excellent allroad bike, looks like a nice trip!

Looks like a spectacular time!

1st 'mod' on the E38 is the 1st upgrade to becoming our new roadie. My 3rd Zionsville aluminum:

In this week's episode of "Poor Financial Decisions" w/ crystalworks:

Attachment 81860

Excuse the hand cameo.

Attachment 81861

Attachment 81862

Attachment 81863

So the story behind this particular episode is the wife and I took a trip to Houston to go to an event at TMJ Bimmers to look at what else, some cool BMWs. Red needed to be driven and gets her share of attention at events like this so we figured why not. The grandparents had already volunteered to host the kiddos. "Let's get outta town before they change their minds!"

Within 10 minutes of getting there and parking the wife and I find this little gem amongst the E30 M3s, Alpina E34 wagon, and about 50 other cool cars. Really nice turnout for TMJ as they were hosting. It's a 1991 318i which had been m52 swapped and has functional AC. Wife says, "you need another e30 in your life." Done, I probably left a Wiley Coyote cloud in my wake. Within the next 10 minutes I had told the owner we were in. After completing that discussion, "Oh wait, I should probably at least look at it a bit more thoroughly huh?"

So I got it on the rack at the end of the event and it's pretty nice mechanically. Still has the getrag 240 in it though which is not good for the M52 power plant. Was never designed for that kind of power. Fortunately I happen to have a 5spd ZF box out of a 96 328is sitting in my shed. :D Found a few small little things here and there that the owner will take care of before I pick it up but overall I was very pleased. Sitting on aftermarket coils (colored grey, not sure of brand) and Bilstein sports. Will grab some H&R Sport springs to swap in as it sits a little low for my taste. Maybe I'm getting old.

So... I have added yet another project to the driveway. And this is why we can never live in a neighborhood with an HOA. I buy the exact opposite type of BMW that Propellerhead does when he goes car shopping. :bustingup

:thumbup:

Too bad I didn’t get a chance to examine ReD!

CW,
I'm not saying that you used some sort of mind control drug on your better half....[emoji848]

But hypothetically what would the store you would have gotten it from be called?[emoji1787]

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Read off the numbers on the springs. Grey is highly likely to be an older set of H&R Sports or OE Sports.

Note that you can get a 9mm front upper spring pad, and 15mm spring pads top and bottom for the rear. The front also might have a drop hat - it's pretty common to throw the E90 upper spring perch on, which lowers the front 15mm. (If it's aluminum, it's the E90 hat.)

FYI, I've done at least five E30 engine swaps (not counting stock).

Also, if that car was OBDI converted, check the state of the knock sensors. OBDI knock sensors commonly fail in as little as 10 years. This shows up as visible cracking.

Mouse and I should have gotten with you. With the haste we left here it didn't even dawn on me. :( Might get another chance though. Will be in Htown again this weekend to do sale paperwork and there is another meet on Sunday morning.

Brother, I'm sorry. They swore me to secrecy. :D It was expensive though... :D

Good info, thanks nick. Will check on all you mentioned. Forgot about all the common E30 mods since it's been awhile since I sold all of mine. Maybe that's why the wife was so generous. I sold my e30s around when our daughter was born to fund nursery, SUV purchase, etc. Looking forward to having one in the driveway again.

Ok.. Keep me posted..

For a guy with an HOA, lemme me advise ya: Anything beyond 2 or 3 Bimmers gives them the same Preparation H itch. As for the shopping thing..

I'd like to think I don't really 'shop' inasmuch as people find ME and offer me the low mileage cars. People who see the Blues on the E53, the E82, and the F87 think I like blue. I mean, I *do*, but color has rarely been a factor. (Unless I find technoviolet. This, Well.. I'm buying for color. But the truth is, I didn't LIKE the blue E53. I wanted red or silver. But there it was.. all 11K miles of it. ;)

And the E82 is my daughter's (daddy-will-take-it-away-when-you-f it--or anything else up). The thing that sold it was, well.. like 32k on a 9yr old car, AND that red interior. None of us can understand today why we still like it. I guess it seems like it belongs. But now now listen... Have any of yous seen the E53 red leather with Imola trim? It's a fncking murder scene. I don't see how EVRY cop doesn't see that shit and strap yer ass outta the vehicle. :stickpoke But, I digress.

