DW77 BMW 330i ZHP Vanos & Strut Tower Thread - Pics

[danewilson77]

So.....started off great........but had a bit of bad news. Ugh. Front, right strut mount cracked. Found this upon strut bar removal.

Anyways......1.5 hours I had the VC out....VCG off, and all clean up....ready to recieve the new VCG tomorrow.

I thought it would be best to not open it up entirely and leave it overnight. My reasoning for not pulling the VANOS tonight.

The other anomoly....was there were only 12 of 15 VC grommets. 3 of 4 grommets were missing, centerline...along the sparkplug wells.

Other than that....everything looks good. I guess I see a weld repair in my future.

No description really necessary for any of the pics. I am however very happy with the cleanliness underneath the VC. Enjoy....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosStrutmountcrack.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/Vanospartlayout.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosTimingchainthread.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosIII.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosII.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosCamlobesfront.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosCamlobesmiddle.jpg

[Hornung418]

:( sorry to hear about the crack. Better add the rough-road package to your pulley and belt shopping cart.

[danewilson77]

Word.....You mean the Turner re-enforcement plates?

[kayger12]

Sorry about the luck, DW.

Motor looks great, anyhow.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[danewilson77]

That's a def weld repair, no? Is that the permanent fix?

[kayger12]

That's a def weld repair, no? Is that the permanent fix?

Yeah, can't imagine any other way to fix that.

Should be a permanent fix.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Hornung418]

Word.....You mean the Turner re-enforcement plates?
I think they sell em...but the dealer should have the strut tower reinforcement plates found on the Xi for a cool $25 or so.

[echo46]

Damn, that sucks. What's up withthemissing grommets? I guess the grommet gremlin stole them? No sludge, looking good. Make sure you have long thin nose needle pliers to get the vanos bolts out.

[Johnmadd]

Man, I didn't know you could crack that. Sucks man. If you wanna diy it and need a welder I got a small one I could bring you.

[danewilson77]

Man, I didn't know you could crack that. Sucks man. If you wanna diy it and need a welder I got a small one I could bring you.

Sweet.... I was just talking about that. I am def borrowing that.

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[johnrando]

Engine looking good, GL with the rest of the work tomorrow (and finding the grommet gremlin).

[danewilson77]

I think they sell em...but the dealer should have the strut tower reinforcement plates found on the Xi for a cool $25 or so.

OK... Thanks

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[danewilson77]

Damn, that sucks. What's up withthemissing grommets? I guess the grommet gremlin stole them? No sludge, looking good. Make sure you have long thin nose needle pliers to get the vanos bolts out.

More than likely the VCG had been replaced and they left the aft three off. I can't explain it otherwise.

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[Hermes]

DW, go pick up those rough road reinforcement plates I got for my strut tower that you and Justin already mentioned. They're available at the parts dept for $18 each

[danewilson77]

Concerned they won't fit with the strut bar.

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[Hermes]

they go on the wheel well side of the tower

EDIT: 51717036781

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/42947f92.jpg

[aurelius]

FWIW, I've seen the BMW reinforcement plates priced at $18 for the pair.

Bmwpartssource.com is down right now but they are running a free shpg special thru Dec 31. Code: Thanks2011

The above is a BMW dealership in Ohio which discounts for Internet orders.

Edit: the email advertising the free shipping deal above stated it's for "orders under $100." which makes no sense and or was a typo but just FYI. For larger Genuine BMW parts orders of $300 or more, click HERE (http://www.bmwmercedesparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?siteid=215771) a free shpg deal going on at a Nebraska dealership. Better prices there, too.

[echo46]

Ya know, it's funny, I think I just saw the grommet gremlin loping through the long island pine barrens, laughing like a lunatic and spitting out grommets two at a time. He may have visited your garage late one night, DW.

[danewilson77]

I had 15 grommets. My head was Just in my ass. We are currently stranded at high school due to hole in radiator. FTL.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1043.jpg

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[kayger12]

Holy bad luck, batman.

Sux, DW.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[Oli77]

Crapola brutha! It started with the Vanos then on to the strut mount now that? Jeesh that sux man.

[Hornung418]

What the hell...How did that come to be? Jesus, I feel your pain, Dane. :crying

[liljosh344]

What a day!... started out so good too... you'll need a few cold ones tonight!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[echo46]

Are you kidding me?

