Discussion
DasChin said:
loved the pictures from wales and defo want to do a run up there this year. will let you know when we are doing it as mate in a GT3 RS wants to come along.
Yes, for sure. In fact, I'll post over there and remind folk we need to start looking at dates and booking the B&B's. The pictures probably don't do justice to just what a great weekend it really was. Tom (the guy with the OS map who picked the routes) really surpassed himself and there was only one occasion where it became a little more rural than I'd like. We saw the funny side though. I had one slight sheep incident too, but no lasting damage to car or sheep fortunately. In all, it was a great weekend and an absolute blast though and would be great to have some more cars along. Especially a GT3. 
Good news re the old E30. It would have been the wrong car for me to have started modifying so all worked out for the best. Am off to check your thread re the GT3.
Well the M3 has been with Joe at ARM and we decided to brighten up the interior. Once the seats and harnesses were out we figured the dash would benefit from being flocked. It's only £60 so well worth the effort. There's also a Ridgard passenger seat to match my driver side one and a Safety Devices harness. The only other mods will be an electrical cut-out switch and hand held extinguisher, as I plan to do some speed events this year.
We removed the old 'strengthening plates', which looked as if they were made from biscuit tin. Goodness knows why the previous owner didn't do the job properly? I don't think some folk realise that simply drilling a few holes and bolting in a cage is actually more unsafe, than not having a cage at all. Had my car rolled, it was quite likely that the cage would have ripped through the floor. Fortunately it's sorted now though.
There was a patch of rust beneath the throttle pedal which needed sorting before it really took hold and the whole floorpan needed replacement.
That was the last of the rust and it's pretty much ready for primer and paint. The rear quarter cards are going to be done in aluminium and probably flocked at a later date. I did consider carbon fibre but can't justify the cost right now. I'm really pleased with the way it's coming along and it's a vastly improved.
We removed the old 'strengthening plates', which looked as if they were made from biscuit tin. Goodness knows why the previous owner didn't do the job properly? I don't think some folk realise that simply drilling a few holes and bolting in a cage is actually more unsafe, than not having a cage at all. Had my car rolled, it was quite likely that the cage would have ripped through the floor. Fortunately it's sorted now though.
There was a patch of rust beneath the throttle pedal which needed sorting before it really took hold and the whole floorpan needed replacement.
That was the last of the rust and it's pretty much ready for primer and paint. The rear quarter cards are going to be done in aluminium and probably flocked at a later date. I did consider carbon fibre but can't justify the cost right now. I'm really pleased with the way it's coming along and it's a vastly improved.
s m said:
It should look flocking marvellous Mark 
I see what you did there. I must admit I'm kinda looking forward to the finished results. I need someone to retrim my seat though, as it has a couple of small holes in the fabric.Regarding the flocking, he has a guy he uses I believe.
Butter Face said:
Cool cheers!
Derek Smith in illogan is a fantastic coach trimmer if you want your seat done locally.
Cool, thanks. I'll drop by tomorrow and have a word.Derek Smith in illogan is a fantastic coach trimmer if you want your seat done locally.
Meant to say I've also opted to replace the hard fuel lines. Specifically those that run beneath the throttle pedal. Obviously that had to be dropped down, to allow the welding for the floor repair. Fortunately the main dealer still carries this part and it's not too expensive at £35 or so. Gradually we have been able to work our way through quite a list of jobs and we're getting close to being finished.
Edited by e21Mark on Thursday 8th January 01:30
SebringMan said:
I was not aware that the E30 was still in your possesion Mark, but it is lovely to see that it is taking a step in the right direction . This car seems to be improving more and more in your possesion.
All being well it'll be with me for good. . This car seems to be improving more and more in your possesion.Once the interior revamp is complete it'll be just about finished....for now. I just want to enjoy it for a while and hopefully save for some engine upgrades. The biggest thing for me now though, is knowing it's free from any rust or rot, so good for a few more years.
It really makes the interior feel more special. I'm glad I ditched the dished steering wheel too and think this one really suits the M3's styling.
The other bits that need sorting are the splitter and rear flap. As replacing them is well over £500 though, sanding down and satin black will do the job.
The other bits that need sorting are the splitter and rear flap. As replacing them is well over £500 though, sanding down and satin black will do the job.
sunnym3 said:
Love the flocked dash, car will be a real weapon once finished. Do you have any track days booked?
I did Llandau a few months ago and was really impressed with how it performed. I really want to do Brands Hatch in it though, as I absolutely love that place. All being well I'm going to book something in March or April, although I've got the Crystal Palace Sprint over the May bank holiday. Edited by sunnym3 on Wednesday 14th January 07:58
Freegs said:
Saw your motor this morning Mark and had a chat with Joe about my future swap. He was a nice bloke and i'm leaning towards an m50 (2.5) for the start of the summer.
Great to see your car in the flesh and the other cool vehicles they've got at ARM.
Joe's extremely good and very knowledgeable when it comes to engine swaps. He's also extremely methodical and works to a great standard. I really like the m50 and m52 engines. I've got an m52 going into my E21 316. It's an easy route to 220+ bhp. Great to see your car in the flesh and the other cool vehicles they've got at ARM.
Freegs said:
Yer he obviously really knows what he's doing. I'm so bloody excited to get the e30 sorted and use it a bit more. Converting the roof to manual is the next job.
Joe mentioned ideally your car could do with a bit more of a repaint. What are your next plans and are you likely to get it out on track anytime soon or is it too wet?
To be honest, it's only a few stone chips and minor scratches, so I'm not in any real hurry to have it painted. It still looks great to me. Also, as it is now, I enjoy driving it without worrying about it getting any marks on it. If I sank another £2k into a respray I wouldn't use it half as much. Also, I'm in the 3rd year of building my E21 daily driver, which has taken way too long and cost far too much. It's going to be awesome though and a bit more comfortable than the E30. Joe mentioned ideally your car could do with a bit more of a repaint. What are your next plans and are you likely to get it out on track anytime soon or is it too wet?
I think the next track day will be Brands in March sometime, or possibly Llandau again. I really enjoy Brands though.
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