The Bimmer Basement

[wreckdiver1321]

Congrats on the Speedy! I think that design is such a classic and beautiful watch. There's more to look at every time you examine one. Ties in well with your overall style too.

Awesome job on the recent interior work. Those seats are coming up nice and that steering wheel looks incredible for how it looked when you started. Really impressed by that, I think interior repair is witchcraft frankly. Of course, I thought that way about body work and then bought a rusty truck so I was forced to learn it....

Anyway, awesome updates. Can't wait to see more.

 

[Mpower5266]

Finished up the e24 interior over the weekend.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It just needs some mats and it will be good to go.

I also started "de-rednecking" the 2 dr Tahoe by removing the windshield tint. This is supposed to be a video...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And spend a little time washing cars yesterday since it was in the 60's. My pressure washer has a massive leak, so I am worried it may have cracked a few weeks ago when the temps dropped to the single digits. I am going to have to pull it and look it over, but that will give me an excuse to get the washbay shed reorganized.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[jbrentd]

Nice work on that steering wheel!

 

[Nolift911]

Fantastic thread - not sure how I missed this. Soft spot for the e36. Following.

 

[Mpower5266]

Fantastic thread - not sure how I missed this. Soft spot for the e36. Following.

I love it!!

 

[Mpower5266]

After a few years of ownership, the wagon let me down for the first time. I took a week off work, and wife and I rented a cabin in Asheville. The Air B&B specifically noted that a 4x4 is recomended so the wagon stayed home. The cabin...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The weather was really nice the week before, so I drove some other cars. Basically the wagon sat for 2 weeks plus. I decided that it needed to be driven so I hopped in, and *click.* Hmmm, "battery might be low" I thought so I hooked the jump box to it.... Nope. Starter...... My dad and I pushed the wagon into the garage, the M3 has taken over the daily driver duties for now.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I ordered the parts and after a couple of days FCP had them to my door..... I dug in last night.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Ahhh, there it is.....

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since the manifold was off, I decided to replace the hard to get to DISA valve.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And I checked the easier to get to one and it has failed... I am hoping FCP can get that to me as quick as the starter. I miss driving this thing.

As for other projects, the e24 is getting a new fuel pump and filter and some brake work before the vintage. The Tahoe is a hot mess and its probably going to get sold soon, hopefully not at a loss.

 

[jbrentd]

Dang, that starter is tucked way in there!

Love the cabin. My wife and I are thinking of a trip to that area again this year. We drove to Asheville last year to pick up the windshield for my coupe, but didn't stay long enough to enjoy it.

 

[MadeByMiller]

After a few years of ownership, the wagon let me down for the first time. I took a week off work, and wife and I rented a cabin in Asheville. The Air B&B specifically noted that a 4x4 is recomended so the wagon stayed home. The cabin...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Neat looking A frame! Do you have any interior shots by chance? We live in an A frame and I'm always curious to see how people configure their version of these unique homes.

 

[Mpower5266]

Neat looking A frame! Do you have any interior shots by chance? We live in an A frame and I'm always curious to see how people configure their version of these unique homes.

Just a couple. It was very small with a loft for the bed.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[MadeByMiller]

Just a couple. It was very small with a loft for the bed.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Thank you for sharing! Hard to go wrong with a Malm fireplace in an A frame, although I would argue that they are becoming just as trendy as black exteriors. Looks like a nice stay!

 

[Mpower5266]

After years of faithful service, the pressure washer in my wash bay developed a major leak. I nursed it by for a few months but the last time I tried to use it, it was surging so bad that it tripped the breaker. I pulled it apart to see if it could be serviced. The source of the leak..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I reached out to the company to see if seals could be sourced but they gave me the run around. I finally had to break down and buy a new unit. I did a little research and I wanted a Kranzle but I was worried about it running on the same circuit as my lights. I have heard that it needs a dedicated 20amp. I saved some money and grabbed an Active VE56.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Its about a 1/4 of the size of the old unit, so I need to make some adjustments on the hoses but I can tell in the few minutes I used it, that it is a major upgrade.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I will post more once I get it buttoned up, and chase some leaks. I cant wait to wash a car with it.

