Before/After photos of my $1800 94' 540ia

[Fred/Houston]

I've been working on this car for about 4 months now. I'm not done and probably never will be, but it's starting to take shape.
I've put close to $2000 into it and everything works except the 2 front windows which need bushings.
I have an issue with fuse #21, possibly a slow frying a/c fan and it's starting to need a new guibo. Other than that it runs like a clock.
Thank you everyone for your patience with all my questions, otherwise I probably never would have gotten so far.
I installed the rear Racing Dynamics spoiler last night and was infuriated when I drilled the center hole into my trunk when there is absolutly NO WAY to get to the screw because of the double steel wall at the rear of our trunk. What the hell was Racing Dynamics people thinking?
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/100_0125.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/100_0160.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/P1010036.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...n/P1010033.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...man/Car043.jpg
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f2...man/Car033.jpg

I'm not even going to get into how many fixes and repairs where done.The engine bay was a mess as well as the interior & the trunk.
The car belonged to a 19 yr. old girl and care was neglected, but she runs great. At least her parents had it well taken care of mechanicly.
The hard part is over so I will be working on it more slowly so that I can have my free time back and actually have a life again.
Thanks
Fred/Houston

Fred/Houston

[PScalfano]

None of those links worked for me :(

[Fred/Houston]

None of those links worked for me :(
Sorry about that, I have no idea why it didn't show? I'll try again:
The night I bought the car
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/100_0125.jpg
Found a bumper:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/100_0160.jpg
Tried the accent color around the bottom, but didn't quite like it:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/P1010036.jpg
Some Leatherique on the passenger seat. The drivers seat is 50% done. Every crack in the leather was black but has been filled with crackfiller. I still need to sand and paint the drivers seat:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/P1010033.jpg
Installed the spolier from Hell last night:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/Car043.jpg
And here's where I'm at now:
http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f238/Baguaman/Car033.jpg
I learned how to do bodywork and painted the front bumper, spoilers and side trim. I never want to do bodywork again! Painting and clear coat was fun though.
I learned a lot & still have much to learn, but now I can progress at a more relaxed pace since the main things are taken care of.
Thanks
Fred/Houston

[adashio]

those seats...how did you get them looking that good! exactly what products did you use from leatherique? do they ship to australia? i bought a leather conditioner from meguiers (yes yes i know, why bother your saying) and it hasnt really done anything....

how do those clear rear lights look comapred to the older yellow ones? are they a must have upgrade in anyones opinion?

[Fred/Houston]

those seats...how did you get them looking that good! exactly what products did you use from leatherique? do they ship to australia? i bought a leather conditioner from meguiers (yes yes i know, why bother your saying) and it hasnt really done anything....

how do those clear rear lights look comapred to the older yellow ones? are they a must have upgrade in anyones opinion?
Thanks!
I used Leatherique @ leatherique.com
This product works great! I did my E28 seats as well. I'm sure they can ship to you.
Many people don't like the clears, but I like the way they modernize the car.
The yellow bulbs really stuck out on the clears, so I taped around the bulbs and sprayed the tops with aluminum engine paint so you don't see them, but they blink bright yellow. I still need to do the rear bulbs...and a lot of other things.
Fred/Houston

[BigTed00]

delphin gray?



loooking great, I really like the look of the racing dynamics spoiler, even if it was a PITA to mount. Digging the color match side moldings as well

[Fred/Houston]

delphin gray?



loooking great, I really like the look of the racing dynamics spoiler, even if it was a PITA to mount. Digging the color match side moldings as well

Darned close Ted. It's Granite Silber metallic.
I may have to drill a hole on top of the spoiler to get the center brace to mount onto the car. Then I would have to prime & paint the spoiler hole.
I got the spoiler for $15 on the bay, now I'm paying dearly.
Gorilla Glue anyone? lol
Thanks for the comments
Fred/Houston

[632 Regal]

impressive! Car looks great

[RobPatt]

....didn't use the center hole.

If you tell me how to post pictures on the forum... i'll go snap some and post...

Cheers,
Rob sends.....


Darned close Ted. It's Granite Silber metallic.
I may have to drill a hole on top of the spoiler to get the center brace to mount onto the car. Then I would have to prime & paint the spoiler hole.
I got the spoiler for $15 on the bay, now I'm paying dearly.
Gorilla Glue anyone? lol
Thanks for the comments
Fred/Houston

[LunatiC]

Car looks pretty good. How come your exhaust tip is sticking out so much (last pic)?

[Fred/Houston]

Car looks pretty good. How come your exhaust tip is sticking out so much (last pic)?
The tips of the exhaust had been backed into a curb by previous owner and looked lousy, so I bought some $6 tips at O'Reily auto and I still need to cut off about 2" or so.
Fred/Houston

[zhandax]

This is strange...I have the same dent in the same spot in the rear passenger door....

[Omega]

Very nice car you have there!

Your shot of the interior leather is a great advert for Leatherique. Wow, what a difference. Looking at the other pictures, you're right about the side sills though. Keep them black.

[Fred/Houston]

A big thanks to all for all the nice as well as honest comments. I do have photos of the seats taken in steps and as soon as I dig them up I will post them.
Oh, and wait till you see the before/after on my E28 seats, they came out even nicer. I am really grateful for all the help I've received here, and thanks Shogun for the original invite.
Fred/Houston