Scratching that E30 itch..
Discussion
After my MX5 was smashed up, I decided that despite having numerous BMW's in the past (and two E30 "snotters") it was time to take a chance on a relatively cheap, relatively decent, E30 cab.It's only a 1.8, but having had several straight sixes in the past, it wasn't something I was overly worried about; especially with fuel prices the way they are!
She's not a bad old girl and won't be my main car, so I am hoping I can lavish some attention on her.Few bits of rust attempting to make themselves known here and there, but overall not too bad.It also cleans up quite well and appears to have had a decent life and it came with stacks of bills for its 140k mile journey so far.I have a few jobs to do with the main one being a new hood!.
The window is ok and it's not in bad condition really, but it has a nice slice on one side and a small patch on the other.It's just a bit tired looking really.On the plus side, a rather annoying rattle from the exhuast turned out to be nothing more than a loose bolt which was a relief (had assumed what seems to be the cat, may have self destructed before this).The only other issue I wanted to address was a noisy heater blower (see pics below)
Click for bigger pics.
I moved part of the wiring loom and bulkhead covers out of the way to gain access to the blower motor..
..and here it is.I was hoping the fan shrouds may just be touching the blades or that a twig was stuck in there etc as this was the kind of noise it made, but alas, it turns out that the right hand blades are spinning off centre.The colour change is due to metal on metal contact as the shaft span and it seems that without ripping open the motor and getting to the bearings, this unit may aswell go in the bin.Took a chance on a second hand unit so will let you know how that goes..
She's not a bad old girl and won't be my main car, so I am hoping I can lavish some attention on her.Few bits of rust attempting to make themselves known here and there, but overall not too bad.It also cleans up quite well and appears to have had a decent life and it came with stacks of bills for its 140k mile journey so far.I have a few jobs to do with the main one being a new hood!.
The window is ok and it's not in bad condition really, but it has a nice slice on one side and a small patch on the other.It's just a bit tired looking really.On the plus side, a rather annoying rattle from the exhuast turned out to be nothing more than a loose bolt which was a relief (had assumed what seems to be the cat, may have self destructed before this).The only other issue I wanted to address was a noisy heater blower (see pics below)
Click for bigger pics.
I moved part of the wiring loom and bulkhead covers out of the way to gain access to the blower motor..
..and here it is.I was hoping the fan shrouds may just be touching the blades or that a twig was stuck in there etc as this was the kind of noise it made, but alas, it turns out that the right hand blades are spinning off centre.The colour change is due to metal on metal contact as the shaft span and it seems that without ripping open the motor and getting to the bearings, this unit may aswell go in the bin.Took a chance on a second hand unit so will let you know how that goes..
Only other 'scare' came about as I decided to move it and get it up on my extended ramps to poke around underneath.With a friend stood watching, I started her up and it spluttered in to life...spluttered some more and simply carried on running like a spluttering pig."No way" I said to my friend "It was smooth as silk half an hour ago on my short drive out and now it sounds like it's running on three".
Revving wouldn't clear it and as my mind started to think about coil packs, HT leads, vacuum hoses and injectors etc, I then thought about the plugs......and specifically the lead I had pulled from one of them to check their condition and had not replaced as I was distracted by the offer of bacon rolls
Revving wouldn't clear it and as my mind started to think about coil packs, HT leads, vacuum hoses and injectors etc, I then thought about the plugs......and specifically the lead I had pulled from one of them to check their condition and had not replaced as I was distracted by the offer of bacon rolls
Not sure I know all the areas, but rot under bonnet in the corners by the screen pillars seems nonexistent.Back panel under rear bumper has evidence of a weld (but looks ok), boot area seems fine and the only other bit I can see (apart from a a few tiny bits on the inner arch lip and one blob on the lower arch/corner), is the drivers side door sill.That's the worse bit really and I will address that.I removed the plastic cover expecting to be met with a foot long piece of rot, but it's confined to the corner but has holed the skin.
Steering wheel may be on the cards if we get along, as will fog lamps for sure
Edit: Was quite pleased to see the usual drivers seat bolster hole missing, but it had a small hole where the belt has rubbed across the top corner (small driver?) My litte lady just stitched that for now to hide the inner sponge.
Steering wheel may be on the cards if we get along, as will fog lamps for sure
Edit: Was quite pleased to see the usual drivers seat bolster hole missing, but it had a small hole where the belt has rubbed across the top corner (small driver?) My litte lady just stitched that for now to hide the inner sponge.
Edited by Digby on Sunday 26th August 21:32
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