James’ “Postmaster”E30 M3 restoration

Off to our facility his car went and arrived to us needing love!

Part 1: Tired!

The very common cowl rust... this was deep in there

A bad fender. If you can see rust.. there is more hiding where you can't...

So, off to work we went. James' car was a perfect example of the ravages weather and time can have on a cars chassis. The rust, although prolific, was thoroughly dealt with and fully eradicated. Replaced with fresh metal and prepping for the rest of the body work.

Off to a great start.... stripped down, rust eradicated.

Fenders were modified for perfect 'tuck' of the aggressive 3 piece BBS RS wheels.

Crucial details in the prep work lay the foundation for an immaculate top coat of fresh paint.

Part 2:

Body in final stages of primer

Engine

Better than new: VAC Motorsports "Fast Road" 2.5 S14, a Race Engine detuned for street use. Smooth and drivable with a ferocious mid-range, and top end performance with VAC "Stage 3 Pro" Performance Kit.

Header Size comparison: OEM 2.3 US Vs James' new "50/50" header (look at the main runners as they mate to the head!)

One of our maintenance shop techs and fellow E30 M3 owner, Joe C. overseeing the install of the engine into the chassis.

Engine in for KMS ECU install

Suspension

VAC Motorsports custom E30 M3 Double-Adjustable Suspension System adapted for use with H&R Sport Springs. Eibach Swaybars with VAC & PWG end-links being installed front and rear. Powerflex bushings throughout and VAC E30 Full Reinforcement Kit ensure another lifetime of use for this chassis. All this is just the tip of the iceberg on this full suspension restoration.

An example of our excellent powder coat finish. Alpine strut tower bar to match the exterior color.

Final Body & Paint

Final layers of paint ensured it looked as good as it performed! Whats that in the trunk? A thorough coating of anti-rust agent commonly known as "Cosmoline", a waxy honey colored protective coating BMW uses (albeit in smaller amounts to save money). We didn't want James to have to worry about rust ever again. So, we do it right the first time.