Alpine E30 Convertible Running Log

[Jdesign]

We use that paint all the time on prototypes at my work. Its really nice stuff.

[P_Roloff]

Jdesign said:

We use that paint all the time on prototypes at my work. Its really nice stuff.

Yeah, I really liked it. What I liked even more is that the auto body supply shop off Fish Hatchery Rd. that I bought this stuff from has a whole rack of different SEM paints, and they’re cheaper than on Amazon or anywhere else I could find.

[Jdesign]

P_Roloff said:

Yeah, I really liked it. What I liked even more is that the auto body supply shop off Fish Hatchery Rd. that I bought this stuff from has a whole rack of different SEM paints, and they’re cheaper than on Amazon or anywhere else I could find. 

That's where we get it. They delivery to us weekly.

[cpandrewschmidt]

which body shop has that paint?  Which one is best match for BMW?

[P_Roloff]

Body shop supply on greenway crossing, the SEM trim black matches the black trim and stuff on our cars almost exactly.

[straight6pwr]

and don't forget its really good quality - it sprays nice, covers evenly and is very durable. i've sprayed basically every trim piece of my e30 with this stuff with great success.

[P_Roloff]

straight6pwr said:

and don't forget its really good quality - it sprays nice, covers evenly and is very durable. i've sprayed basically every trim piece of my e30 with this stuff with great success.

I see you have the headlight trim rings there-do you like the look painted black? I’m on the fence on whether to keep the silver or go black.

[straight6pwr]

P_Roloff said:

I see you have the headlight trim rings there-do you like the look painted black? I’m on the fence on whether to keep the silver or go black. 

all my headlights are smoked, so it's necessary. for regular headlights, both work nice. it seems unnecessary to buy silver paint since you have the black already.

[YoungCR]

+1 for Body Shop Supply! They have a store in Madison and Janesville.

[P_Roloff]

Haven’t updated in awhile, I’ve really just been enjoying driving it lately. I rolled over 194k recently, making that more than 2000 miles since late May. 

I recently did some paint correction, took me around 16 hours for the whole process of washing, clay barring, compounding, polishing and waxing but was well worth it both in results and the lessons learned. Most if not all of the light scratches and swirls are gone, revealing a surprising amount of deeper scratches, gouges and chips. I suppose that’s what happens with 29 year old original paint. I’m going to go back and redo the trunk and hood, I think I can still get some more imperfections taken care of because I did a super light cut the first time.

I also picked up a new to me sport steering wheel from @YoungCR to replace my cracked and worn out one. It made a huge difference in the look and feel of the interior, super pleased. I also got a replacement speaker as well, so my speakers all work now. Thanks again!

The other new thing is a set of euro grilles that I picked up from a guy in Chicago along with a perfect, uncracked rear ashtray for $45 total. The drivers side grille is warped which is why I got them so cheap, but I made some good progress with a heat gun to straighten it out. It’s still a little wavy, but I’m gonna work on it more tomorrow, then do some filing, sanding and then paint to cap it all off.

I’ll post some random pics of all this tomorrow.

[P_Roloff]

Today’s happenings:

Front right shock let go in a mildly spectacular fashion, guess that means that I have a bit of work ahead of me when I get back from school next year. All of the rubber in the front end is worn out anyways, so I’m just gonna do it all at once when I have the opportunity, probably with an e36 rack as well. 

I’ve heard that using e36 centered control arm bushings is a good upgrade, any other recommendations? Would e90 drop hats work fine with stock suspension, or is it not worth it? I’d like to maybe reduce the wheel gap a little bit if I can for cheap. 

Also, some pics of the euro grilles. The passenger side one is a genuine BMW part, but the drivers one isn’t and I think that’s why it fits kinda weird and was warped.

[Earl]

I highly recommend a z3 rack over an e36 rack. Drop hats also give you roughly 1/2" drop. If that's what you're going for then it's worth it

[P_Roloff]

Earl said:

I highly recommend a z3 rack over an e36 rack. Drop hats also give you roughly 1/2" drop. If that's what you're going for then it's worth it

Yeah, a z3 would be the ideal choice. If i see one for cheap I'll jump on it but otherwise an e36 would be acceptable I think and probably for a lot less money.

Even a 1/2" lower would make it better I would think, and for $30 it's worth a shot.

[Earl]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Steering-Rack-Pinion-Assembly-for-1996-2002-BMW-Z3-Exc-3-2L/151076806130?hash=item232ce11df2:g:VuwAAOSw-jhULEox

[jc43089]

Use centered e36 M bushings for the front control arms.  The non m are the same as you already have and even when new are too sloppy.  The M bushings are cheap and no NVH.  The dimensions are the same they just have more rubber and less air space.

[P_Roloff]

No real update, but got the car out of storage today. Feels weird to be back in the e30 after the e34, steering felt stupid light in comparison. Looking forward to getting in some good miles this summer and replacing the front suspension, I’ll be hitting up @patsbimmer1 soon for that. Also got an e36 rack from @wasnt m3 this weekend, just need to clean it up and machine myself some spacers and we’ll be good to go there. 

Requisite potato phone pic:

[P_Roloff]

Mileage: 195,400

Changed the oil, poked around, made a list of the front end parts to replace after the e30 picnic.

Also repaired the drivers side seat, one of the seat back adjusters wasn't latching so the whole seat would twist and move under heavy acceleration and braking. Just needed a bit of lube and we were on our way, really nice how easy they are to strip and service. No broken tabs even! I unfortunately didn't get any pictures, but if anyone cares or has questions, let me know.

Looking forward to seeing you guys at the picnic!

[P_Roloff]

Did another thousand or so miles, then got tired enough of the crappy front suspension that I ripped it apart. Parts are on order for a full front end refresh minus tie rods (no play, replaced by P.O. at some point). Went with the KYB GR-2/Excel-G shock because cheap and decent enough, poly fcabs, and stock lemforder for everything else. I almost did the e36 m3 rubber fcabs, but the whole preload thing sounded like a hassle and something I would stress over once it was back together. Went with the softer 75A poly, we’ll see how it feels. It’s not too hard or expensive to upgrade later, and I honestly don’t want to sacrifice too much comfort. Call me a pansy, I don’t care.  

Also attempting to figure out where the steering system is leaking to eliminate the fluid slick in the garage, and probably going to delete the charcoal canister while I’m in there. The foam in the bottom fell out and there was oil and schmoo all over the underside, probably going to replace it with a small filter of some sort and tuck it somewhere out of the way. Next on the list is a new intake boot, thermostat, and a couple random odds and ends.

So yeah, another crappy update with no pictures.

[B C]

Fresh front end components will feel good!  Did you get strut mounts too? let me know how you like the KYBs

[straight6pwr]

P_Roloff said:

 I almost did the e36 m3 rubber fcabs, but the whole preload thing sounded like a hassle and something I would stress over once it was back together.

heh? i've never preloaded CABs on an e30. you have to excessively lube up the control arms to get them in the CABs, so once you put them on the car and set it down, they rotate into the proper position without any special help. regardless, poly CABs are better then rubber anyways, so its a moot point.