Z3 project...no going back now!

[Pondrew]

Looking really good Andy. Have you any idea of how many hours you have put in so far?

Tough one to work out.
As I had (or have) absolutely no idea what I was doing, there has been more 'thinking' time than 'doing' time.
I have been 'at it' for 15 months so far, probably 2-3 hours a day for around 5 days a week. Less around 10 weeks not doing anything, so approx 800 hours I would say. Plus about 3 times that thinking of how to do stuff, then thinking again!

 

[Pondrew]

Will it be ready for any 2025 meets & if so which ones?

I am building it, so don't think it will ever be able to drive more than 5 miles at a time! :lol:
I also don't envisage it being the best thing to drive....you can't see shite out the mirrors (any of them), it won't be waterproof and even if were the wipers will be crap. The headlights are like candles and I guarantee it will rattle all over.

BUT apparently that is the whole point....it is supposed to replicate a 1960s car and they were terrible! :lol:

 

[Jembo]

An old m8 had a white Bond Equippe that he paid £500 for back in the early 80’s.

I don’t think there’s any chance in a million years it’d be as rickety as that…

 

[IRD]

Looking really good Andy. Have you any idea of how many hours you have put in so far?

Tough one to work out.
As I had (or have) absolutely no idea what I was doing, there has been more 'thinking' time than 'doing' time.
I have been 'at it' for 15 months so far, probably 2-3 hours a day for around 5 days a week. Less around 10 weeks not doing anything, so approx 800 hours I would say. Plus about 3 times that thinking of how to do stuff, then thinking again!

Wow! That’s a lot of time. I’m looking forward to reading the description of the car when you place your ‘for sale’ advert. on the Forum.

 

[Pondrew]

OMFG!
The definition of "out of one's depth" is very well explained by the pictures below! :lol:

 

[jabber]

That’s a lot of connections hope you at least get some instructions for the new dash

 

[enuff_zed]

Looks like you have trouble looming 8)

 

[Pondrew]

That’s a lot of connections hope you at least get some instructions for the new dash

Nope. No such thing as instructions in this game.
The electrical stuff is the easy bit; it's getting the new dash and all the new trim to fit nicely that I am worried by.

 

[Pondrew]

Looks like you have trouble looming

Very good.

 

[IRD]

I’m OK at changing a fuse but that looks a bit much for me. It looks like ‘nervous breakdown’ material .cry:

 

[bigwinn]

Let me know if you need me to pop over…

 

[enuff_zed]

I’m OK at changing a fuse but that looks a bit much for me. It looks like ‘nervous breakdown’ material .cry:

The encouraging bit is that no two connectors are quite the same, so you have to try really hard to get them wrong.

 

[enuff_zed]

Let me know if you need me to pop over…

I think he's located all the earth points.

 

[bigwinn]

Let me know if you need me to pop over…

I think he's located all the earth points.

Ohhhhhhhh

That hurt

 

[Pondrew]

The encouraging bit is that no two connectors are quite the same, so you have to try really hard to get them wrong.

Yeah, you are right. Problem is every switch and electrical connection is being changed, so all the BMW connector plugs are to be cut off and replaced (mainly) with spade connectors.

The other issue is that over 24 years (age of the car) a lot of the coloured insulation has faded, so a violet and black wire looks very similar to a blue and grey one now, etc. And most wires are bloody tiny (0.5mm2) so my knackered old eyesight is struggling.

 

[Pondrew]

I think he's located all the earth points.

I was waiting for that one. :lol:

 

[Pondrew]

Let me know if you need me to pop over…

Don't worry mate, you are now on speed dial!
How's your knowledge on where to pick up an oil pressure sender point and a water temp sender point on an M54?

 

[IRD]

I’m OK at changing a fuse but that looks a bit much for me. It looks like ‘nervous breakdown’ material .cry:

The encouraging bit is that no two connectors are quite the same, so you have to try really hard to get them wrong.

Oh! I could do it Martin. Within seconds.

 

[MikeyH]

The encouraging bit is that no two connectors are quite the same, so you have to try really hard to get them wrong.

Yeah, you are right. Problem is every switch and electrical connection is being changed, so all the BMW connector plugs are to be cut off and replaced (mainly) with spade connectors.

The other issue is that over 24 years (age of the car) a lot of the coloured insulation has faded, so a violet and black wire looks very similar to a blue and grey one now, etc. And most wires are bloody tiny (0.5mm2) so my knackered old eyesight is struggling.

Now you know what it’s like to be colour blind. :x

 

[Pondrew]

Bit of an update for anyone still interested............
Paint booked for 27th March.
Interior trim all cut and trial fitted (PITA that was). Dash cut to tie-in to the original. Gauges trial fitted to make sure there is room behind the new dash! Luckily there is.
Upholsterers contacted to give a price for the 'finishing pretty bits'.
Just got a million things left to do and then we are done.