The Bimmer Basement

[Mpower5266]

No real updates on the garage, but I am planning on attacking it hard in the new few weeks. I have to detail the Grand Wagoneer soon, so I want to get the garage cleaned and organized. But I have done a few things here and there. I got the kid cars cleaned and charged finally and they have been driving them on their own.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They are learning forward, back, left, right, and most importantly STOP! Last night, I was a little cold and ready to go back in the house so I told my son that the cars were broken so we would need to put them up... He wanted to fix them which lead to 15 minutes of this...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also had a buddy down from Nashville over the weekend, we popped down to Auburn for a meet at Dinan. I found out after the fact that I was probably going to win an award but I left early. Oh well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

More soon, just checking in.

 

[nicholam77]

The kids 'fixing' the cars is awesome

 

[Squankum]

I found your thread! It's been a few years!

Here's a Jeep for you. Ferrari V-12 conversion.

 

[Purist]

No real updates on the garage, but I am planning on attacking it hard in the new few weeks. I have to detail the Grand Wagoneer soon, so I want to get the garage cleaned and organized. But I have done a few things here and there. I got the kid cars cleaned and charged finally and they have been driving them on their own.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They are learning forward, back, left, right, and most importantly STOP! Last night, I was a little cold and ready to go back in the house so I told my son that the cars were broken so we would need to put them up... He wanted to fix them which lead to 15 minutes of this...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also had a buddy down from Nashville over the weekend, we popped down to Auburn for a meet at Dinan. I found out after the fact that I was probably going to win an award but I left early. Oh well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

More soon, just checking in.

M3 is looking great! Did you ever get that award? Or did you lose out on it because you left early?

And love the kids working on the cars! My boys love doing that on their Raptor and bikes.

Any garage updates for us?

 

[z50]

Re: My first post and basement garage build.

I haven't updated in a few weeks, but I have gotten a lot done.

Wired the light above the door.



Hooked up the hot and cold water outside. Im a huge car guy and former detailer, this is the best thing I have ever done.



I then had a company come in and pour a slab of concrete.











Started painting the back wall. I would have rather had exposed brick on all the walls but someone "sealed" it before me with green sealer paint.



Then started to paint the support poles, they still need a few coats.



And how it sits now.





I still have a ton of work to do but its nice that its starting to come together. I will try to update this thread more frequently. Thanks for looking.

Get some LVL’s or steel in that ceiling and get rid of those posts

 

[TX4runner]

Get some LVL’s or steel in that ceiling and get rid of those posts

Post from 10yrs ago. He has moved from that house.

 

[Mpower5266]

Post from 10yrs ago. He has moved from that house.

I hope they keep reading the thread though.

 

[z50]

It doesn’t matter somebody else might be dealing with the same stuff and it may help

 

[Mpower5266]

Long time no see... This is going to be a Jeep heavy post. Since mid November, I have been pretty much daily driving the Grand Wagoneer and putting together a punch list of problems. It's been great but I decided to give it back to my dad so he can start working on that list. Of course, while I had over Christmas, I threw a wreath on the front.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Visited a set from the upcoming season of Stranger Things.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And took it on a few beer runs.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It's actually running and driving okay but we are going to fix some things. I think first on the list would be swapping the carb out for a Holly sniper unit. We are also going to swap out the radio, chase some electrical gremlins, and toss on some new tires. But before I gave it back to my dad, I gave it a full paint correction.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And the final product.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

This was my first detail in at this house and spending all that time in the garage really make me want to get it set up. I think I am going to order some @RaceDeck soon and start from the bottom up. I have goals of possibly being able to wash inside the garage in by summer but I need to do some work. I have kinda let this thread dwindle but I think there are going to be some good updates soon.

 

[Bob Heine]

I have kinda let this thread dwindle but I think there are going to be some good updates soon.

Nick, if the thread dwindle has meant more time with your little people, I am pretty sure it's OK with the peanut gallery. One of the things you can't beg, borrow or steal is more time with your family. We're easily entertained so a quick one-liner and maybe a photo or two will be enough to stave off any whining from us.

Wagoneer looks fantastic! Good to see your son teaching you some proper detailing techniques,

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

I love the wagoneer update. I always like seeing pictures of that thing. A friend I played hockey with growing up parents had one and would occasionally go to practice with them in it.

Washing inside would be great to have.

 

[kppolich]

88, White --Yeeeesh thats my dream Wagoner if it has the Burgundy interior.

Great update and happy new year

 

[west_perf]

Wagoneer looks great. Much better condition than mine. I'm making it a goal this year to at least get mine back on the road, they're fun vehicles. I got a chinese knock-off carb for $80 on AMZN for the 2150 and it runs so much better than the original, and it's about 1/2 the weight. You might try one of those first.

 

[Mpower5266]

88, White --Yeeeesh thats my dream Wagoner if it has the Burgundy interior.

Great update and happy new year

It has the tan interior which is my preference.

Wagoneer looks great. Much better condition than mine. I'm making it a goal this year to at least get mine back on the road, they're fun vehicles. I got a chinese knock-off carb for $80 on AMZN for the 2150 and it runs so much better than the original, and it's about 1/2 the weight. You might try one of those first.

Hmm I might look into that.

Speaking of Wagoneers.... We got some snow over the weekend.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I got up early Friday morning and got in the 77 wag to head to work. I made it about a mile from the house and decided to turn around. The Jeep could have made it fine, but my kids have never seen snow, so I spent the morning hanging out with them. I did grab a pic of the jeep in the snow.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I did head into work later in the day and the wag was a beast in the snow. I had absolutely zero issues.

More on the garage soon, I think I am close to ordering flooring.

 

[west_perf]

The 2150 knockoff is $75 on AMZN right now. This is the one I got:

2 Barrel Carburetor Carb 2100 2150 A800 Carburetor For Ford 289 302 351 F100 F250 F350 Jeep 360 Mustang Replace Motorcraft/Autolite 2100 2150 Carburetor Electric Choke​

You'll need to bend the plate protecting the choke down for the air cleaner to sit flush, but that was easy and it works great. Starts and runs much better.

 

[Purist]

It has the tan interior which is my preference.

Hmm I might look into that.

Speaking of Wagoneers.... We got some snow over the weekend.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I got up early Friday morning and got in the 77 wag to head to work. I made it about a mile from the house and decided to turn around. The Jeep could have made it fine, but my kids have never seen snow, so I spent the morning hanging out with them. I did grab a pic of the jeep in the snow.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I did head into work later in the day and the wag was a beast in the snow. I had absolutely zero issues.

More on the garage soon, I think I am close to ordering flooring.

What'cha going with? Swisstrax? Feel free to use my OG affiliate link, if so!

 

[PileDriver]

I've been years behind on catching up my followed threads, and boy, am I glad I started with yours. Congrats on the new house. Hope to see some good news updates soon.

 

[Mpower5266]

I've been years behind on catching up my followed threads, and boy, am I glad I started with yours. Congrats on the new house. Hope to see some good news updates soon.

Funny that you commented on this today. I havent been on the forum in months and randomly decided to check it today. I really havent done much in the garage except clean it up recently. Life has been great but its gotten in the way of my hobbies and the garage. I am hoping to get flooring on order in the next month or so.. but I have been saying that for months already.

 

[Mpower5266]

Hey yall, long time no see.... I havent done anything with my garage yet.... So why am I posting? Well, my dad got rid of the hangar so we had to clean it out. The XJ was sold.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And this had to go somewhere.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The plan was to move it to my dads shop, and list it on marketplace as a parts car. Once it was unloaded and rinsed off of photos, it started to seem like kind of a shame to let it get parted out.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We decided to put it on the lift and look it over.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The first glaring issue was the reverse ejection seat. I was not easy on this car, when I was a kid.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Everything else looked pretty okay, so we started on the engine. I guess now would be time for a little back story on this car.... This was my first car. My dad and I got it back in 1998 when I was 15, and spent about 6 months fixing it up before I turned 16. I drove it off and on until 2001. I had an awesome time with this car. Cruising on the weekends, autocross events, road trips, and general stupidity(wrecked it twice and 4 speeding tickets.) In late 01, I had a job at a car dealership and picked up an E36 M3, so the 944 was parked with the intent of selling it at some point, but my parents moved from Nashville to GA and shipped it down. In probably 05, I wanted to drive it again, so I trailered it back to Nashville. I drove it for about 3 months before the timing belt snapped, and it was trailered back to GA. It has been sitting in the hangar since. At some point my dad gave it a look over, and pulled some covers.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since its apart and the timing belt is snapped, we cant do a compression test on all the cylinders but we did do a leak down test and everything looked pretty okay. This is an interference engine, so if the belt goes the valves usually destroy a piston, but we looked at the belt and the ribs had worn down on a section of the belt. The belt may have slipped and the engine might be okay. We put a jump box on it and it turns over, which is great, but even better it doesnt sound like a coffee can full of nuts and bolts on a paint shaker..... We ordered the parts to rebuild the timing and started prepping the engine for reassembly.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The plan is to get it put back together and see if it runs.... If it does, then we are good to go and we can start fixing everything else. If it doesn't then we are back to parting it out..... Or an LS Swap....... But its not going to run with out gas so we also checked out the tank. As you would imagine, sitting for 17 years was not good for it. Fuel tank parts are on the way too, and we are going to drop the tank(which involves dropping the exhaust and transaxle because Porsche hates you.)

