The BMW 507 Ultimate Build Thread!!!

[Xplantdad]

Wow...just wow! Just amazing Dave :headbang::headbang::headbang::headbang:

[dykstra]

Incredible!!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Bruce! :biggthumpup: You too, Dave!:biggthumpup:

The wiring is all connected up front: lights, fans, horns and I’ll be working my way backwards shortly. It’s getting EEERILY close to having power connected!:eek2:

Although not conclusive, my punch list is getting shorter and shorter:scholar:: A-Pillar trim/visors/top latch/door glass weather strip channel/rearview mirror, Interior door panels, Heater ducting and controls, Top (both hard and soft), trunk and hood rain gutters, Emergency brake cables, Dash wiring, Tail lights, final dash wiring.

I drop the seats off at the upholstery shop next week and they’ll do a quick modification to the seat base foam and covers for me. I’ll talk to them about the rest of the interior as well for when the time comes.

More to come…..

Cheers
Dave

[Lynn]

I just read this: "Although not conclusive, my punch list is getting shorter and shorter: A-Pillar trim/visors/top latch/door glass weather strip channel/rearview mirror, Interior door panels, Heater ducting and controls, Top (both hard and soft), trunk and hood rain gutters, Emergency brake cables, Dash wiring, Tail lights, final dash wiring."

I need to go take a nap.

[A12pilot]

Now that’s funny, Lynn.:smile::laugh: Working on the heater controls the next few days. Should be a fun contraption to make!:scholar: This car would be done already if I didn’t make everything functional!:eek2: But the again if I didn’t do that I couldn’t be called Super Dave.:shocked::frown:

Cheers
Dave

[Charley Lillard]

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1081193/1959-bmw-507-roadster/?utm_campaign=CA23&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=266102511&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8MF0ItSb1JJixq7t9NzjrngCw1espuwPKhhfyH-tH9ksdPOfeISceegNg-M8k9AGtcEawYkeJtu11zN4VSlerj1doTKg&utm_content=266102511&utm_source=hs_email

[njsteve]

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1081193/1959-bmw-507-roadster/?utm_campaign=CA23&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=266102511&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8MF0ItSb1JJixq7t9NzjrngCw1espuwPKhhfyH-tH9ksdPOfeISceegNg-M8k9AGtcEawYkeJtu11zN4VSlerj1doTKg&utm_content=266102511&utm_source=hs_email

Yawn. I'm aware of their work. That's just an haphazardly, mass-produced version of Dave's singular masterpiece.

[A12pilot]

Good stuff, Steve!:biggthumpup:

Going to be interesting to see this go across the block. :scholar: Incidentally, this is the same 507 that sold at Kissimmee earlier this year.

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

The article I penned for the BMW Classic Car Club was just published for the quarterly magazine and I thought I’d share it. Dirk, the president, wants three articles and this is the first. Hopefully you enjoy the read! Let me know if you can ready the pages after loading the full sized photos and I’ll post small pictures,:biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

243324

243325

243326

[A12pilot]

...and my vanity plates! :3gears:

243327

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

Congratulations Dave, well deserved!

That is a big smile on your face and the vanity plates are just perfect. With the article write up you are now forever immortalized.

[69M22Z]

That's great Dave!!!
Very cool!!!

[Canuck]

This is an exceptional build. Your talent is amazing! Thanks for keeping us entertained.

[big gear head]

Very cool!

[parkbrau]

Congrats. FYI The inspection sticker goes on top of the city where it’s registered in. Looks as though your due your next TÜV at the end of the year?

[dykstra]

A big congrats Dave! That is awesome. Words can’t describe the talent you have. Simply amazing.

[RPOLS3]

Add published author to your long list of talents and accolades now..........congratulations - well earned!

[Tenney]

Dave, Super!

[mssl72]

That's pretty cool Steve!! Congrats!!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, guys! And thanks Parkbrau for the correction. I’ll get on it!:scholar: They’re vanity, and I can’t use them here in the US:wink:

It was fun writing it. Hopefully the BMW group funds my humor acceptable. Episode Two soon!:laugh:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

Been completing the wiring the last couple weeks and slow going since I wanted to do a few detail things that required some brainstorming. I could only muster up showers, but then the cold front came through and the storms formed!:grin:

I added the front jack mount and steering damper bracket to the front lower part of the frame. A small detail nobody cares about, but I do! :cool2:
243712
I then decided on a push button ignition like the original had located on the colum under the dash. I built a small pod for the ignition switch and starter button and tacked it to the column.
243713
243714
243715
243716
Once everything is done it'll be painted to match the dash. I'm searching to see if the colum was black or body color. I think it was body color originally.