[danewilson77]

Are you kidding me?

Me not kidding.

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[Jon D]

Bummer good luck

[danewilson77]

Thanks fellas. The culprit.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1046.jpg

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[Hornung418]

:(

[Johnmadd]

You have two and maybe three splits there. Now I know how weak these radiators are at least.

[cakM3]

Sorry to see this happen Dane...

[ryankokesh]

oh no...that's terrible. how did that happen?


http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKaAh_gIQEkZD-rk_Dt8D9vd3cbWPBE5uCBv8ntNRPNweGFMS5XAEIvB77Tw

[danewilson77]

We were putting the Al water pump pulley on. As we were trying to get the plastic pulley off, the pry bar slipped and dinged the radiator. The plastic pulley was welded to the pump.

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[static667]

That bastard was on there. I still feel like a real winner for poking the hole in Dane's radiator. I'll make it up to you, Dane. No worries.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Memories that you guys will laugh about down the road.

[echo46]

Which radiator are you going to replace it with?

[danewilson77]

Most likely Behr.

[danewilson77]

Best price on the internet...that I could find. Free shipping as well. Affiliate link will be used.

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?partnumber=17119071518&gclid=CPfPz8Sa-qwCFQlrhwodwXFESQ

[echo46]

You're not going to get much better than that. It's always good to flush the cooling system and refresh it with new BMW fluid.

[Newjack]

Easily the best looking car that tow truck has ever seen.

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/8614/1210111712.jpg

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/1220/1210111713.jpg


That's a real good deal on the Behr radiator, free shipping FTW. And it may not have been OEM, but that mountain dew was definitely doing its job in your cooling system.

[danewilson77]

Hehe...

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[Ryans323i]

You're having a rough weekend too. (Don't know how I missed this thread earlier.) I hope everything gets righted easily and quickly. I feel your pain buddy.

[danewilson77]

You're having a rough weekend too. (Don't know how I missed this thread earlier.) I hope everything gets righted easily and quickly. I feel your pain buddy.

Thanks Ry.

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[johnrando]

I missed this too. What a pain. You back up and running?

[danewilson77]

No....I need to order my radiator.....

[JohnnyGraphic]

No....I need to order my radiator.....

Are you going OEM or an aftermarket unit?

[danewilson77]

Behr >>> 137.00 shipped from AutohausAZ. Part number: 17119071518

AutohausAZ affiliate link here: http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-4193730-10701773

[JohnnyGraphic]

Thx. Hope you get it all back together soon and puts an end your 'saga'.

[jayjay_dee]

Oh my... I think your car doesnt like running bald... get those roof racks back asap... lol...

Seriously, I hope everything gets fixed soon... good luck!!!

[danewilson77]

Thanks fellas. Maybe I'm not listening to her. I Hate letting it sit.

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[Ryans323i]

Thanks fellas. Maybe I'm not listening to her. I Hate letting it sit.

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http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkdXyL_Pd1p-hIrtoBUR13Mw2nkafa0sqKHFpc48ncniNBBkbp

PS. whatcha driving? The Kia?

[danewilson77]

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTkdXyL_Pd1p-hIrtoBUR13Mw2nkafa0sqKHFpc48ncniNBBkbp

PS. whatcha driving? The Kia?

Benz FTL.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/IMAG1060.jpg

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[ryankokesh]

http://img.tapatalk.com/62e4f73f-a2b1-33ec.jpg

Not trying to imply the situation doesn't suck horribly...but yeah :)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Lol. Yeah... Can't drive my Bimmer, so I hop in my Benz. Heck... Maybe if the Benz shits the bed a Bentley will magically appear... Hehe.

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[Hornung418]

Lol. Yeah... Can't drive my Bimmer, so I hop in my Benz. Heck... Maybe if the Benz shits the bed a Bentley will magically appear... Hehe.

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Bentley_Publishers_Mercedes_Benz_ML350_Technical_C ompanion.jpg

:shifty

Couldn't find the pic of the book...but I hope you see the humor I saw in that post ;)

[danewilson77]

I always see you humor.

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[echo46]

DW, your better than that Benz. Hurry up and get the imola whip back.

