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| Message: | Even though I owned and still own cars that are more expensive, faster, and beautiful, M Coupe has always been a dream car for me. Its unique blend of characteristics creates a certain charisma, and simply had to have one! Last month my dream became a reality when I picked up my Coupe in Chicago (see this thread about the trip: http://bimmer.roadfly.com/bmw/forums/z3-coupe/9299446-1.html). Even though the car was in really good shape, it was far from being perfect. Maybe neglected is a bit of a strong word, but certainly not cared for. it was rough in places, and had few mods that I was not happy with, so as soon as I got it home, I started planning a "come back". Here is a couple of pictures of the car as it was before I started the restoration:    I started by stripping every possible panel in the interior and cleaning them up, steaming the carpets, replacing panels and all clips, rivets, bolts, etc.   As I assembled it back together, I insulated all rattling panels with various bits of insulation:  When I was done with the trunk I had done the following to it: -Removed CD Changed and installed iPod Hookup in its place -Insulation in trim, hatch panel -Replaced all broken clips and nuts with OEM BMW -Replaced missing bits and pieces (covers, straps, tools) -Replaced trim panels over the rear shocks -New Subwoofer grille -Steamcleaned about a bucket of dog (or cat?) hair :-) When I was done with the trunk, it looked like this:  Then I moved to the interior - lots of little bits and pieces had to be fixed there. -Added missing shifter surround clips -Replaced broken footrest panel -Replaced several missing trim-caps -Fixed rheostat and loose wiring in the shifter boot -Put in original rearview mirror, and added missing set of trim caps -Fixed the glovebox, replaced missing latch frame -Removed glovebox bolster, replaced all trim-caps -Fixed broken clips on the pass. door panel -Fixed pass side tweeters (unglued from panel) -Realigned door panel and trim -Replaced missing Airbag clip -Replaced broken hazard lights trim -Reset Airbag light that popped while moving the seat -Cleaned underseat connectors  Leather seats were cleaned, conditioned, then re-dyed (spot re-dye) and sealed with sealer. They are nice and supple once again....  Once interior and trunk was perfect, I moved on to the exterior of the beast. First of all, took it to a carwash, and spent 3 hours of cleaning years of caked dirt from the undercarriage and engine bay:  By the time it was all cleaned up (revealed mostly good paint which was good thing!), new set of perfectly restored Roadstars with brand new tires (Sumitomo HTR Z III) showed up: -New wheels with new OEM M badges -New tires with new stem valves/caps  Once on new wheels, I fixed few other little things: -New OEM M badge for the hatch -Replaced two speed nuts in hte license place holder -Replaced one burned-out plate bulb -Re-aligned rear spoiler and replaced one sliding nut inside -Put fender guards on -20% Tint all around -Replaced black kidney grilles with OEM chrome -Took out small hood dent -Put new wiper and new wiper blades -Replaced smashed rear brake ducts (aeroducts) -Replaced missing rubber gas flap stopper -Removed paint from the gills/polished the chrome Once all mechanical and cosmetic issues were fixed, all was left is to clean it and make it beautiful! -Dressed up engine bay -Clayed the paint! (I have never seen so much stuff in the paint. I guess few Chicago winters are showing here!):   -Rubber seals were conditioned with Gummi Pfledge -Paint was polished, cleaned, corrected with orbital buffer, and sealed with wax:  Finally, the monster was back!   And finally, today was a beautiful day, so I took my camera (Nikon D40x with 18-200VR lens), tripod, filters, and took some proper pics of the car! In the park:       I absolutely love this angle!    Some construction site:            Then at some railroad warehouse or sorts:       And finally, at an old parking lot:     Went a bit crazy with the pix, I know. Sorry for the overload. Hope you enjoyed this little car comeback to its full glory. Thanks for looking! | ||||
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