** Acme [Akagi] bought a pink estate car - E30 325i project log! **

I'd rather a MK1 MX5 to my MK2, but I naively bought a MK2 thinking the rust wouldn't be as bad, only to then find out that the MK2's rust worse than the MK1's. :o

I only have space cos I still live with my folks. The chances of me having space when I move out are slim! :(
 
I'd rather a MK1 MX5 to my MK2, but I naively bought a MK2 thinking the rust wouldn't be as bad, only to then find out that the MK2's rust worse than the MK1's. :o

I only have space cos I still live with my folks. The chances of me having space when I move out are slim! :(

yup mk2's are worse for rust! :o wonder how mk3/3.5 will cope... those are similar age to my mazda 3 and that loves rust.

ha, yeah.. a house with a driveway? dreams ;)
 
A driveway which fits 4 cars and a fully equipped workshop at the end of it, plus a qualified mechanical engineer living under the same roof. Perks. :p

Just a shame that 75% of the time he doesn't want to help. :p
 
It'd be well worth you buying a decent MIG welder and learning yourself.

I got a nice Clarke setup a few years ago and it's been great, taught myself with some reading online and youtube. Managed to knock up a 2 motorbike trailer which made it all the way to the nurburgring with 2 sports bikes on it and back without falling to bits! It's a very handy skill which will save you a lot of money over the years and is quite easy really.
 
I appreciate the aim of what you are trying to do. It's a handsome car from around the time of my childhood and there aren't many of them around.

However, surely this is just going to be a massive money pit that is never going to be 100% how you want it?
 
I appreciate the aim of what you are trying to do. It's a handsome car from around the time of my childhood and there aren't many of them around.

However, surely this is just going to be a massive money pit that is never going to be 100% how you want it?

but isn't that the fun of it? I mean you don't buy an old BMW expecting it to be a 100% reliable mint motor for 1k ?

he literally bought it in a rough shape, he will spend money fixing it and might own it for many years to come the fact is that the car is not going to loose value and yes it won't even make financial sense unless prices boom which they will not on an e30 touring.
 
To be fair it's not like Acme hasn't already said that he's well aware he'll probably always be chasing little niggles but so what it's his cash and if it makes him happy then crack on.
 
Straight fit? Whats the advantage? :)
E30 lollipop bushes have the hole in the center except the M3 items which have the hole offset. They fit into any lollipop and cost little more than the standard part. They slightly alter the suspension geometry and, as a consequence, add a little focus to the steering. If the car needs new ones it's silly not to TBH.
 
Right then, she is being dropped off tomorrow with this note:

Work to carry out:
- Replace sump gasket (modern Loctite or similar solution preferred to OEM cork gasket)
- Replace oil and oil filter in conjunction with the above (Supplied)
- Replace control arm ‘Lollipop’ bushes (E36 M3 bushes which are direct fit, part no. 31129064875)
- Replace drop links
- Replace front wheel bearing (Nearside)
- Repair brake pipes where they are heavily corroded incl. fluid renew
- Replace fuel filter (Supplied)

- Investigate clutch issue whereby bite point sometimes drops right to the bottom of the pedal travel where it is usually high up (pumping the clutch rectifies this) – Possibly clutch slave cylinder? Rectify and renew clutch fluid which appears to be contaminated.

- Investigate issue where brake pad thickness warning is always illuminated. Suspected that brake pads without wear indicators are fitted. If so, replace brake pads with items with wear indicators. If the wear indicator plugs/wires are missing or damaged on the car itself then please ignore this and leave it as-is for the time being.

- If while the car is apart you notice any wear and tear parts which can be replaced cheaply which are not listed, then please do so if it is reasonable/viable to do so. (If parts available etc)

- Similarly if you notice any items which would benefit from replacement which are more expensive then please give me a ring/text/email using the details above.

Many thanks,

The guy is a family friend and very genuine and trustworthy, so I have no issues including those last two points.

And then will be booked in for the welding in around a months time when the resident pro-welder becomes available.

Most of that stuff I could do myself but I want to drop it off and get a load of stuff sorted in one go while I do other things, just to get it moved forward. :)
 
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