Picture Me Rollin'

"Tripper" (tripe46) 01/24/2019 at 10:30 • Filed to: None

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I finally got my first proper drive in the 1502 last night. I left work early to pick up the plate and registration. Then I quickly had to strap the stock exhaust back on. The new one I bought needs the hangers cut and moved before I can install it:( I guess it’s time to buy that welder that I have been wanting.

Temporary License Plate Solution

First of all, it is amazing! The previous owner has the suspension dialed in perfectly. It also sounds awesome. I got some better quality video and more importantly audio with the GoPro, which I will go through and post.

The car is incredibly light, it nearly comes off the ground over small bumps in the road. Slightly wet asphalt lets the back end step right out, but the lack of power steering makes that feel incredibly controlled. The rubber that’s on there isn’t great, I will switch out to some nice 13" tires in the spring. Although I don’t think there are many options at that size.

I got up over 100 on the speedo so aprox. 70mph and the car was incredibly well composed. I expected some rattling shakiness from an old car like that, but there was none. I’d go as far to say that it feels more stable going fast than it does just putting around.

I had to stop in the parking lot of the local country club to fix the wiring for the driver side tail light, which is where I snapped these pics. I noticed that the turn signal light lit up when I signaled right, but not left. The copper contacts are “tired” so I just had to remove the bulbs, bend the contacts in a bit and re install the bulbs. Cool to know that all of that stuff works (the blinker indicator I mean) Go ahead and tell yourself your favorite BMW turn signal joke.

Honestly I will probably end up re wiring the whole car. I have to do something about the headlights, they are terrible! I want them to be bright but look original, so I will have to see what I can figure out there. I also need to clean and clay the windshield. It was nearly impossible to see with an oncoming car. The Bimmer is so low that it looks like everyone has their high beams on.

Finally I told my wife that I would pick up dinner after my drive. I should have snapped a picture when walking back to my car from the restaurant. It is hilariously small when compared to any modern car.

It’s a really special feeling to drive it. I’m in awe just seeing it in the driveway. My wife is probably sick of hearing me repeat “I can’t fuckin believe I was looking at pictures of this car in the Netherlands a few months ago!”

Happy Thursday!

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 10:43

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I love everything about this.

jimz > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 10:47

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first thing ya need to do, ya need to get a set of those good ol’ NHTSA-compliant 5 mph bumpers on that thing:

Kim Jong - Healthy > jimz 01/24/2019 at 10:50

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no no, 02’s sans bumper is the correct way to go.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > jimz 01/24/2019 at 10:52

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Evil 

Tripper > jimz 01/24/2019 at 10:54

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Haha. I probably wouldn’t have given the car a second look if it had those. I might put one of the euro spec bumpers on the rear, but that’s it.

vondon302 > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 10:56

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Too cool. I'd ask if it was worth all the effort but I think we all know the answer to that.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 11:14

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While headlight upgrades are certainly something to research, in the interim you might consider replacing the bulbs. Halogen bulbs dim over time, and those could certainly be pretty well used.  Fresh bulbs in an old car can make a lot of difference.

Tripper > ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com 01/24/2019 at 11:21

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That’s a good point. If this car suffers from lack of attention anywhere it’s definitely the electronics.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > jimz 01/24/2019 at 11:28

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Weird. I actually like those big bumpers

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 11:30

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Awesome, glad to hear you are thoroughly enjoying it!

So it currently has the stock exhaust? It’d be interesting to hear before/after videos of the install of your new exhaust.

ITA97, now with more Jag @ opposite-lock.com > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 11:30

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Similarly, it might be worthwhile to make sure all the headlight wiring/battery cables are in good shape and the contacts clean in the sockets.  

Tripper > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 01/24/2019 at 11:34

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Yep stock exhaust. I will definitely do before and after videos. I’d imagine it will be a good bit louder as the can on the new exhaust is much smaller. 

CaptDale - is secretly British > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 12:55

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God damn that is beautiful!

Tripper > CaptDale - is secretly British 01/24/2019 at 13:04

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Thanks man! When I come home from work, I hop out of the Ranger, grab the mail, then zip open the carport just to have a peek before I go inside.

ihm96 > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 13:05

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Thats awesome! Can’t wait to see it in person at some point

Monkey B > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 16:21

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what part of PA are you in?

Tripper > Monkey B 01/24/2019 at 16:43

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Southeastern. Malvern if you’re familiar with the area/the main line.

Monkey B > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 17:01

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I am familiar, I’m in northern Delaware. 

Tripper > Monkey B 01/24/2019 at 17:42

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Oh cool! Ever been to the C&C just over the boarder in West Chester? I dunno if they’re still doing it I haven’t been in a year or two, planning on it in the spring once or twice.

Monkey B > Tripper 01/24/2019 at 18:00

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I haven’t, but know a guy in West Chester with a white e28 and e23 Hartge that goes from time to time. Whenever you go keep me posted, love to have a look at the 02.