introduction '74 2002 Vermont (newbie)

[2002VT]

Hello land of bmw2002faq!

 

I have found (and bought) a New England 2002 with little rust (for New England). I got a deal on the car (basically free). However, it comes with issues, it's been repainted (same color) and it was a re-spray only based on what I can see/find), few small rust holes in the spare tire well and some other small rust spots (passenger lower rear quarter, lower door edges). It was tapped in the front at some point (front valance has some body filler I've noticed) and when I removed the front diving board bumper one bumper shock boot was missing.  Otherwise looks original - so low impact perhaps.  

 

The rear driver shock housing has the beginning of rust cancer, so i will be figuring that out - but it's not as bad as some of the pics I've seen on here. 

 

The interior is spent - and I'll tear it all out, but I tore out the trunk last night and vacuumed up golf tees and shoe horns. Lol. Fuel take looks ok, but I'll drain and remove it to really see. 

 

The motor has not been started in 4 years (just turned it off one day), but it looks like there are oil leaks (150k on the car and motor). Sadly, the PO didn't have a key (lost).  So I need to change out all the locks for new sets (I'd do this anyway). Plus I'm looking at motor options - refresh or all new s14 or something. 

 

There is a blown brake line somewhere, and it feels like the brakes are on - or the wheels are hard to turn from sitting (pretty much 14 years). Seller told me the brake line is tied into the clutch - I didn't know that - still learning.

 

All and all I am looking forward to spending time on here chatting away and getting much needed advice for my new project!  

 

I'm new to 2002s, but have owned two e30s (87 325e & '89 325is) while my daily is an '11 e90 335i xdrive. 

 

JD

 

aka: JDMpower & Vaporblade on other various forums. 

[John_in_VA]

Welcome, and thanks for posting the pix!  Be sure to check out the regional owners' group in your neck of the woods:

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/gc/5-noreast-02ers/

['76mintgrün'02]

Welcome : )

BMW put key numbers on the door mechanisms.  I forget where exactly.  I believe the same may be true of the steering column... they share the same key, so either number will get you a new key, without having to change the tumblers.

 

Based on your photo, you might be the youngest member here! 

Congratulations on your purchase.

You are in for sooo much fun.

Tom

[2002VT]

Hi John!  I will have tons of pics - I'm kind of a photo nut. Thanks for the link!  Regional therapy sounds good to me!  

 

Tom,

 

You're right on the key codes.  The dealer told me to look there (I will). I figured, being that I needed keys (and my door handles are pitted from the elements a bit) maybe I'll just do the whole thing at once. I gotta tell you - I am already in love with this project car.  It's going to be fun to work on - and my son (in the photo) was a massive help!  He's 7, and excited to party. 

 

I am stuggling a little with the idea of keeping it pure and stock, or going bonkers and upgraded with new tech. I think I'll do the later, but I do have the original documents on the car and the owner info. I'm the second registered owner. 

 

In the photo attached you can see where the previous body/paint person got the door to shut better. Argh. 

[zinz]

wow... that's a pretty great car for basically free!  There is rust, but not too terrible. Hydraulic system incorporates the brakes and the clutch.  It's a simple and effective system.  Buy yourself a Haynes manual...they are only about $20 and you can fix just about everything on the car with it.

 

Love that color and glad to see you have some good help !  Looks like a perfect winter project.

 

Enjoy the car!

 

Ed Z

[AceAndrew]

Welcome to the FAQ.  I think you will find us pretty friendly, just know we tend to want to teach you how to fish rather than give you a fish.  Most everything has been covered fairly well, so there is an abundance of great information if you use the search function.

 

For starters I would recommend getting a copy of the "02 Restoration Guide" by Mike McCartney along with downloading the factory "blue" service manual found here .... 

 You have some good guys in your area.  I was just talking to the web guy at Rennline (porsche parts) up your way, turns out he used to have an 02.

[m42002]

Hello JD,

Nice Project. It looks like Granatrot metallic. Except for the black interior, it could be my cars twin.