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am fairly optimistic though. My wife was cleaning out some boxes in the basement, and came across the keychain that I had on it all through high school... Are the car gods giving me a sign?

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I hope to have more news soon and I am excited about the possibility of driving my first car again. I might have to fight this guy for the keys though, hes taken quite the liking to it.


Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Mpower5266]

Oh, I just realized that I haven't posted since Oshkosh..... I got a blimp ride.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I even got a seat for my dad.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Trapps]

Glad you’re back! Love the 944 backstory. Porsche might ‘hate you,’ but ordering new OEM parts off the shelf isn't something most manufacturers enable 30+ years later.

Keep us posted!

 

[gearhead1960]

Welcome to the Blimp Club! I used to work for Goodyear in the 80's and as part of a corporate sales promotion got a ride on the blimp then. We boarded on the AOA at Dulles. Talk about a cool ride!

 

[pickles]

Pretty cool first car! How many times did you take Molly Ringwald out on a date in it?

 

[civhatch90]

if it runs.... If it does, then we are good to go and we can start fixing everything else. If it doesn't then we are back to parting it out..... Or an LS Swap....... But its not going to run with out gas so we also checked out the tank. As you would imagine, sitting for 17 years was not good for it. Fuel tank parts are on the way too, and we are going to drop the tank(which involves dropping the exhaust and transaxle because Porsche hates you.)

Couldn't you run it with an external/auxiliary gas can to ensure the engine is good before doing all that work?

 

[Mpower5266]

Couldn't you run it with an external/auxiliary gas can to ensure the engine is good before doing all that work?

Right now we are working on compression. Cylinder 1 is low but we think a valve may be sticking. Once we know it has compression we may do aux fuel to run it, but the tank needs to be sorted anyway so we just pulled it.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Glad to see some updates. Blimp ride looks awesome.

Love the red 944. I hope you are either able to salvage it or go through with an LS swap.

 

[Boosted1]

Whelen Aerospace Technologies. They make some good lights.

 

[02blueru]

In for the 944 content! I had an 84 in high school and I miss it badly. Guards red too. I've been toying with the idea of getting another one but most are in terrible condition or $$$. Funny enough my timing belt bit the dust as well... Pistons were ok but needed a head job.

Dug up an old photo.

 

[111R]

I seem to remember that the timing belt/water pump change interval for these cars was something like every 30k miles. Is this correct? i had a couple of air-cooled 911s back in the 80s when the 944 came out and considered buying one. I thought the 45k mile interval on my wife’s old Volvo 245 wagon was overkill until it broke at 44,743 miles and left her stranded a mile from home. Fortunately it was a non-interference engine so a new belt/water pump change was all it needed.

The more I read about cooling system issues and other fun things about maintenance access (as OP stated because Porsche hates you lol), I decided to stick with my air-cooled stuff. It was not all fun and games either but at least I knew what I was dealing with. As mentioned above 944s for sale these days are either on their 7th owner or pricey if in exceptional condition. Great handling cars that should bring more money vs any old air-cooled 911 bringing crazy amounts these days.

 

[Skellyii]

I seem to remember that the timing belt/water pump change interval for these cars was something like every 30k miles. Is this correct? i had a couple of air-cooled 911s back in the 80s when the 944 came out and considered buying one. I thought the 45k mile interval on my wife’s old Volvo 245 wagon was overkill until it broke at 44,743 miles and left her stranded a mile from home. Fortunately it was a non-interference engine so a new belt/water pump change was all it needed.

The more I read about cooling system issues and other fun things about maintenance access (as OP stated because Porsche hates you lol), I decided to stick with my air-cooled stuff. It was not all fun and games either but at least I knew what I was dealing with. As mentioned above 944s for sale these days are either on their 7th owner or pricey if in exceptional condition. Great handling cars that should bring more money vs any old air-cooled 911 bringing crazy amounts these days.

