1981 BMW E12 M535i - Gold

[ianboyd]

Dec 22, 2010 20:01:50 GMT tonybmw said:

Dec 22, 2010 9:00:28 GMT ianboyd said:

That looks like a clarke 100en, its got a upgraded earth clamp though

anyhow, not worth the cost of fitting a eurotorch, though the origonal torch is carp, usable but carp

I upgraded to one of these
www.mig-welding.co.uk/shop/portamig-mig-welders.htm

still use the clarke though!

what a fantastic car though, very well done!

Its a Clarke 150, I agree the torches are not great, would you recommend one of those Portamig welders, I was thinking of treating myself to something nice for Christmas

Err I dunno, It only arrived Monday, they are supposed to be the dogs danglies , and they do look a lot more sturdy than the clarke set up, but I have yet to find out if it lives up to the hype, the parweld torch is far better, I use one of those on my murex tradesmig, I asked for a 4m one rather than the 3m normally supplied.

I ordered one as they have 12 power positions and can go down lower than most, I have the 215amp model, as the main power goes through a contactor, rather than the switch on the 180amp models, be aware that they only take 15kg reels, you have to order an adapter to fit 5kg.

I will try it out over the next couple of days.

[tonybmw]

Please report back after you have tried it

[wallopadonkey]

tony i also bought one of these portamigs unbelievably well made and very solid with huge copper wound transformers
it is the nicest thing i have ever used
i got the 185 single phase with the performance plus pack which adds mig brazing facility! but means the mig goes down to 15 amps and up to 185
with a huge wire feed motor and a continuously variable speed?
fully recommend them as they are bob on
(still got the 100 e) because i cant lift the portamig and 20 litre bottle into the disco on me own lol
cheers
dave
ps they often come up barely used on tha mig welding forum as people are getting skint so they get sold
dave

[jonmsm]

Tony that's stunning! Utterly stunning! p.s. I think you emailed me a while ago when an e12 m535i manifold was on ebay but I missed the dam auction. Please let me know if you see another one to fit to my e28.... (who said newer was better huh? :-P)

[bstardchild]

Dec 22, 2010 21:07:47 GMT tonybmw said:

Please report back after you have tried it

I've had my Portamig since middle of summer - freaking love it so easy and simple to set up - lovely arc stability at low settings something my SIP didn't have at all - 100% recommend

Downside is it's normally a long wait - but worth it

[tonybmw]

I've been reading more and everyone gives the Portamig a good write up, so I think I will go for one of them

After too long abreak I ventured back into the garage today, started cleaning up some trims, but also flattened and polished the bootlid






and fitted the new badge








very satisfying

[Mark]

The paint looks great Tony. Really deep gloss too it.

[hairnet]

two words

neat curse word

hats off sir

[dbdb]

The car looks new - it really is that good. Your work is superb - absolutely the best quality. I wish my car was as good as this.

david

[Mark]

Tony, did any e12's have all 4 lights work with dip beam as well as main beam? It's just that I was told that this is how the lights were on my TWR e21 and I'm sure I've heard that some M535's had their headlights wired in that way?
By the way, I haven't forgotten your camshaft & wings. I don't spose you're going to the Autosport show this coming weekend?

[tonybmw]

Mark

None had the light setup that you suggest that I am aware of, I would have thought it would be straight forward enough to do, and would have been a way for TWR to distinguish their cars from the other run of the mill cars of the time

No Autosport show for me, I am sure we can catch up soon, I am in no hurry

Tony

[amin]

superb workmanship and wow what a car.

[Mark]

Tony,

As usual I followed your progress on this with Awe. Even though I currently own none, I'm a huge BMW fan. I've wanted an E12 for years (nearest I got was an e39 and e30!) but never had the opportunity to own one. The paint finish on the boot there is unbelievable. Well done!

[tonybmw]

Thanks guys

I use the following process for flattening and polishing if it helps

• I block sand the paintwork with 1500 grit wet and dry to get any orange peel or bits out of the paintwork
  
• Then go over that with 2000 grit DA discs, this removes the wet and dry marks
  
• Then Machine polish with Farecla G3
  
• Then Machine polish with Farecla G10
  
• Then DA polish with Meguires Speed Glaze
  
• Then wax polish
  

Its pretty labour intensive, but the results are worth it

[Mark]

Once the TWR is MOT'd I'll drop it up to you Tony mate. I need a good shine on it for the magazine shoot. ;D

Did you see the black M535i e12 on flea-bay?

[tonybmw]

Jan 14, 2011 18:41:56 GMT Mark said:

Once the TWR is MOT'd I'll drop it up to you Tony mate. I need a good shine on it for the magazine shoot. ;D

Did you see the black M535i e12 on flea-bay?

All BMW's welcome at TonyBMW's ;D ;D

Yes I did see the black one, not sure it will go for a lot, basically seems like it might be a rusty empty shell, once he takes the gearbox, interior and boot spoiler out of the equation

[tonybmw]

Bit more done this weekend

Trims from Last weekend






cleaned and now fitted







boot seal, cleaned and fitted







Rear number plate lights, cleaned and fitted, they work too ;D







Busy pulling the interior out too, as we have a better carpet for it, a mate of a mate is going to see about getting the seats steam cleaned while they are out

[dbdb]

I'm left speachless by the quality of your work. Beautiful.

David

[tonybmw]

Decided to clean the headlining while the interior was out, it was a bit grubby to start











a spray with some valeting foam






and a rub with a wet cloth,













Not 100% but a definite improvement

[Brigsy]

Looks stunning, keep up the good work