Author Topic: Free car...did not cost me anything (Read 2872 times)

lqbanotxano · « **on:** March 14, 2012, 03:09:34 PM »

My next door neighbor gave me this car some time back. I got the car for free!!!
It did not cost me anything except....for the repairs. When free is not free.

List of things fixed/replaced during the last year & half. (Not free)
1.   Driver door window motor & regulator replaced.
2.   Passenger door window motor & regulator replaced.
3.   Driver door panel & card removed & fixed (halfassed)
4.   Passenger door panel & card removed & fixed (halfassed)
5.   Got the sunroof closed.
6.   Had replaced front left lower control arm.
7.   Had replaced front left wheel bearing.
8.   Had half axles rebuilt & installed with new boots
9.   Fix (half assed) glove compartment door.
10.   Installed new Kenwood radio & new front & rear speakers
11.   Installed new brake rotors & pads all around.
12.   Had installed all season performance tires all around.
13.   Repainted mag wheels.
14.   New Maaco $420.00 paint job.
15.   Painted the front & rear bumpers (Maaco did not paint???)
16.   Had installed a new head liner.
17.   Had installed a new windshield.
18.   Fixed the trunk lock.
19.   Fixed the hood lock (plastic handle inside car broke)
20.   Removed inspected & serviced alternator. Bad ground caused a nightmare.
21.   Installed new boot that goes from air flow sensor to intake.
22.   Replaced valve cover gaskets (had oil in spark plug wells)
23.   New Magnecor wires & spark plugs.
24.   Installed rebuilt Mustang 4 pintle gen 3 injectors.
25.   Seafoamed car.
26.   Removed cleaned, treated for mold & replaced carpet after car flooded.
27.   Replaced headlight switch.
28.   Got very good shape steering wheel & in better shape door panels at the junk yard (not on car yet)
29.   Installed Z3 shifter & replaced all the moving parts on the shifter.
30.   Fixed the Solo5 radar detector I found in trunk. It works now.
31.   Replaced front Roundel with Fleabay Chinese crap�it is peeling & faded already.
32.   Had replaced the Guibo (driveshaft flex disc)
33.   Replaced the steering column flex joint with a used �better� one.
34.   Replaced power steering reservoir & 2 attached hoses. Flushed fluid.
35.   Replaced several fuel & vent hoses, partial mess under the intake.
36.   Replaced assorted light bulbs.
37.   My friend got me a Fleabay chip. The seller replaced it when check engine light would not turn off. The seller replaced but, the replacement did not work either. Got ripped off.
38.   Just got my NEW Mark D 91/7000RPM chip�works great.
39.   New water pump & thermostat.
40.   New KYB 2 struts & shocks.
41.   Replaced with used, missing right rear bumper trim.
42.   Changed oil pan gasket & inspected for loose bolts.
43.   Both fog lights busted �got covers.
44.   Installed a new Ford O2 sensor.
45.   Several times messed with air conditioner control�not fixed yet. Ordered a used one.
46. Replaced vacuum canister attached to DISA.

Repairs/Things that are still left to do soon�
1.   Fix the air conditioner control unit (ordered & waiting).
2.   Clutch pedal bushings (have the bushings)
3.   Install both �better� door panels that I have.
4.   Install the �much better� steering wheel that I have ( it�s from a different year & not a straight swap)
5.   Fix both rear door cards.
6.   Fix tear in driver�s seat.
7.   Replace timing chain tensioner.
8.   Fix cruise control.
9.   Fix several lights in the dash that are out.

Wish List (I don�t have the money to do)
1.   H&R Sport Springs
2.   Stiffer sway bars.
3.   Magnaflow 14815 muffler.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:14:52 PM »

That's one heck of a list, it's near-epic!

What was the steering wheel swap? An M3 airbag unit?

I paid for mine so I didn't have to do as much, I suppose.

Wrench · « **Reply #2 on:** March 14, 2012, 03:50:20 PM »

Wow... that IS epic. This car got thrashed!

lqbanotxano · « **Reply #3 on:** March 14, 2012, 06:37:24 PM »

The replacement steering wheel is a stock "leather" wheel. It is in very good condition. The problem is that the airbag did not come with it. The air bag from my excising wheel connects differently. I will either have to go buy the airbag that was on the new steering wheel (more money)...or make the one I got work (no money)
The total investment I got tied up on my car above is…not counting my time…about $3,000.00.

willworkfore30s · « **Reply #4 on:** March 14, 2012, 11:39:52 PM »

I'm in a similar situation. I got my 318is "free" but then spent money on swapping out the bad motor and getting a title for it. My list is not as long as yours but my car is also a long way from where I want it to be. I didn't see a total on your list but I would say I am about $400 deep into this car total and I am taking it tomorrow to get inspected. If it passes I'll be able to get my tags!

jrobie79 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2012, 07:57:46 PM »

let's get some pictures!

keflaman · « **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2012, 08:48:19 PM »

Quote from: lqbanotxano;111078

The replacement steering wheel is a stock "leather" wheel. It is in very good condition. The problem is that the airbag did not come with it. The air bag from my excising wheel connects differently. I will either have to go buy the airbag that was on the new steering wheel (more money)...or make the one I got work (no money)
The total investment I got tied up on my car above is�not counting my time�about $3,000.00.

Even at $3K I'd say you're ahead of the game. I'm on my third E30 and that's about the same amount I spent to bring them back to "stock" condition in addition to the purchase price.

Good job! I'm sure you enjoy seeing it come together;).