Just read all of your thread, excellent work that you have done, keep it up. 
FxSlin - 97 Z3M & 97 1.9 Z3
- Thread starter fxslin
- Start date
Killed some time in the garage today as well, nice to do little things when the sun is out
After I installed the hoops, I basically lost my wind deflector as the one I had was a "no hoops" version.
I was planning to buy a clear perspex one from ebay, however after looking at the prices (approx 160€ to Norway) . I found the prices to be a bit steep for a piece of perspex.
But a local store here sells perspex plates (1200x800x4 mm) and my neighbor just bought a clear perspex deflector from ebay. So I thought maybe I can make one my self, so I decided to let this be "lets see if I can do it project". Went to shop and bought the perspex plate and borrowed the original from the neighbor as a template. (I have never worked with perspex before)
This was the target:
Getting ready with the "template":
After some cutting and sanding of the edges, I got this rough version looking similar to the template:
Then I needed some Velcro straps. Bought some cheap self gluing Velcro stuff at the same shop as the perspex plate. Glued them together and ended up with 4 of these:
Now it was ready for test fitting, was a good fit:
However the original has the "flaw" that when installed, the top compartment can't be opened. However I seen it somewhere that there is an elegant solution for this (I believe I read about on this forum, just don't remember who to give credit for this idea). The solution is to bend the lower part a bit backward to create enough space for the lid.
Getting ready for heating and "bending":
Also made my self a template for the "perfect" angle:
Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the end result. The bending went good, however I was a bit restless and pushed to hard. So it developed a small crack in one of the bend corners (hardly noticeable).
Anyway, after some more sanding to get smooth and nice edges I ended up with this (still need to wash of the fingerprints and dust):
The "bend" works nicely and I can open the lid:
Some more pics:
I think I manged to get close to the original and the cost was 1/3 of the price for an ebay variant. ( approx 40€ + 2 hours of fiddeling)
Had a quick test drive. Works perfect with the windows up, almost no turbulence. However with the windows down, it is a bit more turbulence than the previous one I had. The old one is a mesh and I believe this helps alot. Since it allows some wind to go trough.
However I have a few ideas to improve the design and reduce the turbulence when the windows are down. I plan to use the one I made to test them out and when I get a solution that works better ( if I find it tough ). Then I make another one with the remains of the perspex plate (only used 1/2 of it) I still have and do the bending a bit more careful this time. However the one I made looks good and the crack is barely noticeable, so its not rush
All in all a good day, since Sweden also beat Canada in the World Hockey Championship ( Sorry, Canada )
After I installed the hoops, I basically lost my wind deflector as the one I had was a "no hoops" version.
I was planning to buy a clear perspex one from ebay, however after looking at the prices (approx 160€ to Norway) . I found the prices to be a bit steep for a piece of perspex.
But a local store here sells perspex plates (1200x800x4 mm) and my neighbor just bought a clear perspex deflector from ebay. So I thought maybe I can make one my self, so I decided to let this be "lets see if I can do it project". Went to shop and bought the perspex plate and borrowed the original from the neighbor as a template. (I have never worked with perspex before)
This was the target:
Getting ready with the "template":
After some cutting and sanding of the edges, I got this rough version looking similar to the template:
Then I needed some Velcro straps. Bought some cheap self gluing Velcro stuff at the same shop as the perspex plate. Glued them together and ended up with 4 of these:
Now it was ready for test fitting, was a good fit:
However the original has the "flaw" that when installed, the top compartment can't be opened. However I seen it somewhere that there is an elegant solution for this (I believe I read about on this forum, just don't remember who to give credit for this idea). The solution is to bend the lower part a bit backward to create enough space for the lid.
Getting ready for heating and "bending":
Also made my self a template for the "perfect" angle:
Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the end result. The bending went good, however I was a bit restless and pushed to hard. So it developed a small crack in one of the bend corners (hardly noticeable).
