My '82 BMW Project (tiding me over till I can finish the Caddy) [Archives]

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h37

(I just basically copied and pasted this from the Bimmer Forums, so I could share it here)

Bought a BMW 320i for a winter beater. As you read the thread tho, you'll quickly realize that this probably won't end up out in the salt.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/320i_1.jpg

Went and blew some $ on paint materials:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/repaint/paint_supplies.jpg

I went with Alpine White or "Alpinaweiss" as the label indicates. Decided the white would be a more appropriate color than the silver green it is now, considering some planned improvements in the future.

Rolled the car into the shop to start work on it.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/day_2_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/day_2_2.jpg

Started stripping body down, sandblasted rust, removed A/C, removed some trim, wrinkle finished valve cover, removed door cards, rolled fenders, and a new OE BMW fender.

Not a bad day and got quite a bit of progress done.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/day_3_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/day_3_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fender_roll_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fender_roll_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fender_roll_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/valve_cover_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/valve_cover_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/valve_cover_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/sandblast_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/sandblast_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/sandblast_3.jpg

Removed the AC

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/50lbs.jpg

Woohoo!!!

Won some single rounds on eBay:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/single_rounds.jpg

Scuffed the engine bay and prepped for paint:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/engine_bay_scuffed.jpg

Here are the pics of the fresh paint on the engine bay.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/engine_bay_painted_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/engine_bay_painted_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/engine_bay_painted_5.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/engine_bay_painted_6.jpg

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h37

The old headliner was stained and cracked, so I pulled it all out and redid it in grey Alcantara.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/Headliner_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/Headliner_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/Headliner_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/Headliner_5.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/Headliner_6.jpg

Fit a 9" wide race slick on the rear with room to spare. As soon as I go to coilovers, that'll free up even more room. 10"s oughta fit with no problem.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/10_inches.jpg

Shaved off the rear quarter lights.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/shaved_quarter_light.jpg

Working on the coilovers using generic AFCO parts.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/coilover_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/coilover_2.jpg

Scored some VW Recaro Trophy's:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/recaro_1.jpg

Jambed in the doors.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_jamb_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_jamb_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_jamb_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_jamb_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_jamb_5.jpg

The gas tank has a slight leak at full, so I put a fuel cell in the trunk. This also allows for me to redo the exhaust with side exits. :D

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fuel_cell.jpg

Doors are back on, and the trunk is off.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/door_inner.jpg

Found more rust than I really wanted in my rear panel. Easiest way to get rid of rust is to remove the whole panel and replace it, so I ordered up a rear euro panel from Bavarian Auto Parts.

Got my coilover adapters in for spring cap seats. So the fronts are done. Just gotta order my Bilstein Sports for the rear from Bav Auto and then (once painted) bring it to the local race shop to get it corner weighted and then order up the correct weight/height springs. The machine shop made 4 of them with the wrong outer diameter so they gave them to me free. I'm going to maybe see about using them in the rear. That way I'll have a complete spare set of the adapters.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/coilover_adapter_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/coilover_adapter_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/coilover_adapter_3.jpg

I hate rot!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_corner_bondo_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_corner_bondo_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_corner_bondo_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_corner_bondo_4.jpg

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h38

Painted the inside of the trunk lid

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_3.jpg

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h39

The Euro pan arrived!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_1.jpg

Had my buddy Jodi over to help me get it all in place. Came out really good. 2 hours to get the old all cut out and the new panel fit into place. We'll weld it in this weekend in addition to make it blend to the sides.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_5.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_6.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_7.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_8.jpg

Took my front valance off to clean it up better and decided to shave the front bumper holes:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_valence_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_valence_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_valence_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_valence_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_valence_5.jpg

Got some welding done:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_9.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_10.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_11.jpg

More work on the rear pan. Jodi is the Mother F-n Man!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_12.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_13.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_14.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_15.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_16.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_17.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_18.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_19.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_20.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_21.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_22.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_euro_pan_23.jpg

Cut into the rusty Rocker

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rusty_rocker.jpg

MK3NORTH

15/12/2006, 10h41

You really don't mess around do you.

