Introducing........!!

[tech71]

Say hello to Franzi, 71 2002 in Chamonix, VIN 2573889

Purchased from Dave Lumbra  in 1989, it was a  Totaled/Salvage title due to being hit  in the rear. Caved in the center panel and trunk lid

 

 

When I bought it, the late model trunk lid and center panel were still black color but repairs were complete and it ran and drove just fine.

I spent about 3 months working in a friends shop to lovingly refinish, renew and repair. Replace all rubber seals, front/rear glass, new carpet, Bilsteins, ect ect.

What ever it needed or I thought it needed.

It was a really good looking car when finished and I cherished it,  drove it everywhere in the PNW for the next ten years until the engine started to get tired. 

I was planning for an engine overhaul and transmission upgrade when one of those "time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go" events took place. 

My first marriage came to an end and I took a job in Alaska,  My ex kept Franzi, our E28 and I kept the E12 and my motorcycle (70 BMW R75)

I didn't want to let Franzi go but couldn't care for it or store it and I needed the E12 with trailer hitch to tow my trailer with tools and motorcycle up there.

Our split was pretty amicable and  she  promised to give me first dibs if she were to sell it, She kept it and drove it until the engine failed with a loud clunk, billowing white smoke and steam I'm told?

At that point poor Franzi went into storage in less that optimal conditions, not my exes fault, she loves that car as much as I and did what she could.

So for the next 20 years Franzi languished in a shelter logic type portable garage, at some point the roof blew off and it was covered with a crappy car cover?

For me, Alaska turned into Germany, new wife, new life. I got back stateside in 2016 and have been trying to get  my car back from the get go.

Today,22 years later and my birthday, my ex handed me the title and keys. Happy Birthday!!

It's mine again! Bwahaha!

Somewhat worse for wear but far from a lost cause. 

Whats my plan? Get it cleaned up and roadworthy to start. Need to put together an engine or hijack the engine I'm building for Survivor.

Will be cleaning/assessing and have a better overall picture after that, for now its safely tucked in my garage where it belongs.

tschüss!

Edited February 13, 2023 by tech71

[jp5Touring]

Wow, happy birthday

[bavariaboy]

That's a great story, a great car and a greater ex you have there.  I stopped using those clear plastic fuel filters years ago. Nothing but trouble. At least for me.

 

No rodents! A true survivor. 

 

Can't wait for the next chapter.

 

Steve

[jscaptura1]

Nice!  Must be a great feeling to have it back with you after all these years!  Congrats and good luck with the restoration!

[Georges]

Go for it!

[John76]

Congrats on your reclamation!

Looking forward to the clean-up and rebuild results.  

John

[tech71]

Thanks everyone, all in all a great b day, not as great as if I could have jumped in and drove it away still great?

And I got free Thai food and brews so there's that?

I'm itching to get it out and start washing off the years of accumulated crud but its cold here now and my hoses are all froze up....Drat!

Trunk looks not bad at all, spare well and towers looking good. Might even still have a serviceable gas tank.

Rusty rear wheel arches and some worrisome spots around the sunroof as well.

Drivers door wont close/latch, note to self: pick up big can of liquid wrench

 

Edited February 23, 2022 by tech71

[walkinfool]

Great story and happy to hear you were able to get your car back. Speaking of Dave Lumbra, I recently found out that Dave rebuilt the motor in my '72 sometime in the 90's and the car still runs like a dream. He did some great work and I was sorry to hear that he passed away. Good luck with the resurrection!

best,

Mitch

Edited February 23, 2022 by walkinfool

[tech71]

Franzi got its first bath today in 20+ years, the first of many.

Lots of debris/fir needles trapped under the trim, numerous dings dents and scratches under that layer of grime, some rust too.

Switching gears now going to prioritize completion on the MaxJax, really need it?

[tech71]

On 2/21/2022 at 6:25 PM, tech71 said:

Good news is no sign of rodents.

Unfortunately I have to amend that statement, there are signs of  rodents but not many. 

They were definitely around but I dont think they found it suitable lodging?

[Lorin]

Great story, congratulations 

[jp5Touring]

Chamonix with a sunroof. One of my favorite combos.  Congrats on getting it back.

My first tii was Chamonix with a sunroof. Tried to buy it back with no luck.

So jealous  ?

[tech71]

Well, this is a revolting development , was afraid to look here cause I knew I was going to be unhappy.

Looks to be the worst of it in degree of repair difficulty.

I blame this directly on the crappy, moisture collecting car cover that was on the car.

Far better if it had sat in the rain.

Feeling some guilt now guys, should have never given Franzi up, should have kept and found a decent place to store?

Edited March 5, 2022 by tech71

[Oldtimerfahrer]

Look on the bright side, there are no three or four layers of metal hiding behind that...it is what it is. Yes, headliner has to go, but still easier than inner/outer arch decomposition. 

[Bibm5]

Great story!