My coupe (caution many photos) update

[Adam W in MN]

An inspiration!

[Tammer in Philly]

That is a hell of a car and a hell of a job. The interior is art.

[tig]

Truly amazing and inspiring Mike. I really appreciate you sharing all the details and photos. I can't wait for a chance to see it in person.

[Matthias]

The car is just stunning!!!
Super, super job! Thanks for sharing!

-Matthias

[m-racer]

Just Brilliant.

[wkohler]

This car is too nice. I've ridden in it and everything just looks and feels new. I'd say it must be like it was to be in a new one but that would be insulting. There isn't one squeak or rattle emanating from anywhere. Visually, the whole exterior/interior package works fantastically. It's really a special car and I'm glad Mike was able to accomplish his goal!

[MicahO]

HFS. That's incredible work and an outstanding finish. I'm blown away.

Someday I hope to make a pilgrimage to meet you left-coasters and some of your cars.

[OcCoupe]

Thank you for your kind comments. The last 3 months were a blur especially the 3 weeks prior to completion. Many long hours, several set backs, and lots of blood sweat and tears.

Sorry for the scattered images. I should have kept posting the progress as it occurred.

Random shots.
Gauge cluster install.


Waistrail install.



At the alignment shop.


Kick panel with speaker perforations.


Alpinas after refinishing and mounting new Michelines PSII


Kidney ready to install.


The original kidney after it snagged the buffing wheel, hit the wall, then his the operator.

[Tammer in Philly]

and lots of blood sweat and tears.

Can't imagine any of that came from this:

The original kidney after it snagged the buffing wheel, hit the wall, then his the operator.

Ouch!

[OcCoupe]

I asked Doug Park (Photopark) to photograph my coupe now that it was "done". I thought it would be cool to take some shots of it at locations I would never consider driving it. We decided to do it early Monday morning (labor day) since most Down Town businesses would be closed and traffic would be at a minimum. The original thought was to drive down in to the LA riverbed to take some shots; but the gate was closed which was fortunate since the car is probably too low to drive down in to the riverbed. We found some interesting artwork instead.

[BimmerSultan]

Truly outstanding.

[86GT635]

I'm doing a handstand while typing this, so I can get some blood back up to the northern regions of my human body.

Wow. Congratulations! Very Beautiful. Well deserved. TKO!

[tig]

Winning is winning.

[maybeillbuyit]

Mike Congrats on the completion of your car and your win. Many thx for the time you have taken to share the experience. Pictures are unbelievable!! I'm going to have to go back to the beginning and read it all again.

[1st 5er]

So much awesome in every way.

[three5ives]

I can't get my head around the attention to detail, passion and commitment to do it right, and just sheer amount of mental energy required to stick with it. Simply mind boggling. Absolutely beautiful! Not sure how you top this one Mike!

[kzolee]

Sorry for a moment...



There are no words for that car. Simply outstanding.

[OcCoupe]

Again, thank you for the kind words. Kzolee-LOL!

More pics, this time interior, engine, and trunk.


















16" Alpina in a factory spare tire well and factory spec floor boards.











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[muleskinner]

OK. So there are restorations, and then there are RESTORATIONS. That's all I've got to say.

[Adam W in MN]

What you need is for my kids to sit in it after a trip to Dairy Queen. They'll give it that lived-in look!

[Karl Grau]

OK. So there are restorations, and then there are RESTORATIONS. That's all I've got to say.

I don't think it's really a restoration because this was taken to a level above of how it left the factory.

[Owndapwn]

OK. So there are restorations, and then there are RESTORATIONS. That's all I've got to say.

I don't think it's really a restoration because this was taken to a level above of how it left the factory.

Was going to say... I've seen cars in the factory that aren't this clean. Are those RELAYS POLISHED?! Are you mad?

[m-racer]

Just brilliant. The Petri wheel is a time travel device for me. I have had a couple on 2002's... certainly nothing as fine as your car, but to me there isn't much better -automotive wise, than wrapping your hands around that wheel. Always made me feel like I was at LeMans...maybe it's a fantasy generator, not a steering wheel!

[635L6M3]

Simply amazing!

[tig]

Well now, there's no junk in THAT trunk.

I knew this was how good this car was, but I still shot beer out my nose when I saw these latest pics.

You've not only stained my shirt and shorts, Mike but taken my breath away.

[vinceg101]

Mike exceeded even his own high standards with this car; it is truly in a class by itself.

I first saw the completed car in person when I walked into the garage of the house Mike, Chris and Fred were renting for Monterey several weeks back. This car has a certain energy about it; it just kind of hums when you get near it. It went through such a transformation since the last time I saw it (it was still just a pretty painted shell), I almost didn't recognize it. But I know what efforts and time (4 years) Mike went through to create this car and they are worthy of praise and admiration. His wins at both Legends of The Autobahn and the CCA Pirelli Concours last month are likely just the start of a long string of wins and accolades for the next year. They will be justifiably earned.

If ever you want an example of how to restore a car, and an E9 specifically, then this thread is your bible.

Oh and these recent photos Doug Park (photopark) did are stunning and really start to show off the cars' quality; great job Doug.

[davintosh]

Purty.

Well done, Miguel. Is it ready for me to pick up now?

[oldskool]

This car needs it's own coffee table book. And Doug Park can really shoot.

[Owndapwn]

Mike exceeded even his own high standards with this car; it is truly in a class by itself.

It reminds me of the hand-built and detailed show cars displayed at events like SEMA. Except it started out as a forty year old turd and then was brought up to SEMA concept car level of detail.

If you're ever at a show in the Kansas City area, definitely let me know. I'd love to see it in person.

[davintosh]

Aw, Miguel... The links to the photos on the last two pages of this epic thread have gone dead. Curse you, Photobucket & Google!

I was so looking for a coupe fix tonight!