Killingcivics

15/12/2006, 10h43

I think is where old euro cars go to hide! Amazing project but get to work on the caddy!

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h46

You really don't mess around do you.

Well I went shopping yesterday for one of these. Does that count?

http://medias.forum-auto.com/uploads/200411/extrema38_1099740260_double_vanos.jpg

vtgti

15/12/2006, 10h49

...but get to work on the caddy!

Basically I ran out of money for the Caddy. Got to the point where most of the major fabrication was done and it was just a matter of spending $ to buy parts. The BMW was supposed to be a winter beater, but that got out of hand, so I'm just gonna drive my Coupe GT this winter. But I've got two cars to build for some people this winter. They both want VR6 Turbo Carbriolets. Part of paying for my labor will be in the form of buying parts for my Caddy. :D

trialsin

15/12/2006, 11h53

This is wicked.

****ing wicked.

DuBDrew

15/12/2006, 21h53

You really don't mess around do you.

haha that is the exact response i was going to have!:thefinger

man awsome work! way to get things done!:bigup:

dubsta

15/12/2006, 22h10

the boys down in vt really dont mess around....

Side exit(s) will be dopE!

DeathFromAbove

16/12/2006, 04h02

aye carumba!

PassatVR6

16/12/2006, 10h14

goood freeking work, and i miss MY E21 323I!

JuniorNasty

16/12/2006, 10h19

You my friend are my ****in idol :bow:

What are you going to come with at Lacolle Fest next year ? You have too many to choose from :p

As long as it has a hitch to bring the Carbarbeque ! :bigup:

Alfa1

17/12/2006, 18h12

Beautiful work there. Now whats your beater going to be?

\

can_huckbig

18/12/2006, 00h23

If this is your beater i RLY want pics of the summer ride!

boxcarracer

18/12/2006, 07h51

very sick

which engine are you putting in there?

vtgti

19/12/2006, 10h06

Yeah, Not sure what I'll bring to Lacollefest. If the Caddy ever gets done, that's the most Lacollefest appropriate vehicle. But depending on when it is, I've also got a VR6T Cabriolet in the works for a friend in BC. But the only cars with a hitch are the Coupe and the Caddy could easily get one. The bimmer won't get a hitch as I don't want to cut a hole in that rear end.

I'd like to put a newer engine in the BMW. Something like a mid 90's vanos engine or something like that.

trialsin

19/12/2006, 10h38

Remember,without deviation progress cannot be made.

boxcarracer

19/12/2006, 10h39

I'd like to put a newer engine in the BMW. Something like a mid 90's vanos engine or something like that.

If you want, PM me I can give you online access to all dealer manuals and bulletins, should ease your engine choice.

Bob Jones

19/12/2006, 12h23

Noice!

Duberman

19/12/2006, 13h04

Very nice, can't wait to see the final results. gl on the project *tu*

MTLVR6

19/12/2006, 14h57

very cool. *tu*

mt72

19/12/2006, 16h58

very nice projet !!!!

vtgti

01/01/2007, 22h14

Got the trunk all cleaned up and sprayed with undercoating. To hell with the extra weight, it's better protected:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_4.jpg

Mixing up some paint:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_6.jpg

Making it white, yes Mom, I'm being safe and wearing protection:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_11.jpg

And all nice and white :) :

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/trunk_paint_14.jpg

G60time

01/01/2007, 23h07

Nice work man,this is gonna be one sweet looking car *tu*

Eternal Rider

02/01/2007, 01h55

Keep us updated for God's sake !!

vtgti

02/01/2007, 17h37

Just cut the hole for the fuel cell fuel lines. Thank you Audi heater core firewall grommet. :)

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fuel_line_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fuel_line_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/fuel_line_3.jpg

AlpineWhiteDub

02/01/2007, 18h24

Unique ! J'aime! Beau travail!

trialsin

02/01/2007, 18h47

How big is the cell ??

