didn't loose the teeth, i was really pissed off. So in the car park of the shrink I put them back in! Couldn't eat apples for a year though!
I just can't get rink time here except at midnight and start work at 6 am, so it doesn't work. There's only 2 rinks left here in Melbourne.
But every couple of years USA and Canada play at a concert centre here, which is great!
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You put them back in? :o Im sure that isn't how I picture it.... ???
As for hockey rink time isn't a problem.. We play Tues and Thurs from 1-2:30. We get really good turn outs, two full lines at most games.. but it will be a few weeks atleast before I venture back. Al I need is a hit I dont see coming and I'll be hurting again!!
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Gentlemen...Been a little slowed down with my wuss hockey injury..however Im feeling much better and I have gotten things done...
This next update focuses in on the engine bay... :)
Here are some recap pics taken earlier showing some of the progress...
I started cleaning the grime out even before I pulled the engine out... The whole engine bay was covered in grease/dirt..
Just a couple of examples..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/UnygwC.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/PsSZmu.jpg)
This stuff was a b*tch to remove...I went thru lots of rags and dollar-store toothbrushes and hours of work little by little as work progressed. The absolute best stuff, which I discovered only once I starting using the POR15 is the POR15 degreaser. You mix it 50/50 with hot water and the grease just dissolves. It by far the best and easiest stuff Ive used. It made cleaning so much easier. And no, I dont have ANYTHING to do with the makers of that stuff!! It just works!
Much cleaner and grinding out the rusty areas... This work started back in September...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/SWSVvK.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/742/uLfhc6.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/PkZet1.jpg)
Some of the last of the sound insulation being removed and cleaned...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/26n2BH.jpg)
Rusty area on the far left...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/4uSojw.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/NlBjI6.jpg)
Lots and lots of little areas and spots to grind off the rust...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/qnJsjW.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/ZzkQIm.jpg)
Finishing up cleaning the battery connection area...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/7sAQ3x.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/dIgrMv.jpg)
Now time to get comfy... :P
Started just with a first coat on the rust spots...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/J8w99V.jpg)
With all that done I starting on the RH side...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/HjjXYf.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/BCxClO.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/A4MWtY.jpg)
Man I love this stuff....
In order to properly do the LH side I need to get the MC and brake booster out of the way...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/TCU9hq.jpg)
Removing the MC is just two nuts.. I felt highly confident handling that... ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/G2ZXGK.jpg)
Brake booster without MC...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/0rkU9l.jpg)
Now getting the brake booster out isn't hard it just requires crouching under the dash to loosen four bolts and a retaining clip. You'll need around a 10' extension for your socket to get them out..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/t5EJsx.jpg)
Three of them come out fairly easily but the 4th is an PITA... You'll need the extension, a flashlight and some luck..
In this pic Im trying to highlight the access hole you need to put your extension thru...Epic fail I think....
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/GJhGqT.jpg)
Before dealing with the bolts you need to disconnect a spring...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/fmmTlx.jpg)
One end of the spring loops around a retaining bolt and on the other end is a retaining clip.. as shown here, removed..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/745/Xg7FWP.jpg)
And still in place...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ggNIMG.jpg)
Gently pushing the clip off (while prying it open at the same time) is the way to do it...
With all that done you get one more piece of junk on your work table...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/SNoGY3.jpg)
and whats left...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/zECGYn.jpg)
With that out of the way I cleaned up that whole corner. I set aside the fuse box as much as I could and cleaned in behind and managed to get everywhere. Without removing the brake booster there is just no way of doing it right...
So a few more flicks of the paintbrush and...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/jZOtyC.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/ExLDw6.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/v1FwNf.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/wKXycz.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/YwBWGl.jpg)
I put two coats on and it will all be final sanded prior to being painted... Looks nice black methinks... ;D
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I love this thread!
I dont love all the work you had to do.. But i love watching it ! I used to think rust was the end of the road, game over. But now I have hope, It CAN be BEATEN!! I feel if the time ever comes ill be ready to tackle some rust ;D . You almost make me want to go get another rusty gold** 318 and strip it all down lol... On second thought, I think ill just stay here and watch.
Keep up the great work.
-TG
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I love this thread!
I dont love all the work you had to do.. But i love watching it ! I used to think rust was the end of the road, game over. But now I have hope, It CAN be BEATEN!! I feel if the time ever comes ill be ready to tackle some rust ;D . You almost make me want to go get another junker 318 and strip it all down lol... On second thought, I think ill just stay here and watch.
Keep up the great work.
-TG
Thanks man... Live thru me amigo - it costs so much less that way!! LOL...
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Drove down to the US to pick up my fuel tank and other goodies last week. The fuel tank is made by a company 10km from my home - the cheapest I could get it in Canada was 350$ Cdn.. I ordered it for 190$ Cdn in the US - shipping to the border included... Pathethic...
Anyways, nice OEM spec fuel tank:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/CAxrJq.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/keqHHr.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/746/4DCTVn.jpg)
The connector doesn't come with it so I refurbished mine...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/UK1CFp.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/FjeFU4.jpg)
Nice lick of jet black..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/RPFB5E.jpg)
Setting that aside I started on the complete refurbishing of the brake system. Along the way I discovered I have a gift for brake bending...
Note in case you don't know: BMW BRAKE LINES DO NOT COME PRE-BENT.
I bent my lines exactly like the OEM lines. I also used BMW lines for lengths that demanded it and non-OEM stainless steel lines which are 10X less expensive and exactly the same... I also bought the spacer thingies...
Once bent all lines received three coats of paint as well as the spacer thingies... just because...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/dQpp16.jpg)
Those two in the pic are the center ones beneath the fuel tank. I had to order the 3 meter one from BMW that runs from the splitter to the front... it was 50$ which is cheap considering a 20cm line cost 35$... go figure...
For bending I used a brake bender which was of limited usefulness trying to duplicate the OEM bends.. Better was my vice grip and some steel pipes I have...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/WxeuRi.jpg)
New splitter and lines installed...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/xKHpSJ.jpg)
With new stainless steel braided flexible lines..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/OG2BBU.jpg)
To think it used to look like this: ???
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/Idj9iC.jpg)
The hardest line to bend was the 3 meter line.. After about an hour of cursing I found the trick to perfectly replicating the line..
Make the first bend and then tie-wrap the old line and new lines together. Keep them together as you copy the bends using whatever necessary... It worked fantastically well.. End result was a new line that I could clip into the original holders with ease..
You can kinda see how I did it here...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/TrOY6E.jpg)
Installed (runs downwards from the spiltter to the front)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/DF9Aao.jpg)
Added new parking brake lines:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/C7qpD9.jpg)
Installed:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/zfF6Mp.jpg)
Cut the wiring for the ABS sensor wires and filled the rubber grommet with rubber undercoat.. Small touch but nice...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/SO10SG.jpg)
Installed the new rubber bushings to my fuel filter mount which I had previously refurbed and installed fuel filter..
(you can see the brake line just below)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/VrnhrK.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/Kav8lo.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/yY3qSP.jpg)
With that done I installed the new fuel lines (these DO come pre-bent) which I had also thrice coated with new paint to the new brackets.. Brake line was also clipped on...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/yKsaWD.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/CRIOwt.jpg)
Fuel system next for those of you who made it thru this update!! ;D
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Pretty quiet around here! Que pasa?
But Ive been busy and took advantage of the lack of snow to pull the doors off my parts car yesterday. No pics of that
but I can say it is possible to pull off an e30 door and replace it all by yourself.. All you need is a jack to pop the door off its
hinges once you've removed the bolts and pin.
Here they are nice and warm in the garage...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/UmjcGm.jpg)
Had I been smarter I would have left them outside because I decided to grind down the little rust there was right away...
So I dragged them back outside ground away the rust and brought them back in...
All cleaned up...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/0EV6IW.jpg)
Por15'd..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/Q32pK8.jpg)
Man Im happy I bought the 2nd e30.. Both my original doors were rusted out and I couldn't find 2nd hand replacements...
Two hours of work and I have two good as new doors ready to go!!
Also decided to have a look at my headlights.. I pulled them out of the shed and cleaned them all up.. I removed about 25 dead
spiders and their egg pods..yuck....
Cleaned and polished...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/GFgB8V.jpg)
Removed the metal rims and wire brushed them clean and repainted them...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/s1guMC.jpg)
Then did this... :P
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/9pUf0P.jpg)
Pretty cool...
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Nice job on this part:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/UK1CFp.jpg)
They are like $40 from the bmw dealer... I could not find an aftermarket version that was less $ and mine was so rusted on it twisted as I tried to get the one off my old tank,
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Still following you mate, looking like it's coming together real nice! Those engine plans are pretty exciting too ;)
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Thanks! Engine is off to the builder on Thursday but no clear plan on what I want to do exactly.. Will speak with the rebuilder and figure things out.. Can't wait!
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Well not sure if anyone but Jay-Vee is following this thread anymore but here goes another update...
With the bottom all done up I refurbed the fuel expansion system...
Just after I pulled everything out, including fuel lines...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/crpKRU.jpg)
All out...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/nJHwIs.jpg)
Underside resprayed..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/a4HpbG.jpg)
I ordered new fuel lines (fuel overflow and vent). They pass thru the metal tube . They were a b*tch to get out...
To get the new ones back in was near impossible. I didn't take any pics but I wire brushed the inside of the tube
to smoothen it out as it was rusty.. I then used a metal "fish" securely attached to all three tubes and with the
help of my dad pulling and me pushing got them thru. That was the toughest bit yet...
Back in with new fuel lines and clips and reservoir painted black just because...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/6ZrxrQ.jpg)
Fuel pipe in..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/cncGg1.jpg)
Remember this?
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/iIasi1.jpg)
This looks better..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/1pcgdw.jpg)
This looks even better still...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/uRqkur.jpg)
So with that done I've basically decided to keep the charcoal filter setup.. At the beginning I'd swore Id turf it but
Ive decided to keep it..Does no harm and its stock.. So cool...
Btw..
Transmission, differential and driveshaft were brought to Eastern Transmission here in MTL for complete rebuilds... Super nice people there and a great reputation for quality work.. Transmission is in for an inspection and respray and whatever needs fixing...
All the rear subframe components were brought to Speed Automotive for new bushings and new bearings... Same rep for quality work..
Ive also brought the M42 to Ben at Performance Automotive for a complete rebuild. Top notch reputation and super nice guy to boot.
Spent over an hour discussing options with him and we haven't yet begun... Its gonna be fun...
Here she is on her way...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/MIPLPw.jpg)
(Thats Is number two in the pic outside unfortunately... too tight in the garage with her in there...)
Next update whenever...
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I'm also here for you. 8) I admire your determination.
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Thanks keflaman... seems like youre the only one!!
With the brakes lines all completed (at least the rear portion) and the fuel lines in it was time to
deal with the fuel tank.
This as you'll recall was when I got it back in October...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/2wHSRO.jpg)
It was very good right out of the box but remembering the sorry state of the original...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/901/ir7PlZ.jpg)
I decided I'd put a few extra coats of silver paint...
Three coats to be exact.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/6N6v15.jpg)
Then I waxed it.
Im funny that way...
I had broken the first bolt I had tried to remove when removing the fuel tank...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/pdC6Io.jpg)
So I drilled it out and kinda fooked the threads while doing so..
So I tapped a new hole and voila..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/jE4Uui.jpg)
Isn't this stuff better than porn?? ;D
The electrical lines that run to the fuel pump..(on the left)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/ziCD2U.jpg)
were all cleaned off and checked and re-tapped...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/ixiJ9E.jpg)
and tie wrapped to the bolt frame I had earlier re-tapped..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/2dYFrm.jpg)
Above and in the pic below, notice the lines running to the access hole..There is a groove in the underbody just for these two wires to sit in when you set the tank back on..It ensures they aren't crushed when you torque the tank in... Guess how I know that??
The vent hoses (all new) had been run through the guide pipe which was the hardest part of the project so far...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/vTvWYz.jpg)
and I clipped in the brand new charcoal canister vent line that runs from the engine bay, up over the tank to one of the plastic vent hoses as seen above..that one only got two extra coats of paint... :D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/KEpbIH.jpg)
Here it is running to front all clipped in and cozy...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/XWMaDn.jpg)
I had also set up my new fuel filter and newly refurbed holder..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/VV0fNE.jpg)
Which was pretty but stupid... The whole setup was in the way while trying to fit the fuel tank in position...
