The Dirty Dolphin build thread
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She's back on her feet with a freshly tightened strut collar nut. No more big clunks, but it still crashes over bumps more than i think it should. Below is a pic of the raw sandblasted bottlecaps which used to be time attacked. Now I need to source a Z3 rack for the next big project phase which includes the z3 rack, replacing the current damaged front subframe with a reinforced and freshly powdercoated one, and brand new control arms. I may throw new shock cartridges in while i'm at it but i haven't decided yet. I discovered that the poop covered damper (pictured in the previous posts) is not completely blown like i thought.
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An update on the glacial progress of the car. The cardinal interior is in (it has been for a while). Someone sell me some cardinal sport seats! And my spare subframe has been improved. Can you spot the upgrade? Also, has anyone purchased a steering rack from the rack doctor?
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Second on the subframe, looks awesome! Is that powder coated?
As far as the seats, I know your driver seat needs a rebuild. If you'd be willing to fix it yourself you could then just recover the seats too. When I plan to build a set of hybrid e30/e28 sport seats I'm gonna use kits from this seller. http://www.ebay.com/usr/zoomzoomzoom-ing They have good reviews from guys on other forums that have used them and the prices are decent too.
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Subframe so clean you can eat off it
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I need to do that to my subframe! I'd go gold because gold of course.
Nice work!
@DrLeadFoot
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I miss this car so damn much.
E91 328xi - F15 X5 40e - Hopes and dreams of eventually having a cool car
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Just don't change the body color. Love Delphingrau!!!
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Second on the subframe, looks awesome! Is that powder coated?
As far as the seats, I know your driver seat needs a rebuild. If you'd be willing to fix it yourself you could then just recover the seats too. When I plan to build a set of hybrid e30/e28 sport seats I'm gonna use kits from this seller. http://www.ebay.com/usr/zoomzoomzoom-ing They have good reviews from guys on other forums that have used them and the prices are decent too.
I considered having a friend powdercoat it, but i ended up spray painting it with engine enamel. Are you planning to get a kit like this http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E30-325i-318i-325IS-M3-SPORT-SEATS-CARDINAL-RED-UPHOLSTERY-KITS-CONVT-NEW-/350963052092?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item51b7072e3c, and do the upholstery work yourself? Can i do this myself without sewing skills and equipment? Does it cost much to have someone do it? The first review i found of this seller was negative, although it was because of the seat mechanicals, not the upholstery. http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1817261-eBay-e30-sport-seats-review-zoomzoomzoom-ing
someone said:
Just don't change the body color. Love Delphingrau!!!
The color is here to stay. I love Delphin.
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I claim victory for the evening. The front subframe is out. I dropped it with the control arms still attached to avoid battle with the 22mm inner ball joint nuts
A reinforced subframe is going back in, along with new control arms, M3 offset CAB's, and new Bilstein sports. I think i have a broken motor mount, so i might as well put new ones in. My swaybar bushings look pretty sorry too...
If you're wondering what's supporting the engine, it's this:
This strange damage/repair job is why I have a new subframe
This 4.10 followed me home from Appleton. My current diff is making awful machining noises...
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Getting closer...
This tool made CAB installation a breeze. If anyone wants to borrow it, lemme know.
Question: Are these motor mount heat shield bracket wraparound hook things important, or can i cut them off (just the hook part that wraps around)??? They cant be hooked around the subframe after I welded in my reinforcements. Is the only purpose of this part to hold the heat shield?
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Subframe looks fantastic!
Your CAB install tool looks exactly like mine did, I didnt use very good threaded rod because the threads were buggered up by the time I was done with it.
Where did you get the bushings pressed into the lollipops at?
You dont need the hooked portion of the heat shield bracket but I dont see a reason to lop it off.
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I have always installed the bushings by hand after lubing them with dishsoap, (It is still not easy to get them on though). From my understanding the car needs to be set down right away so that they dry with them at the proper angle with the weight of the car on the suspension so that they are not twisting/flexed when the car is at normal height. How are you determining the correct angle to install them at?
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