Christine's Chronicle (Budget Build)

[spoonerDee]

This will be my official BUDGET build thread. If anyone is interested, you can watch her grow and become a woman :roundel

I will use this build thread to show others how to do a project car on a small budget and still get some nice results.

I have a list (don't we all) of all the mods that will be going into/onto her as time goes on and one by one I will knock off those items.

The day I bought her. She had 64,xxx miles on her with gray green metallic paint and looked as new as the day she was created. I actually didn't realize it was my car when I went to pick it up because she looked so good.
http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/8951/20100916180332.jpg

The first mod, if you will was a debadging to clean up her rear as well as the golf t mod (google it) :thumbup Cost for these mods Free (maybe a few bucks if you dont have a golf tee or a screw)
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/8255/img4807ga.jpg

Up next I had to wait a while and let her sit in anticpation while I took care of my illness, but as soon as that passed she again went under the knife.

I ordered a scanner/coder and went to work with her mind. I disabled the 5mph door lock, activated one touch close for the windows, coded her for Xenons, disabled the no seat belt warning (I always wear mine, just hate the chimes), as well as some other fun stuff. Total cost around $40.00

Next while looking online I found a steal for an OEM 6 disc changer so I snatched it up and installed it right away. :headset Total cost (already had the mounting bracket in my trunk) $65.00

Parts were ordered for a custom intake which still isn't finished, but while that is on hold the time came for some new eyes.

With the help of a DIY I tore into the stock halogen housings and converted them into projector headlights with 6,000k HID's. Total cost around $190.00

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/4717/headlight022.jpg
http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/8759/headlight021.jpg
http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/2196/headlight023.jpg

The beautiful cut off :eyetwitch
http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9409/lights012.jpg
http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/4287/lights002.jpg

The following weekend I took my newly acquired LED bulbs and swapped out the interior lights for a nice clean look (pictures don't do it justice). Total cost, less than $10.00 shipped

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/3134/lights018.jpg
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/2351/lights2003.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1424/lights021.jpg

That's all for now, as time goes on and she grows I will update this thread.

Things to come include:

Clear lighting all around
Finishing my intake
H&R Cup Kit.
BMW wheels (either style 68 or style 42)

And plenty of other goodies, don't want to give it all away.

Thanks for looking and stay tuned.

Keith

[danewilson77]

Looks great. In for more.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[trancenation]

Did you led interior lights require a seperate resistor pack because I know some cars require one otherwise one light may be intermittently out. (happened to me) Also, where do you happen to purchase them? Thanks a bunch.

[spoonerDee]

Bought the led's a few weeks ago, and no resistors, all of them work perfectly fine.

[Ryans323i]

Great looking ride Keith. Gray green is such a subtle and pretty color. Looking forward to your mods.

And please style 42 wheels! Maybe even with gold centers? I keep trying to talk people w/ Gray green into this, I know it will look awesome!

[az3579]

Great looking ride Keith. Gray green is such a subtle and pretty color. Looking forward to your mods.

And please style 42 wheels! Maybe even with gold centers? I keep trying to talk people w/ Gray green into this, I know it will look awesome!

+1.
You don't see Style 42 much.

[spoonerDee]

Great looking ride Keith. Gray green is such a subtle and pretty color. Looking forward to your mods.

And please style 42 wheels! Maybe even with gold centers? I keep trying to talk people w/ Gray green into this, I know it will look awesome!


+1.
You don't see Style 42 much.

Well I have been leaning more towards the style 42's, they are kind of hard to come by though, I guess thats parts of why I want them, since not to many others rock them. As for gold centers..... Not sure if they would look good or not, its a good possibility.

For those unfamiliar, here are style 42 wheels.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6067529947_372d9eb12c_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6067534207_b7b95c3398_b.jpg

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6068077408_65e3477ea0_b.jpg

[jayjay_dee]

2nd pic is money shot, sezzy azzzz.....

[johnrando]

Whoa! Really like those style 42s. What car are they OEM equipment on?

[Ryans323i]

^^I believe it was the e39.

[spoonerDee]

Correct, they came on e39 530i with sport package

Now everyone will want them :foottap

[Ryans323i]

Yeah, be careful they are some sezzy wheels!

[johnrando]

Correct, they came on e39 530i with sport package

Now everyone will want them :foottap

:rofl.

[spoonerDee]

Quick update with better pictures to come soon.

The UPS man paid me a visit yesterday and brought me some goodies.

