'86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige Moneysucker

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val_c
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Central console assembly and installation.

Post by val_c »

Time come to assemble and install the central console.
But first, knowing my luck, I've decided to change OBC back-light to LED from Garagistic. I didn't want to assemble central console back and face dead OBC lights after the short time.

Received LED insert:
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Here you can compare original backlights with LED:
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Board with LEDs fits perfect:
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Then I found the old part that was installed on the midsection of the central console with some kind of staples, and decided to reinstall it:
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But this time I've used screws with body nuts on the insert:
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Then, after some cleaning and liberal use of Aerospace 303 on all plastic parts, it was time to put everything together.
If you have short shifter and aftermarket head unit installed with the sleeve, there is no way to put the console back into the place. I had to pull the shifter knob and remove the head-unit sleeve.
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Finally, after some struggle with the mounting of console and head unit and extensive use of child labor in the places I couldn't get with ease by myself:
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It's all came together:
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Funny though, that from outside nobody will spot any changes.
Last edited by val_c on Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:13 pm, edited 1 time in total.
val_c
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2-port USB charger.

Post by val_c »

I always had issues with USB chargers for the cigarette lighter, and I was looking for a neat permanent solution to have at least one charger available.
I've investigated a few options, and while all of them had some advantages, the one described in How to install a 2 port USB power adapter in an ‘87 BMW by Charlie Kindel looked as the cleanest and straightforward installation.
So I just replicated what was described in the article.
Started with the blank and recommended PowerGen 3.6 Amp 18W Dual-USB Car Charger from amazon.
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Then just followed instructions and common sense.
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All process took about an hour, what left to do is to solder the second electrical connection to the car harness (The wiring is there and available) and install charger to the opening left from the fader control.

Connected charger to switchable +12V via plug. Red illumination is a nice bonus.
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Last edited by val_c on Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:15 pm, edited 2 times in total.
baders
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by baders »

Nice work on the charger Val. I might just look at that myself !
1986 635csi LOCUTUS / Arktis Blau Metallic / Pearl Beige / S38B36/ Close ratio dogleg 5sp
2002 E46 M3 / Topaz Blau Metallic / Black Nappa / 6 speed SMG software tuned / Bilstein PSS10 Coilovers / CMP RACP reinforcement
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

baders wrote:Nice work on the charger Val. I might just look at that myself !
Thanks! Be aware though that USB plug won't be inserted all the way to the charger, as there is not enough depth left without casing. The well is about 5 mm short. Doesn't bother me much, but still.
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

At some point, I registered my car at http://www.bimmerstories.la and after a couple of years after that, I was contacted via email with the following:
«Dear Val,
We found your e-mail address in the gallery of the www.bimmerstories.la website, where you uploaded a photo of your BMW 635CSI a while ago.
We are a Munich-based agency and run this website for BMW Classic. The BMW Museum in Munich is currently planning an exhibition on the theme of “Youngtimers” (recent classics) and would very much like to exhibit your photo, along with many others, on a Community Wall in the Museum. On behalf of the BMW Museum, we would like to request your consent to the use of your BMW photo and the publishing of your name on the Community Wall.
The exhibition begins on 10 February and runs until 03 May 2015. The BMW Museum attracts 400,000 to 500,000 visitors a year and this exhibition will receive prominent coverage in all media.
If we have managed to spark your interest and can persuade you to support this BMW Community project, may we kindly ask you to reply to this e-mail. It would be a declaration of your consent to our using your photo free of charge as part of the BMW Youngtimer exhibition. The photo would be used exclusively for this exhibition.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Many thanks in advance. Best wishes, »

I've gladly agreed and my car was featured in this exposition at 2015. The organizers were very king to send me a few photos from exposition:
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Later they even mailed me the photo, featured in BMW Museum, with the letter of gratitude. Given that my car is nothing but average 635, I think it's very cool.
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Last edited by val_c on Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.
GRNSHRK
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by GRNSHRK »

Great stuff Val :shock: :shock: :shock:

Nice to be recognized =D>

:mrgreen:
:mrgreen:
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
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2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black
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sansouci
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by sansouci »

dwcains wrote: Fri Jun 02, 2017 8:27 pm Hi Val:

Nice work, and I discovered I can get much more air flow through the A/C fans by trimming back the plywood on either side of the center console:

BEFORE:
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AFTER:
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I've seen grilles installed in the carpet, too, but haven't done that with mine.
Dean,
Can you estimate the diameter of the squirrel cage air intake as i can get round plastic grills used for loud speakers.
Ken Weinstein
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
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dwcains
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by dwcains »

You should have asked me earlier in the week before I put the console back together. But, round speakers come in4 1/2", 5 1/4" and 6 1/2" sizes, which actually refers to the diameter of the hole required. If you can find a simple grille for a 5 1/4" speaker, that would likely be the largest size to fit, but in terms of airflow, as anemic as those fans are, a 4 1/2' might work equally well. The grilles don't necessarily need to be centered over the fans. There was a post on bimmerforums some time ago whee the owner used some kind of plumbing grille, and it actually looked very good because it was very low-profile.

