The Bimmer Basement

[nicholam77]

Some actual house updates.. my wife wanted built ins on either side of the fire place. I am fairly handy but not very good at wood working so thankfully she found this "hack" for the Ikea billy bookcases.

I made built-ins for my fireplace. It was a lot of work. Especially with the scale of yours (full height), I can tell you right now you just saved a ton of time and effort.

 

[jonshonda]

It might be too late now, but you could use the baseboard trim from behind the cabinets, and apply it to the front of the cabinets to give them the built in look.

 

[111R]

Constant CEL after replacing the starter. I am assuming that I left something unhooked when I replaced the starter, or one of the DISA valves failed(they were both replaced when I did the starter.) I just havent had time to dig into that. Also an oil leak and the headliner is starting to sag. Front clip could use a repaint as well. Its just a matter of everything else being "broken" as well so having something electric with zero maintenance sounds appealing.

When my 2nd kid came along, I sold my 911SC daily driver and bought a 1st gen Integra. This was followed by a manual Maxima and other reliable Japanese cars as daily drivers. I had my ‘69 Lotus Elan restoration project to keep my hand in, but was too busy raising kids to fool with European stuff on a daily basis. Once they were off to college I resumed my German car habit.

I know a few car nuts who have gone over to Teslas for daily drivers. It’s kind of like a cult in some ways, as many owners get angry if you say anything negative about the brand. I can see the attraction but as stated above, battery failure could be an expensive ordeal. On the other hand reports are that prices for used ones have fallen for a variety of reasons. If the price is right for a used Model 3, then why not?

 

[MrPink]

When my 2nd kid came along, I sold my 911SC daily driver and bought a 1st gen Integra. This was followed by a manual Maxima and other reliable Japanese cars as daily drivers. I had my ‘69 Lotus Elan restoration project to keep my hand in, but was too busy raising kids to fool with European stuff on a daily basis. Once they were off to college I resumed my German car habit.

I know a few car nuts who have gone over to Teslas for daily drivers. It’s kind of like a cult in some ways, as many owners get angry if you say anything negative about the brand. I can see the attraction but as stated above, battery failure could be an expensive ordeal. On the other hand reports are that prices for used ones have fallen for a variety of reasons. If the price is right for a used Model 3, then why not?

its kinda funny, I did the opposite when my 2nd was born, I went back to German cars. Granted my VW is a toy not a daily. I have my Suburban for that so i have something reliable.

I understand the Tesla cult, but i drive too much and my Garage's electrical infrastructure currently couldn't handle an EV charger of any sort. They are nice cars for Thee, but not for me. I will stick with I.C.E vehicles. I have been looking at trading in the Suburban ang getting back into a VW Diesel.

 

[111R]

I’m not ready for electric, either. If it works for someone else, I won’t knock it. Mainstream Japanese makes typically are less trouble than German cars in my experience. I definitely like the driving experience of the German cars better though.

 

[MrPink]

I’m not ready for electric, either. If it works for someone else, I won’t knock it. Mainstream Japanese makes typically are less trouble than German cars in my experience. I definitely like the driving experience of the German cars better though.

Yep I have had my fair share of Japanese based vehicle. Honda/Acura specifically, they are dead nuts reliable for sure.

 

[Mpower5266]

It might be too late now, but you could use the baseboard trim from behind the cabinets, and apply it to the front of the cabinets to give them the built in look.

I think we are going to add some 1/4 round to tie it in.

A little more progress on the "built-ins."

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also spent a little time this morning cleaning up and organizing my desk/watch station.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The built ins need another coat of paint on the tops and trim but they are almost ready for the bookcases. We also signed with a contractor to do the basement, so hopefully that will get started soon. And as usual..... I need to get out into the garage to get some organizing going out there.

 

[Mpower5266]

I have a gate to the back yard. Hopefully we can get the yard mowed and all the dog poop from the previous owners cleaned up.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Purist]

Glad to see the previous owners couldn't be bothered to pick up the dog poop. Bet they don't return their shopping carts when they finish loading groceries into their vehicles, either.

 

[Mpower5266]

Glad to see the previous owners couldn't be bothered to pick up the dog poop. Bet they don't return their shopping carts when they finish loading groceries into their vehicles, either.

Dude it is so bad. Its everywhere.

Busy weekend. I spent all day Saturday antiquing in the rain. We didn't get too much but it was fun... I got some Waffle House out of the deal.. Haha

Today I worked on a little project with the kiddos in the morning.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Even the Roomba wanted to check it out...

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3 more to go...

