Stella (2002tii) Spring 2005 Update

[John In Valdosta]

If you're not following this already you'd better get comfortable and start from the begining.

http://www.my2002tii.com/spring_2005/index.htm

FYI - It's not mine, I wish it was, I've just been following it for about a year now. If you ask me questions you will get an unsatisfactory answer.

[stuartinmn]

I've been following that restoration project for a while myself. I'm glad he's finally posting updates again, its a very well done website. That car is going to be one of the nicest 2002s on the planet when he's done.

If you like watching other people work on their cars, another excellent website is http://www.project33.com/ . The car is a '33 Ford street rod being built by a guy in Iowa; even if you aren't into street rods he does a great job of documenting the build and you'll pick up some handy tips about working on /modifying cars in general.


[Edit by stuart in mn on [TIME]1123008790[/TIME]]

[Tim in N FL]

Wow John...thanks for sharing this link. I cannot believe I've never seen this website before now. I've been considering the purchase of a 2002 for several years now - reading the "classic 02 books" and frequenting the 2002FAQ site mostly as a lurker.
One of the biggest detractors for me has been the lack of decent A/C systems. In truth, probably the only 2002 I'd be seriously interested in purchasing would be an ///M conversion with updated A/C. Those do not tend to sell for e28 money, however, so what's the use, eh?
Best,
Tim

[C.R. Krieger]

[QUOTE="Tim in N FL"]One of the biggest detractors for me has been the lack of decent A/C systems. [/QUOTE]

IMO, the biggest problem with a/c in an '02 is, there's really no place for it! Even the (dealer-installed?) Behr system mine had took nearly forever to cool down that cabin. OTOH, the '02 is one of the world's best cars to drive with the windows open. It has vent windows you can precisely adjust to modulate the buffeting. It's a 'hardtop coupe' with no front doorframes to impede your view/airflow. And it has those great 'flipper' windows in the rear that suck air smoothly through the cabin. On top of all that, you get to hear your exhaust note. My fondest memory of it.

[Tim in N FL]

C.R.,
You have a good point. Back when I was living in the northeast, I should have purchased an 02 to enjoy in the late spring, summer, and fall. Here in Florida, I could drive an A/C-less 02 between October and March without melting and enjoy autcrossing it.

There are a couple for sale locally that I'm considering...but I'm in NO rush at all. The nicest of the two cars is a malaga '74 automatic with a recently rebuilt engine that has blown a head gasket in less than 10,000 miles. I smell a rat there. This car would need to have the 5-spd conversion performed but soon.

At any rate, I agree with you with respect to the fresh air handling of the older cars. I'm very fond of "the wind wings" on some of the older models.

[BKCowGod3]

Ah, memories of my baby... Like opening the door on a hot day and being buffeted by the rush of superheated air... All that glass has its downsides! Mine had the sunroof, too - when you got it all right, it was better than the fan in the e28, and quiet enough that I could hear that beautiful engine wailing away

[Tim in N FL]

Ben,
Gorgeous 2002 you had there....sorry to see that photo of it all stoved up in the front.
Hopefully she became an organ donor for other deserving 02s.
Cheers,
Tim

[BKCowGod3]

Actually she sold to a guy who rebuilt it as a street sister to his track car!
It was gorgeous, inside and out - Metric Mechanic 2.2l, stahl header, weber 32/36, racing clutch, bilsteins, 320i brakes, 3 row radiator... appointment to get a cr 5 speed when the lady in front of me went from 55 to 0 for absolutely no reason on hwy 17.

[Tim in N FL]

Ben,
Wow, a very nice sounding set-up! Despite your loss...at least she soldiers on as a track beast.

[tacm]

wowthat is very impressive

[John in VA]

Keith Kreeger, who is restoring "Stella", is doing everything the right way. I hope he's comfortable DRIVING her once she's done! He's been very forthcoming with any info concerning the project.

Here (hopefully!) is a pic of me & "Juanita", my '74 tii. "She" was named for the previous owner, and as to gender:
ME, to Bill Ballon, tii mechanic extraordinaire in Pittsburgh: You keep referring to the car as "she." How do you know?
BILL: I've had her up in the air. Believe me - she's a BITCH!

[C.R. Krieger]

Here (hopefully!) is a pic of me & "Juanita", my '74 tii. "She" was named for the previous owner, and as to gender:
ME, to Bill Ballon, tii mechanic extraordinaire in Pittsburgh: You keep referring to the car as "she." How do you know?
BILL: I've had her up in the air. Believe me - she's a BITCH!

Whoa! It's been years since I heard Bill's name! Now I just gotta remember where it was ... I think we've met.

Ah, gorgeous! And I see your Verona Red paint faded almost as badly as it did on my '74 ... :@

[John in VA]

Bill Ballon's shop is in oldtown Pittsburgh, and he also races. You could have run into him at a track event or Carlisle-type gathering.
He's been wrenching on 2002s since they were new, so got my business.

Whoa! It's been years since I heard Bill's name! Now I just gotta remember where it was ... I think we've met.