Similarly, The Long Beach Blue (I think) on the M2 was a little too.. common.. for me. The F87 in that orangey clor and in white or black is the buttz nuttz. So, I am working to take the focus off the blue and into the whole package. I'm getting there.

Distracting Toys...
 

:rant:

Riiight…. [emoji3]

We'll see what my new HOA says when the car hauler shows up and the straightpiped 300zx is started. They've already seen 3 of the bimmers so they should be well prepared *evil laugh* yes well prepared.

So glad to be able to say the Firebird restoration is back underway! After nearly a two year covid and staffing delay, the shop has a technician with some Pontiac knowledge dedicated to the reassembly. Progress now includes all the harness installations, firewall components, AC compressor and front bumper components. He'll be finishing up the engine dress and transmission mating next for the engine install. We'll hopefully be road ready in October.

What a beauty!

That’s great news for your restoration!

We’re in the same boat with our 78’ Trans AM WS6.

Looking good! :thumbup:

Definitely trying to have it ready for COTA in November.

Very nice!

Not sure if this would count as a toy, but it is very distracting......


Bought 850 carats of uncut emeralds and just got the first one cut but not mounted yet!

This is my "cloak" of pay no attention to the BMW repairs or future purchases dear....[emoji2958][emoji23] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...d732e3e142.jpg Before

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...4e5e52bbab.jpg After

you do jewelry too?

Nope, not me but I got in the habit of buying loose gemstones while traveling as a backup bribe if needed. [emoji2958]

Sent from my SM-A528B using Tapatalk

Somehow that makes more sense ;)

Some more progress on the Firebird. Serpentine kit installed, torque converter and transmission added an the assembly dropped into the engine bay. :woot:

Very nice!

Awesome!![emoji7]

I can't wait for your calendar to come out!!

Seriously, I am sure you'll be winning a ton of car shows.

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Looking fantastic! :bow:

My X5 splits daily duties with this:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...466f82cb_b.jpg

Though the mustang also sees occasional autocross and track duty:
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/...c5829b38_b.jpg

A 332 mile distraction. :cool:

Made a round trip for a BMW of Tulsa alignment and GMIII module install.

sure wish I had the $$$ to do a full resto
 

I posted earlier, about my distractions https://xoutpost.com/1207178-post149.html, but I would further expound upon why I never was (and won't be, in the future) able to do a full-on, quality restoration like the one above.

As a poor, retired, ex-working man, I can only drool over the resto on your Firebird...I bought a '66 Chevelle in '94, wishing to do a full resto, but never did. I went drag-racing in '96, because it was cheaper (maybe), and there's a dragstrip very near my house (I heard them racing very clearly, and it stirred my memories from the 1960's, when I raced my stock '56 Chevy, every once in a while).

The Chevelle needed some body work, and definitely paint, but I restored the interior initially (before stripping it out for roll cage & racing seats, in 2002, as I progressed to faster racing classes), and spent my time & money making it go fast in a straight line. It was a backyard project, mostly, except when I was re-building the engine(s) and using my friend's backyard shop (100+ miles round-trip away).
Attachment 82432

In '99, still wanting a daily-driver resto, I bought a '69 Chevy C-10, and restored it mechanically, with a complete new interior (while retaining the paint & patina), but moved on from it, as it was drawing money away from my drag-racing funds, and the 10 mpg its' hi-po 355ci engine gave wasn't good for my 120+ mile-per-day commute, and was getting a bit expensive.