When they first came out I think Porsche specified 45K for the belts, but in practical use 30K was a heck of a lot safer. I've had a 93 944 since 1988, I'm the third owner.

As far as maintenance goes, I find it easier to work on compared to the BMWs I've owned.

Try replacing the electric water pump and thermostat on an xDrive E60 with the 3.0L.

 

[Mpower5266]

When they first came out I think Porsche specified 45K for the belts, but in practical use 30K was a heck of a lot safer. I've had a 93 944 since 1988, I'm the third owner.

As far as maintenance goes, I find it easier to work on compared to the BMWs I've owned.

Try replacing the electric water pump and thermostat on an xDrive E60 with the 3.0L.

Really, I would much rather work on my Bmws. I am not having fun with this thing.... more updates soon.

 

[Mpower5266]

Small updates. The leak down definitely showed an issue, so we pulled the head.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

There wasnt anything obvious but we did find this part of the cooling system that was rusted out. We were able to source one..... in France. So that took a couple of weeks.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Once we received that part we decided to just use the rebuilt head that we had on the shelf and replaced all the timing and balance belts.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We have the tank out and soaking it with cleaner. There was a lot of gunk but I am hoping its clean enough to reinstall it later this week. Since we had to pull the trans to get the tank out, we rebuilt the half shafts. I think we are going to probably go ahead and toss a clutch in it since it will be easy to get to it right now.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am hoping that it will make some noise in the next few days, but not too much noise.

 

[Mr.zippy]

Appreciate the update! I was wondering if you were going to save the old gal or not!

 

[Mpower5266]

Appreciate the update! I was wondering if you were going to save the old gal or not!

To be completely honest, I should have sold it for parts..... Haha.

 

[Bob Heine]

To be completely honest, I should have sold it for parts..... Haha.

Nick, before you know it your children will be old enough to drive. If they learn to drive the 944 (and maybe drive it to school) they will likely be the only ones in their school who can drive something with three pedals. The rest won't even know how to use the second pedal in their EV. Having that look on your son's face the first time he gets behind the wheel would be priceless. Another generation having that first car might be an emotional moment for you.

The only downside might be the relatively tame performance of the 944 (0-60 in 5.9 seconds) compared to the kid with a Kia EV6 GT (0-60 in 3.5 seconds).

 

[111R]

Nick, before you know it your children will be old enough to drive. If they learn to drive the 944 (and maybe drive it to school) they will likely be the only ones in their school who can drive something with three pedals. The rest won't even know how to use the second pedal in their EV. Having that look on your son's face the first time he gets behind the wheel would be priceless. Another generation having that first car might be an emotional moment for you.

The only downside might be the relatively tame performance of the 944 (0-60 in 5.9 seconds) compared to the kid with a Kia EV6 GT (0-60 in 3.5 seconds).

Bob: I think 0-60 times on a non-turbo 944 was closer to 8 seconds. Later turbo models got down to around 6 seconds if I remember correctly. If that’s the case this car will be embarrassed by many modern vehicles.

 

[Shelbylex]

Who cares unless you are competing?

It's the process!

 

[kmcteer]

I've been daily driving my old aircooled 911sc to work for the last couple weeks. I agree it is in the process, rev matching, double clutching, taping second to get 1st to engage, precise shifter motions to even engage gear. All of this to KEEP UP with traffic. My Tesla Model S on the other hand basically drives itself, is much quicker than traffic and is far more comfortable... somehow I just walk past it and jump in the Porsche when the sun is shining

-Kelly

 

[Mpower5266]

Yeah its slow, but I enjoy driving a slow car fast. I love taking the 02 out to rip around at the speed of smell.

 

[Mpower5266]

Couple of small updates.... I looked at the price of a battery for this thing, and decided to go with an Odyssey pc680 since I get them cheap at work. But first I had to find a mount. I found one on Rennline but it was kinda pricey so we did a little research and got one on amazon.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Not too bad and its going to save a lot of weight.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

After that my dad buttoned up the engine.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And put the cleaned fuel tank back in with new lines and a pump.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Only one thing left to do.....

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

That was supposed to be a video above.... here is a link.

https://flic.kr/p/2rGapvh
ITS ALIVE!!!!!! Now we just have everything left to do.