Good thinking with the heatercore grommet.Thats brilliant.

vtgti

02/01/2007, 19h01

13 or 18 Gal can't remember exactly

Got some new rollers.15x7 Brock B2's

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/brocks_1.jpg

montrealgti

02/01/2007, 22h53

this is why i love u vermont dudes always come up with sick ideas and great build up threads, by the way i love ur car BBQ

TEXAS2LO

02/01/2007, 22h57

nice wheels buddy *tu*

keep up the good work and please keep those brock's tucked in :p

Sandro_Bit

03/01/2007, 14h58

crazyness, i must have more pics.

SilverDUB

03/01/2007, 18h09

awesome, i want to see some more!!!

bluefireracing

04/01/2007, 15h09

wish i had money like that and the knowledge.

vtgti

04/01/2007, 16h41

wish i had money like that and the knowledge.

What money??? The car costs $800. The paint materials are up to about $300. The wheels only cost me $100. The Recaro's were $50. Even the fancy Euro rear end was only $170.

And as far as knowledge, the best way to gain it, is to get your hands dirty and get involved. I am 100% self taught. I've never been to school. Didn't have a dad that was a mechanic. I wanted to learn so I started tearing into things. I wanted to learn how to weld, so I bought a welder. As I get sick of paying others to do special task that I don't have the tools for, I buy myself the tools as I go a little at a time. Takes time, but it is very rewarding. *blah*

Thanks for all the comments, they keep me going! :bigup:

dubsta

04/01/2007, 19h08

vtgti, you inspire many here

Thanks for that

STi rulez

04/01/2007, 22h06

Tres beau projet féilicitation jai hate de voir sa un coup terminé !

C'est quoi la suspensioN ?

SilverDUB

04/01/2007, 22h09

Tres beau projet féilicitation jai hate de voir sa un coup terminé !

C'est quoi la suspensioN ?

le gars viens du Vermont, tu devrais demander en anglais afin d avoir une reponse...

cant wait to see some more... go back to work and take some more pics!!!

HighDbHighRevs

04/01/2007, 23h00

these kind of threads are pretty rare here on mr

and this car looks like its gonna be soooo nice

gl with the project!

vtgti

05/01/2007, 16h11

Hope to have the car in primer this weekend. And got some parts for the full stainless exhaust in. Going to make a 3" turbo back with dual 2" side exit. Gonna make a 3" to 2-1/8" collector out of the length of 3" and the 2-1/8" mandrel. There is a pretty good deal on 2" stainless Magnaflow's at the local speed shop that I might pick up.

Some of the raw materials.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/exhaust_1.jpg

Tried to drop off the 2 bent Brocks to get straightened but the guy wasn't in.

JAVW

05/01/2007, 23h51

Hey Chris, Your a real Euro lover

2 times thumbsup

Killingcivics

06/01/2007, 13h04

What money??? The car costs $800. The paint materials are up to about $300. The wheels only cost me $100. The Recaro's were $50. Even the fancy Euro rear end was only $170.

And as far as knowledge, the best way to gain it, is to get your hands dirty and get involved. I am 100% self taught. I've never been to school. Didn't have a dad that was a mechanic. I wanted to learn so I started tearing into things. I wanted to learn how to weld, so I bought a welder. As I get sick of paying others to do special task that I don't have the tools for, I buy myself the tools as I go a little at a time. Takes time, but it is very rewarding. *blah*

Thanks for all the comments, they keep me going! :bigup:

Damn I wish I had your hookups for wheels and tires haha more pics! Best bimmer thread in the vw forum yet. :run:

boxcarracer

06/01/2007, 13h17

will you be selling this once you're done with it?
then again inspection here will be a pita

jonnycowboy

06/01/2007, 13h35

where did you find those wheels for 100$? I want some too lol! :)

ol'skool Dubs

06/01/2007, 13h42

Recaro's for $50!? :yikes: hook me up :run:

vtgti

06/01/2007, 20h15

You guys just gotta keep an open eye on the classifieds for the good deals. :D

vtgti

07/01/2007, 15h09

Oh no! The shop caught on fire today!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_6.jpg

Actually just a crap load of paint (primer) fumes.