I halfway restored a '75 C-10 (driveline & running gear, but nothing else), and concentrated on racing my Chevelle for a few more years, until nearing either lay-offs or retirement (unsure of which would come first), I quit racing in '07-'08. After a few years without a project, I started building my 4x8 squareback camper in 2011, and have been modifying/adding-to it slowly, ever since. Camping only once or twice a year now, with barely a pittance spent on working on it anymore, it's not that expensive compared to the car resto/racing obsession.

Now retired (at 65.5 years, six years ago, having avoided the lay-off I feared), on a small fixed income (about 18% of my old income), my current/final project, the X5, has to sit by while I scrimp, save, and settle for less, as I try to fix problems and/or restore it to its' former glory. The engine/trans/cooling were mostly restored before I got it, but the minor things in the interior are just not getting done. It's a good driver, but not a "restored car", by any means. Jealous, I am!

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app

Down to 70k SAR now and he's getting desperate to sell. [emoji2958]

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V8 distraction this weekend. :D
Start up to prepare for registration and inspection. :thumbup:

https://youtu.be/_eIgVNQI4kY

Spotted this in Nairobi, Kenya - original mini 1971 Type R model. Amazing shape and sound... owner works on it himself.

The '87 is now ready for the Spring road trip! The plan is Tail of the Dragon, Skyline, Cherahola Skyway, etc. *AND BACK* with ZERO (car) troubles! Here's what we finished up:

When I bought the car, it was with the promise to enable the tach. Well, we can't just have THAT, now can we? Upgraded cluster. Note the Oil pressure gauge in place of the sweeping mpg:

https://xoutpost.com/attachment.php?...1&d=1673057316

We went through all the electrical. The radio, electric antenna, OBC, and even interior light functions. This is quite the upgrade from the '75 '02. Damn light never has worked. :(

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

And then, the star of our show... Inspired by a slight overheat on a regional trip this past Summer.. I give thee.. The Zionsville aluminum with electric fan for belt driven fan delete... This thing is ready for a roadie, fellas!

https://xoutpost.com/attachment.php?...1&d=1673057316

:thumbup:

:thumbup: Where did you get the oil pressure gauge that replaced the MPG gauge? I like that. I used to have a boost gauge in my last e30 that had a turbo M42. I'm one of the few who like the sweeping MPG gauge, but if there is a more practical use for that space... I'm all for swapping it.

I love e30's. Can't wait to start working on mine... after a host of other projects including solar so I can give CPS the finger. :D

TLDR: I found the place that did the speedo repair. Bavarian Restoration - Bavarian Restoration


I LOVE the sweeping MPG gauge! It reminds me of the E24 my parents had. I used to LOVE watching it sweep! I SO wanted it in my '75 '02. :( And so it was a welcome nod in all 3 E39's, the 3.0 E53, and our current 4.4 as well. If there's one thing I'd do besides a very SERIOUS resto-mod upgrade on the *rest of the 4.8is cluster, it would be to bring back the sweep. Feels like youth!

So, rather than just repair the cluster, my seller agreed to foot the bill for a refurb if I paid for the PSI plumbing. I didn't see 10% of the E30 purchase price coming out of that, but we live, we learn I suppose. :dunno: I cant find the place he sent it off to right away, but I may have the name in a box in the car.

They do ALLLL sorts of upgrades for the E30.. the goal here was to add information practical to the longevity of the i6. (I still like the sweeper) :stickpoke

Ah yes. I'm familiar with them. Had an E30 AFM refurbed by them at one point many moons ago. :thumbup: Thanks for jogging my memory. I like some of those options... hmmmm. Only money right? Can't take it with us. :D

And yes, I still love the sweeping MPG gauge. Most ppl hate them and call them useless, but I've always enjoyed trying to keep it pegged at 30+mpg during road trips regardless of the chassis I was in. Obviously it was more difficult in some than others. :rofl:

The diesels have a sweeping "MPG" gauge as standard but it works in reverse from this - the lower the needle reading, the better the "mileage". This is because it's reading fuel used for a fixed distance (l/100km), so our game is to keep the needle as far to the left (reading lower) as possible. :thumbup:

*edit* Just Googled the OEM dash image - looks like the MPG gauge is similar to the diesel version, with the better consumption being on the left. I assumed the reverse from your use of the term "pegged" (usually meaning hard to the max value. - and usually this is to the right):rolleyes:

The E38 is officially mechanically sound. Aluminum radiator, KW coil overs, and Turner solid core suspension parts. Here she sits in the upholstery shop lot. Black suede headliner will join the black interior bits that I purchased with this in mind ab a year ago.

I do like that stance. :cool:

Very nice! Those are my favorite BMW wheels

Headliner day for the '01 E38. Oh. Hell. Yes.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...2_012-copy.jpg

This was also a chance to get a shot of the Zionsville Aluminum radiator and electric fan. Pair this with a similar M60 intake I used for nearly 2 decades in the SC'd E39 540, and we have a V8 that will get out out of its own way.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

Where's the "Like" button? :thumbup:

Red is getting it's suede headliner soon. Small section starting to droop in the back. Love the E61 wagon after having it done. Hopefully the costs haven't escalated too much post-pandemic. The shop that did it WAS very reasonable.

That headliner look great!

What is a "reasonable" cost these days?

I have to confess. I don't actually know. See? The thing is that the upholstry guy values my computer skills as much as *I* value his.

So, it is far from free, but it is also dependent on my own self worth. And I'll downright OnlyFans in trade for a suede headliner. ;) Just sayin. :wow:

:bustingup

Nice you get to benefit from each others skills :D

Word of warning, *or* my experience. Take it as the latter: :(

After 4 years, I barely notice the suede headliner in the E53. It just.. doesn't exist. That's not what anyone envisions with a mod, but it is what this one brought. If the $ was the same, I'd go heated steering wheel.

I am hopeful that the effort to find the black interior bits like sun visors, ambient lights, and grab handles will keep me remembering how cool the suede headliner really is. I will confess to nothing if not being a man in search of a muse.

The shop did my E61 for $350. I dropped off the headliner and the pano roof shades. Picked them up 4 days later. :thumbup: At first they thought I wanted them to take the trims and liners out to do the work. They refused to do it until I told them I'd be delivering everything. :rofl:

I hear that. But it has to come out anyway to be rewrapped in something. Might as well be suede. I will not live with a sag in the headliner. No sir. The proverbial pea under 40 mattresses.

I know I adore the suede headliner in the E61. I even bought the M5 alcantara vanity mirrors and wrapped the A, B, C, and D pillars to match it. Looks so good...

Any links to the suede headliner used?

I delivered the shop some foam back suede I had ordered and they said it wasn't good enough (wouldn't stretch enough to do the contours of BMW headliners) so used their own. I did wrap the pillars with unbacked fabric from the same source (YourAutoTrim.com). Unfortunately, I don't know what brand they used for the headliner. :dunno:

Attachment 83040

It really has come up MINT! :thumbup:

Distracting Toys...
 

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...5b4500cf00.jpg

Most definitely.. A distracting toy..!! :D
:bmw: :driver:


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

With the suede headliner complete, it was time for the CocoMats I ordered a year ago. This thing is soooo pimp. And, as confirmed by TWO
octogenarians, the 740 is "Way more comfortable than the (E53's). :yikes: And the E38 is on KW coils with Turner monoball thrust and control arms. Just a smooth dream. It's that wheelbase. I blame the wheelbase. :dunno:

I believe it. My indy had one, and that alone is enough for me to believe that it is a solid ride!

A dump truck rear ended it at like 40 or 50 I believe. Amazing my friend walked away only banged up. The car was destroyed. The car was completely restored to new original condition. Everything! Even the glove box for those that know what I am talking about. What a loss.

Prop, lookout for those not looking brotha! That a nice machine! :thumbup:



E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Heard.

