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About this blog

Here you will find your everyday joe building a 2002 which was found after it had been lost.  Original owners passed away, and offered the car as collateral to the new owner. The new owner wanted to restore, but ran out of time. A homeless man lived in the car for months. It's truly, a special car. 

 

I will not put it back to the OE example it was the day it rolled off the assembly line, nor will I sprinkle it with eBay wings and chrome stick-on engine vents. Nope. This will be a mix of new and old, from a guy who wears a necktie during the week and gets his hands dirty every chance he can. 

 

The name choice (by my daughter) for the car is "Francesca".

 

And so it begins!

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Entries in this blog

One piece dash removed!

Removed the dashboard yesterday. It felt great to be working on the wee car again. Life has been so busy.    Dash was simpler than I expected. I had already taken out the windshield so that helped. But all the screws were simple, and after removing the steering column trim, finding two more screws it was a snap.    One tricky part I ran into was the heater / vent control. Once I learned the plates  popped off I was golden!     The cluster is just sitting on the dash

2002VT

2002VT

Wing work (part 2)

I’d say that’s a major improvement!!  Wow!!!  Just waiting in one more part from restoration design. Then we will get the old girl back home for more of the stuff I can do on my own. It’s really exciting to see progress!!

2002VT

2002VT

More floor being added. She also had a pressure washer bath.

Front floors are close to being in, and the rear passenger suspension area of the floor is set in place. More has to be done on the rear and the trunk. As well as the front inner fenders. It’s a long process - longer when you have a budget smaller than your dreams. Hahaha    

2002VT

2002VT

Wing work.

The front end is getting some attention now. It’s been (as you would expect) a discovery project of rust. The good news - it’s not overly bad. I just bought left and right inner A pillar panels from restoration design, where I have purchased all my parts, and they are on the way. After those are on we can begin layering all the new panels together. 

2002VT

2002VT

Doors and gaps.

The striker had a washer in it to make it fit. Removed that and adjusted the door - it shuts!  So happy!  

2002VT

2002VT

Off to have floors welded in.

Having the car towed down to a local master welder. I’m extremely excited to have floors!     All the floors have been purchased from restoration design out of Canada. I was able to pick up some more parts before the trade hike.    I also picked up four new OEM turbo flares and a Tii wing from Blunt.    Its taking a long time - but this is going to be amazing.    

2002VT

2002VT

Sanding and trim removal continues

The work continues. It’s been a blast so far. I have had to continually remind myself that this is a long project. It’s easy to become disenchanted by rust and things I feel are beyond my scope. However, reading and learning are key. I’m not giving up on this little car. 

2002VT

2002VT

Glass

Took front and rear glass out today. Felt good to be working on the old beast again.    Seals are shot - glass is still ok. Removed it without cracking. We will see if I reuse them once cleaned up. 

2002VT

2002VT

BBS RS 16"

Mocking up. Looks like I'll need a spacer in the front. Just tapping the strut. Rear is money. Time to get flares!     Then - I need to continue the mechanical. I need to take the motor drop path. This car will take forever, but I dig that. I know it will be a stunner when it's done. 

2002VT

2002VT

Meh.

Holes. Not a fan. This beast is rusty under the front fenders. In fact, I can see the inside from the outside.  Nothing some new welding can't fix - but bummer. 

2002VT

2002VT

Humble beginnings

This car has a pretty cool backstory. Bought new, and adored by the original owners, they ended up having to give it up after about 30 years as collateral...but never were able to pay back cash for rental space, and ultimately they ended use passing away.  The business owner that took the car planned on restoring it - but never seemed to have the time. So he stuffed it in a old smelly warehouse were it sat until and became occupied by a homeless man.   I ended up finding it about 6 yea

2002VT

2002VT

Wheels came in.

Well I bought a custom made set of wheels from Paul Ehrlich in NC. He provided me with most excellent customer service and an amazing set of BBS RS widened and redrilled to 4x100. Now I will begin the whole turbo flare mock-up and work on finishing some other body issues.    Also - I was just given a motorcycle stand - looks like a motor drop is in my future. ?

2002VT

2002VT

Eww. The old hood foam...

It just falls apart in your hands!  Sucked it off. Turner made a nice reflective heat shield for my e30, wonder if there is such a thing for the e10.     

2002VT

2002VT

Still chipping away....

Truly religious rear end - so holy.    Also so added a rheostat to the heater in the garage for the winter. It's like having a nice warm breeze.    

2002VT

2002VT

Hose job

In New England hot oil undercoating was huge back when cars rusted out completely after 4-5 years.  This BMW was no exception. The previous owner did it yearly by the looks of the build up. I power washed most of it off with just water.  Now I can see where the nuts and bolts are!  I'll use grease off for the rest.    Sure it's super annoying to have go clean it off being a salt land car - but this car would not be in the condition it's in if the PO didn't do this!  Bravo!  

2002VT

2002VT

De-molded

I know there is a mixed feeling about the molding/trim. I am removing all of it - belt and knee. She looks so naked now. 

2002VT

2002VT

Swiss cheese

Well, after removing all the tar/noise dreading material I found many holes. It was a pain getting that stuff out - but not overly hard. The driver side was easier than the passenger side - but that may be because I'm left handed.  Lol.    I will be getting these patched up, as I am no welder. I thought about buying a welder and learning (may still) but I'd rather learn on a different type of metal and project - maybe tractor parts.     

2002VT

2002VT

Tar baby.

I was going to go the dry ice method, but I figured I'd grab a tool and go at it with the anger of the guy who stole my high school girlfriend.    Needless to say - we kicked some huge ass.    Then I tore into the rear drivers shock tower - it was not too bad. I am pretty stoked. We will be able to weld that up no problem.   

2002VT

2002VT

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