The Bimmer Basement

[Bob Heine]

Great thread, love the older BMW's. Your desire to attain perfection when cleaning your cars. I did have a question regarding foam cannons. I see that you use yours with a power washer. Does anyone use an air compressor to power them, I see that they exist. Are there benefits to one over the other? I can detail the **** out my cars, but I have always washed them the old school way, and am interested in moving to present day.
Thanks, Patrick

PatrickM, they sell air-powered foam cannons and I found a couple on Amazon for less than $50 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VH37135/?tag=atomicindus08-20).

I have no experience with this kind of foam cannon but my first pressure washer used compressed air and a garden hose and it worked a little better than a water nozzle alone. After I bought my first pressure washer, I threw it out.

If you don't have a pressure washer, they sell foam guns that use your household water pressure through a garden hose to make foam. They aren't as impressive as the cannons but they do work and unlike the air powered guns, you can disconnect the nozzle from the container to rinse the car off.

They are about the same price as the air powered foam guns so it's a toss-up. (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076GDSRTV/?tag=atomicindus08-20).

 

[PatrickM]

Bob, i actually have that foam gun that just attaches to the hose. It doesn't work all that great. I don't own a pressure washer as my F.I.L. worked for Sears for a really long time and said that they repaired or replaced them all of the time, that most pressure washers have very cheap metal components and he always said if I need to use one just rent one. Like most guys on here, I have an air compressor. I just figured that it would be a lot less money to invest in something like this foam cannon and simply connect to my compressor than spend even more on a pressure washer foam cannon and a pressure washer.
https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...5LEiTphgQnznp4bxR2ClF6-7mOu6PLD0aAk-cEALw_wcB

 

[Mpower5266]

I actually relaxed a little last night. I deleted the facebook app from my phone yesterday morning, made some tacos for dinner, took the M3 for a drive, snapped some pics, and had some beers. It was nice to log off and go for a drive.

IMG_7618 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Stopped to check out this building. It was a little neighborhood food mart and didnt have the best clientele. It closed not too long ago after a shooting. But now the neighborhood is really up and coming and its kind of a neat building. It has two garage bays too, it would be a cool antique shop or detail shop...

IMG_7617-2 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Just dreaming, but it would be cool to save it before someone tears it down and builds a McMansion.

 

[Bob Heine]

Bob, i actually have that foam gun that just attaches to the hose. It doesn't work all that great. I don't own a pressure washer as my F.I.L. worked for Sears for a really long time and said that they repaired or replaced them all of the time, that most pressure washers have very cheap metal components and he always said if I need to use one just rent one. Like most guys on here, I have an air compressor. I just figured that it would be a lot less money to invest in something like this foam cannon and simply connect to my compressor than spend even more on a pressure washer foam cannon and a pressure washer.
https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...5LEiTphgQnznp4bxR2ClF6-7mOu6PLD0aAk-cEALw_wcB

PatrickM, your F.I.L. is probably right. Home Depot rents an electric pressure washer for $39 a day and a small gas powered one for $79 a day.. If you plan to use one once or twice a year that's not bad but once a month gets pricey. That $99.99 Griot's Garage foam cannon you linked to requires a pressure washer but they have a lifetime guarantee.

It would make sense for me to rent a pressure washer but that ties me down to their availability and I would force myself to finish everything in a day no matter how hot and muggy the weather. I'm too old for that so I have three pressure washers (Florida climate = lots of Mold/Mildew on everything).

1. The gas powered Craftsman 2150psi, which replaced a small electric Karcher, lasted almost 10 years before I had to replace the pump. It was marginal for doing the driveway and fences but fine for the exterior walls of the house.
2. The electric start gas powered Suzuki's (3100psi) is great for cleaning fences, patios, driveways and walkways but overkill for a foam cannon. It's powerful enough to run a rotary head that cleans foot wide swaths on the ground.
3. The electric Sun Joe SPX1000 (1450psi) is perfect for the foam cannon but I had to adapt the pressure washer outlet to work with my no-name cannon. It currently sells for $97 but was on sale for $73 when I bought it back in 2017. Sun Joe sells a foam cannon that works with their proprietary hose ($39.99). Both are warranted for 2 years.

If you decide to go with an air-powered cannon, please share your experience. I know of no one who has used them so it's either a great tool with a secretive following or a not so great tool and owners are too embarrassed to share.

 

[tennesseewj]

I deleted the facebook app

Man it's no wonder you weren't relaxing!

Glad you were able to blow some steam off and get some cool pictures for us to enjoy [emoji482]

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[Mpower5266]

Man it's no wonder you weren't relaxing!

