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ROUND 4! 88 Lachsilber / Cardinal IX coupe

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    ROUND 4! 88 Lachsilber / Cardinal IX coupe

    SEP 2017 EDIT: I'LL BE UPDATING THESE PICS SOON, FOCUSING ON THE FOURTH CAR

    YET ANOTHER CHANGE IN PLANS BACK TO A LACHS 88 COUPE, THIS TIME WITH CARDINAL INTERIOR

    Jump straight to the 4th car here

    A little history of my IX coupe adventure...

    THE ORIGINAL CAR THAT STARTED ALL THIS CRAZINESS:
    88 IX 5 Speed Lachsilber / Grey
    Minnesota

    Mechanically restored, but too much floor pan rust to save.
    It's now my mechanical / spares / learn to weld parts car

    2ND CAR
    90 IX 5 Speed Coupe Zinno / Black
    Washington State

    Completely rust free but with a horrible paint job and some missing bits
    Lasted a whole week before we decided to sell it!

    3RD CAR
    91 IX Auto Coupe Alpine White / Black
    New Jersey
    127k miles

    Some rust but clean floorpan. a real looker and best AC I've ever had in an E30
    Son drove it all summer
    Planned a 5 speed conversion and full de-rust including new panels

    Sold to a friend so I'm still in touch with current owner.
    See post 43 for details.


    4th AND HOPEFULLY FINAL CAR
    88 IX 5 Speed Lachsilber/Cardinal
    PENNSYLVANIA
    101k miles

    fully resprayed, not sure color is exactly right
    clean floor pans, interior and engine bay
    mostly unmolested
    rust repair needed for both fenders, driver quarter needs replacement, battery tray
    bondo evidence in some places



    BUILD HISTORY FOR THE ORIGINAL CAR - NOW MY PARTS CAR
    Been working on this for about a year now. Picked it up in St Paul with 160k miles. All original, matching VINs and no accidents on record, but of course plenty of rust to deal with after 25 years up north. Most of the mechanical restoration is done, but the body has a long way to go. Hesitated to post anything until there was something worth looking at.

    Like all 88 IX coupes, this one came fully loaded.


    It was missing the armrest rear and ski bag though, but I've managed to source those. Also have chased down brand new heated door lock setup, heated outside mirrors and heated washer nozzles. I may be putting an HCS setup on this car too if I can find it. Exactly the type of vehicle that will use headlamp washers.

    I'll be cleaning up this initial post over time. I'll also make sure I have recent pics right on the first post.

    as it looked last week


    interior pics




    Plans for the car:
    - mechanical restoration (1st phase almost complete now)
    - complete vehicle disassembly, clean/repair
    - full body de-rusting, panel replacement where necessary
    - plastic bumper swap
    - clean up interior (one seat bolster needs work, leatherique treatment, full carpet clean
    - refinish IX wheels (already have new caps)
    - new paint (same color)

    Work done to date:
    - tank/surface head, 3 angle valve job, new camshaft, eccentrics, seals
    - timing belt and water pump
    - new coolant and evap hoses
    - new cap, rotor, platinum plugs and bmw perf wires
    - new starter and reman a/c compressor
    - PORd strut housings, sway bars
    - new OEM control arms, offset CABs, tie-rods, top hats
    - new stabilizer links, bushings
    - new H&R sports and billie HDs all around
    - new pads, rotors, e-brakes, splash shields (so rusted in rear I couldn't mount ebrakes)
    - reman calipers and ss lines (install in process)
    - new PS hoses (not all installed yet)
    - wheel alignment

    Work planned/pending:
    - wheel bearings
    - rear subframe and diff bushings
    - camber/toe kit for rear subframe
    - camber plates for front (it's barely off-spec now b/c of H&Rs)
    - finish r134a A/C conversion (flush, o-rings, leak fixes, drier, expansion valve)
    - install new radiator support, tail panel, inner rockers (if I can find them)
    - cut and replace rust areas (plenty of them)
    - replace both fenders and doors
    - tailight and trunk gaskets
    - hood insulation

    Some mech resto pics








    strut housings were absolute hell to deal with - pb blaster, torch, pipe wrench, sledge and sweat





    Rust areas that I will be dealing with





























    Last edited by bradnic; 09-02-2017, 08:56 PM.
    I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

    HOWTOs:
    DB vert plastic bumpers
    OEM Keys
    MTech1 docs

    88 ix Lach/Card
    91 ic Calypso 3.1
    86 Cosmo 2.7

    OEM+ or bust!


    reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
    TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
    e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

    #2
    Cool project...
    https://www.facebook.com/Cry_77_IX-110483784967661
    https://www.instagram.com/cry_77_ix/

    Comment


      #3
      nice work!
      www.instagram.com/snwmble
      #snwmble

      Current:
      '05 BMW M3 - Silver Grey/Imola Red
      '90 BMW 325iX - Sterling Silver/Houndstooth sport(5-speed converted)
      '15 Mini Countryman - Blazing Red/Carbon Black

      Past:
      '01 Audi Allroad - Light Silver/Platinum Saber Black
      '88 BMW 325iX - Diamond Schwarz/Silver sport *Sold*
      '01.5 1.8TQ - Brilliant Black/Nogaro Alcantara ...after 8.5yrs, *Sold* =(
      '90 BMW 325i - Schwarz/Tan sport *Sold*
      '89 BMW 325ix - Diamond Schwarz/Black sport *Sold*

      Comment


        #4
        Thanks guys. Hope this is informative for someone out there.

        the rad support, ss lines and accessory mounting hardware all arrived today. The tail section is here too.




        Most of the rocker parts are NLA now which *really* sucks. Still waiting to find out what will come in.
        EDIT: both outer rockers are NLA. inner rockers are still on order so I should be ok.
        UPDATE: Key Parts makes aftermarket outer rockers. Less than $30 a side, for both 2 and four door E30s. You can find them at fixmyrust.com

        I have new brake splash guards too as they were all horribly rusted out.


        The rear brake splash shields were so bad that I couldn't mount the e-brakes properly due to rusted out holes.


        Unfortunately replacing them forces you to pull the axles and hub. so if you're going to all that trouble you might as well replace the bearings right? I haven't replaced the rear bushings yet either, but would prefer to take that on another time.

        The diff casing is also heavily rusted and I would like to figure out how to get that cleaned up. Is it safe to sandblast it assembled? I wouldn't think so!
        Last edited by bradnic; 06-18-2014, 08:22 PM.
        I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

        HOWTOs:
        DB vert plastic bumpers
        OEM Keys
        MTech1 docs

        88 ix Lach/Card
        91 ic Calypso 3.1
        86 Cosmo 2.7

        OEM+ or bust!


        reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
        TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
        e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

        Comment


          #5
          You have a very big project on your hands and I hope it all turns out well. Happy to see one being saved from rust.
          My Feedback

          Comment


            #6
            Originally posted by E30 Wagen View Post
            You have a very big project on your hands and I hope it all turns out well. Happy to see one being saved from rust.
            No kidding. I'm in way over my head on the welding, but there are lots of examples out there of guys doing 'OJT' body repair. JGood's M60 project is a good one. I have a Lincoln 180 setup too so I should be good with that. Still need to fab/pick-up a rotisserie before I get going on the body work.

            The only really serious rust issues I've found so far is the passenger side rocker. Pretty sure I've found an inner rocker replacement panel for that side, so shouldn't be that bad really.


            The rad support shouldn't be too terrible to swap out either. It's PORd for now.

            The tail panel rust also isn't too bad .. just the battery area and license light openings really.

            The doors and fenders aren't worth saving. so none of that rust will get any attention, but the rockers and inner fenders will.

            In the end I may be kidding myself though - I haven't pulled the carpet yet. Lord knows what a mess is waiting there - the patch underneath is a dead giveaway.


            If I had even a remote chance of finding a little/no-rust IX coupe shell I'd be all over it.
            I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

            HOWTOs:
            DB vert plastic bumpers
            OEM Keys
            MTech1 docs

            88 ix Lach/Card
            91 ic Calypso 3.1
            86 Cosmo 2.7

            OEM+ or bust!


            reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
            TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
            e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by bradnic View Post
              If I had even a remote chance of finding a little/no-rust IX coupe shell I'd be all over it.
              Call me Monday…;)
              sigpic
              New website releasing soon www.gutenparts.com Guten Parts + Service | Facebook | Twitter
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              Comment


                #8
                L you are nothing but trouble dammit :-)
                and you're gonna make me wait all weekend too.
                Last edited by bradnic; 11-15-2013, 07:26 PM.
                I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

                HOWTOs:
                DB vert plastic bumpers
                OEM Keys
                MTech1 docs

                88 ix Lach/Card
                91 ic Calypso 3.1
                86 Cosmo 2.7

                OEM+ or bust!


                reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
                TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
                e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

                Comment


                  #9
                  anyone speak German? cool 325ix factory vid

                  awesome screen grabs - check out that brand new drivetrain! yum. this is definitely what I'm after.





