joysterm

Pm’d

I did an e24 rear seat conversation a few years ago although the console did not house an A/C. I did come across one much later… much to my frustration. So I’m envious you are tackling this upgrade. For me the seats were relatively easy to fit with help from the tech help that has already mentioned. The challenge for me was blending the hat tray and stock console to the added e24 components so I fabricated a new console and hat tray to match up with the seats. I also upgraded the front seats to a pair of JDM Recaros which gave me a lil wider console and matched up with the rear console pretty well IMO. At the risk of sounding like Capt. Obvious, I think the challenge will be finding the room to run the necessary plumbing. My apologies I don’t have much more for ya. I will look forward following your progress, so please keep us updated. Edit: Not sure if this will help but here is a link to an excerpt of my restoration project…

I made my own panels but used the stock metal trim piece. It was a PITA to mount properly so I guess the PO took the easy way out. I am sure you could fab in a piece on to the backing assuming (it’s a solid substrate) that will produce that bulge to accept the lock button and rod…but it would be easier if you could source out the proper piece. In either case it forces you to dismantle part of the door card. hopefuuly you can find a pair of bagged door cards unless some else has a fix, good luck!

Dm'd

I guess my first questions to you would be what is the level of finish are you looking for when the car is completed and are you confident there is nothing( more rust) lurking beyond the areas you have identified. Given your described areas of concern the 15K maybe on the light side for metal work AND paint. I am assuming that you have not taken the fenders off to see what might be lurking in those out of sight areas, especially if the corners of the wind shield are in need of attention. The interior metal work is pretty starlight forward and easily addressed. Also, how straight are the doors, hood, trunk, fenders and roof. Hard to tell from the pictures. Those all can quickly chew up hours trying to make them straight and fit with the proper gaps. It's all about the level of prep work that has gone into the project that will determine the level of quality you are trying to achieve, IMHO. Lastly, if you factor in the cost of paint and materials outside the extra panels you may wish to add plus any unknowns, you maybe finding yourself adding a few more "Benjermans" to your budget. Hopefully you will be able to make it work....good luck with the project and please be sure to document your progress. I for one enjoy watching the transformation.

dm'd

Dm’d

I could not agree with @AceAndrewmore. I am, like some on this forum no doubt, are products of the 50's and 60's were hotroding found its birth from those who were able to return from the war. They used their ingenuity to create something that would occupy their time and reap some sense of accomplishment. They did not have much money to carry out their dreams, so they scraped and scrounged to find the pieces to make it work. I am sure they did not care about aesthetics or resale value or safety for that matter. They continually pushed the envelope to suit their sense of style and needs. For me personally, "I saved my pennies and saved my dimes" (to quote one of the great 60's contemporaries***) and bought a 55 210 Chevy while I was in High School. It took be a couple of years to complete the mods but it was just what I wanted, it wasn't that unique in the scheme of things but it provided me so much enjoyment. It also led to many relationships that have stood the test of time. So I am sure you asking WTF has this to do with your plight. Well , if you have not guessed by now I am not in the purist camp on this one. I have owned my 2002 for some 47 years now. It sat in my garage for close to 40 years collecting both dust and disdain from my entire family before I was motivated enough to breathe new life into it. I never lost focus over those years, I knew exactly what I wanted it to be and what it was gonna look like and how it was to perform. Not ever did I concern myself with what will it be worth at the end of the journey. It's just simply not part of my hotrod DNA. So, I saved those pennies and dimes yet once again for my last 'hot rod" project. It took me 6 years to complete, never did I loose focus. This site had much to do with that for which I will always remain grateful. So you have found the right spot if you need help. Finally, please don't leave with the impression I do not appreciate the pain stacking effort and dedication it takes to truly restore one of these classics. I really do. It's just not me. So if you are a true enthusiast, your heart will guide your way. If you are concerned about the ROI, I think you need to find another venture.. Your WILL to complete this project has to be greater than the concerns about its financial rewards. Its all about the process, IMHO Good luck with what ever you decide. Mike *** BTW, 409 written by Brian Wilson/Mike Love, Beachboys

DM

You look to be approaching this project with the right mind set. Slow and steady wins the race. Best of luck and patience. Always enjoy the process of the long journey back to glory.

Hey Mike, I would be inclined to replace the panel rather than patch. Given its encompasses that "drain plug" it would be a neater job. Then again my welding skills are non existent, so what do I know. My 2cents

I am searching for a set of grills ( Center grill not required) for a friend in Kenya. They should be in decent condition to suit his needs, if anyone out there is willing to part with them, please by all means let me know. TIA

Looks to be a late Euro Shahara, scene was in a shop in Athens…nice lookin ‘ car. Maybe someone here…