[danewilson77]

DW, your better than that Benz. Hurry up and get the imola whip back.

OK Echo......thanks.

Plus it says "VMI Mom" on the back....:shifty

[echo46]

It's even worse than I thought.

[brettbimmer]

DW, so sorry to hear of the radiator (and other) troubles with the ZHP. Hope that you get her back on the road soon, without any more issues. If it makes you feel any better, I swapped out the radiator in my mom's '02 Heep Liberty a few weeks ago, and in the process I managed to put one of the first screws back in place in the wrong spot, and promptly holed the cheap plastic on the side of the radiator. Back to Autozone and another $185 later... I feel your pain!

How many radiators does it take to get the Liberty back on the road?

2790


2791

[johnrando]

OK Echo......thanks.

Plus it says "VMI Mom" on the back....:shifty

oh no! :)

[danewilson77]

DW, so sorry to hear of the radiator (and other) troubles with the ZHP. Hope that you get her back on the road soon, without any more issues. If it makes you feel any better, I swapped out the radiator in my mom's '02 Heep Liberty a few weeks ago, and in the process I managed to put one of the first screws back in place in the wrong spot, and promptly holed the cheap plastic on the side of the radiator. Back to Autozone and another $185 later... I feel your pain!

How many radiators does it take to get the Liberty back on the road?

Thanks Brett


oh no! :)

Oh yes...

[Ryans323i]

OK Echo......thanks.

Plus it says "VMI Mom" on the back....:shifty

:rofl


DW, so sorry to hear of the radiator (and other) troubles with the ZHP. Hope that you get her back on the road soon, without any more issues. If it makes you feel any better, I swapped out the radiator in my mom's '02 Heep Liberty a few weeks ago, and in the process I managed to put one of the first screws back in place in the wrong spot, and promptly holed the cheap plastic on the side of the radiator. Back to Autozone and another $185 later... I feel your pain!

How many radiators does it take to get the Liberty back on the road?

2790


2791

It's a sign. She needs a Bimmer!

[danewilson77]

I agree. I would trade it tomorrow on an X5...if she would let me.

[brettbimmer]

X2 Ryan! ...But what about the cooling system longevity?? :rofl

[danewilson77]

So.....started off great........but had a bit of bad news. Ugh. Front, right strut mount cracked. Found this upon strut bar removal.

Anyways......1.5 hours I had the VC out....VCG off, and all clean up....ready to recieve the new VCG tomorrow.

I thought it would be best to not open it up entirely and leave it overnight. My reasoning for not pulling the VANOS tonight.

The other anomoly....was there were only 12 of 15 VC grommets. 3 of 4 grommets were missing, centerline...along the sparkplug wells.

Other than that....everything looks good. I guess I see a weld repair in my future.

No description really necessary for any of the pics. I am however very happy with the cleanliness underneath the VC. Enjoy....

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosStrutmountcrack.jpg




Interesting thread here. Learned a bit. Don't know if it's truth or not. I had no idea that the plated needed to be welded in.....Hmmmmm

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?p=12508211

More info here....not all of it true however...

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1613078

[LivesNearCostco]

I didn't weld in my plates. Welding is probably stronger than not welding, but I think they will do the job pretty well just sitting between strut hat and strut tower. That said, I'm still looking for a strut brace too. My camber plates have studs long enough to go through both, and I think the right STB will prevent my camber plates from shifting around in the slots when I adjust camber. I do find I cannot adjust my camber plates (Ground Control E46 street) to the maximum negative camber setting (roughly 2 degrees more negative than stock) and the reinforcement plates might be the reason. I think some Vorshlag camber plate users trim the reinforcement plates to prevent their interfering with camber adjustments.

[danewilson77]

The plan is.....until I can get crack welded to have the Strut tower reinforcement plates installed and will have my strut brace on the top. in effect...the crack will be "sandwiched between two pieces of metal....so I am hoping this mitigates further damage. I will increase peiodicity of inspection to every few days....until I am confident with fix.

Additionally, I plan to drill a 1/8' termination hole (indicated below) to "stop" crack propagation, hopefully.

Thoughts?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosStrutmountcrack-1.jpg

[Hochspannung]

I thought these plates do not need to be welded in? does the mushrooming occur in the rear of the car as well?