Total paid for the lights (all of them including stealth bulbs) $189.00 shipped. Perfect fitment, no issues

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9172/20120313143401.jpg
http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/884/20120313143417.jpg

The first steps to my self made intake. Test fitting the filter and heat shield template.
More info on this will come as stage one reaches completion. Then stage 2 of the home made intake will begin with a nice surprise at the end.
http://img822.imageshack.us/img822/4930/20120313143458.jpg

[derbo]

Looks good so far! Those pictures of the blue car are 18" Style 42 which are SUPER RARE since they were optional. The 16s-17s style 42s are abundant. The 16s are on older E46s.

[danewilson77]

Looks great Spooner.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[Ryans323i]

Lights look great!

[328ioc]

Any more info on your home made intake? I am very tempted to make my own also but I have never tried to make a heat shield.

[cakM3]

Keith,

Car is looking awesome :thumbsup Can't wait to see what to see the results of your CAI :)

[spoonerDee]

Looks great Spooner.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Thanks Dane :)


Lights look great!

Spanks!


Any more info on your home made intake? I am very tempted to make my own also but I have never tried to make a heat shield.

I will be doing a full write up on how to make your own when I am done. I will give you all the in and outs on what to get, what it takes to make it and how difficult it is. I will even give you all a break and post up the measurements of the heat shield for you so you wont have to spend the extra time measuring it out.


Keith,

Car is looking awesome :thumbsup Can't wait to see what to see the results of your CAI :)

Thanks. Stage one will be done soon, now that I have the tool I need, I just have to pick up the sheet metal and it will be done.

Then.... Stage two (I hope) :keith

[cakM3]

going to look awesome Keith! :thumbsup

[328ioc]

I will be doing a full write up on how to make your own when I am done. I will give you all the in and outs on what to get, what it takes to make it and how difficult it is. I will even give you all a break and post up the measurements of the heat shield for you so you wont have to spend the extra time measuring it out.

That would be absolutely AMAZING!

The heat shield was always the part I has worried about since I have never worked with sheet metal before.

All of the other progress looks great too.

[spoonerDee]

Quick update: I picked up the sheet metal (aluminum) the other day and did some fabricating. I haven't worked with sheet metal in about 13 years and was expecting a major headache. All went perfectly. I will be picking up the engine enamel (heat resistant) paint probably today along with the last few items then posting the results some time soon.

328ioc trust me when I say this, it was a piece of cake. If you can work a pair of scissors and a hand held power drill and work a measuring tape, you're set.

[danewilson77]

Subscribed.

Sent from SIGFest-2012, USA on HTC via TTv2

[Ryans323i]

Random question: Would you make another and sell it? If so, how much?

[spoonerDee]

Random question: Would you make another and sell it? If so, how much?

I could, let me finish my first one and see how it comes out before I name any prices. Also, once I do what I keep referring to "stage 2" of the intake, I might just sell what I have now, which is what I have been calling "stage 1"

Another update: All metal work is done, I did some sealing with high temp black silicone sealant and laid down some black primer. I must say, even with just the primer it looks pretty dang good so far. More to come within the next few days :keith

In the mean time, here is a quick teaser.
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/8009/20120411115728.jpg

[Ryans323i]

Cool.

[328ioc]

Looks great and I can definitely do all of those things.

Also what are some hints as to this stage 2 we keep hearing about?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[spoonerDee]

Looks great and I can definitely do all of those things.

Also what are some hints as to this stage 2 we keep hearing about?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

Hmmmmm hints.... I don't think I can even give a hint without revealing the final product.

All in due time my friend.

[328ioc]

Hmmmmm hints.... I don't think I can even give a hint without revealing the final product.

All in due time my friend.

Eh it was worth a shot lol

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[cakM3]

any new updates Keith? :foottap

[spoonerDee]

I've been stuck at work, haven't been able to sneak out to the parts store to buy the last bit needed. It's 99% done and killing me because I want to install it and reveal it.

Its like being awake at 5am Christmas morning and your parents don't wake up till 8am :rofl

[cakM3]

teaser.....:p

[Ryans323i]

I'm sorry you've been stuck at work. Mainly sorry for myself, I'm ready to see this thing installed!

[spoonerDee]

Coming real soon. I think I can finally get out of here to make a run for the parts I need some time today (Friday) and then probably by tomorrow (Saturday) post up the final results.

