1971 BMW 1600 Project

[flyboyx]

ya know....it isn't even an e30, but somehow, this is my favorite build thread in the history of ever.

about every couple of months i search this page out and read the latest entries. its kind of like catching up with an old friend.

[phreshkid]

I've been enjoying the car all weekend. Been surfing a lot and hooning, and I used the surf racks a few times this weekend too. Very solid weekend.

About an hour ago, I got the itch that I want to wetsand the whole car, and then cut/polish followed by wax. I figured I would test one spot tonight, so I chose the whole driver's side quarter panel.

I started with 1000 grit sandpaper, followed by 1200, and then finished with 1500. I don't own a porter cable polisher, so I applied a quick hand polish and this was the result:



Still no wax, but the paint can still "pop". I like the shine much better than the matte blue I've been running for the last year. Wow. I've owned this car for a year now. Who would have thought.

I'll end up doing the whole car. I'll remove all trim (most of it, anyways) and bumpers and go to wet sanding town. Then a polish, followed by wax. This car is turning a new page.

[phreshkid]

Grabbed that radiator today.




High efficiency triple core unit right next to the stock 1600 dual core unit.

The triple core unit is about 1/8" thicker sticking out on the side closest to the engine. But in its current configuration, the core has more fins per inch (14 instead of 12) and more tubes per tank (i forgot the number). According to Don at Hoffman Radiator, it should flow about 40% more than stock, and more efficiently too.

I ordered a new Tropical fan from Blunt today because I didn't want to get in there and throw a used fan in. Kind of dumb, but I tend to not think about it.

When Don pressure tested the three-core unit, he found that someone had already worked on the top tank and he had to seal a pinhole or two. Scary, but I trust him. The second radiator in the photo is the actual radiator from the 1600. I came across it by accident today, so I brought it to Don and told him to go ahead and triple core that one as well. I rather have a spare than nothing at all.

The IE radiator will be coming out in the next week and will likely be up for sale. I want the mechanical fan back in there, and the IE rad won't allow that.

[phreshkid]

..but flip-flops in February pisses us off.

You may lose a critical voting block.

He gets a pass

You're lucky I was wearing anything at all. Most times I go barefoot. Beach city = normal to not wear shoes or flip flops. Also, it's been 80 degrees these last few days.

[slammin.e28]

..but flip-flops in February pisses us off.

You may lose a critical voting block.

Location: Surf City, Ca

He gets a pass

[LateFan]

..but flip-flops in February pisses us off.

You may lose a critical voting block.

[LJ851]

That new sig... :up:


Oh, those struts look nice too.

[markseven]

Garage art. Love it.

[ak-]

I'm Abbi and I endorse your signature and campaign.

[phreshkid]

Suspension is ready to go in.



Newly rebuilt radiator will be picked up today, and I'l have the cooling system revamped in the next week as well.

Will post more photos tonight sometime.

Oh boy am I excited.

[phreshkid]

More stuff is trickling in.

Waiting on some stuff from Blunt, the radiator, and other things that I forgot about. I'll probably rebuild the heater core at some point too. So much to do. I don't have to do any of it, but I want to. What a concept.

7" 275lb springs made by Hyperco. I think these will be slightly more compliant than the 300lb Eibach springs.








And here is what I have going on now. Notice what is at the bottom of the strut housings.






I'll continue to update this thread until I'm dead, the car is dead, or I sell the car. Whichever comes first.

[phreshkid]

Found my spare bumper and cleaned it up a bit. It's a really clean, straight piece. Debating on having them welded and making it a one-piece bumper for the lols.






Any distortions or weird bends aren't bends, it's just your eyes playing tricks on you. This is a good bumper.

[phreshkid]

put the parts ina wooden crate with the old horse hair from your seats covering them. that wont look sketchy at all

Have you done this before?

Yes, Officer, it's just a 5-spd swap kit I'm shipping…um…to Bolivia.

Bolivia is taken care of. I'd be more interested in moving guns into Nicaragua or El Salvador. They are paying well right now.

[LateFan]

Yes, Officer, it's just a 5-spd swap kit I'm shipping…um…to Bolivia.

[oliver.r]

put the parts ina wooden crate with the old horse hair from your seats covering them. that wont look sketchy at all