The Bimmer Basement

[Mpower5266]

To be honest, I've always been a snob about metal carports. I always thought they were flimsy and yet I never felt that way about metal garages. I've always worried about wind loads on it without having walls. After seeing what yours has survived I have changed my mind. I have a spot on my property that I am interested in placing a carport. What brand is your carport as it does seem more stout than many that I've seen.

I got it from a local company but I think its a Sturdi built. Something like that. It honestly would have been fine if the neighbors shed didn't roll into it. We had 170ish mph winds but my house is at the bottom of a hill so I don't think it took those kinds of winds, but it was strong enough to roll a shed down the hill into it.

I didn't do much this weekend, we had a friends bday and mothers day. I wasnt allowed to do too much car/shop related stuff. We did get the seat belt holders in.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

These are just simple leather straps that are held on to the headrest with velcro. The seat belt is always were I want it, but it could break free in the case of an accident. I thought it was a pretty good solution.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We also adjusted the rear brakes so I took it on a little drive to test it out Sunday afternoon. I got some pretty awful news about a friend Sunday morning, it was nice to clear my head a little. Its also really hard to find a good shady spot for photos around town since the tornado, this was the best I could do.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It will hopefully make its cars and coffee debut, this coming Saturday.

I was hoping to have some photos of the new windows and door in my house today, but its raining so it was pushed back. The should be installed in the next few days. We have also hatched a plan to finish out a room in the basement to make it a play room/hang out. More on that soon.

 

[The J]

Great updates.

Glad to see the house repairs are coming along - the basement rec room would be a great addition and will be useful to keep kids’ piles of toys out of your living room!

Today’s blipshift is a vintage BMW gem, in case you needed to do t-shirt shopping. https://www.blipshift.com/

 

[Mpower5266]

Great updates.

Glad to see the house repairs are coming along - the basement rec room would be a great addition and will be useful to keep kids’ piles of toys out of your living room!

Today’s blipshift is a vintage BMW gem, in case you needed to do t-shirt shopping. https://www.blipshift.com/

Just actually ordered a hoodie. Haha.

 

[Mpower5266]

No updates on the house... I am still holding out hope that we will have windows this week maybe even today. I did a little cleaning up around the yard this weekend but I was actually pretty busy.

Saturday I took the E9 to its first cars and coffee. It ran great and was a huge hit. I parked, and by the time I got out of the car, I was in 3 conversations. I didnt get a chance to take any pictures or really even walk around. I ducked out a little early and grabbed some BBQ with my buddy.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I wanted to drive around for a bit more after lunch but people have been drinking gas around here so the e9 was running a little low. On the way back to the shop I noticed people pumping gas at a station so I stopped... They had gas!!!

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since the tank was full, I cruised around for a bit and put some real miles on the car for the first time. The Italian tune ups seem to be helping a lot, its running, starting and smelling better. My inlaws had their anniversary this weekend, and we had the twins baptized by my wifes preacher grandma, so my brother in-law was in town. I stopped by and showed them the car and snapped a quick pick while I was there.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The nardi wheel and coco mats should be in soon but its running like a top now. It such a good car.

Ive been really busy and its hard to get down to the garage to work on stuff. My garage is in terrible shape since the tornado. The wagon needs a ton of parts and a detail. The 02 needs an oil change and a good clean. And the m3 needs a good clean up for a trip this weekend to the CCA foundation. So with all these projects, I have to budget my time accordingly. Of course, I just procrastinate and browse ebay for watch deals. I ended up getting the watch on the left for waaaaaay too cheap the other day.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It needs a little love but the movement is working great. I have new seals and a crystal on the way, so I will work on that when I have some of that non existent free time. I will be selling the one on the right eventually.

After the baptism Sunday, I used some of that non existent free time to just chill out with the wife and kiddos. I decided to see how they fit in their little cars. They aren't quite there yet, but they did look cute.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Fly170]

Ives is 'chilling' and Griggs is saying "We need a Nardi"

 

[Mpower5266]

Ives is 'chilling' and Griggs is saying "We need a Nardi"

Oh no, pops is here.

Speaking of.....

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flicker

Hopefully dad will get off the forums and put that on today. HAHA. Although I cant complain, he did wire up the third brake light last night.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I will hopefully have installed Nardi pics today.

 

[Jarch]

that third brake light looks good! looks nice and new without taking away from the classic good looks. that wheel is gonna look and feel great!