[2002VT]

13 hours ago, zinz said:

wow... that's a pretty great car for basically free!  There is rust, but not too terrible. Hydraulic system incorporates the brakes and the clutch.  It's a simple and effective system.  Buy yourself a Haynes manual...they are only about $20 and you can fix just about everything on the car with it.

 

Love that color and glad to see you have some good help !  Looks like a perfect winter project.

 

Enjoy the car!

 

Ed Z

 

Hey Ed Z,

 

Thank you for the kind words!  It was sitting for so long, and I asked the PO if he wanted to sell it, and he gave it to me. I did a bill of sale and tossed in 500 bucks, but he called me and ripped up the check. I kmow nothing is "free" so I'm sure I'll need to help him with something at some point. 

 

I am excited to dig into the whole project! I am thinking of a color change, but the color is growing on me. Haha!

 

JD

[2002VT]

On August 9, 2016 at 6:18 PM, AceAndrew said:

Welcome to the FAQ.  I think you will find us pretty friendly, just know we tend to want to teach you how to fish rather than give you a fish.  Most everything has been covered fairly well, so there is an abundance of great information if you use the search function.

 

For starters I would recommend getting a copy of the "02 Restoration Guide" by Mike McCartney along with downloading the factory "blue" service manual found here .... 

 You have some good guys in your area.  I was just talking to the web guy at Rennline (porsche parts) up your way, turns out he used to have an 02.

Ace,

Nice .pdf - thank you!  I'll be using that via iPad under the car I am sure! As we say in New England - that's wicked awesome!  

 

Im used to fishing (searching) since my old forum days in the 90s. Thank goodness for these resources, and members like yourself. 

 

JD

Edited August 11, 2016 by 2002VT

[2002VT]

3 hours ago, GoGo Garnet said:

Hello JD,

Nice Project. It looks like Granatrot metallic. Except for the black interior, it could be my cars twin.

 

GoGo,

 

For sure we are twins!  I dig the black center wheels on this color too - and the way you tucked the us-spec bumpers. What did you lower it with? 

 

JD

[worzella]

Hi JD - 

 

Very nice. It reminds me of 8 years ago when I got mine for free...really did. My brother in Charlotte had a friend who had 3 of them in his back yard and his wife was threatening divorce if he did not get rid of one. So my brother trailer'd it to Raleigh and I have been paying his bar tab ever since.. but that's OK.

 

My restoration is totally amateur and would send shivers down the purists spines, but it has been pure therapy for all these years. Take a look at how my initial statement of "I'll just clean it up a bit and put in new seats..." turned into this major project. My only regret is not keeping it on the road somewhat or at least having a spare 2002 so that I could actually drive it and enjoy all of the great stuff people talk about on the forum. But I am close....

 

https://rwwbmw2002.shutterfly.com/

 

Randy

  

[TobyB]

Poke at those rear spring perches with a big screwdriver....

 

...but brace yourself with a couple shots of Maker's first.

 

It can be fixed, of course.

 

t

 

[Z3M]

Welcome to the group....this is by far the best forum and group I've been part of!  I too am in process of rebuilding, and while I'm a total noob, I'm happy to share what I've learned along the way.   

[Mike Self]

Welcome to the '02 fraternity/sorority.  A friend here in Dayton is doing approximately the same thing--a "free" 2002 that had languished for a decade and a half--outside--and there are lots of other folks on the FAQ who have done or are doing something similar.  Take your time, get it running (and stopping!) first and enjoy it in a functioning state...then work on the cosmetics.  

 

Lotsa friendly folks here on the FAQ, and a tremendous source of information on every aspect of the car...don't be shy about asking questions, either.  And...check the archives.

 

mike

 

 

[2002VT]

Awe snap - found cancer on the interior tear down. Front upper floor is gonzo!  Do you all take out the sound padding - and then just go dynomat?  

 

Ps - any parts I should not toss (like NLA stuff)?  I think I should toss the center console and the seats. Seems someone went bonkers with the screws in the console. *facepalm* 

 

 

Edited August 11, 2016 by 2002VT