 

[MadeByMiller]

After years of faithful service, the pressure washer in my wash bay developed a major leak. I nursed it by for a few months but the last time I tried to use it, it was surging so bad that it tripped the breaker. I pulled it apart to see if it could be serviced. The source of the leak..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I reached out to the company to see if seals could be sourced but they gave me the run around. I finally had to break down and buy a new unit. I did a little research and I wanted a Kranzle but I was worried about it running on the same circuit as my lights. I have heard that it needs a dedicated 20amp. I saved some money and grabbed an Active VE56.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Its about a 1/4 of the size of the old unit, so I need to make some adjustments on the hoses but I can tell in the few minutes I used it, that it is a major upgrade.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I will post more once I get it buttoned up, and chase some leaks. I cant wait to wash a car with it.

HERE is a link to that pressure washer for anyone else who wanted to look it up after reading your post. I'm interested to hear your thoughts on it once you get a chance to use it. That's pretty inexpensive for the size and capability!

 

[latency]

Everything happens for a reason! I hear those actives (through Matty at OG) are pretty dang great!

 

[ebarker9]

This is timely, as I've been thinking about adding a permanently installed pressure washer to cut down on setup/breakdown time. Any reason why you opted for the VE56 rather than the slightly more expensive Active 2.0? Looks like the outlet/inlet orientation on the 2.0 might work better for my wall mounted setup.

 

[Mpower5266]

This is timely, as I've been thinking about adding a permanently installed pressure washer to cut down on setup/breakdown time. Any reason why you opted for the VE56 rather than the slightly more expensive Active 2.0? Looks like the outlet/inlet orientation on the 2.0 might work better for my wall mounted setup.

They had the ve56 in stock and the 2.0 wasn't different enough to make it worth waiting for. I love the VE56 by the way.

So its been a while. I had to go work an airshow in Florida and about 2 weeks later I am still kinda recovering. Quick update on the projects.

The Tahoe or the POS as we call it........ The last time I drove it, it pretty much died on me. I was able to limp it back to the house and we dug into it. Turns out the gas tank was full of rust and sludge, so we put a new tank in it. It also needed new front ball joints which will be replaced probably today. Then an alignment and it will be listed for sale. It was a mistake to buy it.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The e24 had a slight pull to the left under moderate braking, so while inspecting the brakes we noticed the rears were pretty worn.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Hard to really see, but the parking brake was replaced as well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

All the soft lines were kinda brittle so those were replaced.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Fresh stoppers..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Its stopping much better and doesn't pull. I think its ready for The Vintage.

The E9 has been great, but some small updates.. The drivers seat had a split that has been getting worse so we found a way to kinda "glue" it back together. We glued it and dyed it and it looks pretty good. We have a new seat cover that we will eventually install but I would like to keep the stock leather as long as I can.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Finally got around to getting this tag registered to the car. Its only like $5-10 to do this in Georgia so I figured why not?

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And Saturday, while I was working, my dad took it to a local show and it won its first award.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I may have a lead on some wheels for it....

And I finally got around to doing a project that I intended on doing since before the tornado. I put some peg board up in the wash bay cabinet. I am going to try to get it painted this week.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The last few months have been really crazy with travel, holidays, work, kids, etc etc. I am going to make a real effort to get all the cars back to my standards and get the garage and wash bay cleaned and organized. Hopefully I will have more to post soon.

 

[Mpower5266]

I am loving the new pressure washer. Its moving 2gpm and that makes for really thick foam.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I was having some issues with the coating, water spots on the hood and the back of the car was feeling kinda crunchy. I gave it a quick clay and wiped it down with Gtechniq water spot remover and it seems to have refreshed the coating. I barely had to dry the car off.