 

[Mpower5266]

So I got the parts for the old Seiko in yesterday and decided to work on it after the kiddos went to bed. The point of no return.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The old pusher seals were rock hard, and causing them to stick. I had to cut them off with a razor blade. Forcing the new ones on was no treat either, but I found this little trick on ebay and popped them on with a tooth pick.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Cleaned up with all new seals, pusher springs, and a crystal. Besides the pusher seals it was pretty simple. It would have been even better with a decent set of tweezers, so I am in the market for a pair.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And I popped it on a leather rally strap. Its going to look amazing in with the new wheel in the e9.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

There was also a little progress on the house yesterday. The windows and door have been delayed again until Friday the 21st, which in contractor speak, that is Tuesday the 25th. But they did get the new gutters installed. My wife went a little bold with the black ones, but I think its going to look good with the new siding color.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Its starting to get back to normal.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Oh, I mentioned the new wheel in the e9 earlier..

Yeah, this works.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[jbrentd]

Love all of the updates.

Btw, nice 6139's. I have a couple myself.

 

[mmsheb]

What water hose do you use for car washing? Are you happy with it?

 

[kwyjibo]

I was just catching up on all the posts that I've missed in the past couple months but wanted to stop in to say that your coupe is looking great! I look forward to photos from your visit to the CCA Foundation

 

[Mpower5266]

Wow that new forum set up is weird... I am not sure how to actually do the multi-quote anymore...

MMsheb, do you mean the hose on the pressure washer or the actual water hose.

kwyjibo, thank you and I will try to get the photos up soon. I am way behind at work since I have been off since Wed.

The house is starting to get back to normal, on Thursday they installed the front windows. I was so nice to finally take down the plywood.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Friday I went up to the CCA foundation for a car meet and to tour the museum. It was a lot of fun and I will get the pics up soon. I wussed out and took a modern car. As with all of my trips to the CCA, a stop at the waffle house near the plant was a must. It a tradition at this point.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

When I got home, I had trouble getting in the house... Someone moved my door...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

This was something we should have done during the last reno. The door now opens into what was the lounge, and now we have a lot more space in the living room. All the lounge stuff is going to move into the small guest room, I can keep the door shut and the kiddos out of my bar.

Friday night, I put the new hand set on the FFF mod. I am hopefully done with this one.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Saturday, I woke up kind of upset. I should have been standing in a field full of some of the nicest vintage BMWs in the states, but the hippy mayor of the host city wasn't ready to hold an event. So rather than hanging out at the Vintage, we dropped the kids off at my parents house and took the E9 out. My wife snapped a quick pic of me behind the wheel.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Sunday, I planned on cleaning the 02 and the garage but I made tacos and drank beer(I am kinda paying for that today.) I did pick up the mini wag, a friend wanted to borrow it for a photo shoot. I honestly kinda forgot we even had this thing. I drove it work today, and I think it needs to go. It is insanely slow.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Anyway, all and all a good long weekend. I hope to start getting the house cleaned up and back to normal this week. I really need to clean the garage, its become a dumping ground for stuff that we dont have a spot for.

 

[gearhead1960]

I understand your pain about the garage. Mine has become the dumping ground as I have an unemployed former college student parking his stuff and we have a complete 1st floor and kitchen reno about to kick off. In the end, it will be nice when the boarder moves on and we have a new kitchen and all new floors!

 

[mmsheb]

It's the actual water hose, not the one for the pressure washer.
Your house is coming along. Hang in there. It's no fun having this big interruption and inconvenience in your life, but it looks like you are making the best of it and incorporating some improvements along the way.
Mike

 

[Mpower5266]

It's the actual water hose, not the one for the pressure washer.
Your house is coming along. Hang in there. It's no fun having this big interruption and inconvenience in your life, but it looks like you are making the best of it and incorporating some improvements along the way.
Mike

Oh, the hose is just a decent quality one from Lowes. Its held up well.

 

[mmsheb]

OK. Off to Lowes today. Thanks.

 

[Bob Heine]

I am not sure how to actually do the multi-quote anymore.

Nick, it's not obvious but in some ways I like it better. When you click on the +Quote it is the same as Multi-Quote. With the last one, click on Reply and it gives you the same old multi-quote function. There is also a new feature for quoting. When you highlight a phrase in someone's post it gives you the option to Reply or +Quote. You don't have to quote or multi-quote the whole post.

 

[Mpower5266]

Here are some shots from this weekend's trip.

IMG_8034 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8035 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8038 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8040 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8046 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8050 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8052 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8059 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8074 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8077 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8081 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8084 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8085 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8087 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8090 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8091 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8099 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8100 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8105 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8114 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8115 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8116 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8117 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

IMG_8118 by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[qwerty18]

Great pics! Thanks

 

[momobuttons]

No updates on the house... I am still holding out hope that we will have windows this week maybe even today. I did a little cleaning up around the yard this weekend but I was actually pretty busy.

