Project E30

[Chris]

haha thanks guys. I just rememberd at work we use these 12 volt batteries for our security boards (home security) and they are rechargable! I'm just going to pick up one of those so I don't have to spend a lot on a cordless drill battery. I just hope using the batteries won't eventually burn up the window regulators. I wonder how to tell if 12volts is too much or not. I was told by a guy at Bimmerworld to use a 12 volt battery, not an 18 volt. I tried a 9 volt and it worked for a couple seconds, much slower, and then died.

[BLINGMW]

well considering the car is 12 volts.... 12 volts is probably a good bet.

[Chris]

well that answers that 8)

[BLINGMW]

lol and who the hell at bimmerworld gave you that idea! Rob? :lol: Those crazy guys...

[Chris]

lol and who the hell at bimmerworld gave you that idea! Rob? :lol: Those crazy guys...

I originally read it on the E30 tech forum from someone who just had a window stuck and couldn't get it back up.

In other good news, I'll finally be registering it this weekend in VA and moving it to my dad's insurance- $300 a year vs $1200 I would have paid! Crickey!

[Chris]

did a little more work on Friday since I have an autox next Sunday.

Put the dashboard back in and found the A/C condenser/coil thing tucked away under the dash, finishing the removal of the entire A/C system. I also removed all the duct work for the vents in the dash since the damn thing doesn't work. I'll have to figure out a way to clear the windshield if it fogs up, probably one of those air blowers.

Pics:


A/C thing:




Hole where it used to be:




Dash back in, notice the black DSC battery on the floor! thats the secret weapon...




back together:




I moved the location for my warning lights, but its just temporary until I re-do all the gauges.

[

[ScottyB]

looks good buddy! man i hate dash work, hope your knuckles aren't too raw

[Evan]

smiley face on the tape deck? :lol:

[ziich]

gotta love zipties

[Chris]

gotta love zipties

yes sir

I use so many I was thinking of making my license plate "zipties" haha. some things just aren't made to go back together after you remove all the screws... or at least I don't have the patience.

[Chris]

when I removed my drivers side floor carpet and sound deadening, I lost my dead pedal, so today I made up my own!


before:





Parts used:










Installed:




Finished view:




It's a bit ghetto, but I drove the car home today and it felt like a stock piece.

[Dave]

go Chris!! You seriously impress me every time I check this thread :-)

[ScottyB]

go Chris!! You seriously impress me every time I check this thread :-)

no kidding, Boobies gets stuff done

seriously though i dig the updates, keep em coming

[Chris]

thanks guys, really its just small stuff. I just get an idea and figure it out as I go.

[Chris]

wow, its been about 4 months since my last update- mostly because I
haven't done much!

I'm now getting ready for VIR and taking care of a few things that
haven't been working.

Since September, I've replaced all 4 rotors and put in new XP-8's up front.

yesterday I installed lug studs (E30's had lug bolts, and its a pain
putting wheels on with them)



for Spec E30 and driving on track you need a coolant catch can for any
expansion tank overflow. Here is my version- metal 1L can:






I also added more "plate" to my current oil pan skid plate. I've had
these metal pans from work and had to find a way to use them:








Also, I finally got the car registered in VA!!! (1 year later )

How do you like the plate??




Left to finish for VIR:

replace valve parts that are worn out- there is a bad valve tap I need
to take care of.

fix the heater!! February is going to be cold, and I don't have heat!!

-- went to Crazy Ray's junkyard today and found 3 E30's! I pulled the
heater core and heater valve incase mine are shot.

I could also use the Spec E30 sways, but at $450ish, its going to wait a bit.

[navin]

heh, congrats on getting the car registered finally!

No more scares when driving to the track

[Hunter]

Looks great. I can't wait to hear about how the car feels on track, I'm really impressed with how good this car is looking.

[Feersty]

Looks like you have a nice garage to work in as well. Good progress.

[Beej]

Great to see progress!

What the hell is the crossmember-type-thing that the front of the skidplate is bolted to?

[ScottyB]

nice work Boobies! i feel you on the lug bolts too...pain in the ass for sure