2002 Restoration Tips

[man_mark_7]

On 3/31/2019 at 11:19 PM, theNomad said:

rule #1

Spend every cent you can on the absolute best car you can find.

.........

Do as I say, not as I do.

 

Good rule with some caveats.

 

I get the most joy out of the continuous improvement of my '73 base model w/ a 5 speed. It's a solid shell with lots of surface rust, but the only rust-through being in the spare tire well. I look forward to thinking about what to fix next. Rebuild & re-jet carb w/ sync-link, install 123ignition dizzy, make the turn signals work, fix the horn, repair the seat belts, replace the exhaust, strip & rebuild the door hardware, electric fuel pump, rebuild the seats, install additional gauges in console, the list goes on and on.

 

For me it was about finding a solid-enough car that I could drive while enjoying the improvement process. I made sure my brakes were in good shape and that the car wouldn't die in the middle of traffic, or some part of the body and/or suspension collapse. I'm never going to turn a profit, or even come near to breaking even on this car, but that's not what it is about for me. I also get a good feeling knowing I've kept a perhaps marginal car from going to the graveyard. I don't think I'll ever paint the car, just continue to improve the performance, reliability and comfort. I get many comments about all the patina (yes I know that word is over-used). Numerous people have said something along the lines of "thanks for keeping that on the road!" or "wow - I had one like that!". People seem more willing to strike up a conversation about a car that is not pristine for some reason. These are great, easy cars to work on, a fantastic first classic car experience.

 

Do what makes sense for you!

 

M

 

 

Edited April 2, 2019 by man_mark_7
typo

[theNomad]

I've done more things for the first time on this car than ever before, that's why I got it. From bending new brake lines to repacking CV axles to welding in floorpans... some expected and some unexpected work.

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[tech71]

On 3/31/2019 at 8:19 PM, theNomad said:

 

 

Someone said "There are only $20k cars. You can spend 20K up front or you can buy a $5K car and put $15k into it."

 

So true...  Paid $5500 for Survivor 706. 3 months later I'm into it about $4000 and that's just mechanicals from nose to firewall so far.

[tech71]

This site is hands down one of the best resources available for 02/NK people. Well worth supporting for  a few bucks a month. Which reminds me....

[dang]

It's okay if it takes way too long to finish because the car will probably triple in value and your wife will think you're a genius. 

[AceAndrew]

Welcome, this site is one of the best online forums for ANY car, period.  

 

You've got some good reading material, and there are a number of great threads in the "Project Archive" section if you want visual stimuli.

 

It was once said that the BMW 2002 is the Labrador of the euro car world.  I think that's a good summation.