KüüLWHP (pic intense)

[smitche]

I've never been very good about documenting the progress of my builds, but I'm going to give it a go with this new (to me) e30.
Picked this car up for $1700 from a guy that bought it at auction (so I have no history). Body is mostly straight, interior is very clean, and it runs fantastic. While digging into it, I've found more positives that I will note later.



Started with basic maintenance. Trey (yert315) came out and did my timing belt, water pump, tstat, tensioner, and valve adjustment. and I got 1 lousy photo... however, as promised, I found that my car was converted from an auto to a 5spd, and was also converted to a 2.7i. :p

also swapped out the lousy ebay header/exhaust for stock and replaced the o2 sensor.
old


new


ordered front and rear brake rotors/pads (no pics of pads, they are bosch)


bought an NRG hub and installed my Nardi wheel from my previous build.


also ordered
4x100-5x114.3 adapters to fit my wheels
euro grills and shadowline kidney
OEM late model front valance
OEM plastic front bumper
More random replacement items

working on
rear OEM plastic bumper
body work
paint
air ride

couple of my previous projects
most recent, my Jetta wagon (now back to stock and my wife is driving).


before the wagon, my mk2 Jetta gli

[N2MYE30]

Looks like this car is in good hands.

[lambo]

That wagon was sick!!

[smitche]

Thanks guys. I've only driven the e30 once except for some running up and down my driveway and dirt road. Love it so far though. Once my adapters show up I will throw my wheels on and go get it smogged and reg'd. Then I'll get new tires for the gold mesh wheels so I can drive it while the other wheels are being refinished. Wheels are a super rare set of Ray's Payton Place Queens. They currently 17x8 and 17x9, but I'm going to swap the barrels so they will be 17x8.5 front and rear. Anyway, plans are to just get the car back to clean showroom condition, only bagged with wheels and a few little custom touches. Oh, I will also be rolling, maybe pulling the fenders a bit this week as well.
Btw, euro grills and kidney showed up today, along with another shipment from GutenParts with some misc items.
Can't write a novel with no pics...

Testing wheels fitment before ordering adapters.

Another wagon shot, since you seem to like it. Thanks by the way, it's makes me sad to see it now.

[smitche]

Started swapping the brakes, but the guide pins were stripped and seized on the passenger rear. I finally got them off with vice grips, but they are ruined, so I had to order new ones and call it quits for the day.

[e30abe89]

very nice!

[smitche]

Brakes done... gotta love gutenparts and their speedy delivery.

Can anyone tell me why the "brake lights" light on my check panel lights up? My washer fluid light is illuminated too, even though it's full.

[smitche]

alright, haven't done much in the last couple weeks, but I did acquire replacement front and rear bumpers and a front valance. Adapters are taking a little long than expected, but they shipped today and should be here early next week. Yesterday my buddy came out and degreased and buffed the paint and brought back a nice shine. It still definitely needs a respray, but it's presentable now. I pulled both the bumpers off in preparation for the arrival of the new stuff. Anyway, here are some pics.

[Link]

I like where this is going, looks like you have a clear picture of what you want in the end.

[kingston]

Great work so far!! I'm looking forward to seeing where the car ends up!

[Larzzz]

Can't wait to see more!

[smitche]

Thanks all... Valance is on it's way via Greyhound, but the bumpers are here. Went ahead and installed the rear. Not much of an update, but hopefully will have more tomorrow. :D

[e30Villain]

looks so much better with the black bumper trim. Looking good so far man.

[smitche]

Thanks, couldn't agree more. Not only were they terribly painted, but they just gave the car such a washed out look. Chomping at the bit to get my front valance now!!

[e30edward]

I like where this is going. :D