Zen and the Art of e30 Maintenance

[thealbert]

Your photos are excellent too!

[thealbert]

Awesome thread! Love your project and your car looks great!

[BavarianAddict06]

Awesome write up. Took an hour to read. But this seriously made me want to tear my car down and buildin it back up. Doin everything right. This is how it should be. Alot of respect for you. Seriously.. Im excited for you. Keep up the amazing work!

[BlkD12agon]

subbed

[CubbyChowder]

Thanks Mikey – you inspired me to re-read my own thread – something I haven’t done in some time.. it cheered me to recall the journey again.

After just glancing your thread over – it’s like we could be brothers. lol. I LOVE roundies. One thing that went through my mind was that your thread could use a table of contents post like I did – otherwise, my router starts smoking trying to load all the pictures.. ha. I’ll be taking the time to read through it in depth within next day or so..

Yeah I find it motivating to read through my entire build again as well. I've done it several times and it's cool seeing what has been accomplished so far. As for the table of contents, that's definitely something I will consider doing. I think it would make more sense to do it once I'm almost complete, so it would be easier to organize. My whole build is so scattered right now that it'd be a bit of a mess to organize into chapters.

Although we have a slightly different approach towards our own cars, I still feel like I can completely relate to this build. I'm trying to document as thoroughly as possible in hopes of providing inspiration, education and motivation to other people because heavily documented online articles are how I've learned all that I know.

Glad you moved to an area where you have more friends and the overall environment is more suiting to your tastes. Sounds like a good start to turning your life back to normal. I know how you feel being completely disabled to do anything due to lack of funds, I've been there as well and it's a huge burden. Try to sell off some of those old E30 parts if they're any good, look on local craigslist for good deals on parts that you know would be worth more online. Find a cheap, non-running E30 and fix it and flip it for some good profit. There are endless opportunities to make some quick cash

[Simon S]

Wow. Literally just spent HOURS going through this thread from start to finish and I am soo impressed with your work and attitude. I am going through a very similar process on a 1973 BMW 2002 so this is huge inspiration for me to keep truckin' because I've been getting a bit unmotivated at times.

Thanks Mikey – you inspired me to re-read my own thread – something I haven’t done in some time.. it cheered me to recall the journey again.

After just glancing your thread over – it’s like we could be brothers. lol. I LOVE roundies. One thing that went through my mind was that your thread could use a table of contents post like I did – otherwise, my router starts smoking trying to load all the pictures.. ha. I’ll be taking the time to read through it in depth within next day or so..

Hang tough. I've been right where you are before--and worse--and made it through. I'm not a motivational speaker though.

And hey, bring your car to the Windy City VintageFest on Sunday, Sept. 9th. Se my thread in the Midwest happenings. There are all kinds of good contacts to be made there besides seeing lots of cool bimmers.

No worries Trent. I had to get out of Chicago. Not sure how to say this - but I make for a better white boy here in Madison than a white boy in Chicago. The job market is tough all over I suppose – but I have a big circle of friends here in Madison. That and the fabulous countryside between here and the Mississippi (it’s like a humongous driving park!) - means I don’t plan on moving anytime soon..

As far as going to VintageFest – man, I’d love to – but like I’m short on gas money – let alone money for tires (why I put her back up in storage). Being this poor is like being on house arrest. I simply can’t afford to go out or do anything really..

[ecuastyle84]

Such an awesome build! great job man

[TrentW]

It's hard for me to read shit like this--really hard. I remember maybe a year ago passing your resume around to some people I know in the hopes that they would have a position that you would be a fit for. Sorry that didn't turn up anything, but maybe it's time to try again--if you'd be interested in moving back to Chicago. I wish I could have done more, but honestly I can't really go too far in backing you since we've never even met, but I'll do what I can.

Are you familiar with The Werk Shop in Libertyville? Check them out at: http://www.thewerkshop.net/ They do detailed restorations on classic BMW's besides having a service side. I just talked to my tech friend Dave Mason there and he said "we're always interested in finding creative, talented people". Mike Marijanovic is the guy you want to contact though--I'd call him personally and sell yourself and then you could forward a resume and show him what you've done and go from there. Follow up and a desire are key with Mike.

Hang tough. I've been right where you are before--and worse--and made it through. I'm not a motivational speaker though.

And hey, bring your car to the Windy City VintageFest on Sunday, Sept. 9th. Se my thread in the Midwest happenings. There are all kinds of good contacts to be made there besides seeing lots of cool bimmers.

[CubbyChowder]

Wow. Literally just spent HOURS going through this thread from start to finish and I am soo impressed with your work and attitude. I am going through a very similar process on a 1973 BMW 2002 so this is huge inspiration for me to keep truckin' because I've been getting a bit unmotivated at times.

I'm really bummed to read what you're going through in your life right now. I wish I had some profound, intelligent advice for you, but I'm never really good at that. What I see here is someone who followed their true interests and created something seriously magnificent, and although material things won't necessarily bring happiness in life, this is fucking rad man! I really hope you find a job which allows you to utilize your creativity and meticulous skills, you would make one hell of an employee in the right field. Don't hate yourself for venting on the internet to a bunch of people you've never met before, we all need to get it out some way or another. No need to apologize, you've made it very clear that you're a reasonable, respectable person and you're going through shit we all go through (although I don't know the extent of your situation, I'm just generalizing).

This is definitely the deepest I've ever gotten on a car forum haha maybe it's because I'm delirious from staying up til 2:30am reading this fucking awesome thread.

All I can really say is, I hope things turn around for you buddy. This thread is nothing short of inspirational. Just hang in there, you still got lots of life left in you, and it's never too late for it to change.

