We started after an accident, here. Thanks to Mitch Conard and Jim Stansfield and Spence at Mesa Performance Parts, we got a lot big and little parts to put it back together.
The paint was done six weeks ago. The Alfa was failing, so we took the BMW out of the body shop, missing some trim and some details, because we needed a drivable car. Now it’s almost finished.
I went out to take these pictures and noticed that the driver side rocker panel molding was hanging from the t-bolts at both ends.
I spent an 2 hours trying to get 35-year-old molding over new clips. I couldn’t do it. Now I am drinking big martinis.
If anyone has any ideas on how to put on the rocker panel molding, please leave your suggestion in a comment. I tried hammering it, using a heat gun to soften the rubber and swearing a lot.
We are probably in for US$ 9,000 for parts, body work and paint + US$ 3,500 insurance coverage. Plus my labor, swearing and drinking. I hate working on cars.
Gastropoda
leapingmonkeys
The Onion
Toolmonger
December 11th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
i bought a ‘72 bavaria in San Mateo that looks EXACTLY like this. would love to compare notes sometime.
June 22nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
Hi!
I’ve got some overheating issues on my 73 Bavaria – fine on the highway, but overheats quickly in stop and go. I’ve heard putting in a bigger core in can really help, and have heard legends of places that larger cores that will work as stock items. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
@matt
When I took my radiator to the shop, I also read that a 3 row core would help with cooling. The shop talked me into a two row core with bigger tubes and I haven’t had any problems with it.
How old is your radiator? Maybe a radiator shop can just rod it out.
Also check that the thermostat is working.
I also put in an electric fan in front of the radiator and removed the stock fan, though it probably wasn’t necessary.
July 7th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Hello Mr. Wong,
I’m having just the same problem as Matt (above). Runs all day on the freeway, heats right up in traffic, and cools right back down when I start moving again.
My plan, I think, is to install a push fan. The radiator, coolant, and thermostat all appear to be fine, so I’m hoping this will do the trick. Your Bavaria lives in a cool climate; mine does not. Would you imagine that the fan you installed is likely to blow enough air through the radiator to do the trick?
Also, I would love to see some interior shots of your beautiful car!
Thanks.
July 7th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
@Matthew,
I’ve read that a puller fan is more efficient, but there wasn’t room for one. The stock fan on my car had 5 blades and no fan clutch. I don’t know if the 9 blade fans with the clutch are more efficient.
That’s why I used the 16″ Flex-A-Lite fan. When the fan switches on while the car is not moving, I can see the temperature gauge move down.
Thanks for the compliment. I’ll have to do some pitures of the interior.
July 21st, 2009 at 6:02 pm
i’ve just purchased a 72 bavaria and i was wondering where could i get some keys made because no one in baton rouge seems to have the proper equipment also could someone tell me where to find the vin? i’ve noticed a 7 digit number on the engine compartment passenger side but several local bmw dealerships are telling me that this nu,ber is invalid. please help. waffalee@etigers.net