 

[MadeByMiller]

Oh man, I can't wait to use my new setup with foam cannon! The weather has not been cooperating since it showed up the other day. What soap do you like to use in your foam cannon? That foam is amazing.

 

[Mpower5266]

Oh man, I can't wait to use my new setup with foam cannon! The weather has not been cooperating since it showed up the other day. What soap do you like to use in your foam cannon? That foam is amazing.

Oh nice!!! I was looking at that one as well, but I dont have a dedicated 20 amp breaker.

 

[111R]

After a few years of ownership, the wagon let me down for the first time. I took a week off work, and wife and I rented a cabin in Asheville. The Air B&B specifically noted that a 4x4 is recomended so the wagon stayed home. The cabin...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The weather was really nice the week before, so I drove some other cars. Basically the wagon sat for 2 weeks plus. I decided that it needed to be driven so I hopped in, and *click.* Hmmm, "battery might be low" I thought so I hooked the jump box to it.... Nope. Starter...... My dad and I pushed the wagon into the garage, the M3 has taken over the daily driver duties for now.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I ordered the parts and after a couple of days FCP had them to my door..... I dug in last night.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Ahhh, there it is.....

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since the manifold was off, I decided to replace the hard to get to DISA valve.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And I checked the easier to get to one and it has failed... I am hoping FCP can get that to me as quick as the starter. I miss driving this thing.

As for other projects, the e24 is getting a new fuel pump and filter and some brake work before the vintage. The Tahoe is a hot mess and its probably going to get sold soon, hopefully not at a loss.

Sometimes the starters on e90s have been known to go out when the battery is weak. At least that what I read some years ago.

 

[Chance]

Another small e24 update. The steering wheel was rough. We bought a new one but it didnt fit since its a 1983 model, so we decided to refinish it.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Glued in a piece of leather

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Used a super glue gel and sanded.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Applied a black leather dye.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And after a few coats and letting it dry.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am very happy with the results.

On another note, the Tahoe is tagged and insured. Just waiting on the brakes to come today before I can start driving it.

Very cool stuff. Those are pretty impressive fixes for the interior wear and age.

I have a 2004 BMW 330Ci i'm working on, and I don't know anything about leather work. I have the classic worn spot on my driver's side seat bolster, where the color is gone and I see pale gray leather instead. (Happen to have a leather chair where the seat cusion looks "cracked" in the same way, don't know if that's any different)

1. Do you dye the leather yourself, or is that something you have to send out.
2. If the former, what's a good place to start about learning to do that?
3. After you patched sanded and dyed, what did you "apply a few coats of"? More dye, or something that clearcoats the leather?

Thanks.

 

[Mpower5266]

Very cool stuff. Those are pretty impressive fixes for the interior wear and age.

I have a 2004 BMW 330Ci i'm working on, and I don't know anything about leather work. I have the classic worn spot on my driver's side seat bolster, where the color is gone and I see pale gray leather instead. (Happen to have a leather chair where the seat cusion looks "cracked" in the same way, don't know if that's any different)

1. Do you dye the leather yourself, or is that something you have to send out.
2. If the former, what's a good place to start about learning to do that?
3. After you patched sanded and dyed, what did you "apply a few coats of"? More dye, or something that clearcoats the leather?

Thanks.

I dyed it myself using Colourlock. If you are just missing the color on the bolster and not material, you should just be able to dye it. They have some videos on their website explaining the process.

 

[Chance]

I dyed it myself using Colourlock. If you are just missing the color on the bolster and not material, you should just be able to dye it. They have some videos on their website explaining the process.

Thanks! And what about Q3? Was the "few coats of" just the dye, or is there a separate finish on top of the dyed leather?

 

[Mpower5266]

Thanks! And what about Q3? Was the "few coats of" just the dye, or is there a separate finish on top of the dyed leather?

Oh yeah on the steering wheel, it was just standard black leather dye from Amazon.

The Tahoe is finally running okay so I started to clean it up a little. I started with polishing the head and tail lights.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Then I scrubbed the whole interior down with P&S interior cleaner. I love cheap vinyl interiors.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Not to shabby.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I might put the effort into polishing it soon.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

That looks pretty good, I'll have to pick some up for my '98 C1500...same color interior and it has some stubborn griminess that's hard to get out.

 

[Mpower5266]

I havent been up to much. We had a Kentucky Derby party Saturday so we dropped the kiddos off with my folks. They had a great time playing in the garage with grandpa.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Sunday while the kids napped, I finally got around to pressure washing our deck furniture. I didnt realize this but we never really cleaned it the deck up after the tornado.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We also found a set of wheels for the e24. Not the BBS super RS that I was hoping for but the price was right and they are much better than the stock 14's. I have some small spacers coming and we are popping some new tires on it. I think they look pretty good.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Mpower5266]

Fun weekend. Saturday was pretty relaxing. Spent a lot of time out in the yard with the kiddos and got their cars out for a bit.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And made some Carne Asade and hung out on the deck for a while. My wife's mothers day request.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Of course we had some margaritas.... Oh and I got a new watch recently.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Sunday, the kids started the day off by organizing my watch straps.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And got some dude time with my boy.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

When they went down for naps, I helped my father in law work on my sons play house.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

My daughters house that we finished up a few weeks ago.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also got away for a bit to take some pics of the e24 with its new wheels and tires.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I think its ready for The Vintage this weekend. I need to check the torque on the lugs, give it a quick clean, recharge the AC and pack it up. We head out Thursday morning, and if the weather is looking good I am going to surprise my dad with a short detour to Deals Gap.

 

[fouckhest]

Have fun at the vintage, I've always wanted to check that out but always falls on the same weekend as the VW weekend in Helen....

e24 is looking good!

 

[DrinkMan]

I'll see you at The Vintage. I guess there isn't enough room in the boot of your car to bring your kid's 507s. Too bad, that would be a big hit.

 

[Mpower5266]

I'll see you at The Vintage. I guess there isn't enough room in the boot of your car to bring your kid's 507s. Too bad, that would be a big hit.

Not yet, but maybe in the next few years. Are you going to be at the Clarion?

 

[DrinkMan]

Not yet, but maybe in the next few years. Are you going to be at the Clarion?

No. We came up early to take a vacation in the mountains and rented a cabin on the water in Hot Springs (being retired, it was real easy to get the vacation request approved). Means we will be commuting a long distance to the Rally and the museum tour but I don't care. Yesterday we drove The Rattler with its 290 curves. We plan on doing some bird watching and hiking in the area. Last evening we watched a family of beaver frolic right outside our deck.

 

[zeug]

Mmm. Love me some tii touring. It looks like you have a nice collection. Got a thread for your cars?

Zeug

 

[DrinkMan]

Mmm. Love me some tii touring. It looks like you have a nice collection. Got a thread for your cars?

Zeug

No. I've had a few requests to start a thread (I don't even know where I'd put it) but since I tend to buy them already restored and complete and my efforts are keeping them running and fixing them (which is a major project by itself) and I'm no where near as talented as everyone else I felt it would not be as interesting. The search and acquisition would probably be the only thing of interest but no tools are involved (for example, this touring was bought at an estate sale in Vienna sight unseen after attempting to buy one similar at auction and coming up short. then, it ended up in a 16 day confiscation by Homeland Security when I imported it despite the fact that I've imported 2 other cars previously).

 

[zeug]

No. I've had a few requests to start a thread (I don't even know where I'd put it) but since I tend to buy them already restored and complete and my efforts are keeping them running and fixing them (which is a major project by itself) and I'm no where near as talented as everyone else I felt it would not be as interesting. The search and acquisition would probably be the only thing of interest but no tools are involved (for example, this touring was bought at an estate sale in Vienna sight unseen after attempting to buy one similar at auction and coming up short. then, it ended up in a 16 day confiscation by Homeland Security when I imported it despite the fact that I've imported 2 other cars previously).

There are plenty of us who acquire their collection in similar ways to you. I believe they would enjoy the hunt, kill, and maintenance with you. I am a mix of this method and restoration. The last car I bought was while on vacation at a lake house at Lake of the Ozarks. It was in St Louis and they agreed to deliver it to the lake house. Since I was towing a boat with the Tundra, my wife and her best friend drove it the 12 hours home.

I am also mod/restoring a VW Thing with my 16 yo son.

Keeping the stable running well can feel like a full time job at times . It seems like there is a code to read or an oil change to do almost every weekend at my place. My sons Volvo 740i with Bosh Motronic contributes more than it should to this work load.

What interested me was the cars you list in your sig. Most of them are cars I would welcome in my collection.

The Vienna story is awesome. Thanks for sharing. I work in AT quite a bit and have been tempted by a few cars there.

Zeug

 

[Mpower5266]

No. We came up early to take a vacation in the mountains and rented a cabin on the water in Hot Springs (being retired, it was real easy to get the vacation request approved). Means we will be commuting a long distance to the Rally and the museum tour but I don't care. Yesterday we drove The Rattler with its 290 curves. We plan on doing some bird watching and hiking in the area. Last evening we watched a family of beaver frolic right outside our deck.

Oh cool. I have done that twice. I prefer the party scene at the hotel but its really nice being right there. I think next year my parents might bring a car and stay in Hot Springs and my wife and I might stay at the Clarion. I will keep an eye out for you.

 

[Bob Heine]

I've had a few requests to start a thread (I don't even know where I'd put it) but since I tend to buy them already restored and complete and my efforts are keeping them running and fixing them (which is a major project by itself) and I'm no where near as talented as everyone else I felt it would not be as interesting.

@DrinkMan, assuming you have a garage for your collection, the Garage Gallery forum would make sense. Those of us who were around when your oldest vehicle was new are familiar with their features and specs but our kids (mine are in their 60s) and grandkids (oldest in their 30s) have no idea. Many on the Garage Journal drive vehicles with a clutch pedal but many of those have never driven a vehicle with a non-synchromesh first gear. Some may have never seen a car with 13-inch wheels and tires or a full-size spare. Ten posts on each of your cars would scratch the surface and I, for one would be a big fan!

 

[Mpower5266]

The vintage was a blur. I took some pictures of the show, but I havent had time to deal with them yet. I will try to get them up soon. The e24 was pretty good but it has some issues. Some shaking under braking and it feels a little sluggish, but overall it was a trooper. Obligatory shot at the "step" mothership.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since it performed so well, I treated it to a much needed bath Tuesday night.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

While I was gone my wife and FIL worked on my sons play house a bit. They got the walls up and set up the inside a little.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And they installed the front porch. Yes thats a bug hood...... trunk?

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also started to prep the white 02 project for someone to come look at it this weekend. It feels like I failed a little but I just dont see myself digging into it anytime soon.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also found some 60's roof rack mounts. I think I am going to build something like this over the next few weeks.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[DrinkMan]

Here you go. Spotted at the Vintage:

 

[Mpower5266]

Here you go. Spotted at the Vintage:

Awesome. I saw your car a few times this weekend but no one was ever around it.

 

[DrinkMan]

Awesome. I saw your car a few times this weekend but no one was ever around it.

Strangely enough, there was a twin to ours and no one was ever around that one.

Ours:


The twin:

 

[Mpower5266]

Strangely enough, there was a twin to ours and no one was ever around that one.

Ours:


The twin:
I

I saw both. Yours was closer to the center of the show field right?