Anyway, after some more sanding to get smooth and nice edges I ended up with this (still need to wash of the fingerprints and dust):
The "bend" works nicely and I can open the lid:
Some more pics:
I think I manged to get close to the original and the cost was 1/3 of the price for an ebay variant. ( approx 40€ + 2 hours of fiddeling)
Had a quick test drive. Works perfect with the windows up, almost no turbulence. However with the windows down, it is a bit more turbulence than the previous one I had. The old one is a mesh and I believe this helps alot. Since it allows some wind to go trough.
However I have a few ideas to improve the design and reduce the turbulence when the windows are down. I plan to use the one I made to test them out and when I get a solution that works better ( if I find it tough
). Then I make another one with the remains of the perspex plate (only used 1/2 of it) I still have and do the bending a bit more careful this time. However the one I made looks good and the crack is barely noticeable, so its not rushAll in all a good day, since Sweden also beat Canada in the World Hockey Championship ( Sorry, Canada
)
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I was going to congratulate you on a job well done up to the point you through in the "sorry Canada"!! Now I need to reconsider!! lol Nice job and the Swedes played a good game, Obviously better than Canada did, JIM
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2011
- Points
- 226
- Location
- Langley Mill
- Model of Z
- Z4 3.0si Individual Ruby Black Last one produced in this colour combo
Just read through this. Great work and the Z looks so much better
Thx
Yes Sweden played smart in this game. First goal was a lucky bounce though. However this was a close game, could have gone either way. But having the best goaltender in the world on your team helps
Nice work with deflector finishes it off nice
Becoming more and more a blog this now
After a long weekend with the family, it was time to get some Zed time So a mate and myself took the Zed over to a C&C meetup, was a good turn up (approx 80 cars) even tough the weather looked a bit "wet". However can't complain was driving with the top down and was nice and warm.
Was a bit lucky upon arrival and got placed in the center of the venue:
Suddenly a nice Ford GT was parking next to the Zed (The Zed flexed muscles to show off )
The Ford showing off some nice rear layout...
Ok enough Ford, lets show some BMW's. A nice M3 was there:
And a awesome M2, love the color:
A "small" M6
The only other Zed that I could spot there today, not often I see them with same Taninroth seats as I have.
And a real classic...
And with C&C's one get see "strange" cars, this one had some kind of velour in it (I believe it was PR stunt for a audio company):
After some time people and we got bored, so we left and drove Zed instead
And I believe that Google photos like my Zed, it keeps coming up with "Artistic renderings" of when I washed the Zed (gave the cars a quick wash this weekend):
After a long weekend with the family, it was time to get some Zed time
So a mate and myself took the Zed over to a C&C meetup, was a good turn up (approx 80 cars) even tough the weather looked a bit "wet". However can't complain was driving with the top down and was nice and warm.Was a bit lucky upon arrival and got placed in the center of the venue:
Suddenly a nice Ford GT was parking next to the Zed (The Zed flexed muscles to show off
)The Ford showing off some nice rear layout...
Ok enough Ford, lets show some BMW's. A nice M3 was there:
And a awesome M2, love the color:
A "small" M6
The only other Zed that I could spot there today, not often I see them with same Taninroth seats as I have.
And a real classic...
And with C&C's one get see "strange" cars, this one had some kind of velour in it (I believe it was PR stunt for a audio company):
After some time people and we got bored, so we left and drove Zed instead
And I believe that Google photos like my Zed, it keeps coming up with "Artistic renderings" of when I washed the Zed (gave the cars a quick wash this weekend):
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Is that a real GT40 or a kit car?
Some nice metal there
Real as far I know (also according to license number). Is two of them in Norway.
Indeed, wish list gets longer and longer...Some nice metal there
Time for a minor update again!
Been mostly just enjoying the car lately. However this week I spent some time preparing the car for spring time trip (more a summer trip this year) with my sportscar club this weekend. During this week a small package for the Z3 arrived as well.
I've been looking for a lip for some time and have not been able agree with my self which one I like best. However I saw @gookah pics with his black lip, so I decided to test something like what he did until I find a lip I really like. So one piece of cheap "garage port rubber" was ordered as a temporary solution.