Glad you were able to blow some steam off and get some cool pictures for us to enjoy [emoji482]

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So much doom and gloom and arguing. If I go back I think I am going to delete anyone I havent met in person and just keep car stuff and close family and friends.

 

[swimrr]

Last week I was washing the E60 and a black E36 convertible drove by in great condition with nice wheels and a great stance. I gotta say, I'd really like one of those.

Thought I'd share my admiration of a nice BMW I don't see around very often.

 

[PatrickM]

Poop, Bob you are correct. I was half asleep the other evening when I posted that.

This is the foam sprayer I was thinking of and meant to link.

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product/air+foamer+sudsing+gun.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn

PatrickM, your F.I.L. is probably right. Home Depot rents an electric pressure washer for $39 a day and a small gas powered one for $79 a day.. If you plan to use one once or twice a year that's not bad but once a month gets pricey. That $99.99 Griot's Garage foam cannon you linked to requires a pressure washer but they have a lifetime guarantee.

It would make sense for me to rent a pressure washer but that ties me down to their availability and I would force myself to finish everything in a day no matter how hot and muggy the weather. I'm too old for that so I have three pressure washers (Florida climate = lots of Mold/Mildew on everything).

1. The gas powered Craftsman 2150psi, which replaced a small electric Karcher, lasted almost 10 years before I had to replace the pump. It was marginal for doing the driveway and fences but fine for the exterior walls of the house.
2. The electric start gas powered Suzuki's (3100psi) is great for cleaning fences, patios, driveways and walkways but overkill for a foam cannon. It's powerful enough to run a rotary head that cleans foot wide swaths on the ground.
3. The electric Sun Joe SPX1000 (1450psi) is perfect for the foam cannon but I had to adapt the pressure washer outlet to work with my no-name cannon. It currently sells for $97 but was on sale for $73 when I bought it back in 2017. Sun Joe sells a foam cannon that works with their proprietary hose ($39.99). Both are warranted for 2 years.

If you decide to go with an air-powered cannon, please share your experience. I know of no one who has used them so it's either a great tool with a secretive following or a not so great tool and owners are too embarrassed to share.

 

[Mpower5266]

Last week I was washing the E60 and a black E36 convertible drove by in great condition with nice wheels and a great stance. I gotta say, I'd really like one of those.

Thought I'd share my admiration of a nice BMW I don't see around very often.

Thank you.

Speaking of the M3 I got a set of lightly used brake pads from a friend of mine. He bought a car to build into a track car, he put new Akebono pads on it and then within 150 miles of street use he put a big brake kit on. I normally wouldnt buy used brake parts but these are basically new. I set the car up and jack stands and started with the drivers side rear.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Now I think its obvious that I am not normal and the fender well is not cleaned up to my standard. Out came the steamer. And 3 hours later I had new pads installed on the rear end.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Even coated the plastics, springs and shocks. Now I need to work on the front end this weekend. I might end up painting the calipers.

 

[swimrr]

Your dedication is why I thought of your M3 when that E36 convertible drove by. One day I hope to have my cars somewhat close to your level of perfection.

 

[A35Plt]

Ya'll post something and let's get this cool thread to 100 Pages!!!!!

 

[M-technik-3]

Car looks great, would be foolish to sell. Hope you decide to keep it.

 

[Mpower5266]

Ya'll post something and let's get this cool thread to 100 Pages!!!!!

Ill try.

Car looks great, would be foolish to sell. Hope you decide to keep it.

I think I am. I finished cleaning the fenders and installing the brakes.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Here is a video of the dirt getting rinsed off after steaming and scrubbing. So satisfying. Haha

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I took the M3 for a long drive, and brakes seemed fine and the front end shake may be gone. So I spent Sunday washing it and the wagon.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I think I am going to keep these two for a while.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am hoping to have more exciting news this week. I have a feeling the e9 might come back from paint, and the carport/wash bay was approved so it may go up this week as well.

 

[TX4runner]

Oh nice. E9 and wash bay!! Would be a great week.

 

[Rockcam]

So just steam, or steam + a cleaner?

They look great.

 

[Purist]

I think I am going to keep these two for a while.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

**** pair!

I am hoping to have more exciting news this week. I have a feeling the e9 might come back from paint, and the carport/wash bay was approved so it may go up this week as well.

 

[Mpower5266]

Oh nice. E9 and wash bay!! Would be a great week.

Fingers crossed.

So just steam, or steam + a cleaner?

They look great.

I used degreaser and steam. Wear a mask if you do it, the steam like weaponizes the degreaser and you will cough.