Saturday I took the E9 to its first cars and coffee. It ran great and was a huge hit. I parked, and by the time I got out of the car, I was in 3 conversations. I didnt get a chance to take any pictures or really even walk around. I ducked out a little early and grabbed some BBQ with my buddy.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I wanted to drive around for a bit more after lunch but people have been drinking gas around here so the e9 was running a little low. On the way back to the shop I noticed people pumping gas at a station so I stopped... They had gas!!!

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since the tank was full, I cruised around for a bit and put some real miles on the car for the first time. The Italian tune ups seem to be helping a lot, its running, starting and smelling better. My inlaws had their anniversary this weekend, and we had the twins baptized by my wifes preacher grandma, so my brother in-law was in town. I stopped by and showed them the car and snapped a quick pick while I was there.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

The nardi wheel and coco mats should be in soon but its running like a top now. It such a good car.

Ive been really busy and its hard to get down to the garage to work on stuff. My garage is in terrible shape since the tornado. The wagon needs a ton of parts and a detail. The 02 needs an oil change and a good clean. And the m3 needs a good clean up for a trip this weekend to the CCA foundation. So with all these projects, I have to budget my time accordingly. Of course, I just procrastinate and browse ebay for watch deals. I ended up getting the watch on the left for waaaaaay too cheap the other day.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

It needs a little love but the movement is working great. I have new seals and a crystal on the way, so I will work on that when I have some of that non existent free time. I will be selling the one on the right eventually.

After the baptism Sunday, I used some of that non existent free time to just chill out with the wife and kiddos. I decided to see how they fit in their little cars. They aren't quite there yet, but they did look cute.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I need one of those kid's sized 507's in my life, like right now.

 

[Mpower5266]

I need one of those kid's sized 507's in my life, like right now.

Walmart.com, believe it or not. Haha.

A couple of boring updates. We changed out the plug wires.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We also made a gasket for the trunk emblem. It is common to close the trunk by pushing on the emblem and they can rub the paint underneath.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And we finally found some tan armrests for the doors.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[kwyjibo]

Thanks for posting the Foundation photos - good to see the e9 turnout (man, Andrew gets around!)

 

[Mpower5266]

Thanks for posting the Foundation photos - good to see the e9 turnout (man, Andrew gets around!)

Great guy, I finally got to meet him in person.

 

[Ralf11]

I'm amazed at the license plates from various distances - must have been a big shindig

 

[Mpower5266]

I'm amazed at the license plates from various distances - must have been a big shindig

It was supposed to be a much bigger weekend event, including a show in NC on Saturday. Sadly the hippy mayor of the town wasnt comfortable hosting a fully outdoor event because of covid, so it got pushed back to Sept. A lot of people decide to just come down for the weekend anyways. I am hoping they find a new host town for next year, it was really rediculous to postpone, but Ill be there in Sept.

 

[Mpower5266]

Had a nice relaxing weekend, started it off by taking the e9 to our local cars and coffee again. It was a big hit.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

These two tagged along. My wife followed me in the Tahoe, they arent quite ready for E9 rides.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

After the show I swapped some cars around the left the E9 in the shop. My dad and I are going to chase some oil leaks, overhaul the cooling and maybe start on the AC. To start, we pulled the fan(the clutch is bad on it so its getting replaced) and the radiator. At this point we are just going to do everything on the front of the engine; water pump, belts, seals, etc etc.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

And since we could get to it, a new AC condenser was ordered as well.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Sunday, we had some friends over for BBQ. I worked on the front porch a little, its actually starting to get back to normal after the tornado.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We ate way too much pulled pork and drank a few too many beers, it was a good time. Yesterday after a long beer and pork induced sleep, I woke up ready to tackle some chores. Since we moved the front door into the room we called the lounge, every thing in that room had to be removed. It was all in boxes in the hall and really in the way. We decided to turn our guest bedroom into an office, because who is going to come stay with someone that has two babies.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Its small but its actually really nice. Now I have a place to mess with watches or sit and read in peace. We are going to try to make it a baby free zone as long as we can. Another reason we decided to use this room, is that we can keep the tv bar locked away from the kids when they start moving on their own.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I am hoping for more e9 and house updates over the next few weeks.

 

[jbrentd]

Love the new office and that TV bar is sweet!

 

[smschriefer]

Wait. Clemson grads are allowed to live in Georgia?!

 

[187 speed]

I spy an empty bottle of LeMans on your shelf, you'd think the guy who makes it would send you some more!! lol

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

Are those Dinan rims on the Tan 2800 CS? I remember seeing some similar at Dinan's shop in the 80s.

 

[Mpower5266]

I spy an empty bottle of LeMans on your shelf, you'd think the guy who makes it would send you some more!! lol

I should just order a bottle of the 2020 LeMans, I have just been busy. Haha

 

[Mpower5266]

Are those Dinan rims on the Tan 2800 CS? I remember seeing some similar at Dinan's shop in the 80s.