Engine detailing! I ran the spark plug wires through the conduit tubing and snaked them back to the distributor under the generator. That's a Powermaster alternator I mounted in the 12 O'clock position like the factory did. I fabricated the brackets and idler/tension pulley as well for adjustment. It lines up well and more importantly, clears the hood! :smirk:
243717
243718

The 2x2 intake is still being assembled with the EFI system, so I'm going with the single 4bbl right now. To look more "correct", I have an air cleaner from an E10 coming which I'll modify and install. It'll give a more factory look. Notice the distributor wires running to one side and the correct Bosch cap cover as well!

Very happy with the overall look on how this came out. It'll look perfect once that intake set up is installed. I should be testing the lights Friday!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

243719

.... and it's insured! VIN assignment and title next month!

It's getting to be a real car! :headbang:

Cheers
Dave

[MarcDant]

You literally carved a piece of wood into a 507 , start to finish with your unique fabrication skills & humble approach, thank you for your updates and always look forward to your many finished projects.

[A12pilot]

Thank you, Marc! I appreciate the compliments and thanks for following along!:3gears:

More to come soon.

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

243841

243842

243843

243844

So, the BMWizing of the little Olds that could is complete! Well, almost. This will do until the 2x2 intake is done for the final version after paint. This is an E10 air cleaner I modded to fit. I think it looks pretty close to what a stock single carbed V8 looks like. Incidentally, I have a picture of that I'll post up later. A few minor things (breather, PCV hose, and brake booster vacuum port) left then the engine bay will be just about done!

Power is applied and everthing works AFTER I figured out I have a bad turn signal switch (brand new junk), two bad headlight switches (garbage), and best part? I installed generic cheap replacements on the spare parts shelf and everthing works. Brand new parts, inop. Good times!

243845

243846

So next week, fuel and brakes bled, then a running video!!:laugh:

More to come

Cheers
Dave

[Xplantdad]

Wow, wow, WOW!! :biggthumpup:

[69M22Z]

It's alive!!!

[tom406]

I was at Goodguys today and showed a nice older gentleman pictures of your build. I thought he would appreciate it since he decided to recreate a ‘39 BMW 328 out of thin air for himself! His uses a drivetrain out of a ‘70’s 2002.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, guys! Wow, Tom. That’s slick! It does resemble the Sbarro 328 replicas based off the 2002s. That might be one since it's based off the same platform. There’s far more 328 replicas floating around than 507s. Looks like he did a nice job on that one!

Cheers
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

We Were Offered $9 Million For Elvis Presley's BMW .

AFTER years of neglect, a 1957 feather white BMW 507 that previously belonged to Elvis Presley has been fully restored - and is now the most 'valuable' of its kind in the world. Elvis owned the car when he posted in Germany as a US Army Sergeant, but later sold it when he returned to the US. Nobody knew what had happened to the famous car up until 2014, when automotive journalist Jackie Jouret discovered that it had been sitting in a pumpkin warehouse on the outskirts of San Francisco for over 30 years. Its new owner, named Jack Castor, had no idea about who the car had previously belonged to. Jackie said: “I got the feeling that he wasn’t a fan of Elvis in the slightest. We take the tarp off, and the car is in-tact but rough shape. An ordinary 507 is really a $1.2-1.5 million car, but with the Elvis association it suddenly becomes the most valuable 507 in the world.” After finding out about the car’s history, Castor sent the BMW to be restored, but he sadly passed away before it was completed. The car now features at the BMW Museum in Munich, mere miles away from where it was first manufactured.

[A12pilot]

In the spirit of that video, here's a short of me brining the car outside for the first start!

https://youtu.be/A-bRXBqVvNE

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

https://youtu.be/qmrlB2Le0VY

First start! :3gears::cool2: The little V8 thru the jaguar mufflers sounds pretty good. Not too muscley, not too quiet.

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

244282

244283

244284

I had my neighbor design and print an ashtray pedestal for me. This was just a chrome 50s ashtray I found off ebay the same size as the original. A few pics of the base for reference, and viola!

244285

244286

244287

More to come!

244288

Cheers
Dave

[Lynn]

Congratulations Dave. A real milestone.

[Big Block Bill]

Love it Dave, Congratulations! Bill

[RPOLS3]

Congratulations - you continue to amaze. What a great accomplishment.

[dykstra]

Incredible Dave!! Congrats on a big milestone.

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,I'm just speechless, which is uncommon for me. What an accomplishment. Just outstanding!!!....Bill S

[Tenney]

It's alive!!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, fellas! Your encouragement means a lot.
Adjusted the cooling fans today, car idles at 180 all day in 100 degree Texss heat! Just bled the clutch, will do the brakes next week and then later on this month it'll move under its own power! :eek2::biggthumpup:

Next up will be A-Pillar trim, top latches, rear view mirror, sun visors, inner door panels and side glass, convertible top bow alteration, and I'll make a Hardtop. Anything else?!:tongue::hmmm:

Of course, adjustments and such. Time to just look at it for a while!