I had to remove it all to get the tank bolts to align...
Take it all off if you do this yourself...
With all the underbody elements squared-away I started preparing the tank itself...
(See the thin line on the tank with no tubing on it? It needs a 2"piece to connect
to the vent line... Guess when I figured that out???)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/lqdtse.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/5HpQlL.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/H9A2XI.jpg)
The fuel tank rests against two hard foam pieces that cushion it against the underbody.. The originals were a shambles so I improvised..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/xxisos.jpg)
and in position against the underbody...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/vedtmC.jpg)
Above you can see the 2" piece of fuel tubing I put on the vent line after Id realized I'd forgotten it...of course Id spent 20 minutes getting the tank on first only to realize I had to remove it to get that piece on....
To be honest having the whole setup on the rotiserrie is the ONLY way to go'
but I did remove the original laying on my back with the car up on jack stands so if some of you are stuck to do it that way, my sympathies!! :P
Setting the tank up is tricky because the vent lines must be connected before you bolt it in...No a huge problem but I double checked everything and still had to fit it in three times cause Id forgotten something or screwed something up...
Here she is finally in place..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/Mw8zXl.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ExwXD2.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/mSGj92.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/ipU96e.jpg)
What a gorgeous site...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/aJ1ZMr.jpg)
Next up...Refurbed diff and tranny are ready for pickup!!!
-
Waxed the gas tank. ??? That's attention to detail!
-
Hi Norm
Where here relax, just quietly watching the great work!
Ps got my valves, I'll let you know how they go but they look great to me!
You might want some too? Amazingly light.
Cheers Rohan
-
Hi Rohan...
Good to hear about the valves, your engine build is eternal it seems!! - my engine is off to the rebuilder and I plan to use a lightened valvetrain too. 6mm. Unsure about the single chain conversion. Probably gonna stick with the m42 crank as this will keep things simpler. The engine builder had some very good ideas and isn't a fan of spending money for small gains - and he is really looking forward to the build. Been working a lot but managed to do some work... Now with winter set in Im gonna be doing a lot of the odds and ends in the garage... There is so much its best if I don't think about it too much!!
Found it really dead here last couple of months...was starting to wonder....
How's the summer sun down under?
-
Merry chrismas Norm
My engine is proceeding very slowly, but at least it's proceding. The crank has been the bit that has turned this into a race of snails. M42 crank equals boring. You may as well go m44 crank while your there. We can help with the maths for the compression ratio and piston and rod selection. You just need to figure out where you want to be. 10 is standard 13 is nuts. Basically. Id guess that you want to be around 10.5-11
These valves of mine are so light 29g and are oversize and 6 mm stem. I was on them like a fat kid on cake!
It is slow around here everybody is getting ready for chrismas, can't wait till everybody starts to relax again.
As for summer keep it. That's why I live in Melbourne. Would love your snow.
Cheers Rohan
-
I haven't made any hard decisions yet... The engine still hasn't been touched.. We will look at options and decide. I thought I'd tackle it myself but it will be fun to work with a pro and learn a few things along the way...
Its been raining here for the last couple of days and today its well above 0 so I am very happy. Last year it was bloody cold and it wouldn't let up...depressing..but I spent a good while in Africa and endless days of oppressive sun isn't much fun either...
Merry Xmas to you and yours too...
-
waxed gas tank.
I love the 'because I can' attitude ;)
We had a much colder xmas than usual - 21! But I'll get to experience your xmas weather next year as I'll actually be over there!
-
21? That's the perfect E30 resto temperature!!
You're coming to Canada? You nuts? :P
Where to?
-
I spoke too soon... 43 today ugh... Sometimes I forget think it's bloody Africa here!
Hehe nuts enough to wind up on a honeymoon :p
Montreal and Vancouver, which side are you on?
-
Hi guys
Yea great idea go check out Norms e30 on your honeymoon, I'm sure that will start the marriage off perfectly! Lol
And jay-Vee 40+ tomorrow joy happy happy joy!
-
Gents,
It was minus 19C today. Tonight it will snow 10to 20cm and tomorrow it will rain 10mm with a high of 7C. Then on tuesday its back to minus 15 or so...
Tomorow, Ive got to get up at 5am to shovel the entrance before the f*ck@n snowplow pushes it all back in my entrance. Usually right after Ive shovelled it all out into the street... NOT very nice....
Atleast work brings me to L.A. for lunchtime... Sunny and warm. Nice.
Jay-Vee - Im in Montreal.
Drop in - women love e30's!! ::)
-
Jay-Vee and his fiancee haven't drop by yet so Ive had some time to get things done.. ;D
As stated I'd sent out the rear subframe to get all new bushes pressed in and the old pressed out and new wheel bearings. I also asked that they remove the parking brake cable head that was hopelessly jammed in the hub assembly... Apparently it was a huge f**king deal as the specialist BMW shop I went to hadnt done e30 bushings since the 1990's!
They were nice but it took over 10 days to get my subframe back. And it was pretty mangled with vice marks and gouges and the paint was all scratched up... I was not happy but learned that 1) Dont send things that are all nice and pretty out to a shop.. I should have done all this BEFORE painting the subframe..
So, I took out the grinder, cleaned everything back up, hung it all up and repainted it with POR15...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/ntIy5O.jpg)
Then repainted again as it just wasn't good enough...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/jwYfH8.jpg)
Its not as good as it was but the new bushes are in and the bearings are pressed and they did managed to get those d*mn parking brake ends out... I will still have some work to do as a couple of the studs that hold the brake line clips have broken off.. So I need to weld on some new ones.. then, of course...repaint..aargg
Much better news on the tranny front however:
If you'll recall...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/JCgtlK.jpg)
This I sent out to Eastern Transmission and the guys there are top notch. Not that you US guys care but for anyone in the Montreal area this is the place to go...
I asked them to disassemble her and inspect her. Surprisingly she is is perfect condition. All gears are gouge-free and the syncros are like new. They changed one little piece, cost: 5$!! Of course, strip down and rebuild was 8 hours labour!!!
Here she is now..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/J5eBwX.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/j69ulF.jpg)
Installed the new clutch cylinder Id bought a while back...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/AWqs9w.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/hoh1Gu.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/vGYSfb.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/hgvfUK.jpg)
Isn't she gorgeous??
Also sent them the drive shaft for inspection - no problems found. It was sandblasted a little and new center bearing pressed on... I brought it home and..you guessed it... POR 15'd it...twice...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/904/nszAKc.jpg)
I then ground the end as I have a new guibo to install..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/OAgieW.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/EZN7DS.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/p0ek4p.jpg)
Old nuts were replaced with new self locking ones.. M10 x 1.25 FYI...vibration damper, ground clean and repainted too..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/f2XaJ7.jpg)
While I had the grinder out I cleaned up these guys..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/n7EZhE.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/lcouT5.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/wImtSG.jpg)
PS: New engine mounts ordered... Grounding wire was like new. I just re-wrapped it...
Ive got more to come but that's pretty good for now Id say...v ;)
-
Drop in - women love e30's!! ::)
Yea with wheels dude!
-
Details details.... ;D
-
I might just take u up on that offer! Would be great to see this beauty (and you'll get to see mine haha ;) )
Well speaking of wheels Im currently selling my 4x100 BBS replicas... I'm sure freight charges wouldn't be THAT much :o ...
And that transmission looks good enough to just sit on the coffee table lol.
-
Well hopefully the car will be more along if you do!! Its hard getting things done when you can't open a door because its -25C outside... And heating that garage ain't cheap!!
BBS RS5's..4x100, 16"..now that's what I want... ::)
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Fantastic rebuild! I've never welded a thing either, inspired after seeing this threat.
I have my 91 318ic that has a bit of rust above the brake lights and on the trunk sides at the lip area.
Before I consider repainting (paint isn't bad...no other rust), I may do what you've done with the new backend piece and attempt my first welding on the trunk lip area before the repaint.
Hopefully the weather will warm up soon for you.
-
Thanks -Im happy you've enjoyed the thread. One word of advice - if you've never welded before leave the rear to a professional. Welding autobody sheetmetal is very very tricky and like all things in life, practice makes perfect. Tackling that level of welding is like saying you're gonna play Stevie Ray Vaughn's "Little Wing" first time you pick up a guitar. Trust me - it aint gonna happen!! I know, Ive been trying to play that song for 20 years now... :o
Having said that you can do all the prep work yourself, like Ive shown you how. Just take your time and be careful with the grinder. I had to do a little trip to the hospital because Id nicked my finger right on the knuckle. Blood everywhere. Pretty dramatic but Ive done that sooo many times now it aint funny anymore... :-[
Post pics of your efforts here if you decide to do it... 8)
-
Very busy day... A bit warmer than its been of late, up to -13C today... :o
Good news was my orders I had placed a couple of weeks ago all arrived at the US border so I zipped down there and came home with all this stuff...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/aH5pT2.jpg)
;D ;D ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/G1BeOG.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/7YlfGl.jpg)
Over a 75 things in this box alone...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/PT5B9K.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/2CaLXm.jpg)
and this sanding kit for the bodywork...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/N3N2j2.jpg)
Now all this stuff brings me to about 90% of purchases complete. A few odds and ends and any engine related
stuff that will come up when the rebuild starts and that's it... ;)
-
I also picked up my differential that was out for a rebuild. Turns out only the bearings needed changing (which I had requested).
Everything else was like new...
So here she is...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/VC1QQr.jpg)
Oh wait, that was before.... ;D ;D
Here she is now...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/XVUZAk.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/zIXTDf.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/Xfgm92.jpg)
New speed sensor I got today and mounting hardware...sprayed to match...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/irfglQ.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/uSaiFi.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/Mkzo3N.jpg)
Im thinking that diff will look better on the living room coffee table than hidden away under the car!!
-
In that box of goodies were 2 new engine bushings...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ZrDTKa.jpg)
So off with the old ones...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/y6RGN3.jpg)
And on with the new...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/IKBSFx.jpg)
Nice..
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A couple of weeks ago I also decided to refurb the brake booster...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/0rkU9l.jpg)
Sanded her down a bit...and sprayed her...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/633/DMKOw1.jpg)
Wasn't happy with the results (which I didn't take a picture of)
So I resanded, primered, reprayed and..it came out... crap!! Cracks in the paint everywhere... :-[
So in desperation I ground all the primer and paint off and tried again...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/XIn1Xk.jpg)
Voila...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/7fCzSz.jpg)
Im going to put it on the coffee table beside the diff... ;D
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New speed sensor I got today and mounting hardware...sprayed to match...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/irfglQ.jpg)
I worked up the gumption to start a few small metal repairs to my car this past weekend. Every time I got to a hard spot I'd ask myself, "How would Norm do this?"
I have never seen that dome shaped bracket before, but I looked at BMW.fans and sure enough it's listed. I didn't know they even existed.
-
You give me much too much credit amigo!!! Besides, if you did it my way, you probably had to restart at least once, probably twice!! But good for you on getting some work done.. I am busy these days..trying to get everything I possibly can for spring..
Im starting to think Ive taken on a hell of a project here.... ;D
-
Good Lord...
Building a brand new E30 piece by piece!?!
I'd be afraid to drive the car after all this work/monies spent! :)
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Good Lord...
Building a brand new E30 piece by piece!?!
I'd be afraid to drive the car after all this work/monies spent! :)
It will have roughly cost about a brand-new Honda Civic!! So, looking at it that way: I will drive the hell out of it*!!!
*Pursuant to the following conditions:
Spring or fall days, 20-25C relative humidity not above 70%, no chance of rain, summer days same restrictions...
:P ;D
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Today I tackled something Id been nervous about since beginning this crazy project: Shadowline trim removal.
I'll do my best to explain as I go so others can be less fearful when their turn comes... ;)
Step 1. Ensure you have an e30 to work with. If not,the whole process tends to become quite a bit more difficult...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/3PHZSZ.jpg)
Now a few of you may notice the doors are not on my car. I will be tackling the removal of all the door sh*t once I start sanding the car.