Wanted to have it one before the trip, that means some garage time
A long black piece of rubber with some 3M tape on:
After some serious cleaning/drying and 15 minutes of work. It looked like this:
Almost there....
And the final result, with the mandatory before and after shoot:
A few more shoots. I know this is not everyone cup of tea, however I'm satisfied with solution for now. The black lip fit with the rest of my black details.
And finally, before anybody comment on the state of the softtop, I did recieve my new top as well this week. However the installation is a more complex and time consuming operation, I've decided to plan the process a bit and make sure I have a mate or two to help. With this one installed on the car should be pretty much overhauled for now
Been mostly just enjoying the car lately. However this week I spent some time preparing the car for spring time trip (more a summer trip this year) with my sportscar club this weekend. During this week a small package for the Z3 arrived as well.
I've been looking for a lip for some time and have not been able agree with my self which one I like best. However I saw @gookah pics with his black lip, so I decided to test something like what he did until I find a lip I really like. So one piece of cheap "garage port rubber" was ordered as a temporary solution.
Wanted to have it one before the trip, that means some garage time
A long black piece of rubber with some 3M tape on:
After some serious cleaning/drying and 15 minutes of work. It looked like this:
Almost there....
And the final result, with the mandatory before and after shoot:
A few more shoots. I know this is not everyone cup of tea, however I'm satisfied with solution for now. The black lip fit with the rest of my black details.
And finally, before anybody comment on the state of the softtop, I did recieve my new top as well this week. However the installation is a more complex and time consuming operation, I've decided to plan the process a bit and make sure I have a mate or two to help. With this one installed on the car should be pretty much overhauled for now
Attachments
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Looks good, looks like the same stuff they sell eBay? Been thinking of giving it a go but my bumper needs a repaint so maybe after that.
Yep on eBay. I got the Rhino lip.
Looks good in dark cars too, easy enough to remove and refit for a repaint (or have the body shop fit it with bumper off but can be done with car jacked up a bit).
Nice addition there @fxslin .
I did mine about 3yrs ago now as temporary look until fitting a Reiger but like it as is, and being flexible never breaks if you bump it so it's stayed.
@Rha roy did his rear bumper too, finishes it off and hides the spare week better.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2014
- Points
- 181
- Model of Z
- Z4 coupe sport.
Real nice Z @fxslin with your own stamp on it. Your hard work has paid dividends. The rubber lip spoiler suits all Z3s and IMO looks better than most other options. Liked my front one so much I test fitted some left over to my rear valence, wasn't sure but left it on and it grew on me so hard fixed it. Here's a couple of pics in case you've missed my previous posts on it.
After fixing it on the rear I noticed it hides the spare wheel carrier which is a plus.
RHA, Roy.
After fixing it on the rear I noticed it hides the spare wheel carrier which is a plus.
RHA, Roy.
Great thread and really inspiring stuff
Yes, was the cheapest EZ Lip clone I found. However worked well.
I'm afraid I'll be in the same situation my self. I start to really like it and it will look "empty" if I remove it now.
Thx a lot, nice to see some other options. I'm still debating on my rear and what do to there. (if I'm to do anything there tough).
Thx a lot!Great thread and really inspiring stuff
A little travel letter! This last weekend myself and wife joined the Norwegian sportscar club (NSK) for this year springtrip.
This would be our first long trip with the Zed and about 1100km was planned to be driven over the course of 4 days. With highlight of displaying my Zed at the Wings and Wheels exhibition at Sola (close to Stavanger).
This was the route planned:
48 cars from the club showed up at the rendezvous point in Hokksund. Have to admit that the Zed was a small size engine compare to lot of the other cars ;-) The start was unfortunately very wet, however we were all in good spirit and the forecast looked good!
Before we started we had perform some decal tuning, I didn't get any extra power tough
(The club turned 40 years, so this was kinda a celebration trip as well)
Our first stop was at Ulefoss, a small little village. When 48 sportscar enters such a town, it does raise some attention We meet up with more members coming from other places.
