These pictures belong outside of the showroom

[iluvmybeamer]

We bought this car a couple of weeks ago for a steal. But after taking a closer look and adding up my future expenses, I'm not so sure.

Pic. of the car at purchase location
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3955-1.jpg

This is gotta be the first thing I'm going pull out...tomorrow. Mounted in the wrong place, of course.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3995.jpg

Things I'll need:

1. New carpet:
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3986.jpg

2. New driver's side rear view mirror
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3973.jpg

3. New hood
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3969.jpg

4. New front grill
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3965.jpg
Notice the use of zip ties. I guess that's better than using duct tape.

5. Minor body work
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3971.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3970.jpg
Just surface rust with a ding. Couldn't find any bondo. Body is straight (except for the hood and two dents).

6. Previous owner said that he could not get the battery to hold a charge (hence why he sold it and eventually stopped driving the car). Which, I've narrowed the electrical problem to the SI board. I hope I'm right...


Good news is:
All the seats are in good condition (no rips, no tears, just dirty)
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3977.jpg
Even the door panels & dash are in good shape
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3982.jpg

Even better news is:

Service records tell me it's got new heads, and 20K miles on the tranny.

My future aspirations for this car include: upgrade shocks and springs, e30 sport seats, paint, manual transmission....

[fastbmw]

Before you go purchasing a new carpet, try pulling it out and pressure washing it. You'll be amazed on how clean you can get it. Removing the carpet isn't too hard. Basically you remove the seats, centre consule and some plastic trim by the doors and the whole thing should come out. Or you can try one of those home steam cleaners with the upholstery attachment, that might work really well for only a $40 rental fee.

[iluvmybeamer]

I tried with my own Bissell to clean it, but no success. I'll try to pressure wash it. That's a good idea!

Carpet after I used the Bissell
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d54/iluvmybeamer/100_3974.jpg

[fastbmw]

yeah, try lots of soap and hopefully it'll come out. Good luck!!

[Bimmer_Racer]

ok, i'll share a small secret from the car rental business....

we'd use pressure washers, however we also used the autoglym carpet shampoo ( http://www.carcaresmart.com/page/C/PROD/autoglym/IC0500200 ) and let it soak in for a few mins before pressure washing (this was on floor mats, but it's the same material). also, we used a hard bristle brush to work on stains. after we were done we'd suck up any excess water with a powerful shop vac... hope this helps.... maybe Anthony can provide some good tips?

good luck man, looks like there's a long path to recovery, lol.

[iluvmybeamer]

Autoglym is backordered! My hubby's dad works in the detailing biz. He's got some stuff we are going to use. The seats are cleaning up nicely. Saddle soap is the best on leather!

We're pulling out the carpet this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.