318is Slicktop M52 Swap -- Pic Heavy

[Volvosome]

Top notch work going on in here. Cannot wait to see the finished product.

["hicks"]

amazing so stoked on this. cant wait for updates and good work

[mtlbloodshot]

Monday, November 12, 2012 --

The weekend is when the magic happens at the shop. Body work gets done! The bay was smoothed down and sealed Friday. Saturday plastic was spread and Sunday sanding began. These pics are from this morning. One side is almost done.








Last year I purchased a front bumper from a member here. Thankfully it came from somewhere that never saw snow, so it was clean without rust. Gave it a fast cleaning, scotch bright and paint. The usual routine.

[mtlbloodshot]

Tuesday, November 13, 2012 --

I wasn't very surprised when I saw my wheel wells with the wheels/subframe off. Apparently they really are one of the e30 weak spots. Being driven in the snow for who knows how long, they really took a beating. The driver side can be saved according to my friend but the passenger needs to be replaced completely. It's rotten to the point of no return all the way up to the gas cap. Driver side has already begun.

At this point of the build, I am well over my intended budget but hey, do it once, do it right. Enjoy the rust.

[kittenpuncher]

awesome job so far keep it up mate.

[Sausager]

Awesome work dude, love it! Super keen to see this completed. Consider me sub'd!

[rsingh3g]

Can't wait to see more pics, I love reading your updates

[mtlbloodshot]

Thanks everyone for the support. It makes me want to provide more and better updates constantly. So here is one for today!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 --

Great day! Went to pick up the rear subframe, trailing arms and crossmember from sand blasting. They look great. Obviously they aren't perfect as they are 20 years old but once they are painted, they'll be much better looking than rusty and old.
Just waiting for my friend to finish painting a car in the paint booth, then they'll get painted black with a tough clear.





My Z3M Diff gasket was placed with silicone. Brand new copper washers on the bolts and drain plugs. AKG bushing pressed in. I searched around online and saw that 45NM is a good number for the torque on the bolts/plugs. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[PashaP]

good job! But I do not understand, you paint old parts are not clean them?

[600whp s4]

Love this build!!

[mtlbloodshot]

good job! But I do not understand, you paint old parts are not clean them?

What do you mean? Your question is very unclear

[mtlbloodshot]

Saturday, November 17, 2012 --

I ordered a OEM outer wheel well from BMW West Island in Montreal. I was told that it would take 2-3 business to arrive but some how got it the next day. This part is usually changed once the quarter panel is removed so we had to make it work somehow. Decided to take the part and cut it into sections to make it fit. It's a shame to take a brand new part and chop it into pieces to make it work but hey, it saves time and makes every ones job easier. Next up, is the battery tray in the trunk.
Wheel Well

Passenger Side Cut



Drive Side Repaired


Passenger Side Repaired

[blowntwofive]

nice build man looks good

[DakarDario]

amazing build, do i even wanna know how much you spent already?

[mtlbloodshot]

nice build man looks good

Thanks

amazing build, do i even wanna know how much you spent already?

Honestly, I have no idea exactly how much but I would give an easy guess over 10k (including the car)