My '75 2002 Sleeper

[F34R]

Glad this build is still moving along, nice job OP.

[Loupoz]

And stainless is not easier to weld than mild steel....

Once you get used to TIGing stainless, and remember to turn on the reargas system, it is easier to weld, and a lot easier to control IMHO.

[hcash]

And stainless is not easier to weld than mild steel....

[tinkwithanr]

Thanks, glad to hear I should be able to handle the exhaust.

. As for the welding gas, your right, both MIG and TIG gases are mostly argon. However, my TIG gas is 100% pure Argon, while my MIG gas is 75% Argon and 25% C02. While you CAN use the 75% mix for TIG welding, it's not ideal. Both Miller and Lincoln suggest pure argon or and argon/helium mixture for TIG welding. Overall, the arc is more stable with pure argon and it's just much easier to lay down a nice bead.

[Loupoz]

With the subframe stiffened up I needed to make up some mounts for the steering rack. After taking many measurements to double check the placement and trying to keep it centered and squared, I tacked the tabs in place. After a final measurement everything was welded in place. I originally wanted to TIG the mounts, but I ran out of argon gas so I had to bust out the MIG. Got the job done just fine, but had to spend some time cleaning up the splatter.

You know TIG = Tungsten Inactive(Argon) Gas and MIG = Metal Inactive(Argon) Gas :p So if you ran out of argon MIGing wouldnt be possible, but instead MAG = Metal Active(Carbondioxide) Gas. Sorry for schooling a bit in your own thread, but i couldnt help myself ;)

Worked on the control arms tonight. Didn't like the flimsy stamped design, so I started by stitch welding the seams. I also picked up more argon so I could TIG them. This helped keep the head more controlled, gave me more practice TIGing, and made the clean up easier because there's no splatter. I've still got a long way to go before I try and tackle the stainless exhaust, but I am getting better with it.

If youre able to TIG normal "black" steel up this way, stainless should be absolutely no problem for you, since its easier to weld than normal steel.

Anyways i just spend the last couple of days reading through your whole project, and im simply amazed! Everything youre doing is so nicely done, and im very jealous on your workshop, wish i had all that you have :o

[Pdxseth]

I will definetly be watching this thread


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[CHIF8008]

heck yes

[KillaCam]

thanks for looking.

np

[tinkwithanr]

Progress report from the last few days. While waiting on some parts to come in for the rear subframe mounting, I decided to tackle the rear quarter panels. First was to mark off the area that my patch panels would cover:





Then after cutting out the rot I tacked the new panel in place. They aren't perfect as far as overall shape, but since the only option BMW has in the entire rear side panels (for $1k a piece) I can make these work.





Bunch-O-Tack Welds:





Welds ground down, then a small upper section of rust cut out. It extended out past where my patch panel would fit, so I'll have to make up some small patches on my own.





I also took the time to put some paint on the tubing bender. It's by no means a great paint job, but it keeps it from rusting and who doesn't like Hot Rod Red? I also ordered the 1" die set (3" radius) which should come in a week or so. That will let me fab up some smaller reinforcements, like in the front grill area and a strut brace I've been thinking up.





Next up is just some of the parts that have come in this week. First was a set of Tii struts. For those that don't know, the Tii struts have larger wheel bearings compared to the standard '02 pieces, and so they are more durable and desirable. This is especially true when running larger wheels with higher offsets. These will be turned into coilovers either by myself or a suspension supplier depending the route I go.




Lastly is my NEW fuel cell. Basically the more I thought about the one I originally bought, the more I realized the A1000 pump is really overkill for my setup. I also wasn't thrilled with having to run the 5/8" and 1/2" feed and return lines to the front, since I can't handle hard line that size I would have to either bring in a hydraulic shop to bend it for me or use braided hose. The new fuel cell has the '340 Stealth' pump, which is still rated for 5-600 FI horsepower. However, it only needs 3/8" feed and return lines, which I can bend and flare with my own tools. It is also a quiter, more street friendly pump that doesn't need a controller like is recommended with the A1000. The other change with this fuel cell is the 20 gallon capacity up from 15. Considering I want to drive this car, and taking into account the mileage I'm expecting from the turbo M20, the added capacity will be welcome.




Toying around with possible mounting positions in the trunk. Front and Centered:




Leaves decent room for the center exit exhaust to be run:




While minimally hanging below the sheet metal:





Thanks for looking.

[tinkwithanr]

I'm blown away! Keep it up, can't wait to see the finished product!

Thanks! And me either lol.

Unreal build, seriously!

I think R3V would dig a quick autobiography from you. You clearly have everyone's attention with your auto restoration skills.

Being an ME, I can't believe the work you were able to accomplish on this vehicle while still working the curriculum. When I was in school, the most involved thing I did was an E30 M3 5-lug swap on my '90 325is and help a few friends with motor/transmission swaps. What you've done here is simply beautiful.

How does your girlfriend take all this "car time"? lol

Thanks so much for the compliments. Really there's not much to say about me personally, I'm just a guy that's passionate about his car. Most of this stuff I have never done before, it's all pretty much learning as I go. That being said I did graduate this past winter, so I'm no longer trying to handle the two at once (thankfully).

I'm also lucky to have a very understanding g/f. Right now she's at Stanford working on her PHD (started last fall), and since I graduated and finished up a project for my current employer last month I've started to look for work out there as well. Hopefully I can finish this before it comes time to move!

Just did the same--Sweet Jesus indeed!

Now I've got to go mow the yard before my wife gets home...

Damn...

holy hell! Me want moar

Yeah.. think I'm going to have to +1 this as well. Do it!

Haha, one of the best gif's I've seen so far. Thanks guys!

[GAbOS]

Yeah.. think I'm going to have to +1 this as well. Do it!

[diegom6]

holy hell! Me want moar

[85e325]

Damn...

[TrentW]

I just read this from front to back, amazing!

Just did the same--Sweet Jesus indeed!

Now I've got to go mow the yard before my wife gets home...

[GaryE30]

Unreal build, seriously!

I think R3V would dig a quick autobiography from you. You clearly have everyone's attention with your auto restoration skills.

Being an ME, I can't believe the work you were able to accomplish on this vehicle while still working the curriculum. When I was in school, the most involved thing I did was an E30 M3 5-lug swap on my '90 325is and help a few friends with motor/transmission swaps. What you've done here is simply beautiful.

How does your girlfriend take all this "car time"? lol