The complete repair, rebuild, repaint, and v8 swap of my early model sedan

[JGood]

I drove it today!!!

A total of about 15 feet... but still, I drove it! So, reverse and first gear are confirmed to be in good working order, lol.

The only major things left to do are to install front and rear glass, and build the exhaust. The rest is just reassembling the interior, finishing up some wiring, and installing all of the exterior trim/lights and bumpers, etc... Which should only take a few hours. The front/rear glass has me concerned, that's one thing I've never done on an e30. I'm hoping the new seals and lock strips makes it slightly easier.

I'm hoping to make it to the Deutsche Classic on July 15th in Reading PA. This car should give the purists something to moan and groan about, lol.

[dirty30]

The only major things left to do are to install front and rear glass...]

Don't sweat the glass man, its cake. Just be patient and mask off the paint around the window opening. Make sure you have the factory lockstrip tool and use plenty of undiluted carwash liquid to lubricate the seal when pushing it into place.

Congrats on the start-up/ drive!!! badass!!

[brianao34]

Congrats. man. Awesome color choice. I can't wait to get mine back on the ground again.

[JGood]

Don't sweat the glass man, its cake. Just be patient and mask off the paint around the window opening. Make sure you have the factory lockstrip tool and use plenty of undiluted carwash liquid to lubricate the seal when pushing it into place.

Congrats on the start-up/ drive!!! badass!!

Thanks for the tips! I'm picking up the new glass tomorrow, and I ordered the lockstrip tool (for anyone interested, Amazon has it for $10 shipped... just search "Lisle 47000").

Now, to deal with insurance. How to get my 300k mile 85 325e sedan insured for over 10x it's KBB value, lol. None of the classic car insurance companies will allow me to daily drive it, and none of the normal insurance companies will do Agreed Value, they only do Stated Value.

[giantkeeper]

Two word summary, "fucking epic"!

Let me know how your insurance thing goes. I need to do the same.

[slammin.e28]

It's not a 325e anymore.

It's a 540i....inside. ;)

[JGood]

Tried to install the back window tonight with a new gasket and lock strip. I don't think I've ever been so angry. Took me an hour just to get the window and gasket in, before touching the lock strip. Now that it's installed, the gasket is so tight that I have trouble even getting a flathead screwdriver in the 'gap' that the 1/2" wide lock strip needs to go. I bought the special tool, which I eventually hurled across the garage because it serves no purpose other then to further complicate the entire clusterfuck situation.

I don't know if it's the piece of shit Meyle gasket or just my complete inability to accomplish this simple task, but either way I'm calling a windshield guy tomorrow morning and having them come finish the job before I throw anything else.

[Unearth078]

Tried to install the back window tonight with a new gasket and lock strip. I don't think I've ever been so angry. Took me an hour just to get the window and gasket in, before touching the lock strip. Now that it's installed, the gasket is so tight that I have trouble even getting a flathead screwdriver in the 'gap' that the 1/2" wide lock strip needs to go. I bought the special tool, which I eventually hurled across the garage because it serves no purpose other then to further complicate the entire clusterfuck situation.

I don't know if it's the piece of shit Meyle gasket or just my complete inability to accomplish this simple task, but either way I'm calling a windshield guy tomorrow morning and having them come finish the job before I throw anything else.

maybe the gasket, never had an issue, cept the metal lock sometimes bending a bit

[Schnitzer318is]

I used a bone and soapy water with a good amount of success on both the front and rear glass. Luckily my gaskets were still useable though so I didn't have to worry about new ones being slightly smaller or needing to be stretched.

It did take me about 2 hours to get the hang of the technique though on the rear glass. After that took 30 mins for the front.

Don't be discouraged though... car looks amazing.

[JGood]

I called a glass place, they are coming to finish the job Tuesday. If I keep going, I'm going to end up scratching the fresh paint or cracking the window or something... just not worth it. This actually works out, I'll work on getting the exhaust done between now and Tuesday, then after the glass guy leaves I'll swing by my buddy's garage and slap some inspection stickers on it. The car will basically be complete at that point.

[M-technik-3]

Looks awesome, really liking the brown. I'm surprised that color did not take off.

[MattAvino]

incredible. r3v is proud.

[AWDE30]

Rear window install is a complete bitch. Only way I got it done caused me to scratch the paint mucho frustration.

[Garageaholic]

Looks great! Can't wait to cruise together in out brown v8 e30's!

[JGood]

Thanks guys!

Rear window install is a complete bitch. Only way I got it done caused me to scratch the paint mucho frustration.

Yeah, that's my primary concern.



Got the front end wired and installed. This was an early model car that I put a late model bumper and HID's on a few years ago, before I knew how to do things properly, haha. So, I spent some time redoing the wiring and making things look nice. I had some issues with the turn signals and headlights working, turns out I had a ground wire that wasn't grounded. All lights, interior and exterior, are now functioning properly, which is a relief. I also got all of the exterior trim installed, and am happy I kept the black trim.