[Hochspannung]

definitely spot drill at the end of the crack or it will for sure keep spreading.

The weld repair itself should not be too difficult either, it very accessible and you can get full penetration from the top side given how thin the metal is.

[danewilson77]

I thought these plates do not need to be welded in? does the mushrooming occur in the rear of the car as well?

I think they do not HAVE to be welded in....however, I think if you ask the dealer, they are supposed to be welded in....if you feel me.

[danewilson77]

definitely spot drill at the end of the crack or it will for sure keep spreading.

The weld repair itself should not be too difficult either, it very accessible and you can get full penetration from the top side given how thin the metal is.

That's what I'm thinking...

OBTW......this crack developed AFTER the strut brace was installed.

[Hochspannung]

Yea, I was thinking that the added stiffness might have caused the crack. I'm a certified CWB welder, I think it will be a pretty straight forward repair. Spot drill, buff off paint, weld, grind smooth and paint to seal it.

[Ryans323i]

I'm curious, when do you think it happened? (example: One time driving in Mexico I took an S curve at 80mph)

[danewilson77]

Mmmm....dunno. Funny thing is....is....the only thing I've ever hit was that log, where all the damage was sustained on the passenger side. I will keep thinking about it....to see if I remember....something.

[Ryans323i]

Hmmm, that quite possibly could be the culprit.

[Hochspannung]

what about using an epoxy between the reinforcement plate and the strut tower as well for added rigidity? Some people have done this with their sub-frame reinforcement plates instead of welding.

[Johnmadd]

Mmmm....dunno. Funny thing is....is....the only thing I've ever hit was that log, where all the damage was sustained on the passenger side. I will keep thinking about it....to see if I remember....something.

I believe you sold me your old ecs strutbar after the log incident, and I got the fog lens from you at the same time... I think.

[danewilson77]

what about using an epoxy between the reinforcement plate and the strut tower as well for added rigidity? Some people have done this with their sub-frame reinforcement plates instead of welding.

Thought about bending crack up (spreading apart a tad), then adding a minimal amount of JB weld.....then pushing crack down smooth (pushing crack together).

My think is this though.....when they do go to weld on it.....it's going to need to be cleaned and my feeling was that the more sheet on put on there is the more sheet they're going to have to remove.

Dunno. I still may do a small bead "in" the crack.

[Hochspannung]

The prep work to clean the surface of impurities will take more time then the weld. Before welding, the crack needs to be clean to eliminate the possibility of porosity. Does anyone from here have a welder that lives near you?

[danewilson77]

The prep work to clean the surface of impurities will take more time then the weld. Before welding, the crack needs to be clean to eliminate the possibility of porosity. Does anyone from here have a welder that lives near you?

Dunno....

Crack stopped

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/Struttowerpunch.jpg~original

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/Struttowerhole.jpg

[LivesNearCostco]

Good thinking, Dane. I don't weld, but am curious, is the best way to fix this to weld it just from the top or also from the bottom?

[Ryans323i]

Looks good DW.

[danewilson77]

Good thinking, Dane. I don't weld, but am curious, is the best way to fix this to weld it just from the top or also from the bottom?

I think if you weld from top, full penetration will be achieved. You can see how thin the metal is. 2-3mm.

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[RVAzhp]

rockauto has one for $95.

i replaced my window motor with one from off there i think it was $26 bucks. no problems with it at all.

[Hochspannung]

Welding in Flat position is by far the easiest way. With something this thin, it wont take much to achieve full pen. Overhead position is much more difficult.

[Hochspannung]

Good call on the spot drill, DW. At least it wont spread any further now. The drill is required before welding anyway, so you now have step #1 done at least.

[danewilson77]

rockauto has one for $95.

i replaced my window motor with one from off there i think it was $26 bucks. no problems with it at all.

Wut? :shifty

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[SureShot434]

The plan is.....until I can get crack welded to have the Strut tower reinforcement plates installed and will have my strut brace on the top. in effect...the crack will be "sandwiched between two pieces of metal....so I am hoping this mitigates further damage. I will increase peiodicity of inspection to every few days....until I am confident with fix.

Additionally, I plan to drill a 1/8' termination hole (indicated below) to "stop" crack propagation, hopefully.