                  Love this... The 88s still had diving boards but it's a hybrid config. i believe most of the sheet metal is face lifted, and I know the plastic bumper swap bolts right in. So maybe a euro bumper swap on a US 88 is not feasible. Does anyone know?
                  Last edited by bradnic; 12-05-2013, 12:56 PM.
                  I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

                  HOWTOs:
                  DB vert plastic bumpers
                  OEM Keys
                  MTech1 docs

                  88 ix Lach/Card
                  91 ic Calypso 3.1
                  86 Cosmo 2.7

                  OEM+ or bust!


                  reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
                  TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
                  e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Scored a pair of silber front seats, so I now have enough material and parts to restore the fronts. Also have matched grey dye from leatherique so I'm in good shape interior wise.

                    pics of the left rear brake, bearing and suspension restoration. The new splash shield is in place too. I haven't re-done the subframe+bushings yet. plan is to get that blasted and powder coated.




                    brake pedal feel is still a bit spongy, and I had a really hard time bleeding the rears - in fact the left rear bleed screw on the original caliper was frozen solid. My guess is the rear brake lines are clogged. replacing the flex hoses didn't help much. may have to replace the brake hard lines and the master cylinder.
                    Last edited by bradnic; 12-06-2013, 08:18 PM.
                    I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

                    HOWTOs:
                    DB vert plastic bumpers
                    OEM Keys
                    MTech1 docs

                    88 ix Lach/Card
                    91 ic Calypso 3.1
                    86 Cosmo 2.7

                    OEM+ or bust!


                    reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
                    TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
                    e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      damn good work and thanks for saving this thing!
                      M30 is God's motor.....but Jesus drives an M60'd car -slammin.e28

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Thanks dougie30! Much love involved.

                        My new inspiration for this car is audioquatrot's IX coupe:

                        EDIT: I dropped the images as next post has them

                        Man he's got great taste. Definitely doing things right.
                        Last edited by bradnic; 12-07-2013, 09:37 AM.
                        I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

                        HOWTOs:
                        DB vert plastic bumpers
                        OEM Keys
                        MTech1 docs

                        88 ix Lach/Card
                        91 ic Calypso 3.1
                        86 Cosmo 2.7

                        OEM+ or bust!


                        reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
                        TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
                        e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by bradnic View Post
                          Thanks dougie30! Much love involved.

                          My new inspiration for this car is audioquatrot's IX coupe:


                          Man he's got great taste. Definitely doing things right.
                          Lol. Thank you! I'm really looking forward to seeing the progress on yours!
                          www.instagram.com/snwmble
                          #snwmble

                          Current:
                          '05 BMW M3 - Silver Grey/Imola Red
                          '90 BMW 325iX - Sterling Silver/Houndstooth sport(5-speed converted)
                          '15 Mini Countryman - Blazing Red/Carbon Black

                          Past:
                          '01 Audi Allroad - Light Silver/Platinum Saber Black
                          '88 BMW 325iX - Diamond Schwarz/Silver sport *Sold*
                          '01.5 1.8TQ - Brilliant Black/Nogaro Alcantara ...after 8.5yrs, *Sold* =(
                          '90 BMW 325i - Schwarz/Tan sport *Sold*
                          '89 BMW 325ix - Diamond Schwarz/Black sport *Sold*

                          Comment


                            #14
                            SOOOO tempting.

                            Originally posted by bradnic View Post
                            If I had even a remote chance of finding a little/no-rust IX coupe shell I'd be all over it.
                            I found an unmolested, rust free 88 ix coupe. Zinno/black, loaded except for heated seats and ski bag rear seat. Decided to buy it and then changed my mind. I prefer Lachsilber on an IX.

                            If you're reading this you're clearly an IX guy. Get it while you can. Seller is out of town during the week so may take some time to get back to you.

                            I BUY/SELL REFURBISHED CM5907s & CM5908s

                            HOWTOs:
                            DB vert plastic bumpers
                            OEM Keys
                            MTech1 docs

                            88 ix Lach/Card
                            91 ic Calypso 3.1
                            86 Cosmo 2.7

                            OEM+ or bust!


                            reelizmpro: I will always be an e30 guy.. I still do all of my own labor
                            TrentW: There's just something so right about a well-built M20 in an E30
                            e30m3s54turbo: I save my money for tuner parts.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              ^Oh man, if I hadn't just bought another stupid eta I'd be all over that...
                              My Feedback

                              Comment

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