All this great progress and talk of BBQ, doesnt get any better

How can you beat this barbecue?

https://www.countyline.com/#

wow I am a deviled egg fan too! Even the bread looks great. At least I have a meeting today where they are fixing something on a big green egg. Not the same but all I get lol

The radiator is on its way here!:biggthumpup: Here’s the gauges. I had Speed Hut make them using an existing platform. They were very accommodating. They are similar to the originals, but my goal was to make a face that was identical. Every place I contacted saying, “We make custom gauges, built to suit, yadda-yadda” came back and said, “Yeah, we don’t do ‘custom’ gauges. We just redesign what we have with logos and junk’.:rolleyes2: One place was all about using an existing gauge and making the face. And then they told me it’d be two years waiting until they could get to them. In other words, we don’t want to do it.:bs:

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But I like these! It beats the standard Autometer look. Although they are a tad smaller, with filler rings I’m having printed, they’ll fit in the bezel nicely.

I’m incorporating a few factory parts to make the whole assembly appear more correct. I befriended a gentleman in Germany who works with Martelleria which is the company that restores many 507s, 300SLs, and a few other exotic makes/models, and he’s been gracious enough to sell me a few needed parts. One is the distributor cap cover for the V8 engine. Extremely rare. I’ll incorporate this onto the stock cap along with the cast valve covers I’m making and a few other things. Aesthetically, the engine will appear like the 507 V8.

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The other part is a an under hood tool kit. These are pretty hard to come by too, and he happened to have one that needed a restoration. They have a molded inside that conforms to the tools. BOING!!!!:biggthumpup::biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

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SWF washer pump and washer bottle too. They go along the passenger side inner fender support beam in the engine bay.

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Side mirror. OooooooOOOooo!!! Chrome!!!! The only thing shiney on the car right now!:eek2::drool:

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More parts show up this week!

Cheers
Dave

As we discussed early on during this build, everything on the car will be functional. Convertible top, side windows, wipers, and one of those things that I plan making functional is the heater and fresh air system. Sounds easy. Agreed. Well, it’s not.:mad2: Of course I’m not sure what exactly is on this car. I know based on my photo archive and such that the heater plenum on the cowl connects to the fresh air intake on the cowl. But how’s the whole thing work?:confused2: I was fortunate to have access to several restoration photos and owners sharing info with me and here’s the jist of it; Air comes in from the cowl and gets routed through the plenum to the heater fan box and then is distributors to the footwells and defroster vents. The air enters the plenum and curves upwards and then downward. There’s a flapper door inside the plenum which closes the air off if one doesn’t desire to smell the sewage plant you just drove by or the guy ahead of you hasn’t change plugs in his 1976 Datsun since, well, 1976. :thumbsdown: Meanwhile, any rain is captured at the bottom of the curved plenum and blocked by a little dam and then drained to the cowl via three drain holes. Easy-Peary!:bs:

I had already made the firewall cover box but had not made the intake plenum. I also notice an error on my box. That doesn’t sound right. :eek2: I noticed a fabrication detail error on the cover of the heater plenum. :biggthumpup: There’s a very slight peak at the center and it’s not perfectly flat which is what I made. Who would notice? Nobody. Who cares? Me!:scholar: So I set out to make the corrections to the heater plenum and make it not only more correct in design, but also functional. Does anybody know what time it is? It’s HEATER BOX PLENUM TIME!!!:headbang:

Step one was to get the plenum onto the work bench.
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I then formed a top piece and added that to get my slight peak that the original has. Too steep and it wouldn’t look right. Too shallow and it would be a waste. This came out perfect! I then positioned this where the cowl opening was to measure for the rear of the plenum.
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Then I added the other curved parts to make sure the plenum lines up with the cowl opening.
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After I got the plenum all assembled, I then positioned it back on the cowl and figured out the distance between the cowl intake opening and the plenum opening. There’s a gap between the two that’s connected by a rubber seal. Also, the intake in the cowl is smaller than the intake on the plenum. This is compensated by a block off plate that covers the remained of the opening on the bottom of the plenum.

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So that’s the construction of the assembly. Now it’s onto to making it functional! I know….whoda thought this much would go into a heater box!:eek2:

Cheers
Dave

I saw this random studio photo on facbook the other day. Is that your Great GrandDave in the picture?

Up next, functionality. I need an internal door to block off the fresh air if I need to. Which I find funny since this is a convertible and I doubt I’ll ever had the top up. But, everything has to work and I can’t have a box that’s just there and not have it work!:hmmm::no:

The door is cable actuated and mounted inside the plenum via a bar which the door is welded to. I formed the arm and then installed a few beads on the blocker door for rigidity. Nobody will see it, but I want it to look good in case I’m ever up for the elusive “Best Heater Blocker Door” award. The door arm rides on nylon bushings with a brass insert which should provide years of trouble free operation.

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I then positioned the door inside which allowed me to trace the pattern onto the plenum so I could install the weather striping seal.

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The result is a lever operated door that seals the incoming air when needed. :headbang::headbang:

Here’s it is in position with the updated cowl intake which is now identical to the factory intake inlet.:scholar:

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That’s just a window into the insanity. Just imagine the lengths I went for the glove box hinge latch!:thumbsdown: Oh don’t worry. I’m a lifetime member of the “Looney Tunes” division of the Henry Ford Clinic.:wink:

More to come!

Cheers
Dave

That’s the clay model that BMW made after Goertz’s original styling model (seen small in the background).

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Here’s a bigger picture of his original design. It had mini-fins.

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The 507 as we know it now went through a few design changes until the final design was chosen. My build is compromised of many makes and model parts, and would you believe, part of an airplane? :naughty:

The grab handle on the dash is something I took a little artistic interpretation in. I had replaced the yokes on my 1947 Stinson 108-2 and used the end of one of the old ones as the grad handle. :headbang:

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More to come as I smooth things over! Of course, an entire episode of the Heater plenum to heater box to floor/defroster vents is sure to keep everyone entertained!:thumbsdown:

Cheers
Dave

The fuel filler door is cut out and functional now too. The door is spring loaded shut. I will install a keyed cam lock that will keep it tamper proof and latched as well. It’s held against the body nicely with the spring loaded hinge though. Small projects like this really question my sanity in building this:frown:. Of course this will all get cleaned up in the coming months. What a work out one small part can be!:scholar:

T-Minus 242 days until delivery to MCACN!:burnout:

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Cheers
Dave

Keep up the good work Dave. I'm struggling just trying to install an original Sun Tach in the orange 69 Chevelle.... no welding required!

Thanks, Phil. The wiper linkage is fighting me. Who’s idea was it to make everything functional, anyway?:hmmm::dunno:

Visiting an exhaust shop today to see if they’ll form the exhaust when I’m ready in a few months. I’ll need to “supervise” while they are doing it and want to make sure they’re ok with it. Owner seems nice when I met him at Summit the other day. :cool2:

Out to the shop……:biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

After this heroic effort I sure hope you plan to keep this beauty!!!

I have to visit one day to see for myself how one human can accomplish this level of awesome…..

Ryan W31

I already made plans to be buried in it!:biggthumpup:

The only way this car would leave me would be a substantially large check containing a lot of zeros and commas. :laugh:

Wipers are mounted and functional, trunk lock functional, and next up I will be forming the bumpers along with windshield trim curved from bronze stock. :biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

I think that is very likely, that their will be many individuals that truly appreciate the craftsmanship you are delivering and will be willing to pay. That coupled with the fact you strike me as the type of guy that likes a new challenge!

That’s very kind words, thank you! The creativity and challenge in these builds/restorations is my passion. It’s why I go from all makes, models and between foreign and domestic. I think I have a serious case of OCD: Obsessive Car Disorder.:cool2::dunno::shocked: It’s the challenge and build I love so much.:headbang: I’m glad it’s entertaining at least for everyone!:worship:

We’ll see what’s next after this. Perhaps an EV Porsche 356? Maybe a dead-nuts-on Ferrari 250 SWB California as I eluded to earlier? Who knows?:cool2:

Cheers
Dave

BREAKING NEWS!! THIS JUST IN!! LIVE FROM TEXAS!! I forgot where I was going with this…:hmmm: Oh yeah!:grin:

It appears that my front and side grilles will be made by the people that make them for the owners restoring 507s.:cool2: In addition to that, I will be adding other trim pieces and bumpers to the list of factory 507 parts for my 507R.

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Excited? Yes! Anxiously awaiting their arrival? Of course! Financially Broke? Tell me something I don’t already know!!:shocked:

The front grilles are polished and ready to go but the side grilles and other trim will need a bath in chrome.

More to come….

Cheers
Dave

I think I am going to have to call you "Dave the Machine".

Jewelry is always expensive but worth it. Can't wait to see you driving the car with your wife by your side, just like the 64 Vette!

The Machine is Dave!

You guys are awesome! Tuesday was a productive day for 507 stuff. I flew up to Philly to check on the progress of my gas tank and visit two 507 owners and see their cars. One was restored many years ago and the other is about ready for paint. That car is the one that I got all the measurements from last year to accurately build my chassis.

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A few details I need to add to mine are the front jack lifting point on the front crossmember. It’s a “V” with a small pad on the base. Next to that is a factory tie down for shipping. Also, heat shielding on the exhaust.
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Here’s the tank with internal baffling. It’s just about done.

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Several small details photographed that will help with interior trim and such. I’ve got details on the hardtop now too for when I start fabricating that.
All in all, a great visit!

Cheers
Dave

----I was just about to ask if you were going to do a hardtop too. I should have known better. Of course! Can you find the weatherstrips?....Bill S

Weatherstripping is available for the hardtop, particularly the back window which I’ll have to make a pattern and send out to have the plexi-glass made.