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After that I worked on getting my pressure washer set up. I want to do a wall mount but for now I decided to mount it and the hose reel to this cart my dad had laying around. I need to make some modifications but it worked pretty well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had to test it out, so I washed my wife's Tahoe for the first time in months and gave the wagon a bath.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

More to come soon...

 

[Mr.zippy]

Thanks for the updates.....never get tired of seeing that wagon!

 

[Mpower5266]

Quick shelf update. My fil came by a couple days ago and put the finishing touches on the left built in. I still need to put the other two shelves together, probably tonight.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And my wife put her touch on it. I am really happy with how these came out.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We also got some wall paper put up... The half bath, my wife wanted to go funky.

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And the dinning room. I miss the green, haha. Dont mind the messed up chair leg, they sent us two lefts..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Quick shelf update. My fil came by a couple days ago and put the finishing touches on the left built in. I still need to put the other two shelves together, probably tonight.



Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The built ins came out good. One suggestion, when we did a set at my parents, we took the trim used for the center and ripped it down on each side to create trim for the left and right of the built ins to match the center trim.

 

[Mpower5266]

Quick check in. The shelves are finished.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The dining room is also finished.

IMG_7082 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I also snuck over to my parents house this morning to work on the 02 a little.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The new flywheel is about a 60-70 % lighter, at least by feel.

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New clutch.

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Fresh(hopefully) 4 speed.

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Lunch in the shop just tastes better.

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Trans is in place.

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Hopefully it will be buttoned up in the next day or so and I can drive it a little before my annual Florida airshow trip.

 

[Mpower5266]

Well my dad got the 02 reassembled and reverse was completely shot in the "fresh" transmission. We are picking another one up this week. The anchor has already been removed, womp womp.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I went to a watch even over the weekend in Atlanta and met up with a guy from a watch forum I am on. He had a kid car that was collecting dust and asked if I wanted it. So I have another project to work on.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I tried to hide it from the kiddos because I kinda wanted to display it since it's signed by Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell. But my boy saw it.... so I think it might be his.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

More updates soon.

 

[TX4runner]

You going to let him convert from a Bimmer to Chevy guy? Nice pickup especially with the signatures.

 

[JJC]

But Dad you have more than one car Just trying to be like you

 

[kmcteer]

Not sure what I would do with a signed kid car ... Definitely wouldn't let a kid drive it. My kiddos go through about 1 a year. Fun toys to soup up with drill batteries and bigger motors...

 

[Mpower5266]

Not sure what I would do with a signed kid car ... Definitely wouldn't let a kid drive it. My kiddos go through about 1 a year. Fun toys to soup up with drill batteries and bigger motors...

I think hes already forgotten about it. I need to get it put up out of sight.

 

[Mpower5266]

We got the 02 back together with another trans, thankfully the 4 speeds are dirt cheap. Its good.... The flywheel makes the revs so effortless. Now it needs a little more power.

We also had some deck stairs added on last week. They turned out great.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They are extremely solid.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The same guy that did the deck stairs is going to start finishing part of the basement this week. I can wait to get that project done since it was the big selling point of the new house. After that I can really press in the garage.

 

[nicholam77]

Wow, you're moving quick with the house, lot's accomplished so far!

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Places is already coming along quickly and becoming your own.

Bummer on the trans though.

 

[Mpower5266]

Back at it after spending 2 weeks in sunny Florida..... One airshow knocked out for the year. While I was gone, the workers made quite a bit of progress on the basement..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They determined that the span in front of where we are going to build a bar isnt load bearing so we dont need to add posts. They strapped it just to make sure there isnt any sag.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I cannot wait!!!!

 

[kap384]

In case you want some bar ideas. 2 kegs on tap with built-in glass rinser, brushed stainless counters, but most important in my opinion is uplit bottles. Downlit bottles just show dusty bottles. I accomplished it using Polycarbonate shelves with a routered in groove where I could run a programmable LED strip.

 

[wyndscreen]

Moving quick and looking good!

Can't believe there were no stairs up to the back deck.

 

[Mpower5266]

Just some small car updates. Got a new tag for the 02, and Ive been getting it ready for the vintage.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I have been driving the M3 a little more often... it has thanked me by illuminating its check engine light. I cleared the codes and took it a meet in Atlanta yesterday, and it stayed off. Hopefully it just need to be run.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The twins helped me wash the wagon.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The coating is holding up great, almost 2 1/2 years later.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They accidentally recreated my wife and I's pregnancy announcement photo. I really need to get the garage together at the new place.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And a quick basement update. I think they are painting later this week.

https://flic.kr/p/2pN9M2y

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

Once you get the house situated inside the garage will come together in no time.

They are making quick work of the basement it seems. Always amazes me how fast drywall goes up.

 

[Bob Heine]

Always amazes me how fast drywall goes up.

