Elan's Hartge Restoration

[elan]

The ECU was also taken out to be checked:

[Rickz]

Excellent work...

I seen this at the old bodyshop and it looks very impressive!

My purple cab is sitting right at the back of the workshop in that pic!

[elan]

Excellent work...

I seen this at the old bodyshop and it looks very impressive!

My purple cab is sitting right at the back of the workshop in that pic!

Thanks Rick. I saw your car there and they told that me that you have some interesting plans for it!

[87mtech27]

Silver wheels all the way mate,i might be able to get hold of 4 centre caps

He'll need 15" caps Chris, they're not 16"..

Here is a H26 with darker shade rims.

[elan]

The black wheels look great with red body work due to the contrast. With Black paint I wonder if silver would be better?

[elan]

The accessories removed before paintwork are now going back on the car ! Shame I am going to miss the decent weather.

[sweep]

This is the one we have just fitted.

[elan]

This is the one we have just fitted.

Looks great, what Hartge engine is that?

[elan]

More pictures from the workshop

Still need to sort out the interior but the paintwork is almost there.


















The interior will be a bit tatty until the leather seats are sorted.

[aze30]

Looking very nice elan

[suchy]

Nice carpet!!

[elan]

Looking very nice elan

Thanks, the bodywork is good now, just the interior to sort out.

Nice carpet!!

Needs a good clean.


I am now thinking of replacing most of the rubber trims to make it feel newish.

[elan]

One more little issue today The fuel tank was found to be not in great shape after the car being SORN for a few years with dirty fuel!

So there is new fuel tank, Bosh fuel pump and fuel lines going in the car.

[elan]

what colour leather interior would suite the black exterior? I have narrowed it down to Cardinal or crimson red, so which would be better?

[Gavla]

@ elan

I have original cardinal interior for a cab. Will need a bit of a refurb and to be colonised but there are no major issues...

Long story short, I have spare seats, leather and alcantara cut to pattern (90% complete) but need to find someone reputable who will sew it all together for me which is proving difficult...

Perhaps we could come to some kind of arrangement...as an example, if you can manage to get my spare seats done then you can have my cardinal interior...if that appeals...

Give me a call if you want to chat about it. 07951479505

[elan]

Thanks Gav, I am interested. I have sent you a text so let me know when it's a good time and I will call you.

[elan]

The exhaust and fuel tank was removed so it gave the garage opportunity to inspect the car properly.





Shiny new tank:



As well as the fuel tank, the fuel pump and fuel lines were replaced.





I asked them to waxoil everything underneath as everything was out!







Whilst I was on a roll, I got them to also replace the bushes

[appletree]

Good work, i'll say it before anyone else does, dont forget to do the trailimg arm bushes if your in that deep anyway.

[elan]

Good work, i'll say it before anyone else does, dont forget to do the trailimg arm bushes if your in that deep anyway.

Thanks, added to the list.

New Fuel tank and other bits now fitted and few more update from the garage.

[elan]

A little update. The car has now made the pilgrimage back to Birds. Lets hope it doesnt dent the wallet too much!

[Cypriotgeeza]

Nice work man! I just read through the whole thing and im impressed!

What a transformation from the state it was originally in!

[andyp]

looks like shaz has been busy working

car does look stunning I must say

[elan]

Nice work man! I just read through the whole thing and im impressed!

What a transformation from the state it was originally in!

Thanks, it's slowly getting there.

looks like shaz has been busy working

car does look stunning I must say

I have been pestering him with all my demands. Another list of work for him to do shortly.

[elan]

I am planning to remove Hartge ARB and get it sandblasted and powder coated in Blue

Whilst doing this are there any other parts I should give the same treatment?

[bss325i]

Yes, the rest of the suspension.

Front struts, rear trailing arms and both cross members in satin black.

[elan]

Yes, the rest of the suspension.

Front struts, rear trailing arms and both cross members in satin black.

That sounds good. It will be nice to have clean suspension

[elan]

I want to get the LSD rebuilt/upgraded. I assume it's best to go for 4.1 ratio?

Any recommended parts for the LSD? Does a zoner here carries out LSD work?

[Royalratch]

Nice rebuild dude.

Regarding interior, you;re looking at around £1000-1200 just for the seats. Depends on the type of leather. I find that the pricier lester actually looks less authentic to the E30 type.

Door cards and quarters will be another £350ish. Centre and handbrake consoles will be another £300. Those should be in Nappa regardless.

I would only use genuine colours from the E30 or Hartge range and not introduce weird stitching colours, piping and other stuff - not because I'm OEM homo type but it honestly looks better factory.

I'd also stick to the car being 100% original - you can molest any old E30 but why molest one thats already been molested - albeit by a respected tuner.

Ask for Adam at B-Trim and tell him Rach told you to call.

[elan]

Thanks Rach, that's really useful info. I will give Adam a call and hopefully pop in to see them soon. The car will be kept OEM, at least to Hartge spec. There will be no weird piping or quilted seats

The car is back in garage for a bit more updates. The front & rear top mounts, rear trailing arm bushes, ARB bushes and engine mounts are being replaced. I have ordered a set of Bilstein for the rear while the Original shocks go back to Bilstein for repair.

I am taking this opportunity to sandblast and powder coat most of the suspension bits as advised by Barry.

This should hopefully leave me with only two outstanding tasks. The first being the LSD rebuild. I am still not sure what ratio to go for and best components etc .. The second was to find someone to clean the injector then it will just be the interior left to finish.

[bss325i]

4.10 is way to tall for a 325i based E30.

3.91 is the most you want to go with a 3.64 being a better bet with a 2.7 engine.

Gareth on the zone rebuilds and uprates LSD's.

[elan]

The ARB and other bits are now back after being sandblasted and powder coated! The new bilsten rear shocks are also being fitted.

[HartgeH27]

ooh another hartge 2.7 cabby, this could be interesting.

Here we go again...

Chris, I think this build thread is superb and a credit to Elan.

There were around 12 Hartge conversions done on the E30 of various guises. H26, H27 and H35s.

When we had the same issue some years ago Kevin Bird clearly listed up the last few numbers of the VIN and the list clearly stated there was only one full £12k conversion of a rhd convertible in the 80s.

Other cabs were converted but not with the the full conversion.

Anyone, the last thing we need is a repeat of the Atta bunfight which thankfully Kevin put to bed.

There was only one FULL conversion which is supported with the original bill ie provenance.

Its superb to see this resto thread and I truly look forward to seeing the car in the flesh.

Beautiful work Elan !!!!

[jlb]

Not to take away from this interesting build thread, great work btw, can I just ask what constitutes a FULL H27 conversion in this case?
As this car appears to have had Hartge engine, exhaust set up, suspension, wheels etc...
Are we suggesting missing Hartge gauges and rear spoiler prevent a full conversion or is it something else?

[HartgeH27]

Got a load on at the moment with family illnesses, when all clear I will post you up a Bird's build sheet which will explain all jib.

Regards mate...........

Iain

[e30topless]

As this car appears to have had Hartge engine, exhaust set up, suspension, wheels etc...

if a turd could tell a tale James !