Hello everyone and welcome to my newest build thread, thank you for looking. Follow along and enjoy the ride.
Hope you like reading a lot, I don't really know how to keep things short and sweet.
Before I get into it, I should start with a back story of how I got to here. In February of 2012 I bought myself a 1973 BMW 2002 that quickly became the most involved project I had ever taken on. I had pretty little experience with anything automotive related but was very inspired by the forums and a few builds in particular so I felt I could handle it and learn along the way. For 16 months straight the build was my top priority and I was working on it 3-5 days a week consistently. I learned a ton about the way cars work, how to fix/replace things, body work, welding, etc. While I was getting deeper into the project I grew more and more passionate about metal working and it eventually led to me renting out my own shop space (July 2013) where I could work on the 2002 and also build custom furniture and other stuff. It started off as a hobby space, but about 6 months in I decided I wanted to be in there every day with no distractions, so I quit my job serving tables and pursued the shop as my livelihood. My priorities were changing on a daily basis and my beloved 2002 project was waiting patiently on the back burner to get the same attention I had been giving it during the first year of the project. The plan was always to see the project through, I had invested so much time, effort and money into the thing that I couldn't fathom letting it go. It killed me to see it sit for weeks untouched. Weeks quickly became months and all of a sudden two years had flown by without a single day dedicated to working on it. Like I said, my priorities had changed and I was now solely responsible for surviving on a day to day basis, which definitely proved to be a challenge. I had almost listed it for sale once before but couldn't get myself to post the ad after spending 2 hours writing it up. A few weeks ago I decided it was time to let it go for real, to someone who actually had the means to get it back on the road. It was a very tough decision but I was honestly ready to get it off my hands, it just wasn't realistic for me anymore. I ended up working out a deal with Igor from CAtuned in Sacramento to buy the 2002 and I couldn't be happier about it. They will be picking it up in mid December sometime and it will finally get the love and attention it deserves. It's the best scenario I could've imagined for the car.
I decided I still needed a BMW in my life once the 2002 project was gone, just something more within my means. I owned a 1991 318is for a pretty short while before moving into my shop and I was always very enthusiastic about E30's after that. Over the last 2 years I've been dreaming about what my ideal E30 build would be and told myself I'd make it happen one day. I always kept an eye on my local Craigslist just to see if any crazy deals randomly popped up but rarely saw a good opportunity and never jumped on anything. Once I had committed to selling the 2002, I started searching for an E30 more seriously but was in no rush whatsoever, I figured it would be several weeks before the 2002 was even off my hands.
There was barely anything listed anywhere close to me. Had one close opportunity at a clean 1985 325es which I randomly discovered in a dirt parking lot in Salinas, CA but couldn't get it for the right price. I knew I wanted an early model, but was waiting (and hoping) for a score, I didn't have much spending money.
There was one listed on Craigslist in Orcutt, which is about 40 miles south of me. The dude posted it once 2 months earlier and never renewed the ad so it was way down in the ranks. I figured it was long gone, it seemed clean and was priced pretty cheap. I texted him anyways and he responded immediately saying he still had it. I hit him with a disclaimer that I was working with a very small budget and that I didn't want to waste his time, but he said he was down to meet up and just wanted it gone. I was pretty anxious and excited at this point.
The car was a 1987 325is. Early model just like I wanted, however it was Bronzit and automatic (perhaps the reason it was still posted, pretty undesirable combo for most). This didn't bother me much though because I already have a G260 in my shop for a manual trans conversion and knew I needed a respray with my plans anyways.
I'll admit that my main reasons for wanting an early model are purely aesthetic. Paired with the smaller tail lights, an early model converted to late model plastic bumpers and rear valance is simply perfection to me. The higher rear arches also help the car achieve a more level and proper look when fitted with the right suspension/wheel/tire setup in my opinion. I've been stashing a set of late model bumpers/valances up in the rafters of my shop for this exact scenario, so it's definitely happening.
I went and checked it out the next day and was actually surprised at how clean it was. It was very stock and seemingly well taken care of. Immaculate crack free dash, body was straight for the most part, paint looked decent except for the hood, seats weren't terrible, clean carpet, lots of new maintenance recently done and it actually ran and drove pretty nice. We talked some stuff over and eventually agreed on a price for the car and shook hands. I was screaming on the inside but keeping my cool. He later pulled out a pair of brand new Lemforder complete front control arms with new lollipops/bushings and included them for an extra $100. Awesome topper to the whole deal. Really nice guy too.
I've never named one of my cars before, to be honest I just think it's weird. Like an E39 M5 named Tatiana is just weird to me. With that said, Golden Boy seemed fitting.
I drove Golden Boy home a happy man that evening and laid awake in bed til 3am all giddy while I brainstormed my build. Keeping it pretty mellow and modest for the most part. Mainly a bunch of refreshed components, make it tight/comfortable/reliable, give it the look I'm after and just enjoy it. The whole purpose of this build is to drive it frequently while I work on it little by little, instead of it letting it sit for 4 years.
If you read all that, I salute you. If not, I fully understand. I'll shut up now and show you some pictures:
I won't disclose too many details, but part of the deal with CAtuned was to receive some new parts for the e30 as partial payment for the 2002. It worked out great both ways, and I'm super excited on what's to come for the e30 later this month when they come to pick the car up! I had the opportunity to acquire a set of Fifteen52's new cast FormulaTR wheel for the E30 which is so awesome. Like I said, this build is going to be pretty mellow so I'm not interested in building a set of expensive multi-piece wheels like I did for the 2002, plus I just love the look and size of these wheels. They showed up on Friday:
Moment of truth:
Love em:
Then I decided to take an actual picture of them. Can't wait to see these properly fitted on Golden Boy!
Stay tuned, much more to come!