I just have too many of these to deal with:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/bZ7fWi.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/wqj5np.jpg)
First things first: You'll need:
1) FLathead screwdriver, bigger is better.. ahem...
2) Philips screwdriver ( + )...
2) 8mm deep socket
3) a couple of scrappers, thicker is better... ahem again...
Get in your car and remove this coat hanger.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/xsBkGn.jpg)
It requires the (+) screwdriver. With the screw out, use a smaller flathead screwdriver to wedge it out of its hole. Start at the bottom then work up the sides. It IS tight but it will come out... Be patient!
Once all the cursing is done and its out:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/hgjXes.jpg)
Next, get a box and a baggie... put stuff in it as you go...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/iQis9G.jpg)
Inside the car, remove the cover on the seat belt pivot to reveal the 17mm bolt. This is on the same pillar which you removed the coat hanger. (Sorry no pic - mine was removed loooong ago... :P) Loosen and remove the 17mm bolt.
Next, remove the small quarter sized plug on the same pillar using a flathead screwdriver...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/pPjTNF.jpg)
With the plug off, inside the hole you will see a 8mm nut. If you look inside the coat hanger hole you will see the same 8mm nut.
At this point you can loosen and remove them both being careful not to drop them.
Use this...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/oEOeDP.jpg)
With these nuts out the only thing holding the window is the inner rubber gasket. Don't worry, that window isn't going anywhere yet... ;D
Next is to remove the upper trim. Grab a flathead screwdriver and hammer and gently tap on the clip to make it slide over towards the front of the car..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/7APBeb.jpg)
Until it looks like this..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/903/2WaqOg.jpg)
Now, find your happy place and relax because the next part requires patience...
Starting at the door gently pry (with a screwdriver or scrapper) the trim off its track. Do this very slowly and try not to lift it too much, you dont want to bend it...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/QL4Qwv.jpg)
Once you have a bit off use a thick scrapper and very gently pry UPWARDS to lift the trim of its track.. Do this a few 1/8 inch at a time and keep moving towards the back of the car...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/5KfZ52.jpg)
Eventually it will all be off and you may find as you get nearer the end it comes off fairly easily...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/1RwFZN.jpg)
With that out of the way next up is to removed the remaining trim. This is attached to the painted part...They remove as one..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/rNdUVz.jpg)
The best way is to use a long flathead screwdriver and using a cloth or something to protect the paint (not like in the pic!) gently pry the bottom out first...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/nK1XPo.jpg)
It wont come out all the way but move up the side and every 5inches or so pry gently... There are clips there that may break. I broke 1 per side... In case you do break some the part number for these clips is: 51 13 1 870 459 (there are 6 total).
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/mVRlHu.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/FVfTmR.jpg)
Now if you want to remove the black trim from the painted part, remove the insulation and remove the clips holding it in place. You may have to drill them out... However you do it, you will break them. The part number for these clips is: 51 13 1 884 467. You'll need a bunch...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/Dr3PrP.jpg)
Now the fun part. This was a complete B*TCH to do. Until I figured it out...
Remember only the inner seal is holding the window in place. I'll save you a couple of hours of anger and desperation and show you how to remove it:
Start by prying a scrapper under the seal like so:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/yKMjqM.jpg)
Then using another scrapper do the same thing.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/EUImC4.jpg)
What you now want to do is use a flathead screwdriver and push the lip of the seal over and inside the metal lip it sits on. Basically between the metal lip and the window..
You will only need to do this on the bottom portion of the window. Just go slow, wedging the rubber over and off the lip between the lip and the window...
With the bottom portion done and the forward corner of the seal as well (near the door) gently push on the window and it will cause the seal to pop off the edge as you push...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/N2af2P.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/4adLDk.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/CXonr4.jpg)
The first side took me a few hours to do. The second side took me 15 minutes. You guys are all smarter than me so if you tackle this it will all be easy...
Now, with this part done, I guess she is pretty much ready for sanding... ::)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/tb9H8K.jpg)
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Today I tackled something Id been nervous about since beginning this crazy project: Shadowline trim removal.
Starting at the door gently pry (with a screwdriver or scrapper) the trim off its track. Do this very slowly and try not to lift it too much, you dont want to bend it...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/QL4Qwv.jpg)
Once you have a bit off use a thick scrapper and very gently pry UPWARDS to lift the trim of its track.. Do this a few 1/8 inch at a time and keep moving towards the back of the car...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/5KfZ52.jpg)
Great job, Norm! It's a task best approached with trepidation and always better to have out of the way. One method I used the last time I removed the rain gutter trim was to proceed as you described along the A pillar, but instead of continuing to pry the trim upwards, I pulled it forward. Of course, with the method I describe success depends on having a rust-free rain gutter so the clips don't hang-up as you pull.
-
Lucky you that it worked.. Mine wouldn't budge, I gave it a try but it was on there solid.. Hopefully it will go back on and stay put too...
-
Well, no rest for the stupid...so back to at it..
A little while before tackling the shadowline trim removal I
started working on the front suspension. I figure Id take them
apart, clean them up and put all the new bits on.. Easy right?
Hell no!
At the end of last summer, like a million years ago, I'd managed
to remove both front strut assemblies..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/t17gmW.jpg)
After setting them aside and fretting over removing the
springs and the hub for the last 5 months I finally decided
it was time to tackle the job.
So out with the impact gun to loosen the big collar nut...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/upryfN.jpg)
And then with the puller to pull off the bearing.
Now, anyone who's reading this thread and is familiar with my "skills" (or lack thereof) will have no trouble believing that
I've never done this before. And everywhere Id read about removing e30 bearings it seemed getting the bearing cleanly
off was near impossible...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/WbcxzO.jpg)
I put the gun on it and that bearing/hub popped off as easily
as a prom queen's panties on grad night... ::)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/j8kXCa.jpg)
I was stunned to say the least....
Feeling lucky I tried my hand at the second one..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/jdT3vo.jpg)
And guess what?
Just as easy...
I was starting to wonder when things were going to get tougher.. I didnt have too wait long...
As you can see in this pic the PO had put on some adjustable springs...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/yQdjcw.jpg)
Oh, look! Aluminium on steel!! How nice... :o
I got the spring off easily enough. Compress the spring (could only do it on one side due to the shorter spring), use the gun
to loosen the top nut and that's pretty much it...
Problem was to get the aluminium sleeve off... That g*dd#mn thing would not budge..
So a little head scratching and I came up with this..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/zjRMM6.jpg)
Is there no end to the usefulness of this rotiserrie?? ;D
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/qPG41P.jpg)
Like so many things in life, its all about leverage my friends...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/ibFtBG.jpg)
Sometimes however, leverage just isnt enough...How much torque do you think was required to do this??
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/bDOpI5.jpg)
That b*atch was not coming off...
-
Well I had pretty much given up on leverage. It works so good on on my kids but it wasn't doing anything for me with this aluminium sleeve.
So I got this bright idea... Get the dremel out and cut a couple of slots.. That should do it...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/csPgOx.jpg)
Oh it worked...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/YMuu6h.jpg)
Unfortunately it worked a little too good...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/zyLBCV.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/0uUusx.jpg)
Its amazing how you can go from feeling like a genius to a complete moron in seconds... There was NO way I was going to put that on my car... Aaarrggg....
So what to do?
One word:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/aGCAUl.jpg)
4 days and 100 USD later...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/55m2Ag.jpg)
You guys know Ive only bought new parts for the rebuild but these things retail for almost 600 USD. No point in spending that cash for something I was originally going to restore anyways...
So, reintroduce this guy...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/PWMwGe.jpg)
Make some noise...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/vWRrqO.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/ERiYr7.jpg)
Then onto the operating table...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/Eg7E3L.jpg)
Apply zee spring Kompressors...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/w4kZRG.jpg)
Remove top nut...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/wJWs5e.jpg)
and take stuff apart...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/BMuFgQ.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/Wwu9Fi.jpg)
Fumble for half and hour trying to remove zee d*mn spring kompressors..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/tnK8sl.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/910/WygSY4.jpg)
Remove the OEM sleeve...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/3GneJr.jpg)
And done. The RH housing with the aluminium sleeve oddly was no problem to remove. :)
-
Then it was outside where it was -10F to do some grinding...
Oh I looove grinding... :-\
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/PCWUiS.jpg)
I had to keep going inside because my hands would get too numb.. Bad news with a grinder...
Once done, inside for a quick sanding and paint...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/pZ01v2.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/glMb3a.jpg)
Also cleaned up the front axle support which was COVERED in grease and grime... Good times, good times...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/m8n60f.jpg)
And the front ARB...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/zn5r3G.jpg)
Not sure but do you guys think I need new bushings??
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/7bAKww.jpg)
And painted..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/905/BFsQR7.jpg)
I think that pretty much does it for grinding and cleaning dirty parts.
Amen.
Next up... Let the sanding begin!!!
-
As usual, I have to say I enjoy reading of your adventures.
-
Thanks amigo...;)
My idea of happiness...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/jR6zSo.jpg)
8)
-
Yep, still following you mate ;) Learning a lot myself actually!
(and I'll never get sick of your Simpsons references :P )
-
Yep, still following you mate ;) Learning a lot myself actually!
(and I'll never get sick of your Simpsons references :P )
How could you??? ;D
May manage one more short update this week and then its off to warmer climes for a few weeks of R&R!! Well deserved I think, as this winter has been abnormally cold and I am FED UP of it.... So off to Florida for me...sunshine and bikinis... nice... ::)
-
Well as promised a quick update before I get going to sun and bikinis...oh so many bikinis....
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/Fau3V2.jpg)
Mental Note: Don't let the wife see this post.... ;D
Despite the unrelenting hell that is a typical Canadian winter I have been busy on the car. I managed to shovel out number two (an epic adventure worthy of its own thread but...) and coax her into the garage...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/W7UFXp.jpg)
Main reason for doing that was I was itching to start stealing the good bits off of her and use her for reference as work on number one turns to the reconstruction phase... That and Id forgotten what an e30 looks like.... :P
So I gathered up the sanding goodies Id gotten:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/N3N2j2.jpg)
You guys have all seen these before. Adjustable foam sanding block and a smaller palm version. Sanding paper (320 and 400) is stick on. Total cost was around 150 usd... But trust me, well worth it...
Not having done this since my late teens (20+ years ago) I was a wee bit nervous but it all came back to me...
I decided to do a general light sanding and started on the rear panels..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/PxxXvl.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/ot6DTd.jpg)
Trouble spots...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/907/QlhocD.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/V8t1E0.jpg)
Sanding with a rotisserie is pretty much awesome... ;)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/2PEgtM.jpg)
Oh look a sunroof... :o
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/ofm4Zl.jpg)
Ah f*$K.. Im gonna have to take this thing out aren't I... :'(
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/IJqaSP.jpg)
Ok..one more post tomorrow before I go:
"Oops! Forgot There's a Sunroof on this thing I have to Remove " post..
Standby....
-
Darky - where are you man???
-
Right here bud relax!
-
Thought youd fallen off the face of the earth!! ;)
Now there was no avoiding the fact I needed to remove the sunroof. Luckily mine was in tip top shape, no rust, no dents.
So on with it then...
First things first..
Crack her open like so:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/912/IJqaSP.jpg)
Inside the car, gently pry the front of the sunroof headliner
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/W5i7Zx.jpg)
The sunroof headliner is held in place with six or so clips. All you want to do is gently pull down so they pop out. Starting in the middle is the easiest...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/JgFpEw.jpg)
You can clearly see the clips here:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/jrpF8x.jpg)
Once you've popped those little buggers out, leave the headliner be for a moment and adjust your sunroof so its open like so:
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/6DcX3D.jpg)
Gently push down on the rear part.. no clips here..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/Pi5q16.jpg)
What you want to do now is push the newly unclipped sunroof headliner towards the back of the car, where the sunroof retracts. The aim is to simply get it out of the way...
Here it is shown halfway pushed back..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/2jWdC1.jpg)
All the way back (for the simple folk among us...)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/jvjsut.jpg)
With that done grab one of these..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/kEPX7E.jpg)
Use Torx 25 and a short extension and use it to get three bolts out of the rack..
