89 325i sport resto (work begins at last)

[Simon13]

wow, really looking like a car again now, i like all new shiney bits undereath too!

[bss325i]

Excelent stuff Matt, not long now till the enjoyment of driving it happens!

[beardymat]

thanks again guys

more shiney bits will go underneath when its on the road, will get a spare rear beam setup powder coated and bushed up one step at a time though.

cant wait to get behind the wheel but its first trip out wont be in all this bleedin rain

[dazleeds]

matt

she is looking truly stunning mate

look forward to seing her again in all her glory

may have taken a while but the finished article speaks for itself fella

mucho respect, now get my bugger pulled straight

[josh-hocking]

AMAZING!! im watching this thread all the time and carnt wait to see the car finished!! keep up the pictures i love them!!

[he30]

The ends in site fella! keep the good work up. look forward to seeing it on the road. Just do me a favour, don't park next to mine at the next meet lol

[beardymat]

got some more pics to come when the missus gets back with the camera.

lamps are in bumpers are on and the wheels are back. a few finishing touches and a light buff and it`ll be ready for some nice arty outdoor pics in the sun.

well thats if we get some

its getting a lot of attention down at work even though most people say " that dolphin grey is a lovely colour "

a guy who sells prestige motors from the same building im in comes round daily to see how its going, said to me today " ill buy that when its done" "not for sale" i said "ill convince you" was the reply.

would have to be one serious offer to even get me thinking about selling, too much work gone into it to just move it on. i just want to use it and keep improving it

[bigun]

pukka work matt pukka work




need more pics

[beardymat]

few more pics for you junkies

need to get it outside for some good quality ones as its a little dark inside.

new foglamp lenses from a company called bmwlight.com

theyre plastic but look good when fitted and are quite a lot cheaper than new foglamps. if anyone has a couple of the little silver caps i would be gratefull for some.put them on the rear wiper of my mates car whilst talking to him and he drove off with em











ordered a load of service bits from bmw

plugs
cap
rotor arm
filters
blue temp sensor
wipers
screenwash
intensive clean

even the parts guy swallowed hard when i asked for the cap and rotor, is there any real need for them to be that expensive.

should be getting mot`d later this week

cant seem to stop the sunroof from snagging the roof when opening it, pushed it as far forward as possible but the seal still sticks.was thinking of removing the front part of the seal to enable me to adjust it further forward and then refitting the seal.will let you know if it works.

[Sanchez]

she's looking very fresh and congrats you deserve it.

[bss325i]

Excelent Matt, it looks beautiful and cant wait to see some more pics!

[dazleeds]

feckin hell matt

she is looking spanking mate

come a long way since was last there

ps will check in shed tmoro

[DaveD]

popped in on Saturday and had a look ...I think Mat is playing it down ...the car looks fantastic...are you going to take it outside is my question ..it might get a bit if dirt on the underside.............

[sshinx1]

Beardymat, could you please tell me where you got your replacement panels from mainly the inner arches, as need to do some slight repair work in that area too. thanks

[Kos]

matt, been reading this from the starts, good work mate !!

its nice to see one being saved !

[hubble]

Car's looking superb Mat, And just to think a few months ago it was in need of plenty TLC
Well done. Looking forward in seeing final photos.

[beardymat]

thanks guys

almost cant believe its nearly done, will be a nervous first drive out i can tell you. spent a lot of money on this car but not as much as what it would cost to buy one in the same condition or even in average condition but its the time spent that makes it so valuable to me.going to be fun adding up all the bills from bmw to see what ive spent

Beardymat, could you please tell me where you got your replacement panels from mainly the inner arches, as need to do some slight repair work in that area too. thanks

the replacement inner arches were from bmw @ £60 per side although i think the drivers side was a little more expensive. the outers were made by a company called hadrian and can be bought from specialist artermarket panel companies.it may seem expensive to go to this extreme but its the best way to prevent rust from making a swift return.

im really looking forward to gaydon, will be the first real drive out and the first show/ meet for me with the car. also looking forward to seeing a few other cars ive seen on here

[bss325i]

Well done Matt! I've said it before and i'll say it again, you are a total hero for saving one of the ever decreasing number of sports one of which in a pretty bad way and to a high standard as well. Hats off to you and look forward to seeing it at Gaydon.

[dj888]

wow! looks stunning! when i was browsing the first page, i couldn't believe what i saw when i checked the last page of this thread . good job!

btw, how did you manage to pry them lenses out?

[e30bmlover]

even the parts guy swallowed hard when i asked for the cap and rotor, is there any real need for them to be that expensive.

lol, i know what you mean, i nearly had a stroke when i found out the prices too!! she looks fantastic, dont you dare sell her!!

[Simon13]

looks proper bo i tell thee now

[bigun]

simply the bo**ox credit to ya good job it missed the washout you had up in sheffield

[DanThe]

even the parts guy swallowed hard when i asked for the cap and rotor, is there any real need for them to be that expensive.

I bought an M50 engine yesterday complete with ancillaries for less

[aauser]

The car looks fantastic Mat, well done, top quality work. I'm sure lots of people would have given up long ago but you've stuck with it and when you eventually drive the car on the road, it will have all been worthwhile

[beardymat]

got a little confession,

just had a drive out with the g.f. to matlock even though i cant tax the bugger till its had a vic check

but since i will be taxing it from the beginning of july anyhow i guess its not so bad. got insurance and mot though, not worth driving without them.watch the b@st@rds bust me now using this as evidence.

the car drives brilliantly, no nocks or nasty noises and got a few looks from people as i went by.picked up a few flys on the front and some brake dust on the wheels though .going to give it a wax up tommorow and go somewhere for some photos for you lot to perve over, lol.

btw, how did you manage to pry them lenses out?

the easiest way is to break the lens and peel the pieces from the sealant. i think you would struggle to get one off in one piece.

[oguz327]

Fantastic work Matt, looks minty fresh

[hubble]

Hi Mat, Try 90 miles a day for brake dust....and not forgetting all the nasty flies and crap which your front spoiler collects too. One of the reasons why mine gets cleaned as often as it does.

You'll be cleaning it more often than you think now it's being repainted.

[Simon13]

thats why you drive a shed everyday! me touring is soldiering on now 226,000 miles and going strong. Keep the nice car for the weekends innit!

[hubble]

Makes sense Simon what you're saying but funds don't allow for a second car as yet. Plus I'd miss driving the sport too....

[Simon13]

this is my problem 1 good E30 is enough sort of. Would make my life a lot cheaper and give me more money for my C2

[beardymat]

well its official, i hate rain.

wanted to wash and wax the car ready for some juicy pics but since it wont stay dry for longer than five minutes just a wash had to do.anyhow its time for the pics to do the talking

[aauser]

WOW - absolutely stunning and all your own work (paint aside) - well done Mat

[doughboy]

Amazing

Can you do mine next

[nasty_sled]

meticulous build matt, ive stoved the front of mine , and am now contemplating a refurb like yourself, only im going to have to pay someone else to do it for me

[jaffro]

hi matt. a mate of mine who used 2 work in the body shop a served his time at rolls royce has had a nosey at your work on this thred a he was amazed to say the least at the accuracy a detail you have put into yor work. he said it was a credit 2 what he says is a craftsman of the highest calibre 2 work to such detail as you have done. just thought id let u no mate cos his comments mate me smile for you mate as he is old school and rarely gives such good comments. well done mate