But it *is* just a thing. When the time comes, I'm sad for the Greater Good that it won't be here for the next nut, but also reveled in the time it was here and the inspiration the thing offered. I might ask what *is* love without an '83 633CSi Maroon on ivory? Or even yet- What is driving the following Helrot on black '87 635CSi?

It is what it is for the time it is. And that's the best part. It lives long after the thing leaves.

Forgive me. I have recently found deep reflection in the loss this past month of my mother. So many of her passions for the car will last until well after me. Of course, that's including those memories of her in a '77 911 (BRIGHT yellow on Porsche plaid) and *both* of the E23's mentioned above. She nearly lost her license in the 911. :rofl:

Much of the reason I'm here as an enthusiast is because she was. The last time a few years back that she heard startup for the E53 with no cats, she smiled.. and the one thing her disease allowed her to smile, say and giggle for that day was...

"Vroom!"

This is a nut proud not to fall too far from its tree. :huddle

Prop,

Sorry to hear about your mom, just remember her love of cars was something extra she left you over and above her love for you.

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I lost my mother when I was 29. My father lost his mother when he was 59. What I learned is, for some whether you are cut short, or shared a long life together.. It hurts to lose your mother.

My condolences to you, and your family.

Funny thing.. About 2 years after my mother rested, and a couple of months after the blower was installed on my E53, I had a ridiculously vivid dream. To this day it is still difficult to discern the dream from reality. My mother was driving my E53 on the major boulevard in the small city I lived in at the time, with me in the passenger seat. She was up and down shifting the stick shift kind of punching it here and there, all while smiling and laughing and commenting on how cool the blower sounded, felt, etc. We get to the stop light very close to the house and she says, “what a cool car”! We hit a left at the light, quick drive down the street to our driveway and she pulled in. My mind, body, and soul obviously went through something that morning, because my perception of that dream was profoundly different from any other. By the way.. My mother is the parent that taught me to drive stick.

Do we really lose loved ones? Keep yer head up Prop..!



E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

A two-wheeled distraction

Sorry to hear. Condolences Prop. All the best during your family's grieving. :(

Nice mats. Pricy though, do they ever come on sale?

After covid delays and technician shortages, we've finally got a running engine in the vehicle!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxDtH_76piU


The 350 stroker has just the right lope to it. We'll see if it rolls as soon as the new driveshaft is delivered. Hopefully this bird will be flying again soon.


1970 Pontiac Firebird
350 stroked to 413 cu in
453 HP at 5600 RPM
442 Lb Ft at 4200 RPM

:luv:

Very nice!!

My "distraction" also has two wheels - and the spinning prop.

https://i.ibb.co/R9LKCwm/20230304-142349.jpg

Finally getting close to road testing! Only need to get the hood on, shaker scoop assembled and a couple of electrical issues corrected.

Nice!!

I agree [emoji106]
I've been waiting to see her when she's done!! [emoji1786]

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The Garage Queen, almost ten years old and only 38K miles. Looks brand new.

2001. 35k miles. She still needs some love, but looks good from a few feet away.

One of the best vehicles ever made! :thumbup:


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Wow. You win! 🥇

[emoji7][emoji106]

Oops, I meant it's not good at all and you should let me have it.... [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

Sent from Embassy network using Tapatalk

"The Bird" returned from the upholstery shop and the hood went on, but won't close all the way. The twin snorkels are going to have to come off the air cleaner housing. One hits the A/C compressor and the other hits one of the hood braces. It's no big deal because the scoop is always open, but it's still sad to have to modify a $465 part. The Pypes exhaust system tucked up nice and tight to the floorpan though.


Shop foreman says one more month to go.

Holeeee f'in Hawt! :thud:

There's a lot to be accomplished over some Q39 burnt ends. :D

So, what you're saying is I can have it? [emoji848][emoji1787]

She's a beauty no matter what she needs![emoji7]

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A column-shift automatic?

I saw a gorgeous but base-ass Camaro at a show with a 3-on-the-tree manual behind a 250 six. I'd almost rather have that vs the usual built SBC/TH400.

Seems to me that making both column and floor shifts is kind of dumb, but I'm not a Mad Men-era accountant...

Definitely old school, but it lets me build a custom console with adequate space for a planned A/F ratio meter, temp gauges for engine and transmission oil, and those all important cup holders.


The only issue on the build with the column shift was the necessity for a cable conversion on the shift linkage to get around the headers.

Silver linings rule!

Well they got the air cleaner modified so the hood will close and front end alignment was completed, so it was time for some road testing. Do you know that you can drive 7 miles without any oil in a posi-traction rear end before it seizes up? :angryfire


As it turned out, the axle wasn't the heavy-duty, 3.23 ratio described by the seller. It was only a standard 2.41 ratio. So it was new axle shafts, new carrier, new gears, new bearings and a seal kit, but now it's correct. Tech says it drives insane now, but with easier launches having the right gear set.


Last issue is getting the tachometer to work correctly with the MSD distributer. The original circuitry doesn't play well with the extended dwell signals electronic ignition systems produce. Maybe a week or two until it's home in the garage.

:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Loaded up 2 of the 3 boys for the 1st trip back to the bike shop since my injury in 2020. This one will be a doozy as the time sitting in the garage was unkind.

But that's inconsequential considering that on Sunday, I begin a new training course called 'Couch to 50.' The 1st ride is 5 miles and the 50 miler is at the end of September.

I am 6 weeks out from replacement hip surgery and I feel fantastic.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

Good news Prop I hope you just keep getting better!!

It sucks getting old, doesn't it? [emoji854]

I just snapped a tendon yesterday so I may not be opening any ketchup bottles for awhile... [emoji1787]https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...eb62a9130e.jpg

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Today was the 1st ride on my own bike in over 2yrs. Longest ride since hip replacement in April. One hour. 10 miles. Slow and easy. Done.

PSA: Boys: It's huge surgery. Don't get me wrong. But if your hips are fncked and you can afford the deductibles and pain for a little while... Do it. I haven't felt this good since the accident that started all this. That is all.

And it was on my ugly duckling. Just look at that saddle! LOL Oddly, this bike holds my long distance record. Nearly 60 miles.

Ya see, there was this ice cream place in Fort Lauderdale, and I was in South Beach. At the time, I was much more skinny than now and I wanted to stay that way. No way I was gonna drive. Nearly 60 miles later, and I was still pretty comfortable.

I love this thing.

nice bike! interesing rack.... I usually throw my bike in the back

Oh man! Another reason to get a hitch installed! I ride an old Timberline GT. Blue and splash yellow scheme. I have a super light carbon fiber bike too. My longest ride was from Austin to New Braunfels. 60+ miles for a Bratwurst Fest.

I'd make that ride and hitch the rest of the way if I had to. Yummy

Here it is all kitted with the silly cargo bags. I can carry a change of clothes on this thing. :rofl:

Yeah. That's the Westfalia swing away that was designed for the E53.

I'm actually looking at a different rack. I plan to buy it before I pick up my next bike by the end of Summer.

Nice rack!!

Sorry, I couldn't pass up the chance to say that!! [emoji1787][emoji1787][emoji1787]

I wouldn't mind having a bike again, but I feel it would either never get used over here or I would look like a Vesuvius resident if I did....

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DO NOT RECOMMEND.

My repairs have been pretty minor, so far.

So far.

Any recs for hitch-mount bike racks and cargo platforms?

Was kinda sad that the BMW step plate for that hitch is NLA...

I usually throw my mountain bike in the back but it gets the trunk and also the ceiling quite dirty. Also it's nearly impossible to fit more than one.

I have some scars on my tailgate, and other trim pieces from bike’s being thrown in the back! LoL..


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Yep same here! I actually got a roof mount and put it on top of my mazda sedan now. And I don't have to clean the car out half as much either.


Hitch-mount racks are convenient, but they're very expensive and you are locked into the number of bikes you can transport. I have kids so I wanted to be able to add more racks in the future without spending another $1,000+. In fact if that time comes I may just build a hanging hitch-mount rack from scratch. Hard to stomach paying $1,200 or more just to put bikes on the hitch!

I've always had a thing for 1Up's products. I don't have one, but after one of the straps broke this weekend, I am putting together a kit.

Up to 4 bikes, from Fatty to Roadie. And then the really cool option to make the extension it's own single rack. Bdc is right tho. This thing will need better insurance than the E53 it's on. :p:

I have carried multiple bikes from as far north into Colorado and South to Miami Beach. If you ask me, when you're travelling across country, nothing beats the hitch. I also like the swing away. Really nice to be able to unload and load without removing the bikes.

We've even ridden around the Performance Delivery Center in SC. But after 14yrs or so, the hitch is breaking down. I don't wanna spend the $$ for my fantasy replacement, but I probably will.

1-up makes good stuff for sure. And made in USA IIRC.



I suppose if I traveled to ride more I might be more inclined to invest in a rack. We can ride MTB all year round within a half hour of my house.

I've had a Yakima tilting carrier for about 15 years, only needing to replace the rubber bungee straps twice as they age and crack. Carried up to four without any problem as long as I sequence them properly.


https://www.amazon.com/Yakima-Double..._source=1&th=1


Works as well on my F15 as it did on the E53.

This '04 C240 has been my latest distraction. My brother asked if I could look it over. A dealer and two shops failed to fix codes and long crank times. A timing chain tensioner solved a few problems. Two codes were unreadable by any of my scanners. An OEM steering angle sensor, coding, and code clearing finished it up. I'll fix a few small issues before shipping it out. A/C was a problem. The low pressure valve stem was found leaking. New cores sealed it. Next, sunroof drains and track cleaning.

I finally got all the boys home yesterday. I was expecting to pick up just the MTB, but the little roadie was done as well! Crowding the three onto my aging BMW rack was the final realization that it was time to something.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

So, today was the day for a ten year itch to be scratched. I ordered the 1Up-USA rack. It'll handle up to four bikes. I ran through the configuration with a sales specialist and placed my order online. I am hopeful that I ordered a configuration that will allow a single for most of the time with a few small changes to use the larger one when needed. It should arrive in a couple weeks.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

This big ole swing away hitch is going to be taking up space. Shipping would cost more than the hitch, I'm afraid. :(

This thing is a UNIT. I got enough trays for 4 bikes and an accessory that allows one tray to be a single. The two bike rack is plenty heavy. I can't imagine the damn thing with four trays. I need a lift for it.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...311229_ios.jpg

Today was a training ride for the Couch to 50. My longest ride in many years and the 2nd time on my little bike for quite a few. Showing up was 1/2 the battle.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...302220_ios.jpg

Wow! It's almost the size of small trailer for four bikes. I think my next mod will be installing the hitch on my X5.

A trailer may even be more practical! This thing with just the 3 bike tray is really heavy. With the swivel adapter, the bike tray is almost far enough away not to be necessary. The hatch clears the tray but big bike handles are another story.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

This is an idea of how out of hand this thing can get:

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

And the swing away adapter. Quite the unit.

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...os-medium-.jpg

I will have pics soon of at least two bikes as we head 1200 miles out to retrieve my next distraction. I will load up the basket bike for the trip out and head home with them both after the 4th!

Happy 4th everyone!

Gentlemen:

Mission to mud.. accomplished! :thumbup: But I will say this: This damn thing is heavy as balls. And it's the lightest of these things you can build. And *STILL*.. it kicked my sorry @$$ today. I mean, yeah.. it went places with a rollover effort that the one from 2005 definitely couldn't... But.. sooo damn heavy!

https://xoutpost.com/attachments/tes...056043_ios.jpg

It's like what you would imagine a fully built rock crawling Ford OJ Bronco on 44's to like BEHAVE... But man.. the little '87 Toyota at home will scoot along without so much.. weight? or is the worry? Or are they the same thing?

