Restoration of a 1984 280i "Barn Find" - Part 2
<< part 1 - part 2 - part 3 - part 4 - part 5 >>
The 1984 280i has been "home" now for a few weeks and I've been working in my spare time to remove some of the ravages of time and storage. As you will see in the latest photos, I have removed the rotten front Federal rubber bumper, have washed and buffed out a lot of the paint, vacuumed out under the bonnet and done some preliminary cleaning there, and vacuumed out the interior and trunk. I've also replaced the ratty old original Momo steering wheel with a new Momo unit.
The chassis still has the original grey epoxy paint on it so it has not been ravaged by rust, thanks to the Georgia climate where it spent all its previous life. It's going to take some good clearning to make it look better as well.
The car will be turned over to my mechanic, Marc Wilson, owner of Sportscar Clinic in Roanoke Virginia on July 9th for him to start working his mechanical magic on it. Some of the work that will be undertaken is as follows:
- Full checkover of all mechanical systems
- Drain and replace all fluids
- Inspect and replace, as needed, all hoses, belts and rubber components
- Flush radiator, clean and pressure test
- Replace incorrect clutch master cylinder with correct unit
- Check brake system throughout and renew as needed
- Replace old springs and shocks with new 350i springs and AVO dual adjustable shock absorbers
- Replace existing rusty exhaust system
- Replace front windshield with new unit
- Perform full alignment
- Replace all four tires
Once all that work has been successfully completed, then it'll be time to get started with the cosmetic work which includes:
- Replace rear plastic convertible window
- Replace interior. Carpet is shot and will be replaced with a factory original carpet set. Seats, which were recovered some years ago with vinyl, will be recovered in leather as will the console and door panels.
- Fit new Euro front and rear bumpers, front spoiler, and rear valance panel.
- Replace under-hood insulation pad
- Replace original door mounted rearview mirrors with Vitaloni mirrors of similar design.
View part 3 of this barn find restoration!
If you are undertaking a similar refurbishment of your wedge and are in the need for any parts, please contact Classic Motor Works.
- Marshall Moore