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

Better than the original and I hope it did not nearly bankrupt you like it did BMW.

[Lynn]

"Next up will be A-Pillar trim, top latches, rear view mirror, sun visors, inner door panels and side glass, convertible top bow alteration, and I'll make a Hardtop. Anything else?"

What will you do after lunch?

[A12pilot]

Thank you guys! Bill, I’m speechless you’re speechless!:worship:

Fortunately, it was pay-as-you-go through this build and while not exactly cheap (and I’m nowhere near done yet!:scholar:), no bankruptcy plans. I actually set up a Go Fund me account and left coffee cans with “Help” written on them around the local parts houses. That helped considerably. $11.33 was collected since the start of the project!:thumbsdown: Just kidding. It was more like $15.25:wink:

More to come!:headbang:

Cheers
Dave

[markinnaples]

Honestly, it's pretty crazy to see how you created something so cool out of nothing. I can't imagine the pride you have pulling something you created entirely out of the garage and hearing it running. Just amazing, not sure what else to say.

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/17/ac/ZHDH53Ok_o.jpg (https://imgbox.com/ZHDH53Ok)

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/fc/f6/srTjnQRI_o.jpg (https://imgbox.com/srTjnQRI)

[A12pilot]

Seats are back! Been a little busy with a couple side projects. Built a carport addition to the shop and an will be starting an RV conversion on a Sprinter van for Kelly. Hmmm, maybe that needs a thread? :dunno:

So more updates later this month on the 507. But in related news, it looks like the BMW V8 Club of Germany will run my article in their magazine!:worship: Really honored about that! I'm internationally known now! goggles:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Cheers
Dave

[Lynn]

Its about time!!!

[Charley Lillard]

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1081193/1959-bmw-507-roadster/

[A12pilot]

Selling Saturday! This went across the stage in Kissimmee earlier this year for $1.7mil. Dealer flip!:rolleyes2: Hopefully it finds a forever home. I’m about $1.69mil short!:hmmm::haha:

Cheers
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/56/5c/VxtMQi5f_o.jpg (https://imgbox.com/VxtMQi5f)

[A12pilot]

246582

No sale at $1.7mil. Which is what it sold for at Kissimmee earlier this year.

Cheers
Dave

[69PostSSChevelle]

Here's a smaller version.

[A12pilot]

With the distractifications out of the way, I can resume progessiveness :hmmm:on the 507. Doors were on the list of things to finish up along with, um, everything else. I chatted with my upholstery guy and came up with a plan for that when the time comes. I told him about how I planned to make the door panels and he said, “You make it, I will upholster it.” I just love guys that are so confident in their chosen trade.:headbang: I made the panels to mimic the originals with a few exceptions based on my specific doors. Mainly, the long arm rest had to be separated due to the window regulator on my car being lower than the original.
248464
248463
248465
248466
248467

I still was able to incorporate the two pockets with hinged doors like original. I made a mini-wood buck for the door doors (door doors?:confused2:) which allowed me to get the shape right. Glass was already patterned earlier with an MDF panel, but I fine tuned that with some tape and then cut the panels out of 1/4”plastic. This will be the final pattern for the glass guy to use when the time comes. The roll up and down nicely!:wink:

248469
248468

I 3D printed the heater control bezel along with knobs. The sliders are from an MG that I cut a welded up fit my dash space. The bezel also has the correct markings on it (color inside the circles to follow) with gradient indicators on each up the upper sliders and direction arrows for the footwells too. Two speed heater fan indicator reliefs too!
248470

I’m not overly happy with those door panels based on the placement of the window crank. I’m thinking after all is said and done and then car is disassembled for paint, I may install power windows to eliminate the regulator and move a “dummy” crank handle to the correct position allowing me to make another arm rest to the proper length. I know they make switches that you can mount a window crank on which gives the appearance of the manual window yet is the power window switch under it. We’lll see.

Next up is the A-pillar trim out and I’m off to the metal shop to get supplies to make a hardtop. Woohoo!!!! And with no more distractions, I’m hoping to have it move under its own power this week.

Stay tuned, more to come!

Cheers
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/e2/b0/JFT8dNBh_o.jpg (https://imgbox.com/JFT8dNBh)

[Too Many Projects]

Just move the window crank now and only do the door panels/arm rests once. You KNOW you want to and it will look much better .. https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fhosting.photobucket.co m%2Fimages%2Fq752%2FStillwaterchevs%2Fpoking-with-stick-smiley-emoticon.gif

[Xplantdad]

Wow, amazing work Dave!!:beers:

[A12pilot]

248497

248498

248499

248500

SUCCESS!!

Vid to follow!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

https://youtu.be/0Apac95xJSI?si=sHNd9L5DfhAiBx-D

A little shaky on the camera, but it's just the phone. I figure when Discovery comes calling, it'll be more professional looking!:biggthumpup::bs:

Longer test drives to come!