I will do a full break down as well on the costs of materials as well so you all can get an idea of how inexpensive it is to go this route. :)


EDIT: Good News! Picked up the last few items, currently working on it and will deff have some final pictures this weekend.

[spoonerDee]

Alright kiddos, you waited long enough. Here is the home made intake with heat shield. Total cost around $75-80

I still need to buy a small L bracket to attach the arm of the heat shield to the wheel well to hold it down in place. I forgot to pick one up the other day, but you get the idea.
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/6730/20120421101844.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9830/20120421102350.jpg
http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4017/20120421101917.jpg

I will be posting up the DIY momentarily and then link the two threads together. Enjoy!

:keith


Edit: Here is the DIY http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?6884-E46-home-built-intake-and-heat-Shield-DIY-for-less-than-80&p=171051#post171051

[danewilson77]

Looks great. Super clean. Very professional. Is the housing "heat shielded"?

Sent from SIGFest 2012, via TTv1.5.4

[spoonerDee]

Not sure what you mean by heat shielded? Want to clarify so I can be sure I explain my madness :)

If you're asking if the shield holds back heat, well as best as it can with the materials I used. It's made of aluminum which dissipates heat better than other metals, and it blocks about 90% of all the engine bay air from getting to the shield, so than by the definition yes its heat shielded.

[danewilson77]

Great.

Sent from SIGFest 2012, via TTv1.5.4

[328ioc]

Looks awesome. Cant wait to put the DIY to good use.

[spoonerDee]

:)

[spoonerDee]

Finally had a chance to wash, wax and play with my new camera.

edit: did a re-edit on the pictures, wasn't happy with the processing I did earlier.
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8492/christine31of1.jpg
http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/3713/christine41of1.jpg
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/378/christine1of1.jpg
http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/8643/christine21of1.jpg

[SoarinZHP]

My first BMW's exterior was *just* like yours. I absolutely loved the exterior color and mine had the natural brown interior. Gray green has so many nuances that become evident at different times of the day as the light changes. I ended up selling mine with 167k on the clock after I purchased the zhp. I can see you are enjoying yours! That's fantastic!

[danewilson77]

Love pics 2 and 3. 3 woulda been perfect imo had you tweaked wheels to right a bit. Nice shots Spooney.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

[spoonerDee]

My first BMW's exterior was *just* like yours. I absolutely loved the exterior color and mine had the natural brown interior. Gray green has so many nuances that become evident at different times of the day as the light changes. I ended up selling mine with 167k on the clock after I purchased the zhp. I can see you are enjoying yours! That's fantastic!

Totally loving it, the color shift reminds me of my old eclipse. It was magenta gray pearl and depending on the time of day, it always looked like a different color.


Love pics 2 and 3. 3 woulda been perfect imo had you tweaked wheels to right a bit. Nice shots Spooney.

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk 2

Thanks, these pics were actually never meant to be. I was headed to another location to do a shoot (which never happened) and stopped to take pics of the rock quarry where they mine lime stone (as you can see from the white ground which is covered in lime dust). Had I planned for it, I would have posed her. Ah well.

Gonna post up a few videos soon of the home built intake. Since a lot of people want to know what it sounds like I took some in car videos.

[Ryans323i]

Great picture updates Keith. The pictures really adequately capture her color. Graygreen Christine, did you mean for that to rhyme? Either way, she's beautiful! :wub

[spoonerDee]

Great picture updates Keith. The pictures really adequately capture her color. Graygreen Christine, did you mean for that to rhyme? Either way, she's beautiful! :wub

:rofl: nah, not quite, shes just named after the Stephen King novel. I name all my cars Christine, but hey like you said it does rhyme, thanks for the feedback. :keith

[spoonerDee]

I have had a lot of people ask me what the intake sounds like. Well I was out and about the other day and used my phone to record some videos. Not the best sound, but you will get some of an idea.

Full acceleration with windows down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h_r7y29HWU&feature=plcp

cruising with the windows up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Wt845LMBV0&feature=plcp

Full acceleration with the windows up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hi7UAS-eV0&feature=plcp

[quikryptonite]

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/9830/20120421102350.jpg



Wow, that looks amazing! Where did you learn to do that kind of stuff?

[spoonerDee]

Wow, that looks amazing! Where did you learn to do that kind of stuff?

Thanks, I went to school to be an auto body technician.... Ended up working in the tile and stone industry. :rofl: But some of the skills like sheet metal working and painting have stuck with me and come in handy (will be doing some painting in the near future).

