1978 e21 m20 turbo swap, AKA What did I get myself into

[bfinley]

Almost done with the KBS on the front end, I've started priming at sanding the fenders and trunk lid. Need to get the hood down, kbs, then scuff it and spray the first layer of primer

[jc43089]

Awesome, I should stop by after work this week.  When are you usually at the shop?

[Bassboy3313]

Keep it up man! Looking good!

Sent from my XT901 using Tapatalk

[bfinley]

Got the first layer of green on the fenders only to run out, no one in town currently has the dupli-color self etching OD flat primer that I'm using.

I'm going to check with napa tomorrow about custom mixed aerosol cans....

Since I didn't want to go home with no power I went back to the shop and cut my riveted aluminum panels to cover the gaping holes in the fenders

[RamRod E28]

bfinley said:

Got the first layer of green on the

Is that bud light lime I see???

[RamRod E28]

DO IT!!!

[bfinley]

The whole exterior of the car is in primer

Fenders and trunk kid are green!

[bfinley]

The Kamotors e30 fender flares showed up so I quick mocked them up.

They will need some trimming to fit.

Shot the first layer of matte clear on the trunk and fenders last night along with a rubberized underliner on the rockers.

Wet sanding the shell starts tonight and then first round of OD green !

[jc43089]

What are your thoughts for wiring?  Mike said the wiring was a disaster, possibly caused by him lol.  I wonder about using a small aftermarket fusebox to do the remaining body wiring.  I imagine it will be very minimal or what are your thoughts?

[RamRod E28]

The wiring was a cluster f*** so many splices that went to god knows where!

[bfinley]

Well we know where they all go now ...

[bfinley]

jc43089 said:

What are your thoughts for wiring?  Mike said the wiring was a disaster, possibly caused by him lol.  I wonder about using a small aftermarket fusebox to do the remaining body wiring.  I imagine it will be very minimal or what are your thoughts?

I haven't done much research yet, bug I've been thinking about it. All I will need to control is headlights, tail lights/turn signals, and whatever power my custom gauges need. Which for the time being will be a tach and a garmin gps ...

[Rowleym]

Just do a new chassis harness from painless, or like us with the "ezwiring" kit. SOOO easy, and cheap. Never screw with 30+ year old wiring.

[jc43089]

I know an electrician that could wire it up for you...  What is your timeline for wiring?  Have you checked out gauges from innovate?  They have some combo gauges, oil temp/pres, water temp/batt voltage, and some nice widebands.  For a pretty decent price too.  I will be using these in my e36 when it is coming back together.

[bfinley]

Could happen simultaneously with the motor which should be starting next week after I finish the body

[jc43089]

OK, I could put in some time on Mondays.

[bfinley]

jc43089 said:

OK, I could put in some time on Mondays.

Awesome ! I'll look into those gauges tonight

[bfinley]

Welded in patch panels over the rear assembly holes. Not my prettiest welds but it's solid. Once I bedline the interior you won't see them.

Have to pull the fuel lines before I cut the front floors

[jc43089]

Looks good man!

[bfinley]

Things are starting to line up. Single mass flywheel ordered, an 885 head had been dibsed. lots of work planned for this weekend. The fuel tank is on it's way out as is the front subframe. I'll get that cleaned up and work on fabricating motor mounts. Once the fuel system is stripped I can finish patching the floors as well. Now I just need a clutch.