3yrs after I started this I'm now driving it. Far from done, but it's on the road and will be legal (vin, tags, title) next month.

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

"You little Speed Demon!"

Congratulations Dave, that is a big hurdle that you have overcome. :beers:

[TimG]

That's great, Dave. Nobody will even ask the insulting question "is it a kit" because nobody will know what it is.

I always figured I could get a 289 Slabside Cobra through our double front doors and park it where the dining room table is. I think you should park that car right in your living room.

[dykstra]

That is so effing AWESOME!! Congrats on such a monumental milestone.

[PeteLeathersac]

‘

Awesome update also amazing accomplishment, congrats on a successful first flight!
The extra smiles are easily understandable, part happy new owner ready to enjoy their new toy plus an even happier builder w/ one more project soon completed/taillights down the road!
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Guys! I appreciate the comments. Now it’s onto the final windshield trim, minor leftover items, and a hardtop (hopefully that is done before MCACN). More test driving to come!

Cheers
Dave

[RPOLS3]

Amazing Dave - well done and congratulations!

[markinnaples]

Congratulations Dave! I saw the video on YT before you posted it on here, and it's amazing what you've done. Very few people could do it!

[A12pilot]

Thank you guys! I appreciate it!:headbang:

Can’t wait to finish it up!

Cheers
Dave

[bashton]

If this alone is not reason enough to join us at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show, I don't know what is...

OK fine; Kelly will be there too!

Bashton

[A12pilot]

248551

Cheers
Dave

[Xplantdad]

Looks Awesome!

[TimG]

Wow, looks super.

[olredalert]

----Damn, that Beemer is beautiful!!!....Bill S

[Lynn]

Hate to be "that guy" Bill; but.... a "Beemer" is a BMW motorcycle, and a "Bimmer" is a BMW car.

Does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.

Mark Twain, when speaking of himself in the third person, stated: "Well, also he will notice in the course of time, as his reading goes on, that the difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning."

Twain later acknowledged some semi-plagiarism from his good friend, Josh Billing, who had said something similar many years earlier.

[Too Many Projects]

OK fine; Kelly will be there too!
Bashton
:biggthumpup:

[mssl72]

All I can say is... wow, what an accomplishment!! :worship:

Is the Ferrari running yet?? :naughty: :grin:

[olredalert]

Hate to be "that guy" Bill; but.... a "Beemer" is a BMW motorcycle, and a "Bimmer" is a BMW car.

Does it matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not.

Mark Twain, when speaking of himself in the third person, stated: "Well, also he will notice in the course of time, as his reading goes on, that the difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning."

Twain later acknowledged some semi-plagiarism from his good friend, Josh Billing, who had said something similar many years earlier.

----I am truly humbled, Lynn!....Bill S

[Lynn]

Well, you shouldn't be. Common mistake.

[mockingbird812]

Glorious! What an accomplishment. Thanks for taking us along on this sweet journey!

[427.060]

"I’m not overly happy with those door panels based on the placement of the window crank. I’m thinking after all is said and done and then car is disassembled for paint, I may install power windows to eliminate the regulator and move a “dummy” crank handle to the correct position allowing me to make another arm rest to the proper length. I know they make switches that you can mount a window crank on which gives the appearance of the manual window yet is the power window switch under it. We’lll see."

How much trouble would it be to make the window crank be the power window switch? Maybe you could put contacts inside the door panel so that if you move the crank up a little bit the window goes up and move down to lower the window. Just a thought.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

I will be crawling all over this gem at MCACN!!!

Visually crawling, no scratches!!!

Ryan W31

[A12pilot]

How much trouble would it be to make the window crank be the power window switch? Maybe you could put contacts inside the door panel so that if you move the crank up a little bit the window goes up and move down to lower the window. Just a thought.

That’s exactly what I’m going to do. :grin:They make those switches and that will be the plan, but not immediately. I’m starting on the A-pillar trim today along with the hardtop :cool2:

Thanks for the kind words, and no the Ferrari isn’t running yet!:no::shocked: But I might have started the parts purchasing on that one for the future start date. But before that, the Vette will get some love:3gears:

Cheers
Dave

[bashton]

That’s exactly what I’m going to do. :grin:They make those switches and that will be the plan, but not immediately. I’m starting on the A-pillar trim today along with the hardtop :cool2:

Thanks for the kind words, and no the Ferrari isn’t running yet!:no::shocked: But I might have started the parts purchasing on that one for the future start date. But before that, the Vette will get some love:3gears:

Cheers
Dave

slacker....

[Tracker1]

From Motor Trend, 10/1972

[A12pilot]

Great article, but the last paragraph is not correct info. That's not Chassis 70079 (the one Elvis owned) as that car was already in the states when that article was written. Still interesting though!

