Lots of progress was made over the past couple weeks on the re-assembly of the B9, especially these last few days, what with George here for a few days, and a visit on Thursday from local fellow Mye28er, Jim T. What a crew… these guys are the best!!
Prior to these past few days, I had ordered and received some parts from Germany, e.g., headlights, trim pieces, washer tanks, etc., along with a set of Michelins from the TireRack (to mount on the re-freshed 16” staggered Alpina wheels that George had found). I was also able to get the new Hella H1 & H4 headlamps installed, along with installation of the rear parcel shelf and rear speakers. My friend and stereo expert, Ian, came over to run all new wiring for the sound system, e.g., power, speakers, input/output, etc., to and from the amp location, speakers, and head unit. The speakers are a mild upgrade from stock (it’s what was already in the car), as is the old school Blaupunkt head unit (that was also already in the car), but I found a small NOS Blaupunkt 4 channel amp that will replace the missing stock amp.
So, over the past 3 days we were able to tackle almost all of the exterior trim and a lot of the interior installation. Jim took on the difficult task of replacing all the rubber window wipes on the aluminum trim piece that’s are at the bottom of each door window… these new rubber pieces were for a 2 door e30 (the e23 ones are NLA) and had to be trimmed and retrofitted to work (thanks to an e23 Facebook person for that tip) , but look and work perfectly… thanks Jim for the great job!
We planned to install the new windshield washer tanks, but found the new large tank I had just received from BMW Germany is totally different than the old one (despite same part number?) and won’t work with the pumps that are on the old one… not to mention it has no level sensor opening and is slightly wider??? This issue is being researched!!
We also mounted the Alpina wheels… so now, with all this progress, and according to my wife, “she’s starting to look like a real car… it’s about time!”
Here’s a detailed list of the work done since my last update and some pictures:
- Installed new Hella H1 & H4 headlamps and bulbs (had to remove previously installed grills and turn signals in order to affix the trim rings around the headlights… lesson learned on sequencing
)
- Attached speakers to rear parcel shelf and installed shelf
- New tires mounted and balanced on re-finished 16” staggered Alpina wheels, installed on the car
- New window wipes retrofitted and installed on associated trim pieces and installed on car
- External trim pieces installed, e.g., bumper rubber moldings and end caps, window trim, roof-line trim, mirrors, etc.
- Carpet set trimming and installation was completed at door edges, front footwells, and kick panels
- Rear seat belts and rear seat back was installed (install of rear seat bottom is on hold until completion of stereo amp install, as it will be located under that seat)
- Rear headrest dyed a second coat and installed
- Door cards and all associated door parts installed; also door sealings, sans mouse fur
- Front speakers in front kick panel area installed
- A, B, & C pillar trim pieces installed
Those Items that still remain on the to-do list include: complete the sound system install i.e., amp and connections; install new washer system tanks and new hoses; install A/C dryer and get system activated and running; find and install replacement antenna; complete interior install of center console, glove box, steering wheel, rear-view mirror, and other dash area items; install front Recaro bucket seats; re-install hood and sunroof (being re-painted); install new trunk-lid spoiler and wheel arches; and, I’m sure, there are several other smaller items I’m forgetting
Then, of course, get some mileage on the freshly re-built engine and re-torque all bolts and fasteners
With any luck, all will get sorted out and completed by end of September… that’s the goal anyway… basically a two year restoration! Thanks again George for your outstanding support and help with this project, you are a great friend!! As have been Steve, Aaron, Jim, VSR, and several other contributors along the way... we're nearing the end, I think
-RoyW
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