Got the BMW all one color finally. Primer white. Gonna spend a few nights getting this wet sanded down.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_8.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_9.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_10.jpg

Sandro_Bit

07/01/2007, 15h24

you couldn't fill in the BMW logo recesses on the hood and trunk?

vtgti

07/01/2007, 20h06

Decided to put in a couple more hours today. Finished the body work on the front valence and primed that as well.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_11.jpg

vtgti

08/01/2007, 21h17

Had some buddies over and had a wetsanding party. What would have taken me a few nights alone got done in just a few hours thanks to their help.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/prime_12.jpg

Also got my home made seat track adapters (moves the drivers seat potentially 3" further back) back from the powdercoater guy across from my shop.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/seat_track_extender.jpg

TheInfamous

08/01/2007, 21h29

sick projects, keep us updated !!!

jmexx

08/01/2007, 21h48

Sick!

vrc

08/01/2007, 22h12

sick sick sick

Sandro_Bit

08/01/2007, 23h30

sick sick sick sick

esacha

09/01/2007, 03h16

Wow

vtgti

09/01/2007, 11h55

I was browsing for e21 pics and found this, which is pretty much how my car will look. :)

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/porn/e21_singles_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/porn/e21_singles_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/porn/e21_singles_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/porn/e21_singles_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/porn/e21_singles_5.jpg

johnny24

09/01/2007, 13h09

nice project!

bluefireracing

09/01/2007, 13h54

updates on this post makes my day!!!

vtgti

09/01/2007, 20h15

Got most of the rocker repair done. Still gotta grind the welds down and make it pretty:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rocker_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rocker_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rocker_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rocker_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rocker_5.jpg

SilverDUB

09/01/2007, 22h30

nice nice! keep those pics coming, im lovin this!

vtgti

14/01/2007, 19h38

Been doing lots more on the car, but nothing picture worthy. Chip guarding the rockers, priming. Working on mounting the Recaro's on (1 step forward, 2 steps back. Might be easier to order some generic sliders rather than trying to adapt the OE BMW ones).

Got bored while waiting for the chip guard to dry so I welded the Y-pipe. As it's gonna be a bit before I do the turbo motor and would like to enjoy the car this summer, I'll run 2-1/4" for now. So it's gonna be like 2-1/4" cat back into 2 2" pipes into 2" mufflers.

Don't look too close at the welds. Ugh, I'm out of practice. But all stainless with stainless TIG welds.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/ypipe.jpg

montrealgti

14/01/2007, 20h26

nice work dude seriously keep it up and maybe next year if u are lucky maybe we will cook burgers again at the dubaholics gtg

vtgti

14/01/2007, 20h50

nice work dude seriously keep it up and maybe next year if u are lucky maybe we will cook burgers again at the dubaholics gtg

Ha, the carbeque is all ready to go. Just sitting out collecting snow. Was hoping to bring it out onto the lake for ice racing this year and cook up some burgers while hanging out at the races, but it just hasn't been cold enough for the good ice to form. Oh well. Summers only a few months away. :)

neter

14/01/2007, 20h57

what a great job your doing....big *tu* up

boxcarracer

14/01/2007, 21h05

hey, my camera's dead, i'll try to take pics of the first aid kit tomorrow night!
would make a great GDM addition to this sexy beast ;)

ZEXXX

14/01/2007, 21h46

hey whats up whit the caddy project ?no funds ?

SilverDUB

14/01/2007, 22h11

man you gave me weird ideas so i will be buying a MKII this week and doing the same thing probably!!! man keep it up, this is awesome!

HighDbHighRevs

14/01/2007, 22h41

man you gave me weird ideas so i will be buying a MKII this week and doing the same thing probably!!! man keep it up, this is awesome!

i think you should start a build up thread just like this then

we need more sick threads like this

ZEXXX

14/01/2007, 22h43

man you gave me weird ideas so i will be buying a MKII this week and doing the same thing probably!!! man keep it up, this is awesome!

i thinck you should just finish your rabbit first .

SilverDUB

15/01/2007, 06h48

rabbit will be done in about 2 months. its going to be the GF car, strip, clean, paint, reupholster the interior, rims and suspension and should be set.

vtgti

15/01/2007, 14h35

hey whats up whit the caddy project ?no funds ?

Yeah pretty much. It has gotten to the point where I need to buy a bunch of big $ parts for it. Clutch, wheels, tires, shift cables, etc etc.

So basically I'd be sitting on my ass all winter, just spending money and not neccessarily building anything. And that's just not me. I need to be building stuff. So this gives me a chance to build a fun driver that I can take to track days and enjoy. The Caddy will be a special car on it's own, but not neccesarily well suited for the track and or a summer daily driver.

vtgti

15/01/2007, 16h42

Can't leave well enough alone.

Up'd it to 2-1/4" inlet rather than the 2-1/8"

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/ypipe2.jpg

vtgti

19/01/2007, 17h23

Woohoo! Got my rear shocks in. :)

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_struts_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_struts_2.jpg

And my new headlights. Smoked 7"

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/lights.jpg

trialsin

20/01/2007, 01h10

Good stuff.

Wicked little car.

Mayerz

20/01/2007, 01h26

nice project, can't wait to see it completed!

Fullbeaver

20/01/2007, 18h58

Woohoo! Got my rear shocks in. :)

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_struts_1.jpg

the rod always seems to point the way doesn't it :D

TEXAS2LO

20/01/2007, 19h08

sick project dude !!

whats so cool about it is that we see FAST EVOLUTION ...

not a lifetime thread :p

1 question :

what's the front grill on this car ??

I dont really like the one you posted ( on the white Bimma page 3 -- middle piece )

vtgti

21/01/2007, 00h44

Got it all painted today! WooWoo!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_3.jpg

Painted, but not cleared:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_6.jpg

And cleared!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_12.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_14.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_17.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_18.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_19.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_21.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_23.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/new_paint_25.jpg

And the obligatory 13" wheel Money Shot!

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/money_shot.jpg

trialsin

21/01/2007, 02h38

That exhaust is not staying right ???

boxcarracer

21/01/2007, 11h38

coming along very nice, this would compliment it nicely.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/luigilento/21-01-07_1104.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/luigilento/21-01-07_1105.jpg

RichyRich514

21/01/2007, 11h50

nice ''paint booth'' :p

keep the good work coming !

vtgti

21/01/2007, 12h17

Exhaust is getting replaced with 2.25" to dual 2" mufflers.

Yeah, I like that first aid kit. :)

vtgti

21/01/2007, 14h26

Ha, so the BMW is a side project for the V8 Caddy, but Thursday night I did another side project. TIG'd up a light bar for my Coupe. I didn't want a bar that I'd have to drill holes in my bumper cover for. I made this so I can remove the bumper reflectors, bolt it on, and then come summer I can take the whole assembly off and just snap the reflectors back on.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/coupe/light_bar_2.jpg

And with a pair of Hella 500 driving light's on it. Probably get some Hella 500 fogs too.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/coupe/driving_lights.jpg

And back on track here are some more pics of the BMW. I treated myself to some brand new emblems:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/roundel_small.jpg

And put the rear suspension in. Slightly tucking the 13" tires:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_suspension_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_suspension_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_suspension_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_suspension_4.jpg

vtgti

21/01/2007, 20h18

And more pics. Put my 315 grill on. Gotta love being single! :)

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/grill_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/grill_3.jpg

ZEXXX

21/01/2007, 20h19

dude i love you .ahahah man the car looks hot

vtgti

21/01/2007, 22h09

Got the rear end together for the most part, still gotta work on the rear bumper and figure out a way to mount the plate:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/tails_2.jpg

TEXAS2LO

21/01/2007, 22h35

that ass looks tight !

boxcarracer

22/01/2007, 08h43

don't put bumpers!

vtgti

24/01/2007, 18h27

Started installing my headliner (worked all of 5 min on it). Grey alcantara (synthetic suede).

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_install_1.jpg

And had some strut tower plates made up. Weld a bar between them and Instant Rear Strut Brace

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_strut_plates.jpg

Gotta rework em a bit. The original bolt circle diameter wasn't right.

vtgti

28/01/2007, 15h33

Might be time to drain the bank account....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v694/jwhalen123/BGWheels/BBSCLOSEALL.jpg

Shaolin_Monk

28/01/2007, 16h18

DO IT, if your gonna put that much work into your project, you gotta have nice rims!!!

vtgti

01/02/2007, 13h29

Bad news on the wheels. The guy that had them sold them before I was even able to contact him. Oh well, most likely will run some steels this summer.

Just picked up my front springs today, so I'll see about throwing those in tonight. :)

StriKer

01/02/2007, 13h46

can't wait for more pics

vtgti

01/02/2007, 19h01

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_suspension_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_suspension_2.jpg

HighDbHighRevs

01/02/2007, 19h05

wow .. that is hotter then hot

GLI4LIVE

02/02/2007, 16h34

you should are made it with out bumper it look so sick the way it is now! sick car

vtgti

17/02/2007, 17h07

It made it's way outside for the first time since it came in the shop. Just wanted to get it moving on it's own power to give me some motivation. :D

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_outside_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_outside_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_outside_3.jpg

boxcarracer

17/02/2007, 17h41

looks sweet!
when will you be selling this? :p

JuniorNasty

17/02/2007, 18h39

Wow...looks great !

Now get crackin on the Caddy dammit ! :p

SilverDUB

18/02/2007, 11h07

nice! can't wait to see it finished!

vtgti

18/02/2007, 17h18

Wow...looks great !

Now get crackin on the Caddy dammit ! :p

Haha, the Caddy is still gonna wait, just rolled the Cabriolet in ready for the VR6T swap.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/deanc/cannonball/turbo_cab_1.jpg

HighDbHighRevs

18/02/2007, 19h03

lol holy jeez ... now for this project i hope u put up a build thread ... its gonna be pretty damn sweet ride!!

vtgti

18/02/2007, 19h39

Yeah, there already is a project thread. I'll update it in a bit once I get done doing a few things quick to it.

I hope everyone likes my reverse ricer drag tire race mode.

vtgti

20/02/2007, 22h45

Got the rear half of the headliner in finally. Came out pretty good IMO. Grey Alcantara.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_7.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_8.jpg

SilverDUB

20/02/2007, 23h01

oh my fuk!!!!!!!!!!! insane the amount of clips!!!

StaticLullaby

20/02/2007, 23h05

Ho my god, quelle job de patience!

vtgti

21/02/2007, 18h44

Got the front done. I'm so happy with the results:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_9.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_10.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_11.jpg

Miellyn

21/02/2007, 19h08

damn, sweet project.

