BMW Z3 3.0 - Fiona

[Nodzed]

I did mine a couple of years ago, think I might have them off again this summer to see how my reprotection has worked.

Agree Mike I think this is a 3 / 4 year repeat just to clean out and add more protection, I think then the inners and outers on any zed would be safe for years.

 

[pgunter]

Well a little update on my silver Z3. Fionn had a cracked bumper from when I purchased her many moons ago. Managed to source a good second hand bumper in the lovely Titan Silver which due to its age has the normal chunks and gouges missing.

As I have a bit of time on my hands I decided to have a go at doing some work on the leading edge and then get the bumpers swapped over. I have not done bodywork like this in years, so please let the amateur off.

First was to rub the edge to see what perils lay in store. Then a bit of good putty filler and sanding. Followed by a primer. This will be sanded down with some 1000 wet and dry. A stone chip applied to the base and leading edge before a nice spray over with Titan Silver just on that edge. It will not be perfect but at least I will not see chunks missing when I look at the front.

As you can see that primer shows up the dent still. So a little way to go yet.

 

[mwpe]

It takes a lot of time and patience to get these things right, unless your name is Sean.

 

[t-tony]

It’s not something you’re born with even Sean has spent many years perfecting his craft. That’s why I never poke fun at anyone, we all start somewhere.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

Looking good Paul.

 

[andyglym]

Good job mate, he who dares wins

 

[pgunter]

So today it was a deep clean on the soft top and a waterproof spray so she’s good for another year. The biggest job was the stripping of the old front bumper and cleaning what lurks under. You can see why I have a replacement front bumper with the old cable ties which where lurking.

 

[Ciaran]

Absolutely stunning car, was it originally from Northern Ireland? Going by that VCZ registration it’s from Belfast. Original supplying dealer was probably Bavarian BMW. They still operate over here.

 

[pgunter]

@Ciaran I purchased her from a guy up on the Scottish border who had bought her over from NI. It was a challenge checking the MOT history I can tell you.

I knew when I purchased the 3.0 I would be doing a lot of work. It’s still ongoing and yes I fo enjoy the drive that these cars give. Always good fun.

 

[Ciaran]

@Ciaran I purchased her from a guy up on the Scottish border who had bought her over from NI. It was a challenge checking the MOT history I can tell you.

I knew when I purchased the 3.0 I would be doing a lot of work. It’s still ongoing and yes I fo enjoy the drive that these cars give. Always good fun.

MOT history hard to get over here because it’s not recorded online. Pain in the backside lol

 

[pgunter]

Yes I had to telephone and speak with a Gov Officer who just confirmed the details I had in front of me. It’s not like you get online here at all.

 

[pgunter]

BMW Today’s task is to repair that under tray as a replacement is just crazy money at the moment.

If anybody knows of where I can get a good replacement for reasonable funds, please drop me a pm.

First is the good old fashioned repair.. second is what it should look like Bolts will be cut short and yes that’s a zip tie too.

BMW Part number 8 397 359

 

[pgunter]

Just a little job today.

working on the steering cooling loop and cleaning the headlights with a machine polisher. Just keeping busy. The steering cooling loops are no longer stocked, so might be looking at alternatives to the BMW design.

 

[t-tony]

I reckon they would be easy to reproduce Paul. And, like tank straps there'll be plenty of customers.

Tony.

 

[TaffDaddy]

How did you do the headlights Paul? It's a job on my list

 

[pgunter]

How did you do the headlights Paul? It's a job on my list

some fine finishing compound and my machine polisher followed by some fine plastic polish to give them some shine. You just need some compound with a fine abrasive in to get the surface clean and then some polish compound to bring them on.

 

[t-tony]

I agree. It is a bit scary when you first use the abrasive, my mate nearly kicked his pants thinking it had ruined his but in the end was impressed with the results. Just buy a headlight restoration kit and use a cordless drill.

Tony.

 

[pgunter]

Well decided over the last few days to crack on with the bumper. Rubbed down, filler primer, rubbed down, first coat.. two more coats and then the lacquer finish. Now to let it go off and then polish the car totally. Not a bad job but still a way to go too.

@Sean d how long before I can put some wax on the fresh paint out the rattle can ?

 

[Sean d]

Well decided over the last few days to crack on with the bumper. Rubbed down, filler primer, rubbed down, first coat.. two more coats and then the lacquer finish. Now to let it go off and then polish the car totally. Not a bad job but still a way to go too.

@Sean d how long before I can put some wax on the fresh paint out the rattle can ?

View attachment 140505 View attachment 140507 View attachment 140509 View attachment 140511

Tidy job pal, as it's a rattle can it cures very quickly, couple of days will be fine

 

[pgunter]

Tidy job pal, as it's a rattle can it cures very quickly, couple of days will be fine

thanks Shaun. It will never be a showroom queen. She’s for driving. It was just those chunks missing were annoying.