They are Weds. I would love to find a set for my car.

 

[Bruce 993 SEA]

I like the Weds a lot too. I had some Alpina rims on my E28 533i.

Classic look!

 

[nicholam77]

We decided to turn our guest bedroom into an office, because who is going to come stay with someone that has two babies.

Fair point lol!

I think there's some times that call for a guest bedroom, like if you have live-in relatives, or simply have a big house and rooms to spare, but in a smaller house (like mine) I've never come around to the idea of dedicating a whole room to potential guests. Would much rather use that precious space for myself and my own family.

Love the retro vibez in the office. You have some cool furniture and I'm digging that shell chair.

I realize it's not possible for everyone's situation, but if space allows I think it's important to have at least one adult room / retreat in the house, that kids can't commandeer, as they tend to do wherever possible. Yours looks very cozy. I don't really have a setup like that yet save our bedroom... my 2.5 yr old tends to spread her toys all over the main floor.

The e9 is looking very nice. Cars + Coffee is reopening in my city for the first time in over a year tomorrow. I can't wait.

 

[Mpower5266]

I was home alone all weekend with the kids, while wife went on a girls trip. My dad plugged away on the e9 when he wasn't over at the house helping me. This is copy/pasted from a post on another forum, sorry if I have already covered some of it.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

With everything removed from the front of the engine, the oil leak issue was pretty obvious...

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

So the cover was removed and the brittle old seal was replaced.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

As of now, we are just waiting on parts. All new coolant hoses, belts, Ac condenser, parts for ac lines(we arent getting it going at this time but just to a point where it wont have to be torn down again when we do), water pump, timing chain tensioner, etc etc. I am sure I am forgetting some parts. While is down we figure it would be a good time for a valve adjustment.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We will also give the engine a good steam cleaning but we should have a leak free(by bmw standards) properly cooled engine when it is all said and done.

On a more fun note, the floor mats came in over the weekend. I am very impressed with the fit and finish of these Cocomats, I will probably order some for my other cars.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Like I said, I was home with the kids so I didnt do much of anything. Just hung out and actually relaxed a little when the kiddos let me. They were great but they woke up around 2am Sunday morning and took turns crying until about 6am, that was a little rough. On a side note, I had ordered a cheap light box to get better pictures of the watches I have for sale, of course one sold before I could use it. So I snapped some pics of other watches. Its going to be a little bit of a learning curve but its pretty fun to mess around with.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Another plus is that bourbon makes for a delicious prop....

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[Ralf11]

will you keep the headlights stock?

 

[Mpower5266]

will you keep the headlights stock?

Yes for now. I have some mods planned eventually.. maybe.

 

[Mpower5266]

Still waiting on E9 parts... hopefully it will be back and running this week. Saturday I did nothing since the plan was to help my dad work on the e9. I just hung out with the kiddos, and had some friends over to burgers. Sunday, I decided to get some stuff done. I woke up early and took my coffee down to the garage to do a little project on the 02. It should have been two bolts off, install a small piece of rubber, and two bolts back on...... 45 minutes and a cold cup of coffee later......

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

After that, I gave the wagon a much needed wash.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Probably the last wash for a while. The carport is likely coming down in the next week or so, and I have noticed that it is leaning a little more. I don't know if I am comfortable using it.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

We went ahead and pulled the lights out.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Since my dad was at the house with ladders, we also replaced the lights above the garage door. The tornado kinda flattened the other ones and they were honestly a little small to begin with. We ordered some similar lights but a little larger. I think they look great.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

They even work..

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I had a little free time after the kiddos went to bed so I took the wagon for a little cruise and snapped some pics. I stopped by a little parking lot near the house that had some pretty bad damage from the tornado. A few months ago this was a cool old machine shop, now its an empty lot.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

I cant wait for stuff to get back to normal. Its just weird seeing all the tarps, construction debris everywhere, and the lack of the trees. It does make for some cool pics though.

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

 

[gearhead1960]

Untitled by Nick Wood, on Flickr

Nick, this picture says it all on the devastation that ripped through your area. Looks like some of your neighbors haven't even had a lick done on their houses. Glad that you and your family make it through without any injuries and only damage that can always be fixed or replace.....

 

[Mpower5266]

Nick, this picture says it all on the devastation that ripped through your area. Looks like some of your neighbors haven't even had a lick done on their houses. Glad that you and your family make it through without any injuries and only damage that can always be fixed or replace.....

We were certainly lucky. All three of those houses are gutted right now. The one in the middle might be a tear down. Its really weird which houses got hit hard and which didn't. I think it helped that my house is kinda set low and brick.