This one is nice:
From Ulefoss the weather got better, so we decided to go topless. However it didn't last long, so we had "top up" pitstop. 2 minutes after this stop the heaven opened up gave us it best
Finally at our first real stop at the hotell in the Norwegians mountains and the weather goods decided to play nicely with us.
At this point I had my first chance to walk around and study the other cars.
This is the first 2.8 roadster I've seen here in Norway, since I got mine. Well taken care of by its owner.
When at lot of sportscar shows up something happens to a parking lot Right after this picture a lot tourists showed up and started to snap pictures
Famous widowmaker!
This one I got nice and long introduction on. If I recall correctly, so are we talking about 600Hp and 700Nm when it is in "insane" mode.
I quite liked this Z4 M roadster
This car I loved, I ended up admiring it several times during the trip:
The day after Sola was set as the destination, over at lot mountains roads. First leg towards Sirdal Høyfjellshotell (High mountain hotel) displayed an amazing nature, nice roads and great weather!
To be contiued....
This would be our first long trip with the Zed and about 1100km was planned to be driven over the course of 4 days. With highlight of displaying my Zed at the Wings and Wheels exhibition at Sola (close to Stavanger).
This was the route planned:
48 cars from the club showed up at the rendezvous point in Hokksund. Have to admit that the Zed was a small size engine compare to lot of the other cars ;-) The start was unfortunately very wet, however we were all in good spirit and the forecast looked good!
Before we started we had perform some decal tuning, I didn't get any extra power tough
(The club turned 40 years, so this was kinda a celebration trip as well)
Our first stop was at Ulefoss, a small little village. When 48 sportscar enters such a town, it does raise some attention
We meet up with more members coming from other places. This one is nice:
From Ulefoss the weather got better, so we decided to go topless. However it didn't last long, so we had "top up" pitstop. 2 minutes after this stop the heaven opened up gave us it best
Finally at our first real stop at the hotell in the Norwegians mountains and the weather goods decided to play nicely with us.
At this point I had my first chance to walk around and study the other cars.
This is the first 2.8 roadster I've seen here in Norway, since I got mine. Well taken care of by its owner.
When at lot of sportscar shows up something happens to a parking lot
Right after this picture a lot tourists showed up and started to snap pictures Famous widowmaker!
This one I got nice and long introduction on. If I recall correctly, so are we talking about 600Hp and 700Nm when it is in "insane" mode.
I quite liked this Z4 M roadster
This car I loved, I ended up admiring it several times during the trip:
The day after Sola was set as the destination, over at lot mountains roads. First leg towards Sirdal Høyfjellshotell (High mountain hotel) displayed an amazing nature, nice roads and great weather!
To be contiued....
However at the end of this leg, the Zed starting to act a bit strange and it was quite clear that things were not in order. So last part was driven very careful and at the arrival of the pitstop. This is what I found :-( The wheel where not very warm, but it had dusted a lot. Did a quick lift with the jack and inspected it. Was hoping that a stone had lodged it self into the brakes. But no, something serious had happened!
Sad I had to realize that the trip was over for the Zed and roadside assists needed to be called. We decided to finish the lunch together with the others and say goodbye. Lots of members wanted to help, however we didn't feel like to spoil anybodies trip.
Was quite a turndown to see the last car drive off!
Then I called roadside assists and things started to happen. Turned out the the roadside assists workshop was located in the same area as the lunch place (in middle of no where in the mountains). And I was thinking "bummer, that this trip should end like this". So I started to discuss repair options with the driver of the flatbed truck. Asking him if I could borrow tools at his workshop, this he was positiv to and wanted help out (normally their job is drive the car to nearest brand certified workshop for the car). Anyway we ended up at the workshop.
At the workshop we tried a few options, however we didn't manage to get the brake work properly. (the caliper would not release the disc properly).