But another big day; today was VIN assignment day! In the eyes of the DMV, this is now a legal car with a state issued VIN based on the engine serial number. So dare I say, this is a numbers matching car! :headbang:

249362

249363

249364

249365

It's not everyday you see a 507 on a uhaul!

Next up, a safety inspection along with title application. But before that I need to attach the VIN to the door jamb. Now I can get the data tags filled out too.

Woohoo!! It's now a real car. Inspection process was fun and created quite a stir with all the officers and others in line coming to check it out. Fun stuff!

Cheers
Dave

PS: up next, Hardtop!

[Xplantdad]

Way cool super Dave!:beers:

[RPOLS3]

Congratulations - what a cool milestone.

[Charley Lillard]

I'll bet their eyes bugged out when you had to explain exactly how much of it you built.

[MosportGreen66]

Awesome!

Can we start a GoFundMe so Dave can get an enclosed trailer?

[67since67]

Awesome!

Can we start a GoFundMe so Dave can get an enclosed trailer?

We should be expecting Super Dave to build a crew cab truck and enclosed trailer from scratch, in what, maybe sixty days?? :beers:

[MosportGreen66]

We should be expecting Super Dave to build a crew cab truck and enclosed trailer from scratch, in what, maybe sixty days?? :beers:

LOL, too true!

[bashton]

And don't forget, the first public showing for this incredible creation is at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals show, November 18-19.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

And don't forget Dave, fill the tank before you load it and leave the keys in it!

Bashton

[Too Many Projects]

HOW does he live in Texas and NOT own a 4 door dually low rider ??? :eek2:
https://www.yenko.net/forum/cache.php?img=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Forigina ls%2Fe3%2F40%2Fce%2Fe340cee1afc59aa1eda1e851efbaf5 f6.jpg

[Big Block Bill]

Great article, but the last paragraph is not correct info. That's not Chassis 70079 (the one Elvis owned) as that car was already in the states when that article was written. Still interesting though!

But another big day; today was VIN assignment day! In the eyes of the DMV, this is now a legal car with a state issued VIN based on the engine serial number. So dare I say, this is a numbers matching car! :headbang:

249362

249363

249364

249365

It's not everyday you see a 507 on a uhaul!

Next up, a safety inspection along with title application. But before that I need to attach the VIN to the door jamb. Now I can get the data tags filled out too.

Woohoo!! It's now a real car. Inspection process was fun and created quite a stir with all the officers and others in line coming to check it out. Fun stuff!

Cheers
Dave

PS: up next, Hardtop!

Congratulations Dave,

Only you could pull this off AND have a pleasant experience with the DMV inspectors, usually it's a tug of war when ever I had to go there. Like the Visa commercial: Priceless! Bill

[TimG]

Congratulations, Dave......

[A12pilot]

Thanks for the well wishes guys!:biggthumpup: Yes, the main guy had a hard time understanding that I made the frame too and he kept asking what it was based on. I brought my picture book with me and he and the other guy asked several times where I’d found it. It finally sunk in with them as I was leaving and they were handing me the final paperwork. :cool2:

It’s good stuff! I’ll be submitting the paperwork today for the title processing and I need to submit proof of ownership. I’m not sure what that means other than a copy of the 2” binder of receipts I have. :hmmm:

I told him I’d be back in about a year with another creation barring any major scheduling changes.:biggthumpup:

More to come!!!!

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

They checked for chassis and engine ID numbers on my Cobra and ran them through the system to see if they were clear. There is a chassis number, but no engine number.

[dykstra]

Congrats Dave! Looks AWESOME!!

[Billohio]

It is hard to believe all that was built by Dave. What an accomplishment. I bet they talked about that car the rest of the day

[A12pilot]

Thanks, guys! I’m excited to bring it to Chicago next month. Should be a fun time and anxious for some of you to see it in person.:biggthumpup:

Hardtop is coming along! More to come…

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

I can't wait to see it, Dave. It's a miracle car.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Tim. For those that don’t receive the magazine for the show, Bob wrote an extremely flattering article :eek2::eek2::eek2: :3gears::worship::worship::worship::worship:

249777
249776


Humbled it’s even considered to be there amongst these other incredible machines!:biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[markinnaples]

Congratulations Dave, well deserved!

[RobR]

.

[SS427]

Incredible build, incredible talent!

[A12pilot]

Wow, praise from Caesar!:scholar: Thank you, Rick! I'm more excited to bring this to the show so I can meet more of our user family in person rather than blab about the build. Can't wait to meet some more of you.

Updates this weekend with the Hardtop!

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----I've been amazed by this thread ever since page one. Can't wait to see your BMW in person. Hope I can get thru the crowd!....Bill S

[Too Many Projects]

----I've been amazed by this thread ever since page one. Can't wait to see your BMW in person. Hope I can get thru the crowd!....Bill S


I should get a sneak preview when it rolls in and get some pics for you..:laugh: I'll be there by noon Thursday to help Steve set up and run the Vintage Vehicles area again.

[bashton]

Wow, praise from Caesar!:scholar: Thank you, Rick! I'm more excited to bring this to the show so I can meet more of our user family in person rather than blab about the build. Can't wait to meet some more of you.

Updates this weekend with the Hardtop!

Cheers
Dave

Don't let him fool you; he's campaigning for free beer.

Bashton

[A12pilot]

I’m not saying I am, I’m not saying I’m not.:dunno:

Cheers
Dave

[RPOLS3]

Don't let him fool you; he's campaigning for free beer.

Bashton

If he's feeling dehydrated he can stop by our space :smile:

[olredalert]

If he's feeling dehydrated he can stop by our space :smile:

----And, The Dystras are right across from Stretch and me. It's like visiting Grand Rapids (200 bars within a 2 mile radius,,,,LOL)!....Bill S

[A12pilot]

Wrapping up some loose ends here before MCACN and of course, creating some new ones:grin:

I decided I'd try and make a Hardtop since I think they are just stunning in "coupe" form. So, step one was to make the primeter frame and then create the structure much like a mini-body buck. I lined the top with paper to make sure the curvature was right. Basically, a bunch of photos of one and some measurements off a real one helped.

249926

249927

249928

249929

249930

249931

Once happy with the overall look I started forming the metal. The latching system in C2 Vette compete with guide pins too. The side windows on the real one pop out, and right now I don't know if I want to do that yet. I might wait until final assembly/ paint for that. I'm going to form the rear glass by heating acrylic to fit the shape. More on that soon!

In other news, I designed a battery topper for mine to look like the original style battery. My neighbor came through again with a better than I could hoped for final product. Really cool. I think it, he makes it so! I fitted and glued all the parts together to create a vintage style battery topped. Whaddaya think?


249932
249933
249934
249935

More to come....

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

249936

249937

And of course, skull cap with goggles and open knuckle leather driving gloves to boot!

Cheers
Dave

[Xplantdad]

Dave, way cool!:biggthumpup:

[Z282NV]

249936

249937

And of course, skull cap with goggles and open knuckle leather driving gloves to boot!

Cheers
Dave

Hat and goggles, you're going all out, aren't you. :cool2:

[big gear head]

Is he using PLA or ABS in the printer? If it's ABS then you can sand it smooth and put it in a Acetone vapor and it will smooth it out real slick. Lots of information on Acetone vapor treatment on the internet, but I don't think it works with PLA. I've got a few different containers that I use for the vapor treatment. One gallon steel paint cans work great for smaller parts.

[69M22Z]

Wow!!

[mssl72]

Just amazing work Dave!!:worship:

Ya know, I got thinking we need to call this a "DMW", Daves Motor Works!

[A12pilot]

Thanks guys! I don't remember if these were PLA or ABS. I know about the smoothing over technique but just haven't tried it yet. I'll give it a go on the next batch of parts. :biggthumpup:

A note on the hardtop is that since each car was hand made, each one was made to fit each car and would ONLY fit that car. With all the subtle differences with hand forming cars, a hardtop from another car won't fit any other car. Coincidentally, it's the same with mine. My hardtop will not fit any other 507 Replica!:no::hmmm::biggthumpup: I know, I’m striving for correctness even in incorrect correctness!:dunno:

Finishing up the interior A-Pillar finish garnish molding with visors and a rearview mirror next week.

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

It looks great, Dave. Are you bringing the wooden frame you made to help form the body?

[A12pilot]

Hi Tim,

Thank you! If you remember, I destroyed the buck after I was done with the body formation. I can always make another if I ever need to, or even sections of it since it’s all in a CAD file and able to be sectioned for say, a fender or a nose cone. Plus, knowing what I know now, there would be no need to go as far as I did with the formation. It can remain just the wooden cross section with no need for foam filling and sculpting. :biggthumpup: No space to store that contraption and transporting it around is a nightmare!:shocked:

Looking forward to meeting you this year!

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

I forgot you destroyed the buck, shipping would be a nightmare as you said.

[parkbrau]

Wrapping up some loose ends here before MCACN and of course, creating some new ones:grin:

I decided I'd try and make a Hardtop since I think they are just stunning in "coupe" form. So, step one was to make the primeter frame and then create the structure much like a mini-body buck. I lined the top with paper to make sure the curvature was right. Basically, a bunch of photos of one and some measurements off a real one helped.

249926

249927

249928

249929

249930

249931

Once happy with the overall look I started forming the metal. The latching system in C2 Vette compete with guide pins too. The side windows on the real one pop out, and right now I don't know if I want to do that yet. I might wait until final assembly/ paint for that. I'm going to form the rear glass by heating acrylic to fit the shape. More on that soon!

In other news, I designed a battery topper for mine to look like the original style battery. My neighbor came through again with a better than I could hoped for final product. Really cool. I think it, he makes it so! I fitted and glued all the parts together to create a vintage style battery topped. Whaddaya think?


249932
249933
249934
249935

More to come....

Cheers
Dave
Looks good. Have you priced a Bosch Klassik Battery? :shocked:


https://www.pkwteile.de/bosch/11159213

[A12pilot]

.... exactly why I made this cover! :scholar::eek2:

Wrapping up the Hardtop latches and waiting on the weatherstripping to arrive.

More to come!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

250380

Hardtop formation continues! The latch mounts are welded in, so now I just need to screw in the guide pins and I can then finish the bodywork on it for now.

250381

250382

250383

250384

I'm finishing up the A-Pillar interior trim with the receiving latch hardware, rearview mirror, and sun visors. The visors are a dual pivot design which really only block the sun if it's directly in front of you at about the 10:00 position. Other than that, they just seem to not do much of anything. But I gotta have them! :biggthumpup:

Of course, I had to put on the license plate on the back. :cool2:
250385

More to come....

Cheers
Dave

PS: interestingly, we bought a new BMW X4 yesterday and I received a discount for brand loyalty after I showed the sales guy a photo. Interestingly enough more than that, he didn't know what a 507 was, but the manager sure did! Of course, the sales guy couldn't drive a stick either, so that explained a lot:rolleyes2:

[useless tony]

After seeing what you've done with the creation of this masterpiece, I have no choice but to voluntarily turn in my "man card", give away all my tools and I will never again stand to pee ... I no longer feel worthy of the title "man".

Unfortunately this won't be news to my wife.

On the plus side, I guess I get to golf from the ladies tees now.

If I hadn't seen the build pics of this car, I honestly would not have believed it.

Absolutely incredible work.

[markinnaples]

Any pics of the new Z4 Dave?

[A12pilot]

Geeze, that's quite flattering but I wouldn't go that far! :worship: Very kind of you to say that. Yes, this has been quite an experience going through this build.

X4 Mark, not Z4. They've goofed up just about every style car they offer except the 8 series (over $100k) or the 2 series (too small for those big goofy grilles). Here's the new buggy! No hybrid, no electric, no battery, just twin-turbo ozone depleting fun! :cool2:

250425

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

I’ve been following this build from 6/18 and still amazed at your vision/creation Dave!
I can’t wait to see it at MCACN.
Congratulations on ALL of your accomplishments.
Truly amazing.
I’m not ready to turn in my man card though………….

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Dave! Looking forward to seeing you again this year! Something about cookies and beer?:naughty:

Cheers
Dave

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

If I take my shoes off can I sit in it to see the interior?

This is an epic build!!!

Ryan W31

[A12pilot]

No need for shoes off, Ryan. Come have a seat! Looking forward to seeing you again.

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

5 mile cruise today just to ensure something would break prior to brining it to Chicago. Nothing broke yet, but I got another week of driving yet to do! :scholar:

250594

250595

250596

250597

250598

250599

250600

250601

250602

250603

In the backyard for some photos. Looking forward to the show!

Cheers
Dave

[scuncio]

Unreal, congratulations.

[TimG]

It looks great, Dave, I can't wait to see your car in person. I see you have scorched earth after our record-breaking hot summer. Our grass is finally coming back in Austin with the rain we received the last week.

[Xplantdad]

Looks Awesome Dave! Sorry I will miss it. :biggthumpup:

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Tony. :biggthumpup: Tim, looking forward to you seeing you and yeah, grass is finally growing although we’re at the end of the season. :thumbsdown:

Not going Bruce? You’re the official photographer, you gotta go!:scholar:

Cheers
Dave

[RPOLS3]

Something about cookies and beer?:naughty:

Cheers
Dave

LOL - Mom just e-mailed me to confirm the quantity of cookies she will make for the show this year. Tradition........

[Too Many Projects]

LOL - Mom just e-mailed me to confirm the quantity of cookies she will make for the show this year. Tradition........
I'll have to find you early to pay for whatever that part is I agreed to buy and get a couple of these famous cookies.

[useless tony]

Based on a post on F-book by Legendary Motorcar Company (Ontario Canada), they have a 1958 BMW 507 Series II in stock.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Based on a post on F-book by Legendary Motorcar Company (Ontario Canada), they have a 1958 BMW 507 Series II in stock.

I was at LMC last week and didn’t see it.

Maybe in the back?

We just looked at the showroom floor.

Ryan W31

[A12pilot]

I wonder what chassis number it is? I checked their site, nothing up on it yet. Albert Bold’s car (the repaint Pontiac Blue one that sold at auction last year for $2.3mil) is chassis #70059 and was bought by someone in Canada. Wondering if they did a mechanical on it to flip it? :hmmm:

Anxious to see what number it is.

Cheers
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/27/95/APklPz6i_o.png (https://imgbox.com/APklPz6i)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1712630748969016/posts/3826332014265535/

[dykstra]

https://youtu.be/244dDqC29xU?si=gHa8f6rpGzF6d-aW

[A12pilot]

A very good presentation. Peter does a great job of explaining the car perfectly. Thanks for posting this one! I’ll have to see what chassis number it is. I think I know it, but need to confirm. I wish I could be as articulate as him during a presentation!:laugh:

One commonly misunderstood thing is regarding Elvis owning two of them, when in fact, he didn’t. Peter says he ordered two which isn’t the case and its lore has continued in many stories of 507 history. Chassis #70079 was a demonstrator by BMW and campaigned by Hans Stuck in a few races before Elvis bought it. Elvis bought the car from a dealership owned by Heinrich Gustav Wirth where he explained “I sold the used car to Elvis for $3,750. The factory price was $7,500.”

The second car that was associated with Elvis was never owned/registered or ordered by him either, and it wasn’t new. Elvis starred in a movie “Fun in Acapulco” in 1963 with Ursula Andress. He tried to give Ursula a Cadillac convertible as a gift which she refused. She told him if he wanted to give her a gift, she would like the BMW he had in Germany. That car had since been sold years prior, so another white BMW (chassis #70192) was gifted to Ursula. This was given to her in 1963/1964 timeframe after the movie was released. Remember that production ended in 1959 so he could not have ordered this one either . The original owner of that car is known in BMW records as is all the whereabouts of all remaining chassis numbers.

Fun stuff learning the history of these cars! :scholar:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[useless tony]

I was at LMC last week and didn’t see it.

Maybe in the back?

We just looked at the showroom floor.

Ryan W31


My understanding is that LMC has a more secluded/private/special cars showroom/display area up the stairs, on the second floor. This area is not typically open to the general public. The 507 could be up there instead of on the main floor showroom, or maybe the car is no longer in their possession. I believe a person can occasionally be allowed up there but not without an employee present.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

My understanding is that LMC has a more secluded/private/special cars showroom/display area up the stairs, on the second floor. This area is not typically open to the general public. The 507 could be up there instead of on the main floor showroom, or maybe the car is no longer in their possession. I believe a person can occasionally be allowed up there but not without an employee present.

Yes they have a second floor, and we were not allowed up there as we were not buyers, just browsing:-)

Peter Klutt gave me a full tour on my 40th Birthday (Beautiful, Cutlass loving wife set that up)

Ryan W31

[Too Many Projects]

Yes they have a second floor, and we were not allowed up there as we were not buyers, just browsing:-)Ryan W31
Wow, just lost any minute spark of interest I had about this place...

[Z282NV]

Yes they have a second floor, and we were not allowed up there as we were not buyers, just browsing:-)

Peter Klutt gave me a full tour on my 40th Birthday (Beautiful, Cutlass loving wife set that up)

Ryan W31

I was there in 2009 looking at 1970 LS5 Chevelle. At that time I was allowed to go up to the second floor and look. I guess times have changed. Big regret not buying that car.

[useless tony]

Wow, just lost any minute spark of interest I had about this place...

I have been on the main floor showroom several times and have seen many extremely cool cars. Legit GT40's (the ones from the 60's), Hemi cars, LS6 cars, a Pagani Zonda R (incredible carbon fiber work), true 427 Cobra's, Boss 429 etc etc. After viewing the main floor I have never once left feeling sad I wasn't able to view the upstairs. I don't know if they still do it but on certain days they would take anyone in the showroom for a tour of the shop ... that is fact, I toured it once myself.

I don't blame anyone for limiting the general publics ability to wander unattended amongst some very rare and valuable cars.

If you are ever invited and choose not to attend, I will gladly take your spot :grin:

[TimG]

Peter and his wife were in Austin at the F1 track last weekend for the SCCA vintage races. They both came by the house on Saturday night to see my cars and enjoy the views of the Texas Hill Country. He's always been great to me and has let me know that if I ever show up at Legendary Motorcars, I can drive any 427 Cobra he has.

[realzed]

I was there in 2009 looking at 1970 LS5 Chevelle. At that time I was allowed to go up to the second floor and look. I guess times have changed. Big regret not buying that car.

Where exactly is LMC located?
The reason I ask is years ago on my way home, headed North and down through Barrie and past the old horse racing track, headed home to Sudbury - what appeared and sounded like a dark red Cobra (427 badging and stickers) merged out of a South Barrie street onto hwy 400 right beside my wife and I - driven by a guy who looked a lot like Peter who I had only seen on his Motorweek TV program I believe it was called - and zoomed away only to pull back into Barrie about a mile or so later.
I always wondered if it was him taking one of the 'toys' for a quick squirt test drive.
Certainly was a loud and fast car - neat to see certainly