91 318is Field Rat

[captain awesome]

Finally got around to pulling the old m42.





And then dropping the front suspension and subframe.






The subframe has seen better days, so I made templates, and eventually welded in reinforcements. Also shown is the battery tray patch piece.










Template to fill torn hole.





I also drilled out the tip of each of the cracks to keep them from cracking again.











And then welded in the reinforcements for motor mounts top/bottom as well as sway bar mounts.

















A quick spray job with some Duplicolor satin black wheel paint on the raw steel areas.

[captain awesome]

Slowly eating this elephant one bite at a time.

Inner door handle replaced.
Hood strut replaced.
Hood release arm/cable replaced.
New throttle pedal and rubber for brake/clutch.



Removing parts is easy, so I started with the exhaust, driveshaft, and shields. It was then I realized the m20 flywheel should be my main priority. Unfortunately once you open up the can of worms more parts are needed to finish the job. Stainless clutch pivot pin/spring, pilot bearing, pressure plate screws, flywheel bolts, delrin/poly shifter bushings, etc. Today I took a picture of some work because I've never done it before, and for some reason it was really neat. Or at least I thought so.

Bread. 10mm deep socket. 1/4 drive extension. Hammer.

Pilot bearing removed.





I've got a truck load of suspension/brake parts waiting to install, but I'm holding off until the old motor/trans is out first.

[captain awesome]

I decided to cleanse the filth from the e30.

Under hood before.



After lots of compressed air, shop vac, etc. No scrubbing involved yet.







Critter haven in the air filter region.







Much to my surprise the only wires that were chewed on were the aftermarket fan relay/switch wiring and one of the ABS wires. Headlight wires and other accessories look good. The interior got a quick wipe down and vacuum.



The gas pedal was flopping around off the mount. It's a little cracked, but I think it will work for now.




Some dangling wires under the dash.



Broken inner door handle and missing trim.



Worked my way to the trunk. Mostly spent time cleaning seals from the years of buildup sitting in a field. Pulled the battery tray to see what possible rust lies below. It didn't look terrible at first.





Then I vacuumed up most of the debris and hit it with the wire wheel on my drill. Going to need a patch piece for sure, so much for rust free.





I then hand scrubbed the car to rid it of the gross film stuck to it. Lots of clearcoat still peeling off on the hood and front fenders.















Previously mentioned e21 Recaro seats.



I've also got an almost perfect dash, rear perforated vinyl seat to match the Recaros, glove box, sunroof crank parts, etc. to freshen up the interior.

[captain awesome]

Pulled the basketweaves off to put on the euroweaves since the old tires wouldn't hold air for more than a few days. While they were off I decided to inspect the brakes, rubber parts, to see if I need to order anything immediately or hold off until I get things rolling.

Driver side pad sensor wires just dangling. Brake pads up front are new(ish) and the rotors look okay. The rear need replaced.



Obviously rubber bushings, sway bar links, etc. are cracked or worn.



















Rotten muffler, but I've got a full exhaust system that's in good shape.



Got the glove box open. I'll need a whole box and latch setup eventually. Last registered in 2005 if the paperwork I found is correct.



Dammit. No LSD in the rear. Oh well.

[captain awesome]

Long story shortish, I bartered some work helping a buddy for this 318is. It sat in a field for at least 10 years as it was last registered in 2006. I believe the description I was given was "It went into sputtering fits. I suspect it was something simple like a sensor." Now I know there is usually nothing more expensive than a free car or motorcycle, but I already had a pile of parts that would crossover from an abandoned e21 project and I just couldn't let it suffer any more.
The bad:

clear coat is almost completely gone(possibly had a respray?)
driver seat is torn pretty good, rear seat at the top is worn
tires are shot
suspension isn't any better
glove box latch is broken
hood latch is broken
some hammered out body damage on the rear passenger quarter
cracked bumper trim on the driver rear corner
under the hood has given a home to critters far and wide
some wires have been chewed on, not sure to what extent, but it appears to have been only under the hood
passenger door seal has shrank quite a bit
front valence looks a little bent up, but I think it can be tweaked for the time being
sunroof crank is sitting in the console, not sure why
driver side fender has a little bend by the door seam
missing passenger rear C pillar trim

The good:

No rust. There are a couple blemishes that have surface rust, but no bubbling or crunchy stuff.
I already have an m42/trans/m20 flywheel swap that's ready to go. From radiator all the way back to the driveshaft.
I already have a super nice set of euroweaves and decent tires that are meant for this car.
New CSB and guibo
Full m42 harness etc.
I've got a set of e21 Recaros that need some love, but should work out well.