Let's make an E30 M3! (M3 S14 cabrio clone project)

[Stanley Rockafella]

[IronJoe]

Thats nice work.
Good choice on your metal fab guys.

Thanks Jimmy. I had discussions with several shops and it was a tough call. Seeing the work that went into the Griot's SEMA car is what sealed the deal for me.

Did you save a rear quarter? I would say hang it on your garage wall it weighs not much as a reminder. I have started collecting things for mine.

Unfortunately it was cut in two as it was removed so I don't think I will have much to save!



This weekend I picked up a set of E28 M5 wheels which I think will look pretty good on this car. They will need a refinish, I haven't decided how far I'm going to go as of yet. These are identical to the 16" E30 M3 Sport Evolution wheels other than a half inch difference in width. I like the BBS RS but the more work I do to this car, the more I am leaning toward a factory look. I might keep the RS or sell them, who knows.
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

[e304lyfe]

These are identical to the 16" E30 M3 Sport Evolution wheels other than a half inch difference in width.

The width is the same, both are 7.5" wide. Offset differs, ET24 on evo rims and ET20 on e28 m5, so they will stick out 4mm more (not an issue). They actually do look slightly different as well. Evo rims have a flat face, while e28 m5 rims are slightly convex. I never realized this before I saw both rims side by side.

Excellent choice in rims, they will look great!

[IronJoe]

Ah, thanks for the info! I had my widths and offsets mixed up :)

I've only seen one set of the Sport Evo wheels in person so most of the comparisons I've read are from online photos. I'm excited to get them mounted up and on the car - well, and to have the car back home!

[flyboyx]

Bbs look nice, if I were to choose between the two, I'd choose the m5 wheels. Bbs are just.....commonly done.

[IronJoe]

Got a call from the shop today, quarter panels are done. I'm heading there tomorrow evening to check progress, take photos, and discuss the plan of attack for the doors.

More pics to come!

[Bmwdayz]

E30 Evo wheels

The width is the same, both are 7.5" wide. Offset differs, ET24 on evo rims and ET20 on e28 m5, so they will stick out 4mm more (not an issue). They actually do look slightly different as well. Evo rims have a flat face, while e28 m5 rims are slightly convex. I never realized this before I saw both rims side by side.

Excellent choice in rims, they will look great!

M3 Evo wheels are et27!

[IronJoe]

Alright true believers, I visited the shop today and took a look at the progress. I'm very happy with how the car looks so far!

The rear quarters are welded on, the front fenders have been extended to fit to the slightly-taller cabrio body. Next up is working on the doors.

Door jamb
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

Driver quarter panel
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr


We toyed with the fitment of the side skirts while I was there, everything is looking good.
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr


Front fender looks 100%
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr


Rear view
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr


Passenger side
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr


View from above - she finally has hips!
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr



A few more of those sweet box flares. I can't believe this day is here.
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

[berndt]

Looks awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[parkerbink]

If it looks this amazing now I can't imagine how awesome it will be when you are done!

Thanks

[delamaize]

Dear god this is good. 100% boner fuel.

[Bmwdayz]

I assume your going to paint this Black but I think you should consider painting it Henna!

[Metallated]

Lookin Great!

[IronJoe]

Thanks for the comments, all. I'm beyond excited to get her home and into the bodywork/paint stage. I am swinging by the shop tonight after work to check on the fitment of the sideskirts and to sign off on the work. Then I'll pick up the car next week and start blocking out the rest of the car while the doors get finished. Things are coming together!

And here's how the doors were done on the Detailwagen:
Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

[bradnic]

+1 on Henna. Door strip weld up = yum.