I definitely gained confidence today with obstacles this thing will roll over. It may be heavy, but part of that is bc it doesn't NEED much to roll a 6" street curb. Much less a fallen limb. I went through sh!t today that rode out with me in the spokes, chain, and wheels. High grass and lots of limbs.

But it was short and exhausting. When my brother turns 60, I know that my time is soon. He's 61.

I feel 61.

Dang, I guess loud pipes are becoming a thing of the past. (And hell no I am not compensating for my manhood.) I like barking..!! :2thumbs:

https://www.rt.com/russia/602174-st-...own-loud-cars/

This is happening all over the world. :dunno:
FYI: My headers were hand built in Russia. :yikes: Fat chance of getting another set of those anytime soon! :banghead:
I’m glad I live in Texas!

P.S. I do not operate my X5 through quiet neighborhoods after 10 p.m. ;)


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

That's why I run electric cutouts. :D

Miss you guys! Still happy with my BMWs but progress on the Ghia is worth a picture or 2. Finally got this thing running and it is FAST, even on 12 lbs of boost. :thumbup:

Very nice!

Titz Ghia and fine detail work! :thumbup:

OB, long time no see. Glad you are doing well and hope your better half is doing as well as before. I was stateside last November/December and had to stop in Fayette-Nam at Charlie Mike's (last minute) or I would of rang you up. The Ghia is looking Great!! Hope to see it in person someday.

Stay safe

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After a long 6-1/2 year restoration journey, "The Bird" is finally home. The House of Hotrods in Mansfield really did an outstanding job of body, paint and reassembly work, readying the car for delivery at the end of July. I spent more than a month after that working through carburetor issues resulting from damaged internal parts after a specialties shop restored the quadrajet (not House of Hotrods). After replacing idle tubes and channel restrictors, I've finally got a reliable cold start and reasonable idle qualities.


I needed to have it running well for a trip to COTA in Austin to meet up with Overboost at the TransAm races, and the 600 mile round trip was just what it needed to shakedown the last few items to address like.....working windshield wipers. :yikes: I could not complain about the 19mpg running at 3100 rpm at 75mph. :D But I did come to realize it had been over twenty years since I drove a car without automatic headlights after finding a post-it note on the driver's window stating, "You Left Your Lights On" which explained the dead battery. ;)


It sure is a good feeling to have a ton of torque under the right foot again though. One of the pictures at delivery is with my Dad, the original buyer of the car when it was new. It looks right at home sitting next to the CEO's F32 in the garage.

Titz 'Bird and well done resto!

Good mems: I had a '78 TransAm, 400 T/A 4 speed MT, Silver with the opt wheels.
Helluva car for its day and weight.

Sold it in '85 and wish I had kept it. Nothing broke, ran like a top, handled well and was v quick for its day.

Enjoy your Firebird!

Looks fantastic Steve! Great spending some time together last month.

LOOVE this thread! Looks great, Fellas!

She's beautifully done, I had been waiting to see her although I'm waiting for the video with smoking tires.....[emoji471][emoji41]

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Had a great weekend Joe and always appreciate the time. That was a good shakedown trip for the car. Next time, it will be ready for you to take for a drive.

I'm glad I've got a mileage warranty on those tires because I keep finding a lot of black dust on the rear quarters that matches the color of the tires. :thumbup:

Well that just means you and your dad will have to do a road test all the way to Bossier city, so you can find out where it was coming from..... [emoji1787]

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Indeed a nice bird! :2thumbs:

I still have my ‘78 TransAm 400 T/A WS6 4 speed MT, Gold Edition in black.

What can I say that hasn’t? One bad ass ride.. period!


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

^ :thumbup: