CubbyChowder finally got a BMW 2002 - it's project time

[CubbyChowder]

You'll wrap the block with the paper. All blocks are sized so the 8x11 paper can be cut into 1/3's 1/4's 1/2's etc and wrap the block. The small ones (of what I posted) you tear the paper in half (across the 8") and fold around the block. One side of the block will have two layers of paper, and the grit will help hold it in place.

Those are mostly for wet sanding. Dry sand the filler down, prime it, then wet sand the primer. If you put one layer of gray primer then a layer of black when you block the whole car down, you should see the gray start to show evenly. If it shows in one spot quicker that others, you have a high spot, if the black doesn't go away as fast you have a low spot.

Gotcha, thanks. After some research, I decided to go with the "Dura-Block" 6 pc. set. You just use adhesive sanding rolls and stick them on and people seem to be really happy with them. They are good for both wet and dry sanding apparently. I hadn't even considered a sanding block set until you mentioned those, and I think they will seriously help me out. Thanks again dude.

[CubbyChowder]

Alright it's been forever since I last updated, and this is going to be kind of a lame update. I just feel like I need to keep this thread alive even during the slow times.

So I'll be honest, I've been having some motivational issues with working on the car, so I've been taking it easy the last few weeks. The last thing I want is for this project to feel like an obligation.

I took out the pedal box and am in the process of fixing any rust around that area and replacing whatever needs to be replaced in the box itself. I'll post pictures of that when I'm done with it.

Also still working away at the fender, started on some body filler work but don't want to post pictures until it's done so I can show the process.

After getting a little overwhelmed one day with the amount of work that still needs to be done, I decided it'd be best to create a list of things that still need to be done so I can check them off as I go. So I made this (excuse my chicken scratch hand writing). I'm sure I will think of more stuff to add to it as I go, but this is a basic idea of what still needs to be done:



Then I also decided that I'm going to start powder coating. I started researching it and realized that it's very doable at home, so I picked up a free electric oven off craigslist and ordered up this kit. Can't wait to start painting stuff, especially wheels. I'm refinishing a set of BBS RC090 (Style 5's) that I got a while back and have some cool ideas for powder coating the barrels, the faces can't be PC'd because the center cap is plastic:



Also got this, can't wait!:



So that's it for now, I plan to go up tomorrow and wednesday and work on it some more so hopefully I can get this thing going again!

[CubbyChowder]

Time for a small update.

I finally got an engine stand off craigslist, so my dad wanted to help out and work on the engine a little bit while I slaved away on the fender (more on that later). We're basically replacing all the seals and gaskets except for the head gasket, that was replaced in 2009. My dad was nice enough to clean things up and start taking stuff apart:







Timing cover with new seal:



Timing covers re-installed with new gaskets:



This is as far as I've gotten after 3 days of sanding body filler. It's taking suuuch a long time, but I'm staying patient and taking my time, it's almost there. I think by tomorrow it'll be ready for primer. I know it looks like a lot of filler, but keep in mind this whole quarter panel is pretty beat up so it's kind of inevitable. The other three fenders won't have nearly as much filler:



These are the sanding blocks I've been using:



Pinned up my to-do list to keep me motivated:



I hope to have the fender in primer by tomorrow, I'm getting really burnt out on sanding.

[Rubens]

Seems like great progress though! How many people rebuild a fender by themself? Engine is having an overhaul in the meantime. Other fenders will go quicker. Keep it uppppppp!

[joeseinfeld]

awesome progress!

and i always to those to do lists haha, never get anything done otherwise!

[323ijoe]

looks good, I'm actually in the process of redoing my engine now too, needed a break from the rusty mess lol

[NorCalFocus]

The new sanding blocks look like they're working good. I **** sanding too, but the outcome is so worth it.

[CubbyChowder]

Seems like great progress though! How many people rebuild a fender by themself? Engine is having an overhaul in the meantime. Other fenders will go quicker. Keep it uppppppp!

Thanks man, yeah it's definitely slow progress but I want it to look right. I never thought I would spend this much time just on this fender but the other ones will definitely be easier.

awesome progress!

and i always to those to do lists haha, never get anything done otherwise!

Someone recommended that I make a to-do list and I thought it was a great idea, just can't wait to start crossing things off!

looks good, I'm actually in the process of redoing my engine now too, needed a break from the rusty mess lol

I know how you feel, the rust repair was really time consuming for me and I feel like I didn't even really have it that bad. Yours is on a whole different level but you're powering through it, respect!

The new sanding blocks look like they're working good. I **** sanding too, but the outcome is so worth it.

Yeah man they've really made a difference, I don't know what I would've done without them. I honestly can't thank you enough for recommending those to me haha I'd probably be curled up in my engine bay crying and foaming from the mouth otherwise

[willis]

That fender looks great, and so does the engine.

Also your dad looks rad.
My dad is the type to pay the dealership to change his oil, so it's always good to see family affairs when it comes to car projects.

[CubbyChowder]

That fender looks great, and so does the engine.

Also your dad looks rad.
My dad is the type to pay the dealership to change his oil, so it's always good to see family affairs when it comes to car projects.

Thanks dude, and yeah my dad is badass haha he just does his own thing and my friends all think he's a legend. He's taught me a lot though and has always supported whatever I'm into to so I'm super grateful.

[CubbyChowder]

Alright so I spent a few hours today sanding around the fender. It was kind of hard to tell whether everything was good or not so I decided now would be a good time to throw down a coat of primer and see where I'm at. I would say it's about 90% there, it definitely still needs some work but overall I'm pleased with the outcome. Here are a few different angles:

[323ijoe]

looks really clean man, keep it up

[axelillo_PR]

I'm no expert but that fender looks great, can't wait to see the rest

[F_Purists]

that looks really good. it makes me want to do the same on my 02 when im gona do the body. keep up the good work.

[CubbyChowder]

thanks guys, it's not 100% perfect but close. I think I'm just too anal, my dad even thinks I am. I can't be satisfied with my work until it's perfect, which can be quite a burden some times.