 

[TX4runner]

What is your steamer setup? Really impressive cleaning. Hope it doesn't have an OG price tag.

 

[Purist]

What is your steamer setup? Really impressive cleaning. Hope it doesn't have an OG price tag.

Amen to that. SunJoe makes an affordable steamer that I’m thinking about picking up this summer considering the great luck I’ve had with my SPX3000 pressure washer.


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[Mpower5266]

What is your steamer setup? Really impressive cleaning. Hope it doesn't have an OG price tag.

Amen to that. SunJoe makes an affordable steamer that I’m thinking about picking up this summer considering the great luck I’ve had with my SPX3000 pressure washer.


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No, not OG pricing at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G00BT72/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also Page 100!!!

 

[Purist]

No, not OG pricing at all.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G00BT72/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also Page 100!!!

Yeah this is another one I’ve had my eye on.

Oh sick, congrats dude!


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[Mpower5266]

I was bored last night so I took the wagon for cruise and snapped some pics.

IMG_7627 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7629 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7643 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7670 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I really need the gym to open back up.

 

[Ronin22]

I've been missing the gym too with this lock-down.
I downloaded an app (I've heard of it before, but I don't usually buy them just because... My BIL highly recommended it). It's Freeletics.
It let's you choose what type of exercise you want to do, how often, if you've got any kind of equipment at home, etc. I've been using it for almost a month, and I have to admit I really like it. Besides, the 3-month fee is what two 2 months of gym would cost me hehe.
There's a lot you can do (exercise wise) with no equipment at all. There's no excuse! (At least that's what I tell the man in the mirror every day lol).

Wagon looking mint, as usual.

 

[Mpower5266]

I've been missing the gym too with this lock-down.
I downloaded an app (I've heard of it before, but I don't usually buy them just because... My BIL highly recommended it). It's Freeletics.
It let's you choose what type of exercise you want to do, how often, if you've got any kind of equipment at home, etc. I've been using it for almost a month, and I have to admit I really like it. Besides, the 3-month fee is what two 2 months of gym would cost me hehe.
There's a lot you can do (exercise wise) with no equipment at all. There's no excuse! (At least that's what I tell the man in the mirror every day lol).

Wagon looking mint, as usual.

Ive been walking the dog but its not the same. I was getting in a good routine at the gym and seeing some losses where I wanted losses and gains where I wanted gains. Haha

 

[M-technik-3]

I honestly have decided I don't need the gym. I have maintained through this by just working around house and while at work.

 

[Hugo L.]

Your car is in serious need of some window tinting.

 

[Ronin22]

Ive been walking the dog but its not the same. I was getting in a good routine at the gym and seeing some losses where I wanted losses and gains where I wanted gains. Haha

Give the app a try! Really!

Your car is in serious need of some window tinting.

My DDs have always been tinted, merely for temperature reasons and the false sense of privacy. But, imho, cars look much much much better and cleaner without tint. Specially if they have nice interiors to show

 

[Mpower5266]

I honestly have decided I don't need the gym. I have maintained through this by just working around house and while at work.

I would probably be better off if I were stuck at home and not "essential."

Your car is in serious need of some window tinting.

Give the app a try! Really!



My DDs have always been tinted, merely for temperature reasons and the false sense of privacy. But, imho, cars look much much much better and cleaner without tint. Specially if they have nice interiors to show

I will likely get it tinted once the rona **** is over. Ill have to check out the app, but I think my gym is going to open soon.

 

[Purist]

I was bored last night so I took the wagon for cruise and snapped some pics.

IMG_7627 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7629 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7643 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7670 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I really need the gym to open back up.

The touring is looking great!

 

[Mpower5266]

The touring is looking great!

Thanks man.

I did a little more work on the e9 seats. I started with the top of the second rear seat and added a little extra dye to fix the sun damage. Its not perfect but it will work.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Then I feathered the dye into the rest of the seat back. The color looks different due to lighting.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Here is a shot with the rear seats swapped and the passenger front seat, just to show that the color is correct.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I just need to put the leather shield on them tonight and then wait for the car to come back from paint so I can do the drivers seat.

 

[BoilermakerFan]

OT, but since you're in aviation, do you watch Mike Patey or Trent Palmer on YT?

 

[Mpower5266]

OT, but since you're in aviation, do you watch Mike Patey or Trent Palmer on YT?

I don't. I like flying and working on the plane with my dad, but Im not really that into aviation. My customers burn me out. Haha.

 

[pat9198]

Those seats turned out great

 

[BoilermakerFan]

I don't. I like flying and working on the plane with my dad, but Im not really that into aviation. My customers burn me out. Haha.