How many different sets of wheels do you have :p

vtgti

22/02/2007, 17h54

Another pic of the headliner:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/headliner_12.jpg

Free Alpina Spoiler ($600 part!!!):

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/alpina_spoiler.jpg

My tires arrived, but still waiting for my new 15" Panasport replicas (Konig Rewinds):

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/tires.jpg

HighDbHighRevs

22/02/2007, 18h33

you are one crazy mofo ... you know that?

but your gonna have one badass car ... damn its gonna be hot

vtgti

25/02/2007, 11h13

Got the glass in yesterday before switching back to the Cabriolet project:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/front_glass.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rear_glass.jpg

vtgti

27/02/2007, 17h41

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rewinds.jpg

vtgti

01/03/2007, 12h10

Put the camber plates in:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/camber_plates.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/rewinds_2.jpg

SilverDUB

01/03/2007, 12h55

neat! so when is that project going to be completed? any eta?

boxcarracer

01/03/2007, 13h02

looks sweet with those panasport-like wheels

are you going to do something about the wheel wells?

vtgti

01/03/2007, 13h51

looks sweet with those panasport-like wheels

are you going to do something about the wheel wells?

Wheels wells???

It's basically "done". Just gotta finish putting the glass all in and assembling the interior.

It'll be 100% ready before the salts off the road, so just a matter of waiting for the good weather to arrive. :D

boxcarracer

01/03/2007, 14h04

you know how the paint fumes got in the wheel wells and now there's white on the black in blotches

maybe i'm just knitpicking :o

vtgti

01/03/2007, 14h15

Ah yeah, one of my plans before summer is to go through and put a fresh coat of 3M rubberized undercoating throughout.

vtgti

07/03/2007, 16h56

Made a 3 gauge pod for my center console:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/3_gauge_cluster_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/3_gauge_cluster_2.jpg

vtgti

09/03/2007, 18h04

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_and_passat_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_and_passat_2.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_cold_1.jpg

Had to make way for the Turbo Cabriolet....

http://www.chrisachilles.com/deancampion/cannonball/cab_inside.jpg

jsb

09/03/2007, 18h09

nice !

adphil

09/03/2007, 18h12

is that a grey mk1 rocco on the right with the bimmers ?:dunno:

HighDbHighRevs

09/03/2007, 18h12

siiiickk stuffffffff... i like that passat

HighDbHighRevs

09/03/2007, 18h13

is that a grey mk1 rocco on the right with the bimmers ?:dunno:

looks like its white to me

vtgti

09/03/2007, 18h23

Yeah that's my other shop mates Scirocco I. He bought it $125. He's got like 4 Scirocco's or something. That one is eventually getting a mid engined VR.

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/bmw_cold_2.jpg

TheInfamous

09/03/2007, 18h24

freaking nice job you did there

vtgti

09/03/2007, 18h42

Ha, just looked at that pic, and all 3 of those cars (both bimmers and the Scirocco) have a combined original purchase price of less than $1500, and all are from within the past year. Ha.

Alfa1

09/03/2007, 21h18

Ha, just looked at that pic, and all 3 of those cars (both bimmers and the Scirocco) have a combined original purchase price of less than $1500, and all are from within the past year. Ha.

What plans for the 5er? Is it yours or your friends?

And you guys sure can find some deals.

vtgti

24/03/2007, 17h11

Got my powdercoated bits back from the powdercoater:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/intake_2.jpg

New boots:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/intake_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/intake_1.jpg

G.TheDuke

25/03/2007, 02h55

This has to be one of the nicest old school 3 series I've seen. My manager's husband restores them for hobby and has had something like 6 of them but none like this! Good job!
(Can't wait for the VR6T Cabby!!)

alexs464

25/03/2007, 03h49

A M A Z I N G !~:bigup: :bigup: :bigup:

vtgti

23/04/2007, 16h10

Drilled a couple holes to mount the mirror:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_1.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_2.jpg

Got the fender and door ready for a respray:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_3.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_4.jpg

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_5.jpg

Wetsanding the roof:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_6.jpg

And after Jason buffed it for me:

http://www.chrisachilles.com/images/82_bmw/4_21_07_7.jpg