Can I just say....

[ldsbeaker]

That putting money into stuff that I'm never going to see is kinda annoying?
Ever since I've gotten the copper car, I've been fixing small issues that the PO didn't address. I think I know why he sold the car; he didn't want to deal with all the issues!

Don't get me wrong, I love the car, and refuse to sell it... I'm just ticked because I have another $1500 in suspension and tires before the suspension is sorted (won't eat tires).
So far:
Replaced the temp gauge that didn't work. (free)
Made the front Coilovers ADJUSTABLE. They were maxed out to the top, and still super low. $300
New Thermostat $18
Custom spacers to stop wheel shake. (worked like a charm, though) $167
Two rear wheels (used) $125 (need another one, sigh)

Still need: Tint ($200), Black carpet, black door cards, and black leather sport interior.
New RSM/RTABs and Toe/Camber Adjustment $1000 (parts/labor)

Then the REAL work begins. Euro bumps, alcantara boots/roof liner, 3.25 LSD, M30...... turbo?

I have a lot of pizzas to deliver.... /emo

[Turf1600]

That doesn't sound all too bad - but I don't know what you paid for the car.

[bwanac]

Still need: Tint ($200), Black carpet, black door cards, and black leather sport interior.

Then the REAL work begins. Euro bumps, alcantara boots/roof liner, 3.25 LSD, M30...... turbo?

those are all necessary? seem more like wants than needs.

[FredK]

Well, these are old cars. Most e30 owners don't want to tackle subframe and TA bushings, so they often aren't changed.

[dude8383]

Something that you just have to come to terms with, with these cars...

Expect to pay a pretty penny to get one in great condition, because the person before you went through the pain that you're experiencing now...

[soul rebel]

Used cars are sold for a reason. I am going through much of the same stuff as you, having to completely redo the rear suspension, springs and shocks all around, rebuild the diff, and everything else that you don't think about or know about when you go to buy it. But wear items are wear items, and once you replace them they wont need replacing again any time soon.

[gearheadE30]

That seems like a lot of wants. Do you really need a black interior and all of the alcantara bits with the tint? I'd do the stuff that needs to be done now (probably bushings) and might skip the rear adjusters (unless the car is so low that you absolutly need them). Do it a little bit at a time and it is a lot more painless.

[BBY1104]

That is all stuff I am planning on doing and I agree with gearhead /\ those seem like a lot of wants, except for stuff like the thermostat and such. I have found that repairs are always nessecary on an e30 when you buy it because people that dont care what the drive neglect them.

GL

[nando]

Didn't you ever see what the car looked like underneath before you sold it? it had a cool paintjob and nice wheels - the rest was bone stock, unmaintained 20 year old eta.

[ldsbeaker]

Guys, this is my play/track/autocross/show/get in a magazine again car.

You mean, did I check the bushings before I bought it, no. I guess I assumed that if he put all the money into coilovers, etc, he would replace the small stuff too. The car was moderately maintained, IMO, but he never gave me paperwork to substantiate that. Guess I'm alone on that one.
I did need to have the front suspension fixed because it was too low, and couldn't be adjusted up. The shop made it adjustable and moved it up a whole half an inch, and that makes SO much of a difference. I do need to do the toe/camber stuff because my tires are getting ate up at an alarming rate. Plus having a peg leg diff is a pain in the rear. (no pun intended)

You guys are right. All the stuff after "still need" is wants. That's for the "perfect" car for me. MY car, not eb's. He was all show, no go. I want a little show, lots more go.

The epic E30. That's my goal. Not even close to vlad's standards, but attention to detail for sure.

[E30SPDFRK]

Can't wait to see it finished. It sounds like you will be building the exact car I want.

[moatilliatta]

Sounds like you need a better job...

[colombacho]

325ic=1800 fair condition

timing belt, t-stat, hoses, bushings, sturts, rear window, seats, tools, ...= about twice what i paid for the car.

and still not done.

[ldsbeaker]

Sounds like you need a better job...

That's my second job to pay for my BMW habit.

[AlarmedBread]

I'm in the same boat, but I knew the car was a pile of shit when I bought it. All buttoned up today, looks like you need to do one of these numbers.



Then slot & all that jazz.


I'll easily have 100+hours into the car before it's 'finished'. Time or money, pay one.