So it was decided that the car would be delivered to the BMW workshop in Stavanger (close to Sola, our orginal destination) a 2 hour drive. Along I the way I was thinking how can I save this trip. And I posted "help" messages in Norwegian bmw forum and here as well (thx to those of you replied so fast and to @spurs fan in a coupe to help with tech info). At this point my mind was set, I'm gonna fix this! Remember this was Saturday afternoon, every workshop is closed. However I made a few phonecalls during the trip towards Stavanger, which took the same route as we should have driven our self.
A friend of me is an Airplane jet motor mechanics at the Airport in Sola, so I called him and asked if he could help? (It was planned to catch up with him at the exhibition on Sunday). And he replied "of course, what u want me to do?". I told to go the a store who sells cars parts (cheap non OEM stuff tough) and get a much brakes parts he could get to my car. Then I convinced the driver to drive the car to the Airport workshop instead of the BMW workshop.
After a few long hours we finally arrived the Airport workshop, which turned out be right next to the hotel we supposed to be at. So I sent the wife over there to enjoy the dinner with the rest of the club and update them with what I was doing. At the same time a another member of the club who was sitting home, started reach out on FB for tech help and parts (at his own initiative).
Me and my mate manged get everything a part:
Turned out the disc was fine. But when we inspected the caliper we could see that the piston was not retracting properly and was the reason for the error. However this was the one part that my mate didn't manage to source a repair kit for. However tried to overhaul the rest of the caliper with the repair parts he did manage to source and lubricate the piston as good as possible.
It did get better, but not good enough. After a quick test drive, we realized that it was not success full. And a new caliper needed to be sourced, a lot of messages where sent around. My wife went around at the hotell talking to local club members living in the Sola area, trying to source the part. NSK members called friends asking them go the their workplaces to source the caliper.
When the information arrived that a caliper from an E36 or E46 would fit, we finally hit jackpot. Turned out that local member had an E46 home at his yard. And would dismantle it and bring it to the exhibition the day after.
With the good news, we wrapped things up and prepared tools and the car for the caliper transplate the day after. I parked the car at the hotel and managed get on beer with the club before I dived into the bed exhausted.
Woke up early the after full of energy and ready to save the trip. We drove the cars to the exhibition and I made sure to park my car with enough space to work on.
Next to this beautiful car:
At 12 the exhibition opened up for public and at the same time the "new" caliper arrived. So we ended up fixing the car with public walking around us and taking picture. (a strange experience to do this )
(I'm the one with black t-shirt)
A club member who works as a mechanic came over to help out.
After about the 50 minutes the caliper was change, the brakes aired and tested. We could asset the operation was successful and one the "roars" that day was mine We could now continue the rest of the trip together with the club and I could enjoy the rest of the exhibition.
The rest of the day was spent driving down the Lindesnes (the most southern part of Norway). During this leg the I could say that car was definitely back in order again. I could notice a slight better braking on the fixed side (new disc was used), but nothing dangerous.
Amazing roads towards Lindesnes!
The day after I managed to get a photoshoot with the other Z3 on the trip.
Stock vs my OEM+:
And before heading back home, we of course had to go to the place where Norway ends:
Lindesnes Lighthouse - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindesnes_Lighthouse
Not everyday one gets to park next to a car like this
To be contiuned
Sad I had to realize that the trip was over for the Zed and roadside assists needed to be called. We decided to finish the lunch together with the others and say goodbye. Lots of members wanted to help, however we didn't feel like to spoil anybodies trip.
Was quite a turndown to see the last car drive off!
Then I called roadside assists and things started to happen. Turned out the the roadside assists workshop was located in the same area as the lunch place (in middle of no where in the mountains). And I was thinking "bummer, that this trip should end like this". So I started to discuss repair options with the driver of the flatbed truck. Asking him if I could borrow tools at his workshop, this he was positiv to and wanted help out (normally their job is drive the car to nearest brand certified workshop for the car). Anyway we ended up at the workshop.
At the workshop we tried a few options, however we didn't manage to get the brake work properly. (the caliper would not release the disc properly).