I'm very similar to you in a sense of heavily documenting every step of every process, if you're interested in getting your mind off the stressful things and reading my BMW build, visit www.roundierevival.webs.com

[Simon S]

ygpm... I hope you are doing okay bro...

Responded. Thanks man. I'll be ok..

Eh, I know that feel. I build my cars like you. I've also read this whole thing start to finish and loved it.

Smart guys always have it the worst because they're capable of comprehending the true shittiness of their situation and the world around them. All you really need is a job and things will start to be alright again. Money causes the worst kinds of fuckin stupid problems. Don't worry about it too much, eventually you'll roll into some dough. Leaving that job was a good move. Well, having another lined up before you left might have been better. But, you could still be there, which would be worse.

Maybe you're a burden on somebody, most likely though it's in your head because you're experiencing the gap between what you expect to happen and what's actually happening.

Ignore the economy, it hardly affects you as an individual. Same goes for politics and whatever else. They're simply stressors for people with nothing better to stress about and although somebody really should straighten that shit out, there's no reason why it has to be you. So fuckin forget it.

It's true, you'll almost always get what you want if you want it bad enough. Take a mental break to relax yourself and pick your problems up again a little later. I recommend a joint and some good beer for starters.

And never sell the car. Never, ever sell the car.

Ha – you hit a lot of things there in a profound manner. Like yeah – I have a lot of people around me that love me and all – and I’m quite fine in most all respects. But the lack of being able to find gainful employment is just. fucking. killing me.. which seems to be something many others are going through..

Thanks for the link. I’ve been reading up on stuff like that for years now – and reminders never hurt.

Try Costco Wholesale its a great company and we have some growth in your area now plus ramping up for the holidays soon. Applications are online and make one for each job category. Would not be a bad idea to drop by the warehouse's near you and introduce yourself to the warehouse General Manager and the Assistant Store Managers. If you have some questions you can PM me.

Thanks man. I’ll look into it. Oddly enough, some of my happiest employment was way back in the day driving a fork truck..

Keep your head up.

I will.

Please don't do anything to hurt yourself. Trust me when I say you are NOT a stupid person.

I won't.. and some days, I wonder.. lol

Simon, stick in it man. Be fucking Rocky. I went through some very, very tough shit in the past 10 years and for the first time, all that back breaking, fully body abusing and mentally punishing grind in jobs you know are only using you and abusing the privilege of your work ethic will pay off, my friend.

Best wishes and pursue the fuck out of that job and anything else.

Ha – thanks man. I will be fucking Rocky – and go after that job with fucking blood dripping from my teeth. I gotta tell you it’s a comfort to hear someone else go through years of mud and came out happy. Cheers to that. You’ve given me some hope.

May the force be with you!

and MTFBWY as well..

And life is unfare for all and only in our darkest days will we see the light, only once you have hit rock bottom you can start to smile because from here on, the only way is up.

Don't worry about being a burdon on friends and family, I am sure they are happy that they can help someone like you move up in the world, and would not even see it like that. I know I would.

I hear you. Sometimes when one goes through a long enough dark period - it can get hard for one to stay in focus. Thank you for your kind words which remind me of this..


Wow guys. I am sorry. I’m in one of those bad sleep-deprived states where everything seems to lead to despair – and I hate that.. and I hate pity parties - certainly didn’t want to invite one here..

At loss for words – I’m not dead yet – and don’t plan to be soon. I fully realize I’m not alone – and there is some fight in me yet. Time will tell..

Cheers guys. Thank you again for all your support. Things will get better.

[Massimo]

Simon, based on what i have read in your thread regarding maintenance, you are very talented in repairing E30s. Try working at a shop or publishing a DYI book on E30s. Its very apparent that you have so much to give to this life! Keep your head up.

Pritty much this.

And life is unfare for all and only in our darkest days will we see the light, only once you have hit rock bottom you can start to smile because from here on, the only way is up.

Don't worry about being a burdon on friends and family, I am sure they are happy that they can help someone like you move up in the world, and would not even see it like that. I know I would.

Good luck with the future and you will be just fine.

[StealthiE30]

Hang in the bro! Remember its always the darkest just before the light! You are a very talented individual, and I'm sure great things will come fourth to you. I have been in a very simliar situation, and it almost got the best of me. But i dug down and kept on trucking, just remember to always stay positive regardless of the situation. May the force be with you!


PS. I read your entire thread from start to finish, and I am in awe at the capability you have to fully restore a e30 to the condition that you have! And like Tismael said you should consider looking into working with restorations. This thread can be your proof of worksmanship on your application, and I'm sure everyone on here would gladly be a reference! :up:

[ck_taft325is]

Simon, stick in it man. Be fucking Rocky. I went through some very, very tough shit in the past 10 years and for the first time, all that back breaking, fully body abusing and mentally punishing grind in jobs you know are only using you and abusing the privilege of your work ethic will pay off, my friend. I've never met you a second in our lives but if you can and do put that much work into something you love, love your life and you will prosper. You might not be a millionaire but damnit, you'll be something Simon, you will..

Best wishes and pursue the fuck out of that job and anything else.

[coop]

Please don't do anything to hurt yourself. Trust me when I say you are NOT a stupid person. I've never met you, but just from the posts you made in this one simple thread I can tell you are a very smart and talented individual. Half the stuff you did I was in awe because I would love to attempt but feel I will end up messing up, where you prevailed. Just chalk the recent past up as the not so fun chapter of your life and start a new chapter, call that person back, you never know where it will lead to!

[Tismael711]

Simon, based on what i have read in your thread regarding maintenance, you are very talented in repairing E30s. Try working at a shop or publishing a DYI book on E30s. Its very apparent that you have so much to give to this life! Keep your head up.