E12 528i M90 Project

[ahab]

It's a good thing that you found it. It was in serious danger of living with me for another season!

Don’t you mean to say that you were in serious danger of living in it?

[hunneman]

So in the mean time I media blasted all the suspension components, was debating if i would have them sprayed with POR-15 that was suggested to me by the body shop owner or Powder coated..But after visiting Prep-Rite in Tewksbury, Ma. Dave the owner went over the prep procedure and then explained the powder coating process. He stated that most powder coaters don't heat up the metal (he heats it to 200-250°) then sprays on then powder coat to help is adhesion once completed he then bring the oven 350° once the metal is 350° he lets it baked for additional 10-15 mins, depending on manufacture specs..this way the powder coat is less likely to chip..
I am am having all the components powder coated...

[hunneman]

10 days have gone by since i saw the car.. I got a call from Jim at the office asking me what to do about the stickers on the B pillar and the VIN on the right side of the fender which was primed..

Does anyone know why they left this part bare metal?

[hunneman]

the engine bay and underneath the car is ready for paint all area of undercoating and chip guard was applied.... engine bay is primed ready to go..

more importantly the sealer in areas where needed..








the bottom of the vehicle ready first with sealant then undercoating where needed..

[Adam W in MN]

That is a shit ton of work

[hunneman]

That is a shit ton of work

YES it is... It was all surface preparation , no body panels where changed.. I had the under-body sealed because i didn't want to deal with any issue in the near future..Now I know that all the surface rust has been removed from the car ...

It is my opinion that this body was worth saving..I know is not a M version..

[Elektrotechnik]

Following with great interest. I have an '88 535i that may benefit from a similar treatment. Your experience and results through this project will be very helpful so please keep the updates coming!

[hunneman]

drove to the body shop to drop some cash.. Jim told me that the under carriage and engine bay was painted..











the wheel wells were painted same color as the body with one coat of clear















they also started working on the doors..

[Adam W in MN]

Did you weld in a diff mount reinforcement during this work?

[hunneman]

Did you weld in a diff mount reinforcement during this work?

Adam, thanks for the heads up.. I did not..when I glance at it last week.. IT LOOKED GOOD.. I thought that it was a old chassis issue..I must be wrong..

but after reading the FFive technical FAQ. I am going to have him reinforce the sides of the diff mount area...

[Foonfer]

This is BEAUTIFUL work. I know this may be a very intimate question, but approximately how much $$$ are you expecting to spend in body stripping / repairing / refinishing?

AND we haven't even gotten to diff mounts, brake lines, or any other "while you are in there" tasks...

[hunneman]

on my way to work, I got a call from Dave at Prep-Rite in Tewksbury Ma, that the suspension parts were ready...I was very happy with the outcome...he advised me to go with 40% gloss that is in between satin and semi gloss..

Will bring some other odd and end pieces ..he is very reasonable with prices..

[Adam W in MN]

I have a diff mount repair kit I can sell you if you want the official factory one.

[hunneman]

I pm'd you!

[hunneman]

After the parts came back from Powder coating, it was time to re-assemble them..
the procedure is pretty straight forward..




Trailing arms with new rubber bushing, bearing and seal.




test fit :


while putting together the rear axle go a call from Jim from the body shop, he wanted to remove the car from the lift so he can put it in the paint booth for second primer spray, he asked me i had a dollie system a second set of a rear and front axle, I so no but i have to originals that are completely restored. SO i arranged to go to the shop the next mourning and install the front and rear axles..
here are a couple of shot..




the front frame installed, I still didn't touch the steering box and the old center drag link I reinstall for temporary use..






So after the front and rear axles were installed Jim and the other guys got working on the car as the paint booth was open this week..
he are some pictures of the final primer will be added..

[hunneman]

A lot has happen since the the last post...the body shop had closed down for a period of time.. due to covid.. I got very busy at work with mortgage rates being at all time low...I'm am losing my mind..
With all that going on Naomi took a back seat in my priorities...

I have a few more photo to share of the car getting prepped for the painting booth..







Front spoiler and Lower apron



New hood getting prepped





after long time waiting the car is finally painted







I just loved this metallic gray color..


front hood cutting cut and buffed








Paint job came out very good...

[Hffvdbl]

Absolutely gorgeous work! Thanks for the updates!

[Tiit]

Holy shit. Such quality work. You make me feel real bad About myself.

[Bonsaibacker]

The depth of this restoration... A real treat to see the process and effort. Thank you.

[hunneman]

Holy shit. Such quality work. You make me feel real bad About myself.

Absolutely gorgeous work! Thanks for the updates!

The depth of this restoration... A real treat to see the process and effort. Thank you.

thanks guys there is a lot more to come..

The car is in my garage until the upholster completes my headliner. I was able to purchase the material at Walloth & Nesch approx. 3m..
this way I can add the bracketry and door hardware, door gaskets, outside door trim, and address the wiring hardness...

[hunneman]

Holy shit. Such quality work. You make me feel real bad About myself.

Absolutely gorgeous work! Thanks for the updates!

The depth of this restoration... A real treat to see the process and effort. Thank you.

thanks guys there is a lot more to come..

The car is in my garage until the upholster completes my headliner. I was able to purchase the material at Walloth & Nesch approx. 3m..
this way I can add the bracketry and door hardware, door gaskets, outside door trim, and address the wiring hardness...

[Adam W in MN]

Nice progress! What's going on with the color on the door frames?

[hunneman]

Nice progress! What's going on with the color on the door frames?

Thanks...it's just orange masking tape


new door trim pieces




the rear window guide I had it polished and anodized, as this is no longer available

[hunneman]

Nice progress! What's going on with the color on the door frames?

Thanks...it's just orange masking tape


new door trim pieces




the rear window guide I had it polished and anodized, as this is no longer available

[tig]

Love. Love. Love. Moar please!