BMW E36 M3 - Reckless Restoration
Discussion
Zombie said:
Very nice work OP!
What kind of product did you use as seal sealant & stone chip? TIA
Mainly Bilt Hamber products. Our paint chemist at work recommended them and he knows his stuff, anyway into the products:What kind of product did you use as seal sealant & stone chip? TIA
1.BH Hydrate 80 rust killer
2.BH Electrox zinc primer
3.BH Grey epoxy mastic paint
4.BH seam sealer
5.3M Body Guard grey stone chip
T-bagger said:
Mainly Bilt Hamber products. Our paint chemist at work recommended them and he knows his stuff, anyway into the products:
1.BH Hydrate 80 rust killer
2.BH Electrox zinc primer
3.BH Grey epoxy mastic paint
4.BH seam sealer
5.3M Body Guard grey stone chip
Thanks for that, appreciated, as I'm probably going to have to do the same thing to my GTA in the next couple of years.1.BH Hydrate 80 rust killer
2.BH Electrox zinc primer
3.BH Grey epoxy mastic paint
4.BH seam sealer
5.3M Body Guard grey stone chip
Ruskie said:
Great write up, and what a car to do a resto job on. I was curious what your job was to get the skill level you have...clicking on your profile solved that!
Thanks. Not actually been so hands on at Goodwood for a good 7 Years - must update my profile. Only time I get my hands dirty these days is if my pen leaks! Doing this allows me to keep my hand in and is a surprisingly good way to relax (if it’s all going right!).T-bagger said:
Which part of the front arch? I’ll see what I have or can zoom in on and re upload.
Removing the under seal is bloody hard work, I used the knitted wire wheels you can get from Screwfix, they’re about the best i’d found but still not a pleasant process.
The very front section of it. Particularly any pics of where the spot welds are to the chassis rail and the bit where it sit into the strut tower Removing the under seal is bloody hard work, I used the knitted wire wheels you can get from Screwfix, they’re about the best i’d found but still not a pleasant process.
Another question for you; I've caught one of the fuel tank expansion pipes, the ones that route through a channel in the body. I'm having an absolute nightmare removing them. It looks like you've managed to remove these on yours, so any tips on doing so? Mine seem stuck fast.
EDIT: Sorry just been back and looked again and I see you didn't remove yours.
Edited by TroubledSoul on Thursday 21st June 10:44
Today I have mostly been insulating. As mentioned in one of my previous updates, the insulation on the underside of the transmission tunnel was, well, knackered and as is common fallen down onto the gearbox and propshaft. No amount of tape/wire/screws/prayer was going to bring it back to life.
First problem; the insulation is one piece that goes right up the bulkhead in the engine bay and as such is a absolute pain to replace as master cylinder, steering spindle and everything has to come out.
Second problem; (somewhat fixes the first problem) the insulation is not available from BMW for the time being, with no delivery date. Dropping a line to a colleague in BMW Classic in Munich confirmed that a new supply route had been found but still no delivery date.
Not wanting to delay refitting the gearbox for an undisclosed amount of time and with the insulation on the bulkhead being in good condition, I scoured the internet for suitable sheet insulation. Enter Car Insulation.co.uk who provided me with a couple of metres of suitable self adhesive insulation sheet and some heatproof, glass reinforced tape.
Perhaps a little “Blue Peter” but I’m fairly content that the result is both functional and looks close to factory. Oh and this stuff sticks like OJ Simpson to an alibi.
Old insulation cut off at the joint to the bulkhead section - nasty!
Cardboard template made and laid on the new sheet
Cut out, heat protection area marked and tape being applied
Finished part
And finally fitted
And believe me that stuff sticks! It is not coming off in a hurry.
First problem; the insulation is one piece that goes right up the bulkhead in the engine bay and as such is a absolute pain to replace as master cylinder, steering spindle and everything has to come out.
Second problem; (somewhat fixes the first problem) the insulation is not available from BMW for the time being, with no delivery date. Dropping a line to a colleague in BMW Classic in Munich confirmed that a new supply route had been found but still no delivery date.
Not wanting to delay refitting the gearbox for an undisclosed amount of time and with the insulation on the bulkhead being in good condition, I scoured the internet for suitable sheet insulation. Enter Car Insulation.co.uk who provided me with a couple of metres of suitable self adhesive insulation sheet and some heatproof, glass reinforced tape.
Perhaps a little “Blue Peter” but I’m fairly content that the result is both functional and looks close to factory. Oh and this stuff sticks like OJ Simpson to an alibi.
Old insulation cut off at the joint to the bulkhead section - nasty!
Cardboard template made and laid on the new sheet
Cut out, heat protection area marked and tape being applied
Finished part
And finally fitted
And believe me that stuff sticks! It is not coming off in a hurry.
Just a few odds and sods this weekend, forming the new BMW brake lines before clipping them to the body (with new clips naturally). Never enjoy doing these but these came out ok surprisingly!
Finished off cleaning up the rear bumper mounts and giving them a few coats of etch primer followed by some gloss back.
Next up; fuel lines and tank.
Finished off cleaning up the rear bumper mounts and giving them a few coats of etch primer followed by some gloss back.
Next up; fuel lines and tank.
RoverP6B said:
Yep, and they're not the only ones. I reckon there could be a good trade in remanufacturing E36s, E46s, E39s and E38s, Singer-style...
Too expensive, lots of small and complicated parts, seats for one, never ending sensors, etc. E30 are hard enough, imagine cars with a lot of stuff. It would become ridiculous expensive for a not that special car (at the very least 200k) hell a modern ferrari would be easier than a bimmer to restore singer style. Thanks for all of the comments and encouragement guys! Progress has been a bit slow i’m afraid as I been doing a few fiddly bits during the limited spare time i’ve had recently. A combination of family birthdays, work and deciding that i’d learn to fly this year (I know, I know - idiot), has kept me out of the garage.
All I can offer you lovely people are these snaps.
I promise to get more done soon!
Fuel lines cleaned up, replaced where necessary (due to rust and general softening of the rubber) clips scrubbed, screw heads painted and all refitted.
Giving the fuel tank a damn good clean before I refit it, which will be as soon as I get the straps back from the powdercoaters.
All I can offer you lovely people are these snaps.
I promise to get more done soon!
Fuel lines cleaned up, replaced where necessary (due to rust and general softening of the rubber) clips scrubbed, screw heads painted and all refitted.
Giving the fuel tank a damn good clean before I refit it, which will be as soon as I get the straps back from the powdercoaters.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff