BMW based roadster

ftaffy · #1 13th March 2012, 10:25 PM

Posted a few time on locost uk on this topic.

I am building a complete BMW E36 3 series clubby.
Currently finishing off the chassis, though its a custom design (same width (1118), same frame height (355) as roadster and slightly longer (3137 v 3083)). In hind sight i should have just modded the Haynes chassis to suit the BMW that way the design would be useful for others as well.

The issues you will face:
The front upright - Cant be used on a double a-arm without some mods. ie GKD welded on change (not ok in australia), modded strut (what i am doing see below) or use another one.

Rear upright - Bin it and use the Haynes style but you will need to get a bearing carrier made to bolt on. Nothing major required justed a backing plate with a tube to hold the bearing.
Engine - VERY tall! The sump hangs down and there only a few options. Dry sump (~$1000 by the time you have it installed IMO), cut the sump down by ~1in throught middle (AL so bit of extra welding fun) or just raise the engine + use a bulge.
Steering column, the lower section is AL, so you will need to get an early 5 or 7 series lower steel section that be extended as per the book mods.
Seat belts- The coupe rear seats are mounted in the seats so get a pair of Sedan rears instead.

I have a build diary located here:http://www.ozclubbies.com.au/index.p...ys-tf7i-build/
You will need to register, then get approved to access the forum.

Any questions let me know, dont have any 100% drawings as i did alot of on the fly updates while building.

Also i am Melbourne, Australia.

Cheers,
Taffy

stevegrabowski · #2 13th June 2012, 07:06 PM

Hi Taffy. I presume you are using the standard BMW front strut, cut down, but, how much do you remove and how is the "mushroom" fixed in position. Thanks, Steve.

ftaffy · #3 14th June 2012, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevegrabowski

Hi Taffy. I presume you are using the standard BMW front strut, cut down, but, how much do you remove and how is the "mushroom" fixed in position. Thanks, Steve.

Hey Steve,

The cut down length will depend on the chassis design to go with it.
In my case i am using a 355mm high chassis.
Lower arm is 418mm (centre of bush to centre of ball joint)
Upper arm is 294mm centre of bush to centre to jose joint

Strut is cut down to 184mm
With insert it becomes 212mm

The insert is an interferance fit, so once in they dont come out easy!
Then it is welded around the edge.

I had to do this because of the road rules in Australia. In the UK you can get away with a welded joint, see GKD's uprights. Peter from GKD is very helpful as i looked at buying his kit - didnt have enough $ to get it, donor etc + shipping to Aust. If i had i would probably have a running car right now!

Check out my build blog for more photos, etc. Its 12 pages long at this stage.
Note: you need to logg in to be able to view.

Front wheels on

Lower A-arm

Cut down strut and insert

Trial fit without the strut being pushed in fully