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1995 e34 540i/6 *m60b44* - Return to Some Kind of Glory

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    Got some work done over the weekend!

    First thing was to replace the brake master cylinder grommets. I had replaced this master with a remanufactured unit and apparently the grommets were just no good. For $9 I had a new set of Lucas branded ones sent to me. You can see how odd this setup is. Most folks are aware of the e30 M60 swap requirements and this remote mounted brake booster/master cylinder setup is pretty much required if you want boost.

    Here are the old ones.
    IMG_20191018_104554286_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Another shot.
    IMG_20191018_104541423_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Here are the Lucas ones.
    IMG_20191018_104612570_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    IMG_20191018_104621102 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    This where they go in the brake master cylinder.
    IMG_20191018_104627394 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    And the remote reservoir lines plugged in.
    IMG_20191018_105016016 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    The whole kit and kaboodle.
    IMG_20191018_105019937 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    I cleaned up the entire area underneath with Purple Power and a hose. Then I set off on an errand to let this dry out.

    The front grille on the car needed some paint so I grabbed a rattle can of semi-gloss and went at it.

    The headlight rings were painted once already and were chipping badly so I just scuffed them up and hit them again.
    IMG_20191018_145700506_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Same for the black plastic inserts or whatever you call them. They were a light grey so this was much improved.
    IMG_20191018_151254715_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Here is the grille assembly before paint. I had the kidneys blacked out when I got the car and installed this newer part on it. It has some chips and a dent or two (not terrible) but it needed paint too and I wanted to black the whole thing out.
    IMG_20191018_151442830_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    In process.
    IMG_20191018_151449245_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Mostly installed. I didn't push in the ends of the thingy-bob because I wanted the paint to dry before giving it the beans.
    IMG_20191018_160904276_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    Another shot.
    IMG_20191018_160909897_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    I need to inspect the front bumper some more and make sure it is still solid after I hit a parking space stop. I forget how low this car is sometimes. If its good, I will likely give it the same treatment with the paint.

    I plan on doing boiled linseed oil finish when it cools off a bit. I will go lighter and lighter on the Scotch Brite pads until its as even as I can get it then apply the boiled linseed oil. It should harden and turn into a decent finish.

    I was walking by the car on Saturday and thought this looked cool so I snagged a pic.
    IMG_20191020_141140769_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

    I ordered up some OBC light bulbs because the damned thing only lights up when you turn the lights on! It worked flawlessly when I began the interior swap but whatever. The bulbs ARE 25 years old after all.
    Si vis pacem, para bellum.

    New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
    Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
    Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

    79 Bronco SHTF Build

    Comment


      Eat a dick Photobucket! Me and Flickr got this thread back to its semi-original state. I am almost as proud about getting these pics put back in as the whole car build. It is a pain in the ass on a level that is just, brutal.

      I hope you guys enjoy!
      Si vis pacem, para bellum.

      New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
      Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
      Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

      79 Bronco SHTF Build

      Comment


        I am happy with the shifter so I decided to Permatex "Loctite" it in place so the setscrews stop backing out. I got the gel version of the blue Permatex and man, I love how it applies. Its beautiful!

        Drilled an impression in the shift lever so the setscrew can bite a bit.
        IMG_20191022_083353211 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

        After the hole is drilled.
        IMG_20191022_083415892 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

        And the Permatex on the setscrew.
        IMG_20191022_083518350 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr
        Si vis pacem, para bellum.

        New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
        Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
        Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

        79 Bronco SHTF Build

        Comment


          Had a small scare this evening. I hooked up the cruise control and tested it out. It worked great! But then when I was on the way home, I tried to rip roar though first and second. And all of a sudden the damned throttle stuck open like crazy! I don't have the retaining nut on the cruise control cable and that was hung up and it allowed the throttle to stick open. Obviously you just put it in neutural and shut the car off and that is what I did. But it still freaks you the F out!

          Prior to that adventure, I undid my driver's side windshield washer squirter and unclogged it. Now it fully functions.

          I ordered up some cheap aluminum throttle and cruise control cable bushings from China. It'll take a month, but I don't need cruise control that bad right now. Haha!
          Si vis pacem, para bellum.

          New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
          Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
          Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

          79 Bronco SHTF Build

          Comment


            My OBC light bulbs showed up so I got those swapped out. I tested the bulbs with a 9V battery and 2 of 3 were dead. Pretty easy to tell which ones are bad.

            IMG_20191025_094548086 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_094713736 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            Three spots they need to be replaced.
            IMG_20191025_094155875_MP by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_094151652_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_094144738_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            And working. I was happy to see this work. I had heard that you had to pull the battery before installing it. Made no sense to me but that is not necessary no matter what.
            IMG_20191025_120809706 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            Turned my attention to taking the bumper off. It definitely needs to be replaced because there was a pretty big crack in it. So I really don't care how perfect this looks or not.
            IMG_20191025_125310381_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_125312623_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_125316076_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_125330260_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            IMG_20191025_125542813_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

            They are painted now and out in the sun to dry. I will wait for them to dry over night and throw them on tomorrow.

            I received the upper glove box latch and will get out there and install that this afternoon. I need to figure out how to get the lock cylinder out of the upper glove box latch because its from a different car.
            Si vis pacem, para bellum.

            New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
            Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
            Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

            79 Bronco SHTF Build

            Comment


              Alright! I didn't let the glovebox latch beat me. I knew my key wouldn't work with the latch I needed to use so I figured out how to take the lock cylinder out of it.

              You can see a groove around the top part of the cylinder. Two little tabs lock into there. No good pic unfortunately.
              IMG_20191026_221609248 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              Basically this thing slides in. I pulled all of the keys cause I don't really care if it locks or not.
              IMG_20191026_221618529 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              This is the 90 degree rotation that is available when installed. IMG_20191026_221629850 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              If you look to the right in the hole, you can see the lever that goes to the right when the lever is applied.
              IMG_20191026_221548303 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              The protruding tip, depending on rotation, rocks downward as you pull up on the handle and trips the hook which retracts the hooks of the backside of the latch. I didn't realize this for a bit but eventually figured it out.

              Business end.
              IMG_20191026_221330186 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              You can kind of see the tabs I was referring to here. They are at 10 & 2 if the lock cylinder is a clock face.
              IMG_20191026_221255285 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              IMG_20191026_221248321 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              I got the front bumper back together. I had some runs that I scuffed out and reshot. Close ups later.
              IMG_20191026_145829741_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              IMG_20191026_155333271_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              I picked up some boiled linseed oil and I was kind of eager to give it a shot. So I did a bit more scuffing of the trunk lid with some finer grades of Scotch Brite pad. Ultimately, I am going to have to wet sand all of the paint to get the scratches out before it looks great. But...

              IMG_20191026_152426874_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              IMG_20191026_152741290_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              IMG_20191026_152746158_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

              A little of that stuff goes a long, long way. Which is cool. I rubbed it in and wiped off any excess. The theory is that it will harden and become somewhat of a clear coat. It will stop rusting and not oxidize. I guess reapplication happens once a year or so. We shall see.

              WARNING: Boiled Linseed Oil or regular linseed oil will ignite on its own so be very careful with the rags you use. Never use this stuff and throw the rags in the trash can or in the corner of the garage. It will eventually cause a fire. I read you could wash it out as much as you can with water and then just leave them outside for several days. That's what i am going to do and see what happens.

              Anywho...moving a long here.
              Last edited by marshallnoise; 10-26-2019, 11:05 PM.
              Si vis pacem, para bellum.

              New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
              Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
              Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

              79 Bronco SHTF Build

              Comment


                Boo! I think my heater core is leaking. Probably should have replaced it when I had the dash out. Oh well.

                Also, I am thinking about installing an AEM Wideband. I am contemplating where to put the gauge. I wanna keep my radio and keep my cup holders which are in the shifter surround. Since I am not using the speakers on the dash, I am considering putting it there kind of creeping up out of the speaker cover. Then its nitrous time...
                Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                79 Bronco SHTF Build

                Comment


                  How about this for some sketchballs? I figure if it breaks, then I just loose cruise control. But hey, there is fancy aluminum on the car now!

                  IMG_20191106_083223565_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr
                  Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                  New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                  Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                  Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                  79 Bronco SHTF Build

                  Comment


                    I ordered up the KKmoon AC808 airbag reset tool a few moments ago. I had ordered the round to OBDII port adapter that is all of $10 and tried it with my OBD II bluetooth adapter with Torque Pro and no love. So reading the reviews, this AC808 looks like it will do the trick for me. It will be nice to have the SRS light out and then I can take my chances with a 25 year old airbag (really its 21 years old, but still) when the fooker goes off in my face. I like taking risks. LOL

                    My wet/dry sand paper arrived and I will try to get to the trunk lid this weekend and see how I do. I really need to fix the sunroof drains on my 09 Jetta Sportwagen before the rains come so I may give that a go this weekend instead. I like VW, but they do some stupid shit sometimes and then they refuse to fix the mistakes on subsequent runs of the same vehicle for a decade. /rant
                    Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                    New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                    Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                    Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                    79 Bronco SHTF Build

                    Comment


                      Got a few things did today. It was unusually hot in San Diego today, so I stood in the sun for a bit too long.

                      First thing I did was replace a windshield washer squirter. The retaining clip was broken on my original one and I had a spare. It still needed some trussing with Gorilla Glue but it worked.

                      Then I added the throttle cable aluminum nut thing on the throttle body bracket. No pics. Same as above but now double the shininess.

                      The KKmoon AC808 came yesterday and I wanted to see if that item worked and it worked just fine. It said I had a bunch of codes (mostly relating to seats and stuff) but I cleared them anyway and I am finally thrilled to have the SRS light off for the first time since I have owned this car. For $22 bucks or so shipped, its a no brainer.
                      IMG_20191109_104222690_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      IMG_20191109_104726351 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      So then I wanted to try out the wetsanding, buffing polishing whatever stuff.

                      What I started with.
                      IMG_20191109_111508032_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      After 1000 grit.
                      IMG_20191109_112856688_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      After 2000 grit.
                      IMG_20191109_113504548_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      It was at this point I realized I needed to do a lot more sanding. So I went back to the 1000 for a while.
                      IMG_20191109_121157616_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Then I went after it with the 2000 in the opposite direction. The right side is the finer stuff.
                      IMG_20191109_122411460_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Then I finished it up with 2000 and did some Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound. Results on the right.
                      IMG_20191109_124328925_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Whole thing rubbing compounded.
                      IMG_20191109_124754819_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      First round with the DA Polisher I have. I used Turtle Wax Liquid polishing compound at this stage. Polishing compound on the right, rubbing on the left.
                      IMG_20191109_125551517_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      IMG_20191109_130321699_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Then I used Mother's carnauba wax cleaner.
                      IMG_20191109_131835543_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Then I used Mother's Synthetic Wax with the DA Polisher.
                      IMG_20191109_132229557_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      Its hard to tell here, but I didn't wet sand the rear quarter piece but I did hit it with the DA Polisher. Even though the trunk lid is not perfect, it is WAY better than what the area looks like on the rear quarter.
                      IMG_20191109_132237152_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      And then I finally used the Boiled Linseed Oil.

                      You can see the shine on the trunk lid.
                      IMG_20191109_133058282_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      IMG_20191109_133111973_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      This a good contrast of the wetsanded part vs the non-wetsanded part.
                      IMG_20191109_133639576_HDR by Paul Abbott, on Flickr

                      So I think that is going to be the methodology moving forward.
                      1. Wash car
                      2. 1000 grit
                      3. 2000 grit
                      4. Rubbing Compound w/DA Polisher
                      5. Polishing Compound w/DA Polisher
                      6. Synthetic Wax w/DA Polisher
                      7. Boiled Linseed oil

                      Its a start at least. I think that if I can get to one panel a weekend, I'll be in good shape in a couple weeks. Hopefully it cools off too. That will make working on the paint a lot easier.

                      Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                      New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                      Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                      Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                      79 Bronco SHTF Build

                      Comment


                        Two observations: I think I have the throttle cable bushings installed backward. I have too little adjustment as it is in the current orientation. So I will swap those around.

                        And I am going to have to keep sanding at the trunk lid I think. These scratches are too deep.
                        IMG_20191109_173643178 by Paul Abbott, on Flickr
                        Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                        New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                        Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                        Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                        79 Bronco SHTF Build

                        Comment


                          Originally posted by AWDBOB View Post
                          IMHO, I think you could really make that paint look nice- I wouldn't mad max it. I'd spend the time/effort, grab an affordable/efficient Bauer DA, some nice foam pads/compound and go to town. The results, I think, will surprise you.

                          The paint care world has come a long way. If you seal it after working the paint it'll last, too.

                          Clay it first if the paint feels rough to the touch, use some cheapie detailing spray for clay lube.

                          This thing is awesome for the money

                          But the stock backing plate sucks so buy one of these

                          I have had great luck with Americana Global Pads, orange for cutting, red for polish

                          Meguiars 105 to cut, 205 to polish is an age old combo if you want to do a two step polish, Meguiars Ultimate Compound is a fine off the shelf solution for a single step cut/polish.

                          Anyway, car is rad man, carry on!
                          Alright, I relent. Looks like 105 and 205 is the ticket. I want to see if I can get away without wetsanding.

                          EDIT: Going to try M100 on a Dual Action Polisher with a Lake Country orange light cutting pad.
                          Last edited by marshallnoise; 11-10-2019, 09:33 PM.
                          Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                          New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                          Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                          Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                          79 Bronco SHTF Build

                          Comment


                            Originally posted by marshallnoise View Post

                            Alright, I relent. Looks like 105 and 205 is the ticket. I want to see if I can get away without wetsanding.

                            EDIT: Going to try M100 on a Dual Action Polisher with a Lake Country orange light cutting pad.
                            That’ll work just fine. But you’ll need to finish with something (not wax, a polishing compound) after M100, as it’ll leave a pretty decent haze, especially with all of the cutting you’re doing. That’s the purpose of the 205.

                            Make sure you blow the pad out pretty regularly.

                            also, you can just get a circle disc attachment for the DA to wet sand so you don’t have to do it by hand. Also also, I wouldn’t go lower than 1500 but that’s just me. Most compounds struggle to pull out scratches from 1000-1400 unless you’re overworking those areas to mitigate the scratching.

                            Trunk is starting to look good!
                            1990 Brilliantrot 325iS Build Thread
                            1989 Zinnoberrot M3 Build Thread

                            Comment


                              Originally posted by AWDBOB View Post

                              That’ll work just fine. But you’ll need to finish with something (not wax, a polishing compound) after M100, as it’ll leave a pretty decent haze, especially with all of the cutting you’re doing. That’s the purpose of the 205.

                              Make sure you blow the pad out pretty regularly.

                              also, you can just get a circle disc attachment for the DA to wet sand so you don’t have to do it by hand. Also also, I wouldn’t go lower than 1500 but that’s just me. Most compounds struggle to pull out scratches from 1000-1400 unless you’re overworking those areas to mitigate the scratching.

                              Trunk is starting to look good!
                              Thanks a ton for the tips. I added M205 to my order from Amazon. I will probably have to get the circle disc sandpaper too as the idiot who used ScotchBrite might have made them scratches too deep.

                              Si vis pacem, para bellum.

                              New Hawtness: 1995 540i/6 Claptrap
                              Defunct too: Cirrusblau m30 Project
                              Defunct (sold): Alta Vista

                              79 Bronco SHTF Build

                              Comment


                                Originally posted by marshallnoise View Post

                                Thanks a ton for the tips. I added M205 to my order from Amazon. I will probably have to get the circle disc sandpaper too as the idiot who used ScotchBrite might have made them scratches too deep.
                                Sign up for AutoGeek’s email blast- they have regular 20 and 25% off coupons and you can save a decent chunk on the more expensive compounds/pads/etc.

                                yeah you’re not gonna have much paint left, but as long as you do a solid coating it’ll last! The new hybrid ceramic stuff is nice and easy to use if you don’t want to go full ceramic.
                                1990 Brilliantrot 325iS Build Thread
                                1989 Zinnoberrot M3 Build Thread

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