Alpine e30 progress/build thread
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Picked up a new core support from Umansky to replace the bent replacement (also I cut that to pieces getting the new frame rail section out haha), these things are pricey but knowing it's straight is worth the premium. I'm hoping to finish fitting all the patch parts and start welding things back together this weekend! My overall goal is to have the body repair done by the end of April.
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Got some good work done with the great weather this weekend!
I was able to massage the inner bumper shock support back into shape. It's not pretty but you can't see it once everything is back together.
Finished fitting the new bumper mount and got everything mocked up. Everything seems to be lining up really well. Next step is to lightly tack it all together and check the panel fitment. Hoping to have that done this week so I can weld everything up for good!
Got the differential mount reinforcement plates welded in:
The three exhaust heat shields were looking pretty gross so I cleaned them up with a wire wheel and sprayed them with some high-temp silver paint:
Opened up the medium case 4.10 LSD that I'll be using. Its got a bit of sludge inside from sitting around for a while, but the internals seem to be in great shape. Hopefully all it needs is some new fluid and it's good to go.
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Here is an example of hairline cracks forming, from a build thread on r3vlimited (JGood's m60 swapped e30). I recall seeing it once or twice more in other random build threads too, but it's not very common.
I will be running subframe riser bushings that require spacers to lower the diff back to it's original location. I wanted to add the reinforcements to compensate for the increased stress the mounts will see (less contact area, increased distance between the diff and subframe). Its definitely overkill for a stock m42, but with more power planned in the future I figured it was good to do while I was in there for added peace of mind.
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That example was overtorqued, but that is understandable since there isnt any way to get an accurate torque on those with te subframe installed anyhow
Thanks for the info
Hadn't thought of that but it's definitely a possibility, I read a little more of that thread and he did mention that he had the diff bolts come loose at some point so that could have also contributed. Either way, got some welding practice and it doesn't hurt anything haha
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The three exhaust heat shields were looking pretty gross so I cleaned them up with a wire wheel and sprayed them with some high-temp silver paint:
you're never making the may 15th deadline if you are taking this to the earl degree
Dan
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you're never making the may 15th deadline if you are taking this to the earl degree
To the picnic or bust!
I couldn't help myself on this one though, its a fairly quick job that should make a huge difference
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Made some great progress the last two days after work.
In the middle of installing the UUC rear sway bar and reinforcements, had to do a lot of adjustment to get the brackets to sit just right but I finally got them where I wanted. Drilling holes in the trunk floor is a bummer, but it seems like the only/best way to prevent issues.
I also started started welding the front end together. The metal is very thin so it's going to take about a million tack welds to get it done, but it's moving along quickly which is awesome. On the bumper mount, I missed a cut by about 1/8", so I will have to make a filler piece to close the gap, but that's no big deal.
With the parts securely tacked in place, I fit the core support and mocked up the front end to check panel gaps/fitment before I weld everything together for good. Looks like I'll be able to get decent gaps all around which is great news. Everything is just loosely set in place in these pictures so things are a little off, but there is a good amount of adjustment in everything.
Definitely a huge motivator seeing it starting to come together!
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visual progress like this is a huge win and motivation for sure. It even looks like a real car now! What could possibly go wrong between now and the E30 picnic
2011 E92 M3 6MT ZCP - ESS 625 supercharged
2007 Z4MR
2003 E39 M5
2002 E46 M3
2021 X5 40i -
Thanks guys! It was kind of a bummer taking it back apart haha, but I'm hoping I'll be assembling it for good in the very near future.
What could possibly go wrong between now and the E30 picnic
Well, there are somewhere in the neighborhood of a million things to do before it's roadworthy, but I think I have a good handle on what still needs to be done which is half the battle. I'll be pushing hard all the way to the 20th!
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Sweet jesus, I didn't realize you cut the end of the frame horn off. Bold.
Fit up is looking good!
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Sweet jesus, I didn't realize you cut the end of the frame horn off. Bold.
Fit up is looking good!
It was a bit scary initially, but it seemed like the best route given the damage. Thankfully, hitting a deer is much different than hitting a wall or a car, the deformation is much more localized.
How is the paint match of the parts off of the "parts car"? I see that car was pinstripped. Is it paint or just vinyl?
The paint match looks pretty good. The new panels are very dull and not the straightest but I think I'll be able to polish them up and it will be good enough for now. I think the pinstripe on that fender is vinyl, but I'm just going to leave it for now haha.
I worked on the car last night after work, got in a groove and was there till almost midnight. The front end repair is completely welded and the seams are all primed (finished it after taking this picture). I'll be applying the seam sealer and some sealer primer to the joints this weekend and then the 'final' front end assembly can begin!
During the fit up I did a few days ago, I found that the rail on the driver's side that the top of the fender bolts to was twisted outwards about 1/2" at the end. I got creative with a come-along and some rope and was able to pull it back into place before welding everything up. I did the pulling with the core support removed, this way I could account for spring back so that the rail was resting in the correct place afterwards.
I decided to skip making the core support removable and just replicated the way it is welding by the factory. The M42 has so much room in front of it that it didn't seem necessary to add all the extra work right now.
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Plus you can always drop the subframe out with the engine attached=)
When did you want me to come out and help do your rear wheel bearings?
I'm thinking I am going to leave the wheel bearings till after the picnic/whenever I get it out on the road, since they seem to spin smoothly by hand so I'm hoping they have some life left. There's just so much to do I am trying to stick to the essentials for right now. I'll definitely hit you up when it's time though!
You're repairing something I wouldn't even feel comfortable diving into lol
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