They are a little hard to see in the pic below but there is one on either end and one just beside the lifting arm.
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/538/v9y2JP.jpg)
Do the same on the other side and thats it amigos...
Gently lift it out.. you can see where the bolts go from the framing...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/a6R7jX.jpg)
I chose, for now, not to remove the rack. On my car there is not a spot of rust and the paint is pristine oddly enough.....
no really...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/908/XbFtUE.jpg)
Here you can see where two of the bolts go..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/911/D2OXlc.jpg)
The top removed..pristine...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/673/XTevPk.jpg)
Weather stripping to be binned... EXPENSIVE to replace...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/SEgaac.jpg)
Wee bit of sanding...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/3iwap2.jpg)
Primer...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/3u6A6W.jpg)
Going to get down to the real sanding once Im back from vacation and can open some doors to ventilate...
man I hate winter...
-
Nice, It was definitely worth investing in all those sanding supply's; having the right tools always pays off in the end 8)
-
That's totally true.. I was a bit hesitant but remembered how much it sucked sanding by hand and the mediocre results it produced. So I decided to buy the good stuff.. No regrets so far but Ive got a looong way to go...
Down in Florida right now so nothing has been getting done on the car the past 2 weeks... The weather hasnt been great here either.... >:(
but I havent had to shovel any snow so I am very happy!!! :)
-
Down in Florida right now so nothing has been getting done on the car the past 2 weeks... The weather hasnt been great here either.... >:(
but I havent had to shovel any snow so I am very happy!!! :)
How so? The climate in Florida would be a winter project paradise compared to here, It's been -5 to 20 degrees for two months now. Don't want to freeze to the garage floor and can't work on the interior as the plastic is extra brittle.
-
Slowered, Im on vacation here!! The car is back home in a frozen garage!!! Back home in a few days and back to work on the car!!
Canada is home....
Btw..
Only seen 2 e30s since ive been here... disappointing... :(
-
What are in FL?
-
??
Back home in MTL... Winter sucks... but Im happy to see my e30's!!
Update in a while...
-
I started by removing the wiper motor, which seemed it good condition...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/661/rA5wwx.jpg)
I cleaned out all the old grease and regreased (used Vaseline oddly enough...) then thought I would clean her up a bit..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/913/PQqM1U.jpg)
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/P61mv0.jpg)
I strapped the assembly into the vice and had at her with the grinder...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/631/pz2P5V.jpg)
Yup, Por-15d it all and resprayed the arms just so they'd look pretty... I then
WD-40d all the pivot points and got the whole thing running smooth again and
regreased them...
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/wJtWew.jpg)
Done..
(http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/537/pvn2yF.jpg)
Just a million more little jobs to go.... :)
-
Slowered, Im on vacation here!! The car is back home in a frozen garage!!! Back home in a few days and back to work on the car!!
Canada is home....
Btw..
Only seen 2 e30s since ive been here... disappointing... :(
Sorry, I keep forgetting you live up here too. Hope that you will show off this car at Tedfest or Bimmercruise once it's complete.
It's starting to warm up a bit but not bikini weather by any standard, for that you will have to go back down to Florida. lol
-
Never heard of them! I imagine that's out of Toronto? I am interested, be nice to meet people with the same passion for the e30 I have...
The car won't be ready this year, barring some miracle, but I already have a "spare" e30 and Im looking into #3.... dont ask, I know I have issues.... ;)
-
"Just a million more little jobs to go.... :)"
LoL aint that the truth brother! To many times i have heard people say i thought you just fixed "X!?" Part on your car yah... only a million more things to go 8)
-
Tgoode318,
Funny thing is, Im a million miles ahead of where I was when I started!! But lately I feel like there is just TOO much to do!! Having this 2nd e30 adds a lot to the workload as I have to take the engine apart to fix the head gasket, remove the m3 rack and pinion, replace it with my old one, remove the interior, replace it.........plus a dozen other things.....
Slowered,
I looked into this TEDfest and Bimmercruise and I think I will attend TEDfest atleast... MTL - TOR is a 5-6hr drive but I think it will be good fun and any of you guys who are closet Canucks on here, let me know, I look forward to meeting you guys... I wont know for sure until late May if I will have that weekend off but I will make sure I do...
-
It's not really that far, I drove to Montreal a few times just for a proper smoked meat and a night out. A good chance to test out the e30's mechanical.
Both annual shows are excellent and have been for over a decade. I would suggest Tedfest if you're into classics/restorations or Bimmercruise if you like more modern and sophisticated BMW's.
Question for ya, when you picked up these e30's were you more concerned with the mileage and history of the car or the condition. I also want to do a complete restoration, possibly with a new shell and move over all my good parts. Pushing over 250k and the old girls body and motor getting lose, not sure if I can do a second strip-down round with this chassis.
-
If youre considering a full rebuild then the most important factor is the shell. Rust will cause you the most headaches and a clean shell, in my opinion is the most important consideration.
Mileage, while not irrevelant, is not as important as the condition of the shell. If you are not considering an engine rebuild then obviously you will be more worried about the mileage and condition of the replacement engine. But again, whats the point of a full resto if you dont rebuild the engine?
If your car has a good shell then keep it and rebuild it. Atleast its a known entity... it can be hard to spot rust when looking over a car while the owner hovers over you..
My 2nd e30 actually has a much better shell than the one ive rebuilt - kinda annoying but I did want some welding to do. I will be much more finicky on my next e30 purchase. Mileage wont be a major factor but the shell will be. I will sell the 2nd e30 in September to make some room in the garage...
Btw,
I already registered for Tedfest. Not sure about Bimmercruise as new Bm's dont interest me....
-
Hi Norm
Your going to sell a e30, I didn't think you had it in you? :'(
I suppose you need to make room for Ralph's m3 though. ;D
Good luck
-
Hey Darky!
Good to hear from you!
It was always the plan to sell #2 once Id raided it for all its goodies!!!
I dont feel bad about it at all though, as my brother wants to buy it, so I have no doubt I will be heavily involved in its restoration!!!
Im still holding on to my dream of 2 fully restored e30's in the garage one day... To be honest, Im actively working on finding #3... ;)
-
Wonder what the wife is going to say when you bring home the body shell you bought from me. ;D
What? You didn't know about it either? ???
Welcome to the Club. :)
Yes, those of us with the affliction could see where this was going over a year ago. :)
-
Oh, you hit the nail on the head keflaman!!! Good one!! ;D ;D ;D
-
AWESOME DUDE!!!!!!
If you still have a stock chip in it let me know. I have a Pete McHenry chip (RIP) that will wake that S14 right up!
If you have any questions about it let me know offline.
Good luck with it!
Cheers,
~Ralph
-
Are you tearing this one apart too?! :)
Snap some shots of interior and engine compartment for me please.
Gunna tell us what you paid?
-
Norm,
The best of luck with it!!
The easy way to tell you have a chip in it without taking the computer out is to go for the redline....in the first 3 gears if you want but first gear will do! Hahaha... IF you don't get past 7,250rpm then it's stock. Most tuners will put a 7,800rpm rev limit.
So glad that you finally got one. You'll never want to get rid of it...LOL
Enjoy!
Cheers,
~Ralph
-
So,invariably, I've added #3 to my "collection"....
Here she is...
(http://s6.postimg.org/9v2lsz79d/IMG_9282.jpg)
Did you see that one coming keflaman??
Wow! No, can't say that I did. Maybe I need to start drinking again? ;)
-
No.. don't do that!! ;)
I have some work to do on her this month to get her to pass the out-of-province vehicle inspection and then work will resume on the iS.
Honestly my dream was always to open both garage doors and have an e30 M3 and the 318iS both sitting there, ready to go.. Now its up to me to finish the iS and make a dream reality...
I am one lucky b@st*rd....
-
Norm
Wow 8)
Still s14?
More photos!
Yep at 3 e30s it's confirmed there's something wrong with you, or right? I have not figured that out yet myself!
I know we will go with wrong but oh so right!
There $40 k here at least and that's with twice the kms. ::)
Rohan
-
You have put me in quite a quandary.
Love the fact that I kind of know somebody that owns one of these and cares for the e30 lineage but on the other hand I hate you because you picked up one of my dream cars for a crazy low amount of monies... I google searched for one and the cheapest one I found in the US was $40k usd?! :/
If I ever make it up your way, can I drive it?! :)
Dean
-
Norm, this is awesome. I think you might be my hero, congrats on the M3!
-
You have put me in quite a quandary.
Love the fact that I kind of know somebody that owns one of these and cares for the e30 lineage but on the other hand I hate you because you picked up one of my dream cars for a crazy low amount of monies... I google searched for one and the cheapest one I found in the US was $40k usd?! :/
If I ever make it up your way, can I drive it?! :)
Dean
Hell ya you can drive it!! Dreams are for sharing.... but keep looking...you may get lucky like I did... I never thought Id be THAT guy sharing pics of his M3... but I only have it because I paid Honda Civic money for it.... I ain't rich!!
Norm, this is awesome. I think you might be my hero, congrats on the M3!
LOL!! Thanks Nick! ;D
Feel bad the iS project has to take a back seat for the next month but I need to get the M3 up to spec... Got greasy dirty hands from laying under the car as Im typing this!! You can drive it too! ;)
-
Whoo-hoo, Norm! Congrats! Seems like a helluva steal you got there :) I think the car will be in great hands now, with what I've seen with your attention to detail.
I also have 3 E30s, and thankfully the wife is down with it.
I think I saw your new post over at S14.net but didn't associate it with you until just now. I'm user ColinM over there.
Enjoy, enjoy! Hope you have an early Spring!
-
Hi Colin,
Thanks very much. Im really stoked about it! She is just so nice to look at I feel like a teen in love!! ::)
I did indeed post on s14 as that is the best resource around... Its seems to be a pretty quiet site but the guys on there have been very welcoming, just like here...
Once Ive sorted out the rear end issues on the M3 I hope to have her back on the road by early May. There is nothing at all wrong with the car but as I bought it out of province it has to undergo an inspection and the two brake lines just under the fuel tank are a wee bit rusty as is the fuel vent return line.. Unfortunetly I have remove the exhaust, driveshaft, rear subrame and fuel tank to have access... Of course, I will take care of of a bunch of little stuff while its all out...
Which e30's do you have?? I feel better about my "sickness" knowing you're out there... :P
-
Once you start taking things apart it's like "while I'm in there, I might as well do x, y, z.."
I have a 91 318i, 91 318is, and an 89 M3, which I need to get back on the road now that snow season is over (I hope).
-
Thats exactly wjat is happening..its deja vu all over again!!
No point doing a resto thread for the m3..just read the first couple of pages of this thread!!
We should have a get together: 2 guys, 6 cars.
I dont see a problem - do you? ;D
-
I dont see a problem - do you? ;D
Aren't you both married? That means there are two of them. Maybe they can create their own 'e30 wives club'?!
lol
Dean
-
Haha, yes I do have a better half as of just a couple weeks ago! :)
I'm in southeastern PA; Norm, aren't you in Canada?
-
Yup, straight north of you in Montreal.
PA is a really nice state, lots of great "drivers" roads!
Just got married? Congrats!! Over 12 years for me...still cant believe it..still not sure how she tricked me into it...but I have 3 e30's..I can't complain! ;D
-
Yup, straight north of you in Montreal.
PA is a really nice state, lots of great "drivers" roads!
Just got married? Congrats!! Over 12 years for me...still cant believe it..still not sure how she tricked me into it...but I have 3 e30's..I can't complain! ;D
Congrats to both of you guys.
Mercy... I feel old. Celebrating our 25th this August!
But then, my mom drove us on our 1st couple dates when I was 15(she was 14) and I am currently 48... :)
-
Well Im not far behind: 43 in a few days... but the wife is only 33 so that keeps me feeling young!! :P
-
Norm you bloody legend!
Hats off to your advanced stage of this terrible disease... My condition has worsened as Ive just got my M42 donor car last week (will be posting soon!)
I'm still coming to Montreal for 3 weeks after xmas for my Honeymoon - would love to catch up and see your progress :-)
-
Great work Jay Vee
Awesome looking forward to the posts!
+1 to your comments about norms disease. He has got really bad!
I think we need a name though.
Any suggestions?
-
Hi Norm
Great work by the way!
We have known each other for awhile now, so just please consider:-
You brought a e30 318is about a year ago and pulled it apart,
Then you brought another one about 6 months for a parts car and pulled it apart,
Now you you have brought a m3 and guess what your pulling it apart!
Seeing a pattern? ???
Your wife is not understanding, she is a bloody Saint!
I'm going with the name of this disease e30osis
My 2c worth any way bud.
Cheers Rohan
-
Jeez, I don't really see any pattern... what pattern?? ::)
My wife btw, calls them the "fuck@n cars" so Im not sure about her being a saint!!
To appease her, I pulled off the 17" wheels from the M3 and put them on the black e46: she thinks its a really "cool" car now and its become her car now so I get some leeway with my case of e30osis!!
Im back from work and have 4 days off so Im hoping to get some serious work on the M3 done. The wheels are off at a specialist wheel place and they are refurbing them and will repaint them. They do beautiful work so Im very excited to see how they turn out.. They should be done by 01 May...
Im excited about getting back in the garage!!
Hmmm..maybe Darky is right... I may need to check in to some kind of clinic.... :P
-
I feel like such a slacker... I'm replacing the failed rear wheel bearing on the 400k 318is and I feel as if its a pita?! :o
-
I feel like such a slacker... I'm replacing the failed rear wheel bearing on the 400k 318is and I feel as if its a pita?! :o
LOL! I know what you mean. I welded (gobbed) in the rear corner pockets of my car the last part of the year and haven't done anything else to finish it other than spray some primer on it. Meanwhile, Norm has restored three cars... :P
-
Meanwhile, Norm has restored three cars... :P
Restored is pretty generous... dismantled is more like it!!
Remember, I haven't put one back together yet - dont be impressed!! ;)
-
I have visited Harbor Freight three days in a row getting tools to complete this rear wheel bearing...
I can't imagine how often you go to the tool store?! ;)
-
The worst is replacing the rusty nuts and bolts... Off to Home Depot to find a new bolt/nut...pay 89cents for something that cost .0001cent to produce and then go home and realize you forgot to buy x/y/z...
Go back to Home Depot...
repeat...
Realize you forgot that OTHER thing....
aarrgg...
;)
-
Ok Norm
Does your wife still bring you dinner in garage?
Cheers Rohan
-
;D
You're a funny man Darky!!
-
Ok Norm
Does your wife still bring you dinner in garage?
Cheers Rohan
I'm guessing Norm runs in and makes her dinner(and does dishes) before he disappears back in the garage?! :)
-
Don't we all have to do that?? ???
Don't forget the laundry - got to do that too....
Man, the price we pay to play with our toys....
;D
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I'm not what your wife may think but I enjoy every single picture. 8)
Working on exactly the same part of my car today. Had to modify the sway bar links (8 series) to fit my H&R sway bar and not rub the body of the car. Hardware is M10 compared to the M8 used on e30's.
Just FYI the axle nut you currently have on the half shaft is actually for the front. the rear is also M22 but has a different flange. Part number is 33411125664
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Glad to hear Im not the only one spending quality time laying on his back under an e30!!
Some us consider this quality time laying under their E30 a simple fact of necessity, not luxury like you guys.. :)
As for all the work on the M3, it's a matter of investments. That car when it's done could be sold to help pay for your kids college?!
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Glad to hear Im not the only one spending quality time laying on his back under an e30!!
BTW,
I cheaped out on the sway bars - kept the stock ones for now... no reason to change them!!
I hope to have the car back on rubber before the end of next week..!
Fingers crossed! ;)
I might stop by Ikea today and pick up a nice area rug to lay on when under that car.
I can't say the H&R sway bar made a huge difference over the stock one. Although the car feels firmly planted to take an on-ramp at at highway speeds... That's good enough for me.
Push hard and make the deadline. lol
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That car when it's done could be sold to help pay for your kids college?!
Man I thought you were serious for a moment!
Good one dean!
;)
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Glad to hear Im not the only one spending quality time laying on his back under an e30!!
BTW,
I cheaped out on the sway bars - kept the stock ones for now... no reason to change them!!
I hope to have the car back on rubber before the end of next week..!
Fingers crossed! ;)
I might stop by Ikea today and pick up a nice area rug to lay on when under that car.
I can't say the H&R sway bar made a huge difference over the stock one. Although the car feels firmly planted to take an on-ramp at at highway speeds... That's good enough for me.
Push hard and make the deadline. lol
I put in 13 hours on Friday - loved every minute too. Saturday I was completely wiped out from Friday - can't win them all....
Im at work and not back home till Monday night.. I hope to have the subframe back in on Tuesday...Should also get my refurbed wheels back then too - they will be quite nice I think...
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Have you tried strong language?
;D
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i did.. but the ball joint splitter I forgot to use worked a lot better!!! ;D
Im in the process of installing new Bilsteins and cleaning it all up.. Pics manana....
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Your comment about a rug made me think of this.
(http://api.ning.com/files/Iht4Psekqy354Q8PLL**psRIhE7smVho0h14wtpstpRNoOsTzyaYG11Rb2n5EikrPC5JXZvd9BsUht0DEf98QDCodHDY-RD-/31505849.jpg)
That should really tie the garage together.
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I have replaced 4 half shafts(2 on 318i and 2 on 318is) and I have never had an issue with them sliding right in?
Not too sure why it was so tight?
Hope you have the car back on 4 legs here soon. I could't imagine have an e30 M3 and not being able to drive it... :o
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Nice work Norm as usual, I see your coping well with your e30osis!
Cheers Rohan
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It wasn't easy and I learned a few things.
3) Bolt up and torque your trailing arms before you start. I did not tighten them up and they are a bitch to get to once the rear beam is in place..
It may be a bitch, but according to the shop manual the trailing arms are to be torqued with the car sitting in the "normal position", i.e. with suspension loaded.
When I'm not polishing my exhaust system I actually read the shop manual. :)
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Nice to see it coming together and I am super jealous of those pinch rails!
Check into the rear sub frame bushing brackets, looks off to me, maybe left and right is reversed?
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It wasn't easy and I learned a few things.
3) Bolt up and torque your trailing arms before you start. I did not tighten them up and they are a bitch to get to once the rear beam is in place..
It may be a bitch, but according to the shop manual the trailing arms are to be torqued with the car sitting in the "normal position", i.e. with suspension loaded.
When I'm not polishing my exhaust system I actually read the shop manual. :)
Thanks keflaman.. I did read that too - I havent torqued them to their final value yet...Not sure how easy that is gonna be considering the new suspension setup gives a 30mm drop!!
Nice to see it coming together and I am super jealous of those pinch rails!
Check into the rear sub frame bushing brackets, looks off to me, maybe left and right is reversed?
Thanks slowered... ;)
As for the brackets, that's exactly how they were when I took them off.. I took pics but I will have to double check the manual and see if they were setup incorrectly initially...
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I wouldn't fully trust the previous work done on the car. My parking brake shoes were installed upside down and the adjuster backwards. Took me a while to figure out why it was dragging and wouldn't hold on a steep driveway.
In your case it should be easy to swap them at this point. See attached picture and link for push rod left.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-318is-M42_1.8L/ES57489/
Not trying to be a "know it all", just like to see things done right the first time.
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You were absolutely right - I doubled checked my pics and I had totally screwed it up!! I've already switch them sides.
Thanks for pointing it out slowered!! ;)
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No sweat. Not sure why the design, maybe to shed water and debris away from the bushing?
Just about to wrap up the work on my rear axel, baking calipers today and assembly +beer hopefully this long weekend.
Wondering if you ran into the same thing as me? Went to order new M10x50 for the diff flange, BMW wanted over $200 for all 12, Brafasco had them in stock for $10. Gotta be careful out there these days! LOL
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http://www.rtsauto.com/re-installing-rear-axles-into-hub-the-right-way-with-the-proper-tool-e30-bmw-porsche-etc/
Here's an affordable tool for half-shaft installation
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Great writeup as always, Norm. As you learn a few things, I learn 100 :p
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Slowered.. i just bought 4 of the hex bolts: i know youre supposed to change them but i only had four that were a little scored, the rest were perfect.. they were 7$ each from bmw. I get a 20% discount, well, because , when i call they answer "Hello Mr. Boudreault!" before Ive even spoken...i think im invited to this years Christmas party too..... :D
You should post some pics - my work looks pretty shoddy honestly... gonna put another coat on the subframe and the half shafts need some spuffing up... hopefully my back doesn't give out before im done!
http://www.rtsauto.com/re-installing-rear-axles-into-hub-the-right-way-with-the-proper-tool-e30-bmw-porsche-etc/
Here's an affordable tool for half-shaft installation
I read that article too and when mine wouldnt go in i explained that to the shop and they all said: no its supposed to just slide in... well ive since gotten my half-shafts back and it looks like the splines were just machined... they are guaranteed 3 years so we will see.... i hate feeling like ive cheaped-out on the m3 but its very esy to spend A LOT of money... besides atleast they are the original bmw half-shafts...
Great writeup as always, Norm. As you learn a few things, I learn 100 :p
Thanks -Jay-Vee.... ive said it since day one - im certainly no expert!! First time at all of this car stuff! But the M3 is identical to the 318iS. I couldnt even see the difference in the subframes.. the brakes are supposed to be beefier but dont look it at all. The rear sway bar is thicker but the front one is identical though its attachment point is different. So lots of familiar stuff for me...Worst part of all this is i have to do it all again for the iS later this summer!!! Atleast there will be no rust to deal with!!!
I wont bore you guys with posts of that dont worry!!
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Lucky you! They know me by name at my local BMW but no discount, not even on stock items. I think the policy varies because they are privately owned dealers.
I'll take some pictures once the job gets my approval stamp then post on my build thread. Been delayed due to amazon, that's the only place I could find new caliper pistons. What paint did you use for the calipers? I went with VHT rattle cans but I'm not too happy with it. This stuff doesn't lay very nice on light coats and chips off far too easily. Should have just sent them off to get powder coated.
No need to get super uptight with the underside of the car unless you park on mirrors or want to impress the guys at Mr. Lube.
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At least your not on a first name basis Norm, now that would be annoying! :(
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Or after posting, you realize that you are on a first name basis at your engine shop. :'(
Yep I get the expense, brought a clutch, med 3.91 lsd diff, and Pop out windows this week! :-\
At least we admit to having that disease
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Slowered...
Not sure its me so much as a policy for older parts when it comes to the rebates but it helps...
As for the calipers I also used VHT caliper paint and I was VERY impressed with it. It painted beautifully and light coats went on flawlessly. Each caliper got three coats or so and they look really nice. The paint is high temp resistant but I will be curious to see how it stands up long term...
I also bought some of their Vinyl paint with an eye to painting those beige iS seats black... People seem to say it works great and holds up nicely... Not 100% I'll do it but I just might...
BTW, what the hell is a pinch rail??? :o
Darky,
Annoying is realizing 35% of my take home pay goes straight to BMW!!!
DAMN E30osis!!
Hmmm... Well first I ground down the casting marks and glass beaded my calipers, washed off the dust with a high strength cleaner then wiped down with brake cleaner. Painted one light and two medium coats within an hour or two (had to paint outside in the shade not to harm the pets), let it dry overnight and baked in the oven for 1hr (used a laser thermometer to check the temp is correct). They look good but chips so easily I've had to touch up a few spots with a brush after installing. Maybe I've just had better experience with other paints and I thought you might have too. Is it really important to use "high heat" if your not driving the car like a maniac?
If you're doing vinyl/trim I would look into mar-hyde or SEM, possibly they are higher quality. I think VHT and dupli-color might be the same parent company. Anyways, always test first on a scrap.
Pinch rail is along the bottom of the rockers where it meets the body. A lot of mechanics jack the car on this part and it gets destroyed over time.
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Holy man you put a lot of effort into those calipers!!
I just ground them, brake cleaner to cleaner and painted them out in the open... They look nice but will they hold up? Not sure...
The vinyl is a big maybe especially since I have the second 318iS with the leather interior. I just find the vinyl sport seats nicer than the leather ones... but a tan interior doesn't go very well with a red exterior imho....
Thanks for clearing that up about the pinch rails - I thought you were pointing something out on the subframe! Never knew they had a name...man Im ignorant! And yes, they are nice arent they?! ;)
6am and Im off to the garage to start working on the car....
happiness... :)
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The word 'Effort' doesn't come close to describing it. First I took the old paint off with Circa 1850, pulled the pistons then into a Turkish bath and Mean Green body scrub. After painting they received new piston rings, guides, seals, and speed bleeder valves. I even cleaned up and sprayed the rotor hubs silver to match the wheels.
Brakes better not drag and feel spongy or I'm gonna flip! All this is pretty much hidden behind the stock BBS wheels. lol
Maybe the tan is livable? You don't know how much mineral oil and silicon based protectants were used on the seats. It may be impossible to get them clean enough to paint.
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I get a 20% discount, well, because , when i call they answer "Hello Mr. Boudreault!" before Ive even spoken...i think im invited to this years Christmas party too..... :D
They know me at our local bmws dealer and I get a 10% old car discount. Maybe I should renegotiate?
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Yup..Tell them Norm Boudreault gets a 20% discount and youre a close friend!!! ;D
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I'd do more than slow down... I'd be ringing your doorbell to discuss. :) and yes, I am that kind of guy. I stopped and talked a complete stranger who was out cleaning up his t-rex three wheeler and got myself in a test drive of the thing. Only issue, no reverse?! reach out to front left wheel and pull yourself backwards? I had no idea...
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People keep to themselves here, its kinda funny.. You can see they are DYING to come and talk to you but don't have the nerve or are embarrassed or something.. Jeez, Id talk e30 all day long! There is one guy who lives about 5 houses down who always drives super slow when he goes by and he's eyeballing everything..poor bast@rd..gonna have to wave him in one of these days!! Remember I just moved here almost exactly one year ago - most of the neighbours are ok..no real car people here but polite...
Putting the new ceramic brake pads in today, driveshaft tomorrow and maybe (try to) weld the exhaust together and slap that driveshaft back in.. Then put some gas in the tank and pray that little connector pipe doesnt leak as it wasnt exactly a perfect fit with my replacement tank...
If all goes well, M3 on rubber by Monday!! ;D
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Well Norm.... The M3 hasn't seen the roadways with all the rules attached in a very long time! LOL You'd be a menace in my M3 on any road like scaring the old ladies half to death.
You could always borrow the 318is with the stroker. That is a lot of fun too.
I thought the rims were just dirty :P
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Hey Norm. I know what you mean about being a car guy with none of the neighbors being car guys. I've had a number of them remark "wow! you have a lot of old BMW's!" When I put my motor in (for the third time) the neighbors were all staring as they walked the dog. Apparently no one does automotive work themselves any more.
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Its kind of funny isn't it? Im quite proud of what's going on in my garage and respectful of the cars it contains...
I wear a white collar when Im off to work but Im blue collar at heart... and boy does it show when Im home!! ;D
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I say nothing compliments a shirt and tie more than scraped up grimy hands. :)
Did you get the M3 out of the garage today?
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Hi Norm
Most people check there Ecu by pulling it out and looking at it. Redline hmmm! :-[
Bet you didn't do that in the driveway.
Beautiful work and car!
That's one down. :P
Cheers Rohan
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Thanks Darky... I actually did pull the ECU out and it looked completely unmolested... I did redline line it for about 1/2 second.. VERY easy to do with this engine... Kinda scary as I've never done that before! Engine didn't seem to mind....
Just two niggles: electric windows won't work and there is a ticking sound when the car is moving that coincides exactly with rpm..I checked and its not the wheels so must be the driveshaft and heatshield somehow... SO, I will have to get under the car again today!!
So almost one down..
Feels GREAT to have her sitting there!
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OK!.....
Well then you'll have a hard time going up to 7,800rpm after the chip goes in. You should just give me the car then. LOL
Have you checked the circuit breaker for the windows near the switches? Should be pushed in to work. Maybe you sat on it or something when you were playing around in the car cuz you were so excited about having an M3? Haha
Next you'll need cams.....then the Alpha N set up with complete airbox kit....then a really good tune. That should put you in the 250HP range! Or you can just buy mine and have over 300HP with no work involved....LOL
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Did I miss something?
What happened to the deep lip wheels that were on it? Made the wheel-wells less emaciated looking?
:)
Looking good!
Dean
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Ralph, you'll laugh but that CB was part of the electric window problem... I didn't know what it was as it was completely faded out... and it was pushed out. Compounding the problem was the fact that one of the switches wasnt working (which I didn't know).. Once I figured out what that CB was it took 2 minutes to figure out the problem (I robbed my parts car for another switch!) Voila! Windows work!
Dean,
That is stock fitment you're seeing... We are so used to 16s or 17s on e30's that 15's look puny... The 17s I had (still have on my e46) sucked honestly.. Not at all meant for that car unless you are a slow driving poseur. Which I am absolutely not. I am keeping an eye out for 16's (stock BBS) but Im in no hurry.. Once my inspection is done and the car is road legal I will try out some 5mm spacers on the rear and that should fill out the rear arch quite nicely...
I think she looks pretty f'ing awesome sitting in my driveway as she is though!!
;D
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That's why I mentioned it....
Glad I could help Norm!!
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Hey Ralph,
Did you mail the chip and x section yet??
;D ;D ;D
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Not yet.....LOL 8)
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Ticking noise gone btw.. not sure why.. will have a look today at the driveshaft at the muffler shop where I will be getting the exhaust welded back together... I dont think I will be able to get her inspected today so it will be next Tuesday - so you have a few days Ralph!! ;-)
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I had a brief hiatus from these forums, and I finally stumbled on your thread in the last couple of days. The hard work and pride you put into your cars truly is an inspiration. Keep up the great work!
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Now I'm definitely jealous!
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;)
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Remember how I mentioned college tuition?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-M3-/111681208076?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1a00b7ff0c&item=111681208076 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-M3-M3-/111681208076?forcerrptr=true&hash=item1a00b7ff0c&item=111681208076)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTMzWDgwMA==/z/gssAAOSwPhdVSlS9/$_57.JPG)
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Whoever owns that doesn't live in our world Dean!!! :-\
Honestly there isnt any M3 left in that car!! Might as well be a 2015 model... :P
I just went out with the wife this evening and spent an hour "driving" along a twisty road which runs alongside a river for miles and miles.. no traffic, no cops and an 80km limit (mostly ignored)... I had a massive smile on my face the whole time... ;D
I LOVE the M3 but I cannot wait to finish the iS... Some may think having the M3 has dampened my enthusiasm for the iS but it really hasnt... The iS IMHO looks better in some ways than the M3 and they are both very similar...
I will build the iS to complement the M3 ( a bit quieter exhaust and more forgiving suspension for our rough roads) but I will drive the hell out of her too... 8)
Ive only got a few hours of work left before she's done however... hehehe
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Hi Norm
I recently did a similar thing but I used fiebings dye, dyes vinyl, plastic, leather, skin and the kitchen sink or porcelain anyway (the bath). >:(
Buy that e30 too, I'm sure you still have a spot on your lawn?
Cheers Rohan
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Haha - guess Darky is a good name for you now considering you've dyed yourself!! ;D
Which e30 are you talking about? They are all mine!!! I've half a mind to keep the parts car as its quite nice... but I will try to sell it first for 4000$ and see if it sells... but not till October....
Did you dye your carpet? I have to do that next and the cans of paint it will require will be too costly....
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Yes Norm I did the carpet too, grass out the back of my joint was black for a couple weeks. Or at least till I mowed it!
Worked really well too.
Cheers Darky :P
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Awesome work, Norm.
That finished M3 would be driving perfection. Just get those 16" BBS rims and it'll be looking perfection too. As my 318 is diamantschwarz its pretty much my dream car full stop.
And great work on painting that vinyl for the 318, looks muuuuch better!
And compared to the M3 You'll probably enjoy being able to give the 'iS' a bit more of a thrashing too ;-)
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Thanks Jay-Vee,
The M3 is - as we speak - at the specialist shop... I had to replace the intake gaskets and fix an engine oil leak and a tranny oil leak (car was driven less than 500 miles in 10 years, no surprise some gaskets are leaking!)... I could have done the intake gaskets myself but there was a few other things I wanted to look at and this guy is an e30 M3 maniac..perfectionist... And honestly I didn't want to do that AND tackle pulling out the transmission and trying to change the crank gasket myself.. It would eat up too many of the few days off I have during the summer! So, 12-15hrs of labor to pay for and a couple of days and I will have the M3 back - just in time for me to be off to work for 4 days ;-(
The 15" BBS wheels are staying - they are OEM and look great and the car rides fantastic with them!
To be honest I do drive the hell out of the M3! I will probably take it easier on the iS!!! But I cant wait to see her finished - the iS is such a good looking car!
As for the vinyl paint I was totally impressed with it myself - looks brand new... Now I will take the donor car's doors apart to remove my locks (I swapped doors with my original car) and paint the door cards black once Im done...
Just need some days off and some energy.... ;)
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Hi Norm
How's this going? Been awhile.
Your probably just driving around in your m3 with a grin from ear to ear!
Rohan
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Hi Norm
Love your driveway. Do you still get comments from the neighbours? What does your wife think now?
My engine head is done and I hope it's on the home straight, finding a good clutch for a particular flywheel has been a real pain. You have to get it balanced with the crankshaft, flywheel and harmonic balancer. So it can't go together till I get a clutch!!!!! :'(
What's the plain with your m42?
I can't believe you have a plain for the resto, I just do things then stop when I am missing a part, repeat. Don't you have the same problem when you can't put things back together because item a must go on before b.
Ahhh so the paint work is good from far but far from good.
Black car needs black number plates and no red tape, my 2c!
Go pro a drive and post it I'm sure you will get lots of comments. And maybe some nice men will come around with nice flashing lights on there car!
Have a good one mate look forward to your next post.
Cheers Rohan
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Hi Darky,
All your frustrations will pay off once you have your engine back together and she is screaming towards redline.... You will have that silly ear to ear grin then!!
As for the M3, most of my neighbours appreciate it - Ive schooled them on its history and rarity and they think its cool I'd rather spend my money on e30's than paying down my mortgage or buying clothes for my kids!! LOL
Ive promised a few of them rides but I always seem to not want any witnesses when I go for a drive!! ;)
As for the iS "plan" its easy at this stage to have one because I cant really do much more until the car is painted. There is NOTHING left to take apart!! The next step would be installing the engine and as I said - I hope it all comes together as planned...
As for the m42 engine rebuild I have dramatically reduced my plans for it.. I simply cant spend the thousands necessary to bring it up to M3 power levels..And since I have an M3 there doesnt seem any point in doing so... I may swap pistons to up compression and chip it but Im not planning anymore than that.. Obviously if parts need replacing due to wear I will do so but Im aiming for a fairly straightforward rebuild. Hopefully I can get her near 150HP. Not very exciting I know but I have 3 of these babies to take care of...
The paint on the M3 is actually really good - just some small chips on the front of the hood... The red tape is cheap electrical tape - cost me 1$... I kinda like it but Im not sure it will stay as I don't think it was OEM with our e30's... The front plate is purely decorative - here we only require a plate in the back... The decorative plate came with my resto 318iS and I found it cool that "M3" are the last two digits - never even noticed until I decided to put it on the M3!! I admit, it looks like crap and eventually I will get a nicer one...
I think the idea of a video is cool.. I think I will give it a try... but it will be a while as Im off to work for a few days....
Cheers,
Norm
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Remember this thread indeed!
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How could us couple of Aussies forget!?
Norm, a fresh rebuilt M42 with a chip will be beautiful as it is - I think it will be nice to have the 2 cars with quite different characters.
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Norm,
I say a stroker and see if it's faster then you're M3!!
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Jay-Vee you are bang on..That will be the uber cool thing about having both cars...
Ralph - if it were faster than my M3 then what?? That would kinda suck... haha
Still sanding and some posting to do but got a WICKED sore neck from it all a few days ago and it wont let up so the pace is a bit slow...
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Norm,
How do I make a reservation for my car in your garage?
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Easy - just leave me the keys and registration.... hehehe ;D
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Great work, love watching this project develop, you're going to end up with something great!
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Amazing work mate!
Keep it up!
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How in the world do you sand, prime, sand, prime, sand, spray, and manage to keep the garage so clean and tidy? How do you keep the dust and fumes from getting everywhere?
Great job!
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How in the world do you sand, prime, sand, prime, sand, spray, and manage to keep the garage so clean and tidy? How do you keep the dust and fumes from getting everywhere?
Great job!
Answer: AIR PRESSURE ;)
Darky - Thanks amigo.
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Answer: AIR PRESSURE ;)
Darky - Thanks amigo.
Neighbours must love you!
I thought it was a great idea to use my leaf blower to keep the tools and woodworking area clean during a summer project. Didn't know it would coat every car, window and patio on the street with stubborn MDF dust. I hope they won't hold a grudge, it was of Exxon Valdez proportions. :-\
By the way, great looking body work! I hope to get at mine someday, if I can sort out all the drivetrain issues i've been having since I rolled past 160,000 miles.
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Actually the dust hasnt been that bad... I used as little bondo as possible and the body was more or less in good shape... Still, the interior of the garage will be furiously cleaned while the car is being painted... I am somewhat of a tidy person ;D
I will update maybe later today..started going to the gym again..havent done that since 2001 but I used to be pretty serious about it..So at 43 I figured I didn't want to age gracefully - good thing Im in good trim to begin with... but Im SORE everyday now although it only hurts when I move something... :-\
Slowered - drivetrain issues? Que pasa?
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You're offering me a free therapy session? great!
Replaced the transmission a few years ago, it's been working great but I suspect one of the bearings is toast, possibly on the input shaft. It's making a lot of noise in neutral when the clutch is engaged.
As for the engine, I tore it down shortly after buying the car (14 years ago). The only major wear I found was the pistons and timing chain components, I replaced those and rebuilt the head. Motor was tight and relatively trouble free up until a few years back. Long story short it's burning a lot of oil again, ticking relentlessly and combustion chambers are filthy.
It's getting too late in the year to wrench on it. Picked up a brand new Tacoma to keep me happily motoring in the meantime. Tossing between the option of A: rebuilding the motor on my own with a lower mileage block (this could take years) or B: Throwing both the motor and transmission in the back of the truck and driving down to Metric Mechanic. or finally C: getting out of the game completely as the car needs body work as well.
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Paint it separately...but, what the hell do I know? I've never painted a whole car before, let alone half a dozen like you. :)
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Paint it separately...but, what the hell do I know? I've never painted a whole car before, let alone half a dozen like you. :)
;D ;D ;D
Funny!
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Look Norm some rude bugger parked his rust free red 318is right behind you! What a tease. :P
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I, uh..aaah...mmm...
:'(
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Door frames done as well...
(http://s6.postimg.org/t2eju9da9/IMG_9871.jpg)
(http://s6.postimg.org/uwrec00ap/IMG_9872.jpg)
Are you using just plain old piss-can primer?
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Yes, I am using "plain old piss can primer".
I am however, applying it with amazing skill. ;)
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Seriously Norm, after all that work you will have to build a stroker even a 86*83.5mm.
My thoughts anyway.
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Yes, I am using "plain old piss can primer".
I am however, applying it with amazing skill. ;)
Oh, no doubt! I was just curious if it's compatible with the gray (grey) primer you are using?
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Yes.. They are both the same brand and basically a step one (high build) and step two (finishing primer). I'm also using a primer/sealer, same brand, to help give it as smooth a finish as I can prior to paint.. I know the guy who will paint the car and he says he will put a final primer on it just prior to paint.. That will basically be just a dusting...
Im final sanding to 800 grit which is overkill but I think this whole project is a bit of overkill so it seems right... ::)
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Nice mate!!
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Nicely done...you're really close to having that rolling around again.
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Maybe 2-3 hrs of work left... ;D
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Entertaining and productive as always! :)
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Wow just wow.
You sold the other one.
What are you doing to the engine?
Cheers Rohan
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Wow Norm, it looks like this is going great. I'm sure you're very excited to start putting it back together. I know I'm excited to watch it go back together.
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I'll be posting some pics soon enough as things progress but this site has been DEAD for a while - nice to see someone is still out there.
Hi Norm
I think you will find that we are all here, but watching someone priming a car is about as exciting as watching the grass grow!
Look his made the car grey and now his making the car even more grey.
Lots of hard work but until you have done or at least helped a friend do it you don't know what your looking at!
Things will pick up when you start MM build of your motor? :P
So post more photos of the painted car that looks like sex on legs by the way :-*, and start the engine build.
Cheers Rohan
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Yep still here mate ;-) - looks like everythings coming up Milhouse!
Rohan might have a point about not knowing what we're looking at - but then again, for me that applies to nearly the whole damn thread and I'm still here!
Watching this has been a great way to learn.
Im stuck at the moment on mine with a rusted-in diff. God knows what I'm gonna do to get the axle shafts off.... but anyway...
Would still love to see the twins in January when I'm over... I'll be staying in Lavaal with friends :)
Equally eager to see the next stages of both the sexy bits and the oily bits.
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Top shelf work, as usual, Norm. I may not post many comments on your thread, but I'm watching you! 8)
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Hey Kef,
Glad to hear you're still following the thread... I find from time to time the site gets real quiet...no new posts and no comments..and not just for my thread... for the whole site...
I mostly blame Darky for this...not sure why I do - but you just cant trust those aussies...except for Jay-Vee - he's good people... ;D
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I mostly blame Darky for this...not sure why I do - but you just cant trust those aussies...except for Jay-Vee - he's good people... ;D
Golly gee shucks!
I have finally figured out what you have been working on all this time?
It's a car! ::)
Cheers
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I mostly blame Darky for this...not sure why I do - but you just cant trust those aussies...except for Jay-Vee - he's good people... ;D
Golly gee shucks!
I have finally figured out what you have been working on all this time?
It's a car! ::)
Cheers
I'll take that as a compliment! God knows it started as a heap of junk!! ;D ;D
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I found one of my outer lower ball joints worn, so I finally pressed new bearings into the spare set of control arms I had laying around. I intended to throw them on, but all I could hear in the back of my mind was, "Would Norm install a nasty looking, dull set of control arms on his car?"
So I took the time to clean, prep and paint them.
Damn you, Norm. Damn you.
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I found one of my outer lower ball joints worn, so I finally pressed new bearings into the spare set of control arms I had laying around. I intended to throw them on, but all I could hear in the back of my mind was, "Would Norm install a nasty looking, dull set of control arms on his car?"
So I took the time to clean, prep and paint them.
Damn you, Norm. Damn you.
There is such a thing as the law of unintended consequences...I never thought I could get this far on this resto due to my utter lack of experience and much less that I could set some kind of standard!!
So Kef, good on you for raising the bar. If we can all do that our grandkids will be driving our e30s...
Of course THIS e30 has a ways to go before she ready to be driven!
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Loving your progress!
I've been trying to get my rear-ended car back on the road, and your posts serve as an inspiration.
BTW,
I think your rear speakers need to be spun 180 degrees.
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Yes, your BMW premium speakers are backwards. The tweeter goes towards the outside of the car.
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Thanks, I appreciate having those "oversights" (aka "$ck ups") pointed out...I had noticed after Id screwed them in this summer when I compared them to the M3's setup.. I didnt care as I will be taking them apart again and replacing the speakers later this winter.. Going with a hidden bluetooth system so I can have an original e30 radio but modern sound hidden away... Just need a radio...
Its impressive how bad those "premium" speakers sound...
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Hi guys
My premium speakers sound really good might be another euro American thing. Spin them!
Norm fooling around in the back of an e30, get a room!
Be like having a f*** in a phone booth, mainly annoying!
Cheers Rohan
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Canadian 318is checking in - my premium speakers also sound pretty damn good. Everyone is always surprised to hear that they are the original speakers. Much better than my buddy's new civic, but not quite as good as modern bmw stuff.
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Rohan,
Im gonna have to inaugurate her somehow!!
Tim,
To be honest I never listened to them in the iS as I started stripping her bare the day I bought her.. Im just going by the horrid sound in the M3 so I figured Id buy new ones for the iS.. Maybe I will wait and see how they sound first...
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Hi Norm
I've noticed a lot of e30s having the battery in the boot, is that usual over there?
Cheers
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Well its standard across the line as far as I know for NA cars.. Seems all euro/world models have have them in the engine bay as standard but every e30 I know here has them in the boot.. my M3 included..
On a historical note: it was actually a dealer option to have the battery in the boot as it shifted 20kgs of weight rearward getting the car closer to that perfect 50/50 weight distribution - probably more of a selling point for those nose heavy 6 cylinder models.. :P
PS,
Its getting really cold here - can I come over to your garage to play?? ;D
Cheers,
Norm
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It was an option here too, but it is still quite rare. Every e30 I see from your continent has it though.
Ps:- Yes Norm Of course you can, but what about Jay Vee?
It's quite a nice temperature here at the moment. Average mid 20 deg c.
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I'll go back with him: packed in his luggage! ;)
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Done see you soon! ;D
I'll get a bedroom ready, which one north or south?
Fyi On this side of equator sun rises on north.
Pps:- As 30 kg is the maximum language weight, I'd start dieting now!!! :P
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Im an early riser so north it is!
I wont be able to diet down to 30kg so Jay-Vee will just have to pay the excess weight charge... He's young and newly married - he wont mind!! :)
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Yep Jay Vee won't mind a bit, maybe you have his wife's seat as she would be lighter than you? :-[
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Do you think she'd mind?
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We shall see Norm, we shall see?
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Haha yeah you're dreaming about being able to afford those excess weight charges.... - you're down to hanging onto the wing, buddy... :-p
Then again I could swap you with the missus lol.
Although 40 deg yesterday, 41 today - you'd have to be as crazy as I am to go to Montreal this time of year 0_o
Sexy Pistons you got there.
You also better be careful with those whisperings of 'another e30'... sounds like your E30-osis is flaring up again.
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You also better be careful with those whisperings of 'another e30'... sounds like your E30-osis is flaring up again.
Nice mate and I concur!
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One day amigo... Australia and a ride in your e30 is on my list!
Done but consider
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eNEeq5qGh8I
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Haha yeah you're dreaming about being able to afford those excess weight charges.... - you're down to hanging onto the wing, buddy... :-p
Then again I could swap you with the missus lol.
Although 40 deg yesterday, 41 today - you'd have to be as crazy as I am to go to Montreal this time of year 0_o
Sexy Pistons you got there.
You also better be careful with those whisperings of 'another e30'... sounds like your E30-osis is flaring up again.
Don't swap the missus!! And as much as hiding in your luggage would be fun, I hate to admit it, but I can fly to Australia for under 100$ anytime... only problem is making the time - next to impossible for the foreseeable future! And you're probably right about the e30osis... Im back down to two: I "should" try to keep it that way..
One day amigo... Australia and a ride in your e30 is on my list!
Done but consider
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eNEeq5qGh8I
Funny vid but I think I will be more worried about your driving!!
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Hi Norm
I keep seeing slight differences between us and euro e30s, really interesting.
Never seen a rattle clip before, weird.
Merry Christmas too bud, enjoy your white Christmas and send some snow here!
Cheers Rohan
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Thanks Rohan!
It was actually 17C yesterday and its 8C today.. We havent had snow yet! Unheard of! This time last year it was -25C... :-\
However we will be getting 20-30cm in 3 days..so winter will start! Jay-Vee will be happy I guess!
I just took the M3 out for its last spin - she wont see daylight now till April.. :-[
I should be getting the engine back in 2 weeks.. Still have tonnes to do and doing lots of stuff Im not documenting.. I just rebuilt the trunk lock as it wasnt working.. Basically completely dismantled it and degunked it and relubed everything and now it works a treat plus a bunch of other stuff... Now I can close the trunk!
Merry Xmas to you too.. All the best in 2016!
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Yep you're right mate, somehow we brought the snow all the way from 44C Aus!! I'll send u a private message on here, see if we can work something out.
You're perseverance never ceases to amaze me - what a job just doing those brakes looked. How's the thumbs?
Bonne Année!
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If only everything was as easy as those brakes!
I'm troubleshooting some ISSUES which are slowing progress but it's all part of the fun...
I PMd you...
Look forward to having you and your new bride over!
Cheers,
Norm
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Clean work. I do recommend you get the BMW bleeder valve dust camp which included a clipping mechanism to hold the braking lining sensor wiring.
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Thanks - i mentioned in an earlier post that I needed that part... haven't come across a part number yet...
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That's right, forgot. Here is the BMW PN: 34111153198
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Thanks Alex... It was on the list but you've made it easier for me!
cheers!
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Nice work mate.
But 25 mm master cylinder would be nice little mod, another difference steering is on the left! Lol
Cheers Rohan
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Nice but not required! ;)
I figured ABS delete, M3 steering rack and lollipops is enough modding for me!!
Me no mekanik... ;D
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M3 rack what are the stats on that? Linear? Turns to lock?
Lollipops?
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Its a pretty standard e36 conversion rack.. Depends on which one you get. Can have 3.25, 3.0 and 2.7
Here is a rebuild kit with some info..
http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/screen/prod/store_code/6134/product_code/E30SRC1.htm (http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/screen/prod/store_code/6134/product_code/E30SRC1.htm)
The rack I have (off of #2) appears to be an e36 M3 rack but it's id number is interchangeable with a number of e36 models.. No matter, I tested it while it was in the car and its 3.25 vs. 4.0 for the standard e30. So it will be an improvement. By lollipops I mean the wishbone bracket. I swapped bushings to an eccentric e30 M3 bushing.
Btw, Jay-Vee came over a few days ago and we had a splendid time. Super nice guy, he really enjoyed seeing the project up close and was just giddy when he saw the M3. Too bad it was bloody cold and winter or else we would have gone for a spin!
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Hi Norm
Ok so e36 m3 rack.
Thought you found a e30 m3 rack, don't know anything about them.
Did Jay Vee throw a snow ball at you? I would!
Going for a spin on the wrong side of the road is just weird to start with!
In a m3 could really get interesting.
Cheers Rohan
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I think e30 M3 racks wouldnt be worth the cost as the ratio could be bettered with an e36 rack at a much lower price.
As for driving on the wrong side of the road: he would be used to it - you guys drive on the wrong side of the road all the time! 8)
I felt bad but it was about -15C outside and WINTER.. Best I could do was back it out of the garage and let him rev it!
What a tease... :(
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What a tease... :(
You no, your wife probably! :P
Snow and a m3 sounds like fun to me!
Tell me did he get his donk in, or do I need to go to Adelaide for the weekend?
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Norm, word of advice, careful with the rack swap from zionsville, they're for non airbag cars so you may have to do a couple more steps to make it work right but they're all pretty well documented on r3v/e30tech. I went with the kit from zionsville as well but the 2.7 turn lock to lock option. One of the best things I've done to mine, it really wakes up the steering.
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Get his donk in?
Im not sure what that means Darky!! If youre asking if he had enough of course the answer mis NO! Poor bugger might be figuring how to convince the now new wife they really do NEED an e30 m3! He did have nice things to say about you so maybe you should go see him!!
Nick,
I dont have the zionsville kit. I just have an e36 rack that was in my parts car. It was already installed so I know it fits. I will have to bend the power steering lines apparently. I dont have any info though so Im a bit concerned about doing it right... I wasnt the one who removed it as the new owner of number 2 brought it to a shop where they pulled the engine and the rack.. So i didnt get any pics or have a chance to see the setup...
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Get his donk in?
Has he completed his engine swap, from m40 to m42?
He had a 318i and he brought a 318is that was damaged, he was in the process of swapping motors!
Cheers Rohan
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Very nice fellow.. I told him when the wife and I go to Australia we will have to have a get together at YOUR place... he agreed...
Could do that actually!
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Yes - it was great to catch up with ya Norm!
Yes - I need an E30 M3 now.
No - my wife doesn't think it's a good idea.
No - sadly my donk is not in yet. (Norm is on the the right track as to why - it will be back on track soon though!)
Your project is even more impressive seen in person mate, and has given me more inspiration in continuing with mine. That upholstery spray you're using is really giving me ideas too - so simple!
So yeah come fly yourself to Australia and we'll have that barby at Darky's :p
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No - sadly my donk is not in yet. (Norm is on the the right track as to why - it will be back on track soon though)
Need a hand?
So yeah come fly yourself to Australia and we'll have that barby at Darky's :p
BBQ bullshit, couple of days at Wye river (it didn't burn down) great ocean road,
Couple of days at Tullarook.
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Darky,
Sold... ;)
Going to see how I could swing all that...Australia is so damn far!
Jay-Vee,
Keep working on your wife.. It took me about a year to get her to accept the fact I'd get an M3!!
There is always hope!
Thanks for the compliments!
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Thanks Darky, I'll keep the offer in mind!
And yeah a trip along the great ocean road would be perfect - add in 3 screaming M42's and you've got heaven!
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Jay Vee 3 m42s how is norm going to get his lhd e30 here?
But lambertius might join us? His got a m44 though.
Cheers Rohan
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Which should I bring the M3 or the iS? :P
What do you think - it would be, like 200$ to ship right?
E30's are small and light... ;D
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Which should I bring the M3 or the iS? :P
What do you think - it would be, like 200$ to ship right?
E30's are small and light... ;D
M3 but postage would be interesting!😭
Certainly make coin when you sell it here though!🤑
If you can pick up a m3 vert, you could basically ask whatever you want.
Only 3 in this country!
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Never understood wheel offset before, guess i have always lucked out!
Also ix e30 are rare as rocking horse s**t here in oz.
Thanks for the explanation, so I looked up mine hartge 16*7.5 with a offset of et25!
Cheers Rohan
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You're welcome Rohan.. I didn't go into great detail but its simply where the face of the inner wheel is relative to the center of the wheel laterally.. I knew that but I ASSUMED because it was a style 5 wheel the offset would be the same...
Assume = (make an) ASS (out of) U (and) ME
:P
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Yeah I can certainly vouch for the fact that the black looks rather sweet against the red body compared to the tan...
Though I better post a pic to prove that I was actually there!! - I know its a little late but only just getting back to real life after the big trip...
This was Norm and I braving the minus-degrees to perv on the M3 - I was even lucky enough to be allowed to rev its nuts off in the driveway hehehe ;-)
Sounded awesome, would only be better under load too.
I don envy you at all right now with that dash wiring...
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Bloody hell there are two good looking guys!!
Next time Jared you'll drive her and I'll try to keep up in the iS!!
The wiring is a bit of a nightmare - Im dealing with that now and I think I will be at it for a good long while before all the gremlins are worked out!
Thanks for the pic - I'll put her up in the garage!
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That's cool, looks cool to too! :P
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Hey Norm, if you had my 318is you'd probably pass your M3! LOL ::) ::)
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Looking good Norm!!
That carpet came up awesomely, and the fresh painted wings and lip are looking superb - everything's coming up Milhouse!
Though theres always balance in everything and that wiring loom looks like a right pain in the arse lol.
Can barely believe those pics from the Cretaceous Period - what an epic journey this is. I reckon there's a glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel though!
Any news on the engine's progress?
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Looks almost carish now mate, keep up the good work!
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Another difference no smiley headlights!
I thought Canada got euro spec cars?
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That clear fog light and shiny painted lip look niiiiiiice!
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Another difference no smiley headlights!
I thought Canada got euro spec cars?
No we didnt! If I want smileys on this one I have to go aftermarket, just like you guys!!
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That clear fog light and shiny painted lip look niiiiiiice!
Thanks amigo! Work is progressing nicely.. I will get my engine this Friday.. I will post juicy pics when I can...
Im fighting a few niggles with the car..electrical issues. No power to the blower fan nor power to the windows.. Ive gone through every possible scenerio and I "think" it may be an ignition switch problem.. Not sure but its the only thing left to check and its not exactly made clear when looking at the electrical diagrams.. Very interesting yet frustrating...
I think we are the only people on this site!! ;D
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Also under the bumbers the body work is ripple finish, undulating!
Or did you fill that and go smooth?
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I sanded the hell out of it!! ;D
I know it was rippled but smooth looks nicer!
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That steering linkage looks interesting, and it looks so easy without a engine or exhaust in the way.
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Mine was a complete bit.h!!! Bolt it in the front holes then the back then ended up in back low spot with spaces above, then modify the exhaust to go around even though I was very care to use the slimmest steering components, didn't make a difference. Black rod with a pair of e32 steering knuckles.
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I will be doing a lot of work the next couple of weeks - hopefully finishing up the car.. I'm not taking as many pics as before but I will keep you in the loop!
Why?
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Why is engine Standard?
You rebuilt the entire car and the engine is STANDARD!
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Darky :-\ I tried to tell him that but...... Well he does have a completely rebuilt 318 so that is worth some money now. Probably more valuable than an old E30M3. :D
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Wow. Just wow. That is a piece of art.
You can understand with the M3 why you'd keep this original. It's a cracker engine anyway, though maybe a chip from Midnight Tuning (not that far away from you!) could spice it up a little ;-)
Cant wait to see the finished product, there's even rumors I may be back in Montreal March next year lol...
Can hardly believe your'e on the home stretch - theres a lot of hard yards in this thread. Puts me to shame - taken me weeks just to get around to removing half a driveshaft lol!!
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Great work Norm, looking forward to seeing it all together.
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Norm... I heard the same thing, but I think he's going for something more like S42 territory with like 12:1 compression and 300+ cams and slide throttles but that could just be a rumor not sure ;D
Cheers,
~Ralph
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Norm I don't pay any attention to what you write I just look at the pictures!
57 times indeed.
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Nice going! You might want to reseal the power steering pump. It's quite easy. Use part # 32411135880 for the seal kit.
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Don't do it Norm, clean up the mess, we all know this car won't be used in Canadian winter!
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Yes Impressive that they could fit so much useless crap under the intake.
What is all that Sh.t for!
In general I go with the KISS principle! Keep It Simple Stupid.
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Nice progress. Don't forget to hook up thin vacuum line from the FRP to the throttle body. I always have to remind myself of that one.
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Hey Norm,
If you don't know that, then you should watch this first. It will explain everything and help you finish the job.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXW0bx_Ooq4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXW0bx_Ooq4)
Cheers,
~Ralph
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I meant the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line. It's a thin hose and easy to overlook.
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Nice 8)
Why is nearly ready for a drive!
You had doubts?
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Damn, look at that nice clean engine! Looking good norm! The tan seats died black beautifully.
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Don't know if you already covered it, but what are the extra switches in the center console?
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This is a fantastic rebuild. I am jealous of how clean everything in there is! I bet it drives very nicely.
Where did you get the new gas tank? I need to do that at some point.
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Hmm..That M3 looks a bit tired beside the iS... maybe I'll pull the engine and get her on a rotisserie .... I wonder if she'd be nice in black and how much a carbon fiber intake costs.......
[/quote]
Have you completely lost your mind, starting again?
Give yourself a break!!!!!!
Really nice work bud.
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Fantastic work, Norm. It looks incredible and I bet it drives even better.
Its been great following you along the way, especially coming halfway round the world and meeting you and the project in person!
I'll be back in March too, so I'd love to come see the finished product.
In the meantime I think I'll keep using this thread as inspiration for my own much slower project lol
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More torque than m3, seriously?
Steering rack removal 15 minutes, oh the joys of lhd!
Didn't you have 2 sets of springs and shocks?
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Yeah mate, I'll definitely be in touch to come see this fine machine.
Interesting about the torque - what flywheel were you using again?
I'm considering re-using the single-mass one from my M40 but have also read there can be vibration/noise issues.
I suppose it could go a little lower, doesnt look out of place as it is though - kinda has a rally-inspired look :p
oh and that interior is beautiful.
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Beautiful work Norm!
The m40 flywheel on the m42 works well. But get it lightened a bit Jay Vee.
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Wow what size are those wheels? looks really good, always fun to put your own touches to the styling.
Wouldn't say no to some more pics with your other wheel options too haha.
Been posing down at Carrefour Laval? :p
Darky - thanks for the tip, I'll keep it in mind!
I've pulled most bits I want to keep off the donor car so bout to pull the engine now... just gotta cobble together some sorta stand first...