So it was decided that the car would be delivered to the BMW workshop in Stavanger (close to Sola, our orginal destination) a 2 hour drive. Along I the way I was thinking how can I save this trip. And I posted "help" messages in Norwegian bmw forum and here as well (thx to those of you replied so fast and to @spurs fan in a coupe to help with tech info). At this point my mind was set, I'm gonna fix this! Remember this was Saturday afternoon, every workshop is closed. However I made a few phonecalls during the trip towards Stavanger, which took the same route as we should have driven our self.
A friend of me is an Airplane jet motor mechanics at the Airport in Sola, so I called him and asked if he could help? (It was planned to catch up with him at the exhibition on Sunday). And he replied "of course, what u want me to do?". I told to go the a store who sells cars parts (cheap non OEM stuff tough) and get a much brakes parts he could get to my car. Then I convinced the driver to drive the car to the Airport workshop instead of the BMW workshop.
After a few long hours we finally arrived the Airport workshop, which turned out be right next to the hotel we supposed to be at. So I sent the wife over there to enjoy the dinner with the rest of the club and update them with what I was doing. At the same time a another member of the club who was sitting home, started reach out on FB for tech help and parts (at his own initiative).
Me and my mate manged get everything a part:
Turned out the disc was fine. But when we inspected the caliper we could see that the piston was not retracting properly and was the reason for the error. However this was the one part that my mate didn't manage to source a repair kit for. However tried to overhaul the rest of the caliper with the repair parts he did manage to source and lubricate the piston as good as possible.
It did get better, but not good enough. After a quick test drive, we realized that it was not success full. And a new caliper needed to be sourced, a lot of messages where sent around. My wife went around at the hotell talking to local club members living in the Sola area, trying to source the part. NSK members called friends asking them go the their workplaces to source the caliper.
When the information arrived that a caliper from an E36 or E46 would fit, we finally hit jackpot. Turned out that local member had an E46 home at his yard. And would dismantle it and bring it to the exhibition the day after.
With the good news, we wrapped things up and prepared tools and the car for the caliper transplate the day after. I parked the car at the hotel and managed get on beer with the club before I dived into the bed exhausted.
Woke up early the after full of energy and ready to save the trip. We drove the cars to the exhibition and I made sure to park my car with enough space to work on.
Next to this beautiful car:
At 12 the exhibition opened up for public and at the same time the "new" caliper arrived. So we ended up fixing the car with public walking around us and taking picture. (a strange experience to do this
)(I'm the one with black t-shirt)
A club member who works as a mechanic came over to help out.
After about the 50 minutes the caliper was change, the brakes aired and tested. We could asset the operation was successful and one the "roars" that day was mine
We could now continue the rest of the trip together with the club and I could enjoy the rest of the exhibition.The rest of the day was spent driving down the Lindesnes (the most southern part of Norway). During this leg the I could say that car was definitely back in order again. I could notice a slight better braking on the fixed side (new disc was used), but nothing dangerous.
Amazing roads towards Lindesnes!
The day after I managed to get a photoshoot with the other Z3 on the trip.
Stock vs my OEM+:
And before heading back home, we of course had to go to the place where Norway ends:
Lindesnes Lighthouse - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lindesnes_Lighthouse
Not everyday one gets to park next to a car like this
To be contiuned
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Continued from prev post:
Old Zed vs New Zed
After this shortest route was plotted in on the GPS and we drove home with a few pitstops.
Always fun when you spot somebody admiring your car
Finally we where home after an very event full long weekend. At this stage both owner and the car needed some rest, before an order for complete brake overhaul is placed. (this was a planned winter project)
I did take a lot of videos, need to edit this. However here is a small taste:
Old Zed vs New Zed
After this shortest route was plotted in on the GPS and we drove home with a few pitstops.
Always fun when you spot somebody admiring your car
Finally we where home after an very event full long weekend. At this stage both owner and the car needed some rest, before an order for complete brake overhaul is placed. (this was a planned winter project)
I did take a lot of videos, need to edit this. However here is a small taste: