Frank88iX's 1st 325ix build. (Not audiquattrot)

[rzerob]

do you happen to know if the heating element is just slipped thru in between the stitching (and slides out) or if they are actually stitched into the seat w/ the leather?

They slide right out. Well "right out" is optimistic they are 20+ yrs old so be careful with them and pull them out gently and slowly. But they are not secured in any way. No glue and no stitching just sandwiched in. The more difficult part is getting them back in. I like to go the fishing route. firmly secure the end to something like wire and feed the wire in. As you feed the wire in the heated element will follow do your best to keep it straight and feed it the whole way in. Take your time, just takes a little patience.

[audiquattrot]

Thanks for clarifying that! Might just take a razor to the butt portion of the leather to ensure not to damage the heating element.

[audiquattrot]

Since frank is horrible at updating, I stopped by today and he removed the rear rotors, pads and calipers since he had a sticky left rear. New oem rotors , pads and donor calipers on its way. He also cleaned up the wheel wells and coated.

The rust off the exhaust was removed w a scouring pad

[audiquattrot]

It's the little things that make a difference. $.60 strut mount nuts replaced..the rusty ones just made the bay look like ass. Fortunately everything else under the hood is virtually rust free

[stonea]

I wish I had a friend would update my thread for me, lol

[audiquattrot]

I wish I had a friend would update my thread for me, lol

Lmao. It keeps me from spending money on my own car and updating my own thread. Plus frank never will if I don't!

We also pulled out the heating element out of the old drivers seat. Came out easier than expected.

Rear bumper trims were sanded primed and painted, new SS lines coming in...once it does the donor rear calipers, new rotors and pads will all be buttoned up and bled

[Frank88ix]

Thanks for updating my thread.
I always get caught up in the moment and don't want to stop and take pictures.

[rzerob]

We also pulled out the heating element out of the old drivers seat. Came out easier than expected.

Told you so. Now put it in the new seat. It's almost just as easy as it is to remove the element. It's getting cold.

[audiquattrot]

Thanks for updating my thread.
I always get caught up in the moment and don't want to stop and take pictures.

;)

Told you so. Now put it in the new seat. It's almost just as easy as it is to remove the element. It's getting cold.

yes sir! my buddy recommended using a wooden paint stick. fits in the sleeve of the heating element perfectly.

[Beau B]

Great job, real transformation .. this makes me want to find an iX

[Frank88ix]

Great job, real transformation .. this makes me want to find an iX

Dont do it! theres not enough parts to go around! lol jk

[audiquattrot]

Rear diving board trim primed and painted

[Reichart12]

How was the actual material of the bumper surround? Mine feels almost gritty and rough but that one looks smooth. Did putting primer down help even out the surface?

[Frank88ix]

How was the actual material of the bumper surround? Mine feels almost gritty and rough but that one looks smooth. Did putting primer down help even out the surface?

First I took a scuffing pad to it, which got a lot of the 'rough' feel out but not all of it. It has a good look to where its not noticeable to the eye but roughness is still there.
Then I wiped it down with a mild cleaner to remove dirt and dust.
Two coats self etching primer. (very light on the second coat, more of a dusting just to even it out more)
And finally two coats trim paint with a scuffing in between coats.

[audiquattrot]

'trim paint' my ass.