Especially when the pros are doing it.

 

[Mpower5266]

Just some quick basement updates, we are hoping for paint this week.

Main rooms.
Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Bathroom.
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Wife's office.
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I cant wait to get it all set up and have some friends over. This space is going to soften the blow of losing my wash bay.

 

[Mpower5266]

They got some color down late last week.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I believe they are doing the final coat today. After that, getting all the door knobs installed, bathroom stuff and french doors. They should be done this week.

Once they are done, we will start on our "DIY" jobs. First will be to address the floors but I am not 100% sure what we are doing. Its concrete and in pretty good shape, so we might just seal it to dress it up? Maybe paint it a brighter grey color? I am open to suggestions.

 

[111R]

Try Sherwin Williams Techno Grey or Sedate Grey. They’re much lighter than this but have a greenish tint.

 

[Mpower5266]

Thursday morning I packed up the 02, picked up my Dad, and headed to Asheville for our annual Vintage trip.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It performed flawlessly but of course we came up with a little punch list of problems to address. I was too busy hanging out with friends to take a ton of pics but here are a few that I took.

Factory M5 touring.
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

While I was gone the contractors finished up the basement.

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

They got some paint over spray on the floor, which I have been able to scrape up with a putty knife, but if anyone has a powered suggestion for cleaning it up, I am all ears.

And yesterday afternoon, we got home safe and sound.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[davidstutler]

Dang it, Nick! I was there too - all the way from Kansas! Didn't think to even be on the lookout for you.

My buddy Darrin flew in from the UK last week and we made the trek. He was in the Avus E34 M540i and I was in my Avus E31. He broke down on Saturday right after the show, so he's still in NC this morning working out details. I drove the 13 hours back home yesterday - the E31 performed flawlessly.

Can't believe I missed an opportunity to meet my birthday buddy face-to-face.

 

[Mpower5266]

Dang it, Nick! I was there too - all the way from Kansas! Didn't think to even be on the lookout for you.

My buddy Darrin flew in from the UK last week and we made the trek. He was in the Avus E34 M540i and I was in my Avus E31. He broke down on Saturday right after the show, so he's still in NC this morning working out details. I drove the 13 hours back home yesterday - the E31 performed flawlessly.

Can't believe I missed an opportunity to meet my birthday buddy face-to-face.

Haha we actually talked for a little bit. I was in an orange hat hanging with Jeff Barrow and Justin Murry. Both of those cars were stunning.

 

[davidstutler]

Oh jeez - of course! Thankful I didn't miss out on the opportunity to meet you. Just wish I would have made the connection.

First time meeting Justin too - after years of trying to buy one car or another from him.

 

[Mpower5266]

Oh jeez - of course! Thankful I didn't miss out on the opportunity to meet you. Just wish I would have made the connection.

First time meeting Justin too - after years of trying to buy one car or another from him.

I didnt make the connection either. Too much sun and beer probably. Haha.

 

[Mpower5266]

I found a quicker way to clean the floors.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

But its super messy.....

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I am using poly rust removing wheel on my angle grinder. Its probably not right but damn it works. I left my wife a little note in new sink that she just cleaned.......

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Mpower5266]

Busy few days....

While my dad and I were on the Vintage trip, we noticed some issues with the 02. We put a list together and I left it with my dad when we got home.

We noticed that the exhaust was loose.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

While tightening that up, we found the resonator to be rattling. That was removed and replaced with a straight pipe.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The headrests were split on the bottom, and some foam was coming out.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And finally we started testing the AC system for install.

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Lets see, what else happened.... went to cars and coffee.

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Had to beat a bad storm/hail home.

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We had some friends over Sunday and I tried my hand at poorman's burnt ends, basically just cut up a chuck roast. It was pretty good.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Oh yeah........ I finished the basement floor. I almost forgot... Haha. Friday night, I finished all the grinding and scraping, and gave the whole basement a good mop and sweep.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Saturday afternoon, we went to Home Depot and grabbed some Behr wet look sealer.

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I started in my wife's office. She has a large rug set aside for her office so we figured most of it would be covered if we didn't like it.

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Since we had people over Sunday we didnt really work in the basement but we were happy with how the office turned out so Monday we hit the rest of the basement.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had to great a sneak peek of the second coat last night before going to bed.

by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And the results this morning.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

There are some spots that are a little streaky but I am very happy with the results. Hardwood would have probably looked a little better, but we have maybe $250 into this and I think it looks great. We are hoping to start putting furniture in this week and the bar cabinets will be here next week I believe.

 

[cccoltsicehockey]

The space came out great. Has a very cool feel to it. Nice work.

 

[zanyad]

Very nice, I like the concrete with sealer!