Understood. I got burned out on DIY headphone audio because of "clients" and mostly the other manufacturers in the industry...

I'm an aviation junky, but my wife is terrified of flying and in no way will ever let me get my license, let alone a plane. That's probably the best for the wallet.

So I "fly" vicariously and virtually through those guys and OshKosh...

 

[Mpower5266]

I had a very lazy weekend, I guess it was needed. I found out on Friday that Oshkosh was cancelled, which is kind of a relief. I am sad Im not going but my wife was a little worried about me being gone so long when she is pregnant. So for the first time in like 5 years, I dont have a work trip planned. I basically sat around all day Saturday and did nothing. Sunday I got up early and washed the wagon.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Did some cleaning in the basement and watched some Obsessed Garage videos. Seeing Matt reliving his glory days and enjoying his Civic made me miss my first car. Thankfully I still have it, so I checked on it while swapping the M3 for the 02. I think this might be the next project when the e9 is done.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

After that I convinced my wife to drive the wagon while I snapped some rollers of my buddy's Golf R. They came out ok, I need to retry again soon.

IMG_7710 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_7725 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Then I jumped in my friends car and snapped a couple of the wagon. I am having a lot of fun playing with the camera lately.

IMG_7752 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am hopeful I will have a wash bay and maybe even an e9 update this week. We also may find out the *** of the twins tomorrow.

 

[Rockcam]

Who knew you had a P-car hiding in another stable - looks like it's in great condition. I wish I had kept my old 968. One of the best cars I ever owned.

You're getting quite good with the camera.

 

[Mpower5266]

Who knew you had a P-car hiding in another stable - looks like it's in great condition. I wish I had kept my old 968. One of the best cars I ever owned.

You're getting quite good with the camera.

Thank you, I am having fun with it. I need to shoot some other cars besides mine. I did edit another roller from Sunday yesterday while I was off work.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I took the day off to hopefully go to the Dr with my wife for her ultrasound but sadly I couldnt join her due to the Rona. Good news is that we have two healthy babies on the way, and I will let you know the *** soon enough.

Since I was off, I got around to putting the new license plate frame on the 02.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had these custom made. Hoffman Motors was the first US distributor for BMW. 99% of the 2002's, e9's, Bavaria's etc etc were imported by Max Hoffman. I have always wanted a dealer plate frame from them, and from what I have found, they never had them. This was my take on what it might look like, and I think it came out great. I ordered one for the e9 as well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The rest of the day, my wife and I just relaxed. We had big plans of going out for Cinco but instead threw a flank steak on the grill and made some Carne Asada.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I forgot the chips so I took the 02 down to the little Mexican market in town, I cant pass up a Coke with real sugar. My cup holder in the 02 is holding up well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We ate some tacos and chilled on the deck for a while.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am still holding out hope that the wash bay will be put up this week.

 

[Purist]

Thank you, I am having fun with it. I need to shoot some other cars besides mine. I did edit another roller from Sunday yesterday while I was off work.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Great shot! You're making me want to bust out my Canon 40D and start getting back into some non-iPhone picture taking!

I took the day off to hopefully go to the Dr with my wife for her ultrasound but sadly I couldnt join her due to the Rona. Good news is that we have two healthy babies on the way, and I will let you know the *** soon enough.

That is the most important thing. Glad to hear it, man...fantastic!!

Since I was off, I got around to putting the new license plate frame on the 02.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had these custom made. Hoffman Motors was the first US distributor for BMW. 99% of the 2002's, e9's, Bavaria's etc etc were imported by Max Hoffman. I have always wanted a dealer plate frame from them, and from what I have found, they never had them. This was my take on what it might look like, and I think it came out great. I ordered one for the e9 as well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

That's a really cool idea. Where did you get them made?

The rest of the day, my wife and I just relaxed. We had big plans of going out for Cinco but instead threw a flank steak on the grill and made some Carne Asada.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I forgot the chips so I took the 02 down to the little Mexican market in town, I cant pass up a Coke with real sugar. My cup holder in the 02 is holding up well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We ate some tacos and chilled on the deck for a while.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am still holding out hope that the wash bay will be put up this week.

Happy cinco!! Us and a few of our neighbors all hung out in our yards outside with the kids, adults with adult beverages and kids on all their various bikes/scooters/balance bikes/etc. Love my wife more than anything, but it sure was nice to socialize with other human beings for a change!

 

[M-technik-3]

Yum, great to hear about future minions.

PS I bought it.

 

[Purist]

Yum, great to hear about future minions.

PS I bought it.

Yesss!


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