My coupe (caution many photos) update

[MicahO]

Beyond-words-stunning. That's just incredible Mike.....

[davintosh]

Wowsa! Aside from the funny looking tiny little wheels (what style is that anyway? I can't find it in the wheel catalog), it looks spectacular. I'd ask if I could borrow it on my next west coast excursion, but I'd be afraid to touch it, much less drive it off the driveway.

[1st 5er]

Keep 'em comin' Mike.

[GaAlpinaOwner]

A Beauty in process ...thanks for sharing Mike - great talking to you yesterday!

David Frankel

[tig]

Is that Nachtblau Metallic?

[OcCoupe]

So it has been almost 3 months since the last update. Not a whole lot of progress other than dismantling the sub-frames so they can go out for powder coating. I have been busy ordering parts for that project and getting some other odds and ends sorted.

I have also been focusing on the engine even though it will be some time before it actually fires up an runs. The engine has been assembled and checked for clearances. Everything looks good so far...


This morning on the simulator:

https://plus.google.com/photos/10880643 ... 0707728615

https://plus.google.com/photos/10880643 ... 0707728615

https://plus.google.com/photos/10880643 ... 0707728615

m90 L-Block
94mm bore
Carillo H-Beam Carillo Connecting Rods 142.5mm
90mm BMW crank from a 3.8 e34 M5 NIB
B35 Head
Paul Burke n21 cam
10.25:1 Compression Ratio

[GaAlpinaOwner]

awesome .... and slowly she comes back together. Hey Mike you will know everything on this one without a doubt. What a project!

[tschultz]

That will be a sweet combo and a really great color to set it off when it is all pulled together!

[tig]

Whoa. Never seen, nor heard of, a simulator like this before. Is that something that's generally available in engine shops? E.g. could I have easily gotten on one of those in the Seattle area for my B35 project if I had known about the concept?

[Adam W in MN]

Jeez, I don't know that I would have the patience to put the tar insulation on the shock towers! Your time and dedication will make my E12 project pale in comparison.

One thing I'm a bit worried about is tracking down all the plastic and rubber grommets that I need here and there. They aren't always in the parts CD so I think you have to go to some of the misc fasteners parts diagram and try to identify them by the shape. Unless I'm missing something? For instance the plastic grommets that the trim screws for the seatbelt pillar trim to mount to. Or the rubber grommets that hold the brake lines to the body as they go into the fenders from the engine bay. If you have suggestions, I'd really appreciate it!

[GaAlpinaOwner]

Jeez, I don't know that I would have the patience to put the tar insulation on the shock towers! Your time and dedication will make my E12 project pale in comparison.!

um Adam when I met first Mike B in San Diego at a local bimmer event I could not believe the time and effort this guy took to get a E28 to better than new presentation. You see many that go over the top on car cleaning etc.....Mike B is off the charts for his way of car prep. Oh and of course that car won! And I believe won many events. Apparently everyone in SCal knows this car! Then to top it all off my other BMW/friend in Atlanta bought Mike B's E28 recently and I got a chance to look at the underside of this car. I have never ever seen anyone take the time and detail to refinish and shine and shine to the extreme every part on the underside and on the engine like this guy! Even the heat shields around the exhaust are polished and sealed. Honestly there is not one spec of dirt or grime on this car. The covers on the motor parts (almost every single one)are refinished. I have never seen a Alternator look this damn clean and shiny in my life! Patience? I have little as well but this guy must have the worlds record! Now that he has the entire car apart, I can guaranty that when this car is back together no one will be able to fathom the hours, the amount of over the top prep and finishing that each and every nut, bolt washer etc.......will have from his touch. This car will be a masterpiece. Better than new. I promise.

[vinceg101]

^^^
Just to illustrate his point:


These were taken back in June right before the car headed east to it's new owner. We were getting ready for the HB Concours and Mike had it up on the lift; I couldn't resist taking a few shots of Mike's Madness.

Mike is truly one of a kind when it comes to his passions. If the Bronzit is any indication of what is it come with the Coupe, it will be truly stunning. I can't wait to see that paint job in person.

[tig]

But I honor and appreciate it.

[GaAlpinaOwner]

^^^
Just to illustrate his point:


These were taken back in June right before the car headed east to it's new owner. We were getting ready for the HB Concours and Mike had it up on the lift; I couldn't resist taking a few shots of Mike's Madness.

Mike is truly one of a kind when it comes to his passions. If the Bronzit is any indication of what is it come with the Coupe, it will be truly stunning. I can't wait to see that paint job in person.

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[three5ives]

Yep, Mike certainly knows a thing or two about detail and prep.



/Clint

[oldskool]

Yup. He is on a mission. He even made me wear an Ebola suit in his garage back before they were fashionable.

[leadphut]

awesome! you made Charlie think you have issues.

[OcCoupe]

A little porn. The engine is home so I thought I would see how the headers fit.

Alpina headers. Not sure if they will fit though. We will see.

[Jelmer538i]

This is very nice! The details are perfect!

[tig]

No gooseneck on back of head? Is that because this is an E9?

[OcCoupe]

No gooseneck on back of head? Is that because this is an E9?

Good question and good eye, yes it will have one it is part #22 in the diagram.

[TurboChris]

update please!

[OcCoupe]

Not a huge update but some progress nonetheless.

I took the sub-frames to have them blasted and then had some cracks repaired before taking them for powder coating.





In addition I have started to press in bushings and bearings so that I can get ready for the rear sub-frame install.








Oops! I forgot the backing plate.



Better.

[Adam W in MN]

So clean and puuurfect. I'll have some questions for you when I decide on how to clean up and paint or powdercoat my E12's subframes.

[OcCoupe]

So clean and puuurfect. I'll have some questions for you when I decide on how to clean up and paint or powdercoat my E12's subframes.

Anytime, I am happy to help. Also what did you think of my piecemeal bushing/bearing tool?

[fastcrs]

Wow, i dont think i would drive that...

[Karl Grau]

Not a huge update but some progress nonetheless.

I took the sub-frames to have them blasted and then had some cracks repaired before taking them for powder coating.

This is a good example where being anal is a good thing . Does the coffee cup clamp to the top or bottom of the rubber thing? I don't know much about e9s.

[Kyle in NO]

Mike loves his powder coating like he loves his sandwiches, I've heard. Sloppy, dripping, and hard to swallow.

[GaAlpinaOwner]

too funny .... Kyle!
Mike I think you have out done yourself on this one Bud!

[jhall]

This thread makes me feel like I'm a total failure at life.