Thoughts?

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/VanosStrutmountcrack-1.jpg

Well I'm currently studying Aviation Maintainance Tech in College and thats one things we learned.....to stop the crack you "Stop Drill". Drill a hole at the end of the crack and BAM no more cracking...hope this helps

[Hornung418]

Yup! Wil, he's already done that.

But since you know what's going on, why does the hole stop the crack? Is it the roundness of the hole that diverts the stress on more than one single point like a hairline stress crack?

[Hochspannung]

pretty much, I just know if you weld over cracks without spot drilling them, there is a good chance the crack can spread, even after welding.

[SureShot434]

To be more clear:

A stop drill hole is made at the tip of a fatigue crack to temporarily slow the expansion of a fatigue crack until a more permanent repair can be made (i.e. welding the crack). A stop drill hole does not properly restore the load-carrying capability of the structure and the underlying structural problem is still not properly addressed.

[Hornung418]

Cool thanks, Wil.

[danewilson77]

Yep.... Should be 80-90% with plates. Might even be better. Dunno.

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[danewilson77]

Received plates today. Gonna finish up suspension now. Hopefully will receive radiator in a few.....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6539521451_fcb56f7366_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6539521451/)
BMW Reinforcement kit (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6539521451/) by Dane Wilson77 (http://www.flickr.com/people/dw77zhpmafia/), on Flickr

[kayger12]

Good deal. Get her done.

[echo46]

Man, all this waiting...interested and in for pics.

[danewilson77]

Well.....the kit is installed. Radiator did not come.....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6541135335_9d72591260_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6541135335/)
BMW Reinforcement kit Installed (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dw77zhpmafia/6541135335/) by Dane Wilson77 (http://www.flickr.com/people/dw77zhpmafia/), on Flickr

[Newjack]

So I'm assuming you were able to fit both the strut brace and reinforcement plates?

[danewilson77]

So I'm assuming you were able to fit both the strut brace and reinforcement plates?

Yes sir. One in each side.

[Ryans323i]

Cool. Glad that's handled.

[Hornung418]

Free shipping doesn't mean fast shipping :(

Hope the Radiator comes tomorrow!

[danewilson77]

Free shipping doesn't mean fast shipping :(

Hope the Radiator comes tomorrow!

True.

Me too.

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[static667]

Nice job on the plates. Are you going to get them welded?

[danewilson77]

Dunno. I don't see them moving a whole lot, bolted into place with no way to turn or seperate from the strut tower.

I did note that the bolts on the Lemforders are 5/8", which is about 1/8" longer than the Meyle HD's.

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[static667]

True. Welding would be a pain, but talk about making it stronger...

[danewilson77]

True. Welding would be a pain, but talk about making it stronger...

Yup... I don't debate that at all. I just need to get this puppy back to running conditions. If I get bored beginning of year... Maybe I will weld them in.

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[danewilson77]

Hopefully it can make it the last 30 miles tomorrow....

Last status:

Richmond, VA, United States 12/20/2011 6:45 P.M. Arrival Scan

[kayger12]

Hopefully it can make it the last 30 miles tomorrow....

Last status:

Richmond, VA, United States 12/20/2011 6:45 P.M. Arrival Scan

Geez-- held up in the mess of holiday packages, I'm sure...

[danewilson77]

Geez-- held up in the mess of holiday packages, I'm sure...

Most likely. Got my TMS and ECS stuff though. Ordered same day. All is well as long as I get it tomorrow.

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[zj96sc]

Too bad that you're there and I'm here. That's about 30 seconds worth of welding.

[danewilson77]

Too bad that you're there and I'm here. That's about 30 seconds worth of welding.

Yeah... I know. Appreciate it. I should pony up for a wire feed.

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[Oli77]

How many days without driving you ZHP Dane?

Have you hugged your ZHP today?

[static667]

Lesson: don't let me near your radiator. :shift

This post brought to you by the miracle of modern technology and Tapatalk.

[Hochspannung]

http://richmond.craigslist.org/tls/2756047396.html

[danewilson77]

How many days without driving you ZHP Dane?

Have you hugged your ZHP today?


Lesson: don't let me near your radiator. :shift

This post brought to you by the miracle of modern technology and Tapatalk.

