My E30's formal intro

[RagtopE30]

Well I am without car tonight and for a few weeks! Let me explain. I took the car to the Ft. Jackson DIY Auto Hobby Shop today. I started at 10am, dropped the entire rearend and proceeded to R&R the subframe bushings and TA bushings. I also planned on servicing the diff with new seals and a new mounting bushing. But my time ran out! I found myself at 4:30pm close to being done, within 1:30. The hobby shop closes at 5pm on Sunday and they are closed tomorrow for the holiday. I am working Tuesday and Weds during their hours of operation and I leave Thursday morning for a 2 week trip to see my wife's family in Italy. So it looks like it will be the beginning of Dec before I get my baby back on the road!

What I got done today:
R&R subframe bushings
R&R TA bushings
reinstalled subframe and TAs
intalled GE 650# springs and adjusters

To Be Done:
Bleed Brakes
Replace rear brake pads
Service Diff and install
replace swaybar links

Uhhh worked my ass off today and I have an empty parking spot to show for it! And some cold ass motorcycle rides in my near future.

[RagtopE30]

I went to the junk yard today here in Vicenza Italy and they only have one E30 that is gutted. Luckily I was able to get a set of good condition smilies from them and I will go back and grab the late model true euro rear license plate filler along with some euro bumper trim for my vert. Ciao tutti!

[RagtopE30]

Finally got home from the old world. And I got some work done today.

OK I know that he exhaust is ugly but it is temporary so no hate! This is the before pic with all the ugliness!


And here is the Diff after I cleaned it up and replaced the output seals, cover gasket, and AKG diff mount. Matching subframe bushings and TA bushings are also installed. Also a nice set of GE 650# springs and adjusters.


I also got the rear swaybar bushings and links installed today. I will be going back tomorrow or Tuesday to put the car back on the lift and replace the rear parking brake shoes and hardware. I will get some better pics then.

[RagtopE30]

Got the rear suspension set where I want it today. Also finished up a few little things and got some more pics.

[MoreMayhem]

Me likey.
Did you follow any particular set of instructions for the subframe and TA bushing R/R?
I just ordered parts from Blunt to do mine. Staying OEM for now.

[RagtopE30]

No I just replaced them. There are plenty of sources for R&R info but it is pretty straight forward. Just be prepared to fight the old subframe bushings to get them out.

[MattTHEe30GURU]

Sick!

[Garageaholic]

wow. Great transformation

[RagtopE30]

^ty ty

[CabbE30]

Looks good! Flip your lip right side up though.

[red325ix]

I used Krylon Ultra Flat Camo paint. About 5 coats and then let it cure for a week, once it has cured wash the car with soapy water and #0000 steel wool to achieve the satin finish.

And thanks to everyone for the compliments.

Paint looks like it came out nice. Can you elaborate a little more on the process? I've actually been contemplating doing the same thing with an e36 that has bad paint.

How was the prep work? How many cans did it take?

[RagtopE30]

I did normal body work and prep work but used self etching primer and then just layed down 4 to 5 layers of paint. Then just wait a week to follow up with the steel wool.

[Nick_S]

Wow, that flat green really fits well on there. Hell of a transformation. Keep it up!

[MattAvino]

Bump!

[RagtopE30]

Ok so minor bump. The block is ready, I will have the pistons next week, and the e34 oilpan and pump have been sourced. The transmission is a 5pd from a e34 535i and the pistons which will pump in this bad boy are forged Wiseco 9.0:1 cr. Assembly of motor begins next weekend!!!

Also slight change with the block. I ditched the b34 block and am now going with a b35 block. Same crank so all is well!

Oh and I have to figure out how to merge my engine build thread with this thread.