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

[bradnic]

Exactly. Saved all the photos lol

[2mAn]

Monthly bump

[M-technik-3]

Funny came to see updates...That M3 vert is listed at Buy Now at 93K

[2mAn]

Funny came to see updates...That M3 vert is listed at Buy Now at 93K

well, were getting SOME kind of updates haha wrong M3 vert though haha

[2mAn]

bump :)

[IronJoe]

Hey gang, getting back to this after some much needed time away from the project. My winter hobby is incredibly fun and I couldn't quite tear myself away any sooner.

Here's where I stand: due to work, family obligations, etc I don't have the time to finish the bodywork and paint myself like I intended. I have been referred to a local shop that can do the work to my standards and I will be partnering with them to finish the exterior.
After that, I have a few issues on my shortlist to sort out:

• New soft top
• Refit air conditioning
• Refit factory stereo equipment

I also have one annoying electrical gremlin that I haven't been able to trace: the windows and HVAC stop working after the car has run for a little while. I am thinking it has something to do with the unloader relay circuit as this is an early motor in a late chassis. A swap which rarely gets done, so I haven't found a lot of info - if you have any ideas please help!




So, that's it for now. I'll keep you all updated as the car gets ready for paint. Thanks for inspiring me to finish this, all!

[e30austin]

Starter solenoid. Would put money on that being your culprit. Glad to see some forward progress being made again!!!

[IronJoe]

Starter solenoid. Would put money on that being your culprit. Glad to see some forward progress being made again!!!

Thanks Austin based on the reading I've been doing I think you're right. Might shoot you a text about this ;)

[kid325e]

Glad to see progress being made!! Do you have a good Convertible Shop to replace the soft top? I have a great shop out here in Seattle I can point you to if you need a recommendation - knowing you, you've probably already found the best!

Excited to see the progress.

[Rennsport]

I used Convertibles Only in Seattle to replace the power top on my mom's e36 a few years back. They did an awesome job and there were some very rare and high end cars in the shop when I visited them.

http://www.convertiblesonly.com/

[IronJoe]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I do have a shop in mind that I have used in the past, but also I may end up DIYing it. I did the top on my Saab myself and this one appears to be much easier as it is one piece, no stapling required.

It honestly all depends on how much $ I have leftover after the bodywork and paint.

[IronJoe]

Small update, I checked on the car today at the shop. Final prep is being done and the car should be in primer next week, possibly paint (we'll see how it goes).

Unless something catastrophic happens, we're looking good for a debut at the 2018 E30 Picnic!

[Wschnitz]

Better be ready boy.

[delamaize]

Small update, I checked on the car today at the shop. Final prep is being done and the car should be in primer next week, possibly paint (we'll see how it goes).

Unless something catastrophic happens, we're looking good for a debut at the 2018 E30 Picnic!

only 2 years behind me! HAHA! I look forward to seeing your work!

[IronJoe]

Mini update, we're 12 days away from the E30 Picnic and inching towards the finish line. As soon as I get it home it will be round-the-clock garage time to get it put back together before next Sunday.

The car is nice and straight with all the door dings removed and getting ready for color. I'm absolutely thrilled with how crisp all the lines turned out! The door line I was especially concerned about but it came out just perfect.

Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr

Untitled by IronJoeT16S, on Flickr