Sunday, January 14, 2007— Happy New Year! The schedule still calls for the return of the body to Chicago land at the end of this month. The last major sub-assembly that needed work is the ZF transaxle gearbox…
It will be difficult/impossible to see all this automotive bling once it is back in the NameLess One. All parts are getting the same treatment, visible or not; the WerkShop is really setting the standard…
The complete transaxle ready to be installed...
Saturday, May 26th, 2007— It wasn’t in January, February, March or April. The shell came back in May, but only just. If you would walk up to me and tell me that “Perfection takes time” I might just punch you in the mouth. It might be true though, this new paintjob looks pretty good. I posted some pictures…
People who know infinitely more about car paint than myself are very impressed with the way everything worked out. I am overjoyed to see her back in the WerkShop.
I love the way the grey contrasts with the black trim.
These pictures don’t do the paintjob justice, I simply can’t wait to see the NameLess One back on the road. I think it’s cool.
As a Driving Machine, the NameLess One will be even more ultimate when the Campagnolo wheels move from my garage to underneath her fenders...
The Campagnolo wheels were designed specifically for the M1. They were never used on another model. At some point I will have to decide if I should try to find a set of these for the projectM1, probably impossible to do, or if I should go with another option; maybe some nice BBS wheels with slightly lower profile tires.
They are still out there; NOS Campagnolo wheels. Finding them turned out to be the exact opposite of “impossible to do”.
Sunday, December 16th, 2007 — It has been quite awhile since the last update. This is partly due to the fact that Tom Kelly –the master BMW mechanic– has not been working on the Project without interruption. Another factor contributing to the lack of updates lies in the fact that the progress that has been made in the last couple of months is difficult to show in pictures. A lot of wires and hoses had to be snaked back into place for instance. This is of course very important but visually not spectacular. I am happy to report that the end of the Project is in sight (as is the second anniversary of the start of ProjectM1). I posted some more pictures… I received a few eMails asking about my experience with the modern replacement for the Magneti Marelli Ignition Controller made by Lenz Motorentechnik. I finally reached some conclusions.
Different parts are slowly added to -once again- complete the NameLess One...
All the front needs to be completed is the battery...
A combination of modern materials was selected to replace the old sound deadening matter in the cockpit. It should be lighter and perform better. The modern stuff also doesn’t have the moldy smell.
Almost ready for the new upholstery...
A little jewel (the famed Kugelfischer pump), completely rebuild and detailed.
Mounted back on the engine...
The front suspension is back in, prompting this nice ‘before and after’ comparison.
Brakelines, cooling, air, electrical, all is back in place, ready to receive the engine and gearbox.
One of the 2 gas tanks with fuel filter and pump
Sunday, April 27th, 2008 — Four months since the last update, ProjectM1 is getting closer and closer to its conclusion. I posted some pictures to show the current state of affairs. It was a big moment when the engine and gearbox made their return to their rightful place...
After reassembling the engine, the engine and gearbox are reunited, ready to return home...
That is about where it has to go, just a few feet to the left...
Softly, softly, catchee monkey.
Home at last.
Sunday, August 16th, 2008 — One of the biggest last hurdles was the upholstery. This step took longer then expected due to serious health issues of the upholsterer. Fortunately, these problems proved surmountable and ProjectM1 could move forward. Isaac, we never met but I wish you all the best. You do amazing work.
Custom made carpets.
I am 6’2’’ so every inch counts to give myself a comfortable position in the M1. The rails that give the seats fore and aft adjustment can easily be eliminated, resulting in an additional 1 to 1.5 inch headroom.
Massive amounts of cables and hoses (including A/C) snake through the middle console
The seats were the last elements to be finished. The fabric for the gray cloth inserts is still available from BMW.
Not much in terms of frilly nonsense. Me Likey.
Door panels were the last element to go in.
Sunday, November 9th, 2008 — Its has been a looong time since the last update. I am very happy to report that ProjectM1 has come to a very successful end.
Tom send me the following eMail on Monday, October 13, 2008: The door is open and #435 awaits your arrival on Saturday for delivery. .... As you can see, the door panel is on, and I've solved the light above the radio issue. ….. Otherwise, it's been an interesting project and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to show you what we can do at the Werkshop. I think it's safe to say you now have the finest M1 in the world. I suspect if you put it side by side with a brand new one, it would look every bit as good, and better in many areas. I like the “finest M1 in the world” bit. I wouldn’t make a claim like that myself but I feel it is OK to quote Tom. It is my plan to add glamour shots of NameLess with some Chicago landmarks as a backdrop as soon as weather clears up. This might be awhile since it is November and it is Chicago. Here are a few pictures of the finished product none the less.
Compare with the car when it arrived...