Honestly, even with out the sheet metal skills, anyone can do it if you know how to work a pair of scissors and swing a hammer. :)

[spoonerDee]

Latest update, small, but cheap and effective. Swapped out the boring old wood shift knob (which was heat cracked) for a leather/wood knob from an e39. With a little patience and searching ebay I got this one for about $40 shipped.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20120908_104242.jpg

To do a swap the proper way check out my DIY here. Full simple details on how to remove it, swap out the shifting rod and install the new one.
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?7886-DIY-How-to-disassemble-an-automatic-shift-knob.

Thanks for looking and as always, post up any questions or comments.

[danewilson77]

Looks good spooner.

[spoonerDee]

^^^ Are you stalking me? Not that I mind :rofl

[danewilson77]

I'm a creeper when it comes to your car.

[spoonerDee]

New update coming by this weekend. Showin a little love to the ass (that sounds dirty). Will post up some pics and maybe a DIY as well.

[spoonerDee]

Latest update:

Buddy of mine hooked me up this past weekend. Full staggered set 17x7.5 and 17x8.5. This spring/summer they will be refinished before install. Haven't decided if I will try and do it myself (no easy task I know) or just have a local shop do it. Most likely will have them done for me for the best result.
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20130219_101713.jpg

[cakM3]

nice grab Keith! :thumbup The shift knob also looks great!

[spoonerDee]

Thanks Charlie! They are sitting in my office at work behind me, stalking me, taunting me. :rofl Interesting times are ahead.

[johnrando]

Lol. Nice pickup!

[Ryans323i]

Style 68 are some of my favorite wheels. With your line of work and skills, i think you're fully capable of painting or refinishing those wheels. Do you have a sandblastor at your work?

Sent from my DROID RAZR

[spoonerDee]

Nope, no sandblaster. If we did, I'd be all over them. If I refinish them, I would have to do it all by hand.

[spoonerDee]

Uh ohhh. Another coming soon. :shifty A little refinishing project for the up coming warmer days.
http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/mtechy.jpg:original

[az3579]

Please don't sandblast the wheels. I went down this route with my E30 and regretted it.
The wheels ended up really pitted, with a rough finish. Brake dust gets stuck in the tiny little pits, making it a massive PITA to clean.

Aluminum wheels like these should never be sandblasted.

[spoonerDee]

Please don't sandblast the wheels. I went down this route with my E30 and regretted it.
The wheels ended up really pitted, with a rough finish. Brake dust gets stuck in the tiny little pits, making it a massive PITA to clean.

Aluminum wheels like these should never be sandblasted.

Relax, never said I was going to. Gonna have a pro do them some time in the future :)

[johnrando]

nice sig pic. What color is that?

[spoonerDee]

Over saturated Gray green metallic :rofl

[spoonerDee]

Well that bumper was a no go. Arrived missing a vital part that made it impossible to install. Shipping back today, and back to the grind to find a new one.

[spoonerDee]

Small update on progress. Ended up selling the wheels to Charlie and will be on the look out for a set of style 42's in the future. In the mean time I took apart my headlights and finally hooked up the bixenon feature of the morimoto projectors I retrofitted 2 years ago. I now have 4 high beams. :)

While I was at it, I ordered a newer brighter higher quality set of HID's to really make them shine. I picked up these ballasts http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=21742 and these bulbs http://www.theretrofitsource.com/product_info.php?products_id=4117 The difference is like night and day. Will post up some pictars soon of the new lights output as well as my new 4 high beam retrofit

[330i ZHP]

nice

[spoonerDee]

Small insignificant update. I has a sticker mafiosa style.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20140527_071659.jpg

It came with the screen protector I bought for my kindle back in November. :rofl

[danewilson77]

Lol...nice. 2 Hp.

[brettbimmer]

Small insignificant update. I has a sticker mafiosa style.

http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x351/spoonydee/20140527_071659.jpg

It came with the screen protector I bought for my kindle back in November. :rofl

Haha, looking at this on my phone it looks like Stig & mini-Stig!

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

[spoonerDee]

Lol...nice. 2 Hp.

Yeah, yeah! Not quite as much as a NOS sticker, but hey, it's all I can afford. :rofl


Haha, looking at this on my phone it looks like Stig & mini-Stig!

Sent from my pineapple under the sea.

Troof, never thought about it till now, kinda does.