Resto-mod e21 BMW
Discussion
I can honestly say there isn't a single corner being cut with this build. It might be my daily driver but I was determined it should be done right. Mick @ Pristine has always been really methodical in his approach and it shows. There are so many hidden details and then there are more obvious changes, such as the full redesign of the braking system.
The trip out in Wales was just a few of us from the UK 02 forum. We've put several drives together over the past few years, but this was a whole weekend and an absolute blast. Many of the 02's feature warmed over engines and are way quicker than they look. We intend doing another come springtime.
The trip out in Wales was just a few of us from the UK 02 forum. We've put several drives together over the past few years, but this was a whole weekend and an absolute blast. Many of the 02's feature warmed over engines and are way quicker than they look. We intend doing another come springtime.
e21Mark said:
I can honestly say there isn't a single corner being cut with this build. It might be my daily driver but I was determined it should be done right. Mick @ Pristine has always been really methodical in his approach and it shows. There are so many hidden details and then there are more obvious changes, such as the full redesign of the braking system.
The trip out in Wales was just a few of us from the UK 02 forum. We've put several drives together over the past few years, but this was a whole weekend and an absolute blast. Many of the 02's feature warmed over engines and are way quicker than they look. We intend doing another come springtime.
CoolThe trip out in Wales was just a few of us from the UK 02 forum. We've put several drives together over the past few years, but this was a whole weekend and an absolute blast. Many of the 02's feature warmed over engines and are way quicker than they look. We intend doing another come springtime.
Hopefully next week will see the E21 get its final paint. Obviously the whole car painting process is a bit of a dark art, which people like Mick @ Pristine Bodyworks make look oh so easy. I have every confidence in his work though and am sure it will have a superb finish. Fortunately all the chrome and stainless trim from my car is nigh on perfect. I have also tried to buy new or 'new old stock' wherever possible. Both front and rear light clusters were NOS and even the headlight buckets appear as they did, when it first rolled off the production line, back in March 1982. I sometimes forget this car is nearly 33 years old!
It may be that the trimmer does the new carpets, which will also cover the rear firewall and where the original seat base would have gone. The rear cage is a good, tight fit and made it impossible to retain the OE inertia seat belts. As a result I got a pair of new Safety Devices harnesses and installing them properly means the rear seat had to go. I don't really do passengers anyway and there's another Recaro, for SWMBO. There is also a nice Prototipo steering wheel. One of the nice things recently, has been rediscovering all the nice parts I bought a couple of years ago now. I'd almost forgotten I had them!
I believe these seats started life in an Audi of some type? I spotted them on eBay and snagged them with a cheeky offer of £200. They're lovely seats and in remarkable condition. The OE seat mounts will be removed from the car and the seats mounted directly to the floor. Otherwise non standard seats have a habit of sitting extremely high and compromising the driving position. I think we are finally at the point of installing the Nakamichi CD player and amplifiers too?
It may be that the trimmer does the new carpets, which will also cover the rear firewall and where the original seat base would have gone. The rear cage is a good, tight fit and made it impossible to retain the OE inertia seat belts. As a result I got a pair of new Safety Devices harnesses and installing them properly means the rear seat had to go. I don't really do passengers anyway and there's another Recaro, for SWMBO. There is also a nice Prototipo steering wheel. One of the nice things recently, has been rediscovering all the nice parts I bought a couple of years ago now. I'd almost forgotten I had them!
I believe these seats started life in an Audi of some type? I spotted them on eBay and snagged them with a cheeky offer of £200. They're lovely seats and in remarkable condition. The OE seat mounts will be removed from the car and the seats mounted directly to the floor. Otherwise non standard seats have a habit of sitting extremely high and compromising the driving position. I think we are finally at the point of installing the Nakamichi CD player and amplifiers too?
Yet more delays. Despite looking fine, it turned out there was some minor corrosion on the sills beneath the factory underseal. As this car will be a daily driver I wanted to be 100% certain that any rust is dealt with now and properly treated, to guard against its returning.
Anyway, all done and finally primed for the last time. I hope it won't be too much longer till the colour is finally done, but we're already into the 3rd year of this build.
Anyway, all done and finally primed for the last time. I hope it won't be too much longer till the colour is finally done, but we're already into the 3rd year of this build.
That's a bit of a shame but you're exactly right, it's far better to have found and sorted that now than further down the line. It's looking great so far and fair play to you for staying committed for the duration of the build....what is it that they say...a project will always take three times as long and cost twice as much.....
Edited by mark.c on Monday 19th January 19:10
5potTurbo said:
I love the colour.
I see the cage has been (trial?) fitted and it's painted. Won't that be in the way for the interior to be sprayed, or isn't that the plan - i.e, spray only up to the door shuts, not inside too - then no risk of overspray on the cage?
I'm not sure tbh? I imagine he'll just mask the cage, or otherwise unbolt and remove it.I see the cage has been (trial?) fitted and it's painted. Won't that be in the way for the interior to be sprayed, or isn't that the plan - i.e, spray only up to the door shuts, not inside too - then no risk of overspray on the cage?
mark.c said:
That's a bit of a shame but you're exactly right, it's far better to have found and sorted that now than further down the line. It's looking great so far and fair play to you for staying committed for the duration of the build....what is it that they say...a project will always take three times as long and cost twice as much.....
I daren't total up the cost. I was fortunate in having a lot of parts from the original orange car, but still spent a bloody fortune gathering the rest. Let alone all the telephone calls, petrol to get bits etc. I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end, but I'll be glad when it's finally finished.Edited by mark.c on Monday 19th January 19:10
I believe the trimmer was booked for Wednesday of last week but final fitting up is quite a long process and is being done between other jobs, that have to take priority, so as to keep the costs down. There have also been some issues with the alloy rad and an unexplained top end engine noise, that could possibly relate to the cam upgrade? This is being looked into though, so can't say for sure.
As soon as I know more, or have any pics, I'll be sure to post them.
As soon as I know more, or have any pics, I'll be sure to post them.
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