Just did a quick Google search and came up with these speaker grilles, but I'd measure the outside surface of the console before ordering (it's pouring here right now, so I can't make it out to my garage).

http://www.speakerworks.com/5_25_inch_b ... p/sgm5.htm

http://www.speakerworks.com/4_5_inch_bl ... p/sgm4.htm

I'm still undecided about doing this on my car. Last weekend I picked up an E46 aux fan for the a/c condensor, and I'd like to see how well the systems works when I get it all back together with that in place (it wasn't bad before). I'm just waiting for some wiring stuff to arrive.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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86_6series
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by 86_6series »

"Can you estimate the diameter of the squirrel cage air intake as i can get round plastic grills used for loud speakers.
Ken Weinstein"

Ken,

I tried speaker covers but there're to thick and interfere with the

glove box door. I used kitchen drain screens and painted them to

match as close as possible.
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dwcains
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by dwcains »

That's what I was talking about. Vfry well done. and thanks for the repost.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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86_6series
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by 86_6series »

Happy to do it Dean.
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sansouci
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by sansouci »

That's a neat solution!
Sansouci
84 E24 633Csi Auto, Bronzit/PearlBeige 6997510
93 E32 740il M60 Auto, Alpenweis/Ultramarine
60 528i M30 5-speed Green/Beige (crushed)
71 240Z 4-speed White/Blue (rusty & sold)
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val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

Bob, those vents looks factory!

Meanwhile, I got myself 6L spare canister. Was hunting for 9L in decent condition and price, but no luck yet.
The original spout is missing, but I'll buy it separately.

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Last edited by val_c on Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

Summer is gone.
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Last edited by val_c on Sat Jun 16, 2018 4:17 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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dwcains
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by dwcains »

dmac156 wrote: Sat Jun 10, 2017 1:47 pm Where did you buy the digital guages? Those look great.
There was a group buy here and on myr28.com a dew years ago:

http://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=131799

I've heard they're available at the same price, if you contact the seller.
Dean
Lutz, FL

'85 635 CSi Euro #9402254
'87 Spider Veloce
'92 Spider Veloce
'08 350Z

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val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

Ireland Engineering exhaust developed some droning on lower RPMs, but even without it, it was a bit too loud to my taste.
So the time came to change it on something quieter. The budget choice was Walker 47656 with Amazon sourced two Superior 28-2121 1.75" x 9" Silentips.

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And photo with Style 4 wheels before sending the car to the garage for some work.

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val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

Just one photo from the mid of April. When I took the car out of the garage it was dry and shiny.
Later at the same day, the freezing rain hit Toronto:

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val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

What might happen if you drop a car for a simple oil change..

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zinnocoupe
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by zinnocoupe »

Wow, looks very nice Val. Definitely more than an oil change! Just time for a refresh or a necessary repair?
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1979 Euro 635ci no longer a basketcase, just a running rust bucket!
1977 530i Partially restored and running now!
1987 635csi 60K KM Garage Queen
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

zinnocoupe wrote: Thu Oct 18, 2018 3:38 am Wow, looks very nice Val. Definitely more than an oil change! Just time for a refresh or a necessary repair?
Well, the engine was leaking oil from the day one I've got the sixer and leaks were getting worse with the time. At some point I've decided that it would be easier just to overhaul the engine. No mods, just usual things: new chain, gaskets, etc.
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

Engine bay was cleaned from 32 years old dirt::
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Engine is ready to go back:
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Trying some old staggered Rials:
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G03rt2
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by G03rt2 »

Those rials are beautiful. Do you mind if I ask what paint you used to paint your intake manifold? Or if there was any special prep you did?
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

G03rt2 wrote: Fri Feb 08, 2019 2:50 am Those rials are beautiful. Do you mind if I ask what paint you used to paint your intake manifold? Or if there was any special prep you did?
Thanks! Rials need refinishing and I am torn between them and Remotecs, love both.

Intake was powder-coated, I don't remember # of the color, but it was aluminum-like on the samples. Price wise it wasn't much more than having a decent paint preparation and paint.
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86_6series
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by 86_6series »

Hi Val,

Engine looks great.

I'm in the process of rebuilding the M30 with upgrades after
blowing the head gasket @ Watkins Glen. I also had the big stuff
powder coated. I'm doing the small stuff in my little oven.

I'll post photos of some stuff when I can.

Bob V
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98-740i
71-Continental MK3
val_c
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Re: '86 Canadian Bronzit-Beige

Post by val_c »

86_6series wrote: Thu Feb 21, 2019 7:58 pm Hi Val,

Engine looks great.

I'm in the process of rebuilding the M30 with upgrades after
blowing the head gasket @ Watkins Glen. I also had the big stuff
powder coated. I'm doing the small stuff in my little oven.

I'll post photos of some stuff when I can.

Bob V
Bob, can't wait to see your work. I still have to change AC components and re-do small things. Thinking about zinc coating at home.
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