My 76 From Start to now....18 months of updates!

[jrhone]

I thought I should start now and document my build.....

I started in December 2008 with a 1976 BMW 2002 Fjord blue, factory sunroof. Here it is in the initial condition. Not bad, a few dings, complete, and runs decent.

I bought the car in the SF Bay Area, I live in Newport Beach. About a 500 mile drive. I flew up, bought and drove it home...here I am in the middle of nowhere getting gas. the gauge lights didnt work, the high beams didnt work and the heat didnt work..in the middle of winter...it was a cold night but I loved EVERY minute of it! It never got over 65 MPH...seemed to not want to rev past 4000 RPM. Still I loved having a 2002!

[jrhone]

I began accumulating parts for the car...it was running ok..had smoke on deceleration and the clutch was beginning to slip. Here was my first purchase!

I didnt install yet, I wanted to get the suspension done before I installed the rims and tires.

[jrhone]

Since my engine needed some work, I picked up a recently rebuilt long block and Ireland headers...I also picked up a Tii distributor. The engine has 9.5:1 compression pistons and a 284 cam. My buddy SWARES its a great motor....we will see!

[jrhone]

I decided to paint the headers while waiting for the install...

[jrhone]

Did a test fit for the wheels, and uh oh....one side rubbed! After investigating, it seems my old crusty and rusty strut tubes is bent enough so the inside of the wheel rubs against the strut. Looks like I need a new set of tubes!

[jrhone]

Here is the new strut tube with my Ireland Stage II spring on it! I also have a set of Bilstein Sport inserts and rear shocks to go with it all!

[jrhone]

D Day for suspension install!!! Here is my car as it sits with the stock suspension....

I installed the front suspension. It was a tough job...ALOT of stuff didnt want to just "bolt on"...some bolts were on there VERY good.....I will attack the rears another day...

Here it is with the BBS RZ rims and lowered in the front.

[jrhone]

Rear Suspension went in without a hitch! Smooth as butter....maybe I am getting to be a better mechanic...lol.

I removed the rear pads completely and maybe its a bit low in the back....