Through my contact, I can get almost any needed part which is good and bad. Good for anything I may need, bad for my bank account!:eek2:

Cheers
Dave

----I wonder if 507's hardtops are similar to Corvette hardtops which come available when guys figure they'll never use the hard top and then sell it. I imagine if a 507 top did become available it might brake the bank though.....Bill S

The problem is these were all hand made cars and no two are similar. If you stare a pictures long enough, you’ll see a tail light maybe too low between left and right, headlight maybe a tad high, etc. Much like early Jags. As such, no hardtop will fit any other car other than the one it was made for. Now, we’re not talking drastic differences, but a slight gap and it’s rain city!:thumbsdown:

I have access to one, but yeah, they go for mint! Part of the fun of this project is making everything:headbang:

Cheers
Dave

After a productive week, it’s down to 180 and getting smoother. I can put away my Pirate outfit since I’m no longer sailing the high seas. The waves have calmed down to a lake!:headbang:

Next up, everything comes off (the car, not me :no:) and the jambs get worked over.

Somebody emailed me about hours so far on this project. I should have kept track, but I haven’t and frankly, don’t want to. :dunno: I think after it’s all said and done I’ll be at at the 4,000 mark easily if you count in research, errors, redos, etc. :shocked:

SoooOOOooo much fun!!!!! OMG!!!!!:headbang:

Cheers
Dave

More blocking, more sanding. Block, block, block....sand, sand, sand.:smile: Where's Mikey?:laugh:

I had my neighbor 3D print some plastic rings that will insert into my gauge bezel. These will allow easy gauge mounting and will recess the faces of the gauges just enough to be even with the top of the bezel. I'll all some trim rings around the edge and it should look perfect.
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Door shells are about done, so more pics next week! Lots of work this past month but you can only post so many pics of block sanding before you lose the interest of the audience. I'm already bored! :eek2:

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Radiator with horns mounted too. Identical to the factory!

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Cheers:beers:
Dave

Awesome!!

Looking great, Dave.

Incredible!!

I just can't get enough of this build, love it! ....and look at the workshop, not a speck out of place.

Check this out.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/jag...&utm_campaign=

Hopefully, BMW doesn't have a stick up its collective arse, as JLR did on the C type case.

Also, I would THINK you are safe as long as you are building for personal use, and are not representing it as a BMW.

Thanks, guys. I appreciate the positive thoughts!:biggthumpup: And Joe, it only looks like that because I have to spend an hour after each day’s work cleaning it back up. It’s like a hurricane went through after I’m done destructifying for the day!:eek2:

I followed that case for the Jag, but it appears JLR is going a bit nuts on the whole replica thing as rumors are out that they destroyed a very well known replica (1 of 10 made) that THEY own themselves. The assumption behind it is they can’t go after someone with a replica if they themselves have and make them too.:bs: They already make replicas/continuations. But I agree, I’m safe since this is for me and I have no plans on making another, let alone another for sale. I believe that was the whole issue with that case much like the Mercedes Gullwing saga years ago. Not sure why anyone would think you can make/sell another’s product under the original manufacturer’s name. DUH!!!!:tongue:

As a side note, the BMW Classic CCA asked me to pen three separate 6-page articles on the car for their club magazine. Soooooo…I think I’m safe!:biggthumpup: Flattering too.:laugh:

Cheers
Dave

I'm bored cause you're not done yet!! :eek2: :smirk: :wink:

I'm getting there!! Jeezum crow!!:laugh::laugh:

Doors are mounted for the last time (finally) and close nice and tight. No slamming, no out of alignment, no clunk/clang. Just a nice (thunk) sound. I think that's the best way to describe it.

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Not happy with the body relief so I need to work on that. And here's the dash with the newly printed gauge bezels installed. Now the gauges will slide right in!

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More to come to fight the boredom blues!:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

No, they just want to give you the opportunity to fully and completely incriminate yourself without having to pay the money to serve you with a subpoena.

As your semi-unofficial consigliere, may I suggest you put all your updates in quotes and start every entry with "Allegedly".

That should fix it. This way they will surely see that it is all a work of fiction and this is all the latest ChatGPT version of resto-re-creationism. :naughty:

I doubt BMW USA or BMW AG will come after you. But... you should know that neither BMW CCA nor BMW Classic CCA are officially affiliated with BMW or BMWNA.

It has been something like 30 years ago that BMW NA (I think they have since become BMW USA) insisted that the original BMWCCA moniker be changed to add a space between "BMW" and "CCA".

All I am saying is that an endorsement by BMWCCA, BMW CCA or BMW Classic CCA does not guarantee that neither BMW USA or BMW AG will object to your build. God forbid.

Dave, once the car is completed (next week sometime ...:grin:), I think you and your wife should replicate the picture that Lee posted in post #591. That would be cool!

Consiglifligili?:confused2: What’s your retainer, Steve? Can I pay it in paint?:biggthumpup:

Lynn, oh, I know that. Seems no auto manufacturers support their enthusiasts “clubs” due to liability. Sad.

Joe, you funny guy!:wink: Although that photo recreation would be cool!

Cheers
Dave

I 2nd the recreation of the picture.

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I'm down to 220 with another round to go and then I'll be spraying down the single stage sealer to protect the primer while I assemble and drive it later this summer. I'll sand that down in preparation for the final blocking when it's paint time after MCACN. Everything latches and closes with a gentle push. Very happy with it!

Phew... enough! Time to get into mechanics!!:cool2::3gears:

Cheers
Dave