Hope you like reading a lot, I don't really know how to keep things short and sweet.
Before I get into it, I should start with a back story of how I got to here. In February of 2012 I bought myself a 1973 BMW 2002 that quickly became the most involved project I had ever taken on. I had pretty little experience with anything automotive related but was very inspired by the forums and a few builds in particular so I felt I could handle it and learn along the way. For 16 months straight the build was my top priority and I was working on it 3-5 days a week consistently. I learned a ton about the way cars work, how to fix/replace things, body work, welding, etc. While I was getting deeper into the project I grew more and more passionate about metal working and it eventually led to me renting out my own shop space (July 2013) where I could work on the 2002 and also build custom furniture and other stuff. It started off as a hobby space, but about 6 months in I decided I wanted to be in there every day with no distractions, so I quit my job serving tables and pursued the shop as my livelihood. My priorities were changing on a daily basis and my beloved 2002 project was waiting patiently on the back burner to get the same attention I had been giving it during the first year of the project. The plan was always to see the project through, I had invested so much time, effort and money into the thing that I couldn't fathom letting it go. It killed me to see it sit for weeks untouched. Weeks quickly became months and all of a sudden two years had flown by without a single day dedicated to working on it. Like I said, my priorities had changed and I was now solely responsible for surviving on a day to day basis, which definitely proved to be a challenge. I had almost listed it for sale once before but couldn't get myself to post the ad after spending 2 hours writing it up. A few weeks ago I decided it was time to let it go for real, to someone who actually had the means to get it back on the road. It was a very tough decision but I was honestly ready to get it off my hands, it just wasn't realistic for me anymore. I ended up working out a deal with Igor from CAtuned in Sacramento to buy the 2002 and I couldn't be happier about it. They will be picking it up in mid December sometime and it will finally get the love and attention it deserves. It's the best scenario I could've imagined for the car.
I decided I still needed a BMW in my life once the 2002 project was gone, just something more within my means. I owned a 1991 318is for a pretty short while before moving into my shop and I was always very enthusiastic about E30's after that. Over the last 2 years I've been dreaming about what my ideal E30 build would be and told myself I'd make it happen one day. I always kept an eye on my local Craigslist just to see if any crazy deals randomly popped up but rarely saw a good opportunity and never jumped on anything. Once I had committed to selling the 2002, I started searching for an E30 more seriously but was in no rush whatsoever, I figured it would be several weeks before the 2002 was even off my hands.
There was barely anything listed anywhere close to me. Had one close opportunity at a clean 1985 325es which I randomly discovered in a dirt parking lot in Salinas, CA but couldn't get it for the right price. I knew I wanted an early model, but was waiting (and hoping) for a score, I didn't have much spending money.
There was one listed on Craigslist in Orcutt, which is about 40 miles south of me. The dude posted it once 2 months earlier and never renewed the ad so it was way down in the ranks. I figured it was long gone, it seemed clean and was priced pretty cheap. I texted him anyways and he responded immediately saying he still had it. I hit him with a disclaimer that I was working with a very small budget and that I didn't want to waste his time, but he said he was down to meet up and just wanted it gone. I was pretty anxious and excited at this point.
The car was a 1987 325is. Early model just like I wanted, however it was Bronzit and automatic (perhaps the reason it was still posted, pretty undesirable combo for most). This didn't bother me much though because I already have a G260 in my shop for a manual trans conversion and knew I needed a respray with my plans anyways.
I'll admit that my main reasons for wanting an early model are purely aesthetic. Paired with the smaller tail lights, an early model converted to late model plastic bumpers and rear valance is simply perfection to me. The higher rear arches also help the car achieve a more level and proper look when fitted with the right suspension/wheel/tire setup in my opinion. I've been stashing a set of late model bumpers/valances up in the rafters of my shop for this exact scenario, so it's definitely happening.
I went and checked it out the next day and was actually surprised at how clean it was. It was very stock and seemingly well taken care of. Immaculate crack free dash, body was straight for the most part, paint looked decent except for the hood, seats weren't terrible, clean carpet, lots of new maintenance recently done and it actually ran and drove pretty nice. We talked some stuff over and eventually agreed on a price for the car and shook hands. I was screaming on the inside but keeping my cool. He later pulled out a pair of brand new Lemforder complete front control arms with new lollipops/bushings and included them for an extra $100. Awesome topper to the whole deal. Really nice guy too.
I've never named one of my cars before, to be honest I just think it's weird. Like an E39 M5 named Tatiana is just weird to me. With that said, Golden Boy seemed fitting.
I drove Golden Boy home a happy man that evening and laid awake in bed til 3am all giddy while I brainstormed my build. Keeping it pretty mellow and modest for the most part. Mainly a bunch of refreshed components, make it tight/comfortable/reliable, give it the look I'm after and just enjoy it. The whole purpose of this build is to drive it frequently while I work on it little by little, instead of it letting it sit for 4 years.
If you read all that, I salute you. If not, I fully understand. I'll shut up now and show you some pictures:
I won't disclose too many details, but part of the deal with CAtuned was to receive some new parts for the e30 as partial payment for the 2002. It worked out great both ways, and I'm super excited on what's to come for the e30 later this month when they come to pick the car up! I had the opportunity to acquire a set of Fifteen52's new cast FormulaTR wheel for the E30 which is so awesome. Like I said, this build is going to be pretty mellow so I'm not interested in building a set of expensive multi-piece wheels like I did for the 2002, plus I just love the look and size of these wheels. They showed up on Friday:
Moment of truth:
Love em:
Then I decided to take an actual picture of them. Can't wait to see these properly fitted on Golden Boy!
Stay tuned, much more to come!
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7895/47004795461_89ea7ac7a2.jpg" width="500" height="156" alt="bmw 325is IMG_0036")
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