Found my donor car

#1

Woohoo! Found a car!

It’s an '87 4dr 325i Black/Black. 211,888 miles, but the head was recently off for a valve job, new timing belt, water pump, hoses, some other small stuff. The seller didn’t know it, but it has a short shifter, MOMO shift knob, and what feels like a non-stock clutch (it chatters a tiny bit uphill in reverse). It has leather sport seats in it that will be good for selling (great shape–as well as the rest of the interior) as well as a Pioneer CD/Radio head unit. The body is a little rough with some bits of rust, but nothing in structural areas as far as I can tell. I may search out a new RF fender, but I may try patching it up.

So, how should I paint it? I’ve got a few ideas but would like to hear other opinions. I plan to start gutting it out ASAP, so that it’s ready to receive a cage as soon as the builder is ready. All the fun bits should be on the way shortly.

On to the pics:

The flash makes these look a bit worn, but they’re quite nice:

Any idea what type of SSK this is? Red-anodized Aluminum with a notch top…very tight feel, almost notchy, with a pretty short throw. I’m thinking maybe AutoSolutions, but I’m not sure.

Last, but not least, the crack-free dash:

Well, how’d I do for $1600? I’m thinking I can get at least $800 out of it with the seats/head unit and other bits.

#2

Red makes me think auto solutions as well. Their new stuff is supposed to really good.

#3

More 4 door love. B)
Mine has the uncracked dash pad option too. They go for $75 and up. The 3 spoke steering wheel also has a little value. The seats should do well for you also. I say very well bought.
If you replace the fender, DON’T buy an aftermarket one. They don’t fit worth a damn.

#4

Nice find. Congratulations! Keep us up to date with progress.

#5

Good find, for sure.

And I know everyone who has been here for a while is tired of seeing this but tape the rules to the windshield and go down the list, when pulling the interior. Some guys who are much smarter then I have been surprised when I pointed out some missing parts that should have been left on the car.

Regarding paint, my $250.00 Peach Autobody (is that a chain paint shop company?) paint job is holding up rather well.

Last thing…keep it simple.

Carter

#6

I think I may end up painting it myself. We shall see. I may also switch the running gear from this car into another shell because this one has a little bit more rust than I initially thought. It’s not terrible, but if I can find a straight, rust-free roller for cheap it would be worth the work.

#7

Congrats Mike,

FWIW, those appear to be M3 or 325ic seats. The stiching goes vertical on the run of the mill non M 3 series.

JP

PS - you would have looked great in RED. . . . .

#8

155MPH wrote:

[quote]FWIW, those appear to be M3 or 325ic seats. The stiching goes vertical on the run of the mill non M 3 series.
[/quote]

Sweet, thanks for the tip.

#9

Rust free Georgia car here in Atlanta. It is a"87 is in delphin grey. I’ve got the Carfax and the title. The interior has already been stripped. It is ready for the roll cage. Keep the running gear from your car an transplant it into this one. Engine is good for a core. The transmission and 3.73 lsd are already gone.Come and get it…$250 and it is yours (heck, the grille and lights sell for that much…). Give me a call, Robert Patton 800-755-1715 or 404-326-2352

#10

87’s are awsome! We have two now. Good find and good luck with the build!

#11

my son’s 88 iX has those (stock) seats

mskeen wrote:

[quote]155MPH wrote:

[quote]FWIW, those appear to be M3 or 325ic seats. The stiching goes vertical on the run of the mill non M 3 series.
[/quote]

Sweet, thanks for the tip.[/quote]

#12

Looks good Mike, Next season looks to be a lot of fun… Make sure you come down and play with the SE guys also.

As far as paint jobs go… extra points for creativity

  • Kelly
#13

Skeen, think Magic 8 Ball…Will He? Maybe? No Way! Definate Yes! Too Slow. Too Fast. Have fun, Robert Patton

#14

By the way, thanks for letting me know you guys were going to be working on the car. I’m always happy to help (or mock… you know one or the other). As far as themes go, I think we need to convice someone to do a hippy mobile… something along these lines

#15

kchildre wrote:

[quote]I think we need to convice someone to do a hippy mobile… something along these lines

[/quote]

Ah, the return of the SpecE30 art car. (The Davidson’s made the last one a bit more conformist when they bought it from Ric.)

If someone does do an art car or tie-dye mobile, I’d suggest house paint, since it’s cheap, fast and easier to touch up contact marks, just ask Andy Warhol.

#16

Mike,

Are both you and your Dad building cars to add to the field next year?

As for paint ideas… how do you feel about chrome?

Congratulations. Looking forward to seeing you on track in '07.

Scott Mc

#17

Chrome would be eye-catching! I was thinking a carbon-fiber look would be cool too. I don’t think I’ll do anything as intense as either of those though.

I’m the only one building a car. My dad may race the 2002 some this year.