11 days Kyle....



http://richmond.craigslist.org/tls/2756047396.html


http://www.lowes.com/pd_256722-1703-K2480-1_4294936478__?productId=1072945&Ntt=welding&Ns=p_product_price|1&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl_Tools_4294936478__s%3FNtt%3Dweldi ng%26Ns%3Dp_product_price%7C1&facetInfo=

[Hochspannung]

http://charlestonwv.craigslist.org/tls/2749358980.html

[danewilson77]

Like that one....

[Hochspannung]

is that close-ish to you ?

[Hornung418]

That's a solid deal, Dane.

[danewilson77]

I hate grinding my welds flat... But in this case I see no way around it.

I was brought up to always show your weld... Or else you can't weld for shit.

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[Hornung418]

Welds are nice...but you're going to paint over it, no?

[az3579]

I hate grinding my welds flat... But in this case I see no way around it.

I was brought up to always show your weld... Or else you can't weld for shit.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Even better is the weld that's done so well, you could barely see it. ;)



Sent from my iPhone 4S with Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Welds are nice...but you're going to paint over it, no?

Yes....it will be painted.

[danewilson77]

Radiator just showed up....

[Hornung418]

Hooray!!!

[kayger12]

Radiator just showed up....

Good news!

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[danewilson77]

Done. Elapsed Time 2 hours. Test drive SAT.

Damn!

[LivesNearCostco]

Hip, hip, Huzzah! Are you feeling radiant?

[danewilson77]

Hip, hip, Huzzah! Are you feeling radiant?

Totally. The Beisan seal and anti-rattle kit were begging to be abused.









So....I abused em.

DIY posted for the radiator.

Peace out....and thanks for the support fella's.

[Newjack]

Totally. The Beisan seal and anti-rattle kit were begging to be abused.









So....I abused em.

DIY posted for the radiator.

Peace out....and thanks for the support fella's.

Glad you finally got everything fixed Dane. I can only imagine what the test drive was like

*meanwhile above 4000 rpms*
Static667: "aren't you gonna shift to fourth?"
Dane: "I'm not ready for fourth yet"

LG Revolution + Tapatalk

[danewilson77]

Glad you finally got everything fixed Dane. I can only imagine what the test drive was like

*meanwhile above 4000 rpms*
Static667: "aren't you gonna shift to fourth?"
Dane: "I'm not ready for fourth yet"

LG Revolution + Tapatalk

Lol...

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Ryans323i]

Glad your car's all buttoned up!

I put my car through a bit of a flogging yesterday, ohh she loved it.

[danewilson77]

Glad your car's all buttoned up!

I put my car through a bit of a flogging yesterday, ohh she loved it.

Thanks Ryan....Taking it easy on mine....for now.

[imola red zhp]

Great back in prime form!!

[jayjay_dee]

great news DW!!!

[danewilson77]

Thanks jjjjjjjjjjjjjjj..... D

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[Oli77]

Hip Hip Hooray! Hrd Werk ist on der Bahn.

[danewilson77]

Hip Hip Hooray! Hrd Werk ist on der Bahn.

Hehe... Thanks

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[danewilson77]

Old seal measurements for later data.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/2004%20Imola%20DSLR/VANOSMeasurements.jpg

[zhp43867]

I remember reading to be very careful about who weld the strut towers when they crack, you should have someone at the level somewhat akin to the level of welder needed to do the Turner kit. Someone a while back on E46F had mushroomed and cracked towers, that they had "professionally" welded, and they got even worse less than a year later. Moral of the story is I personally would either leave it with the sandwich if you're satisfied, or take it to a "pro" to offload the liability or potential future repair cost. Then again, I don't know the extent of your welding prowess...

[zj96sc]

No "pro" is going to sign up to that kind of liability either, especially with no control over how the car is used. Stop drill it, get a decent weld...about all you can ask for.

[danewilson77]

I'm going to check it in about 3 weeks, (3000 miles) and see if there's any further separation. If there isn't any, I will like leave it alone, and just keep an eye on it.

Thanks for the input fellas.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[zhp43867]

No "pro" is going to sign up to that kind of liability either, especially with no control over how the car is used. Stop drill it, get a decent weld...about all you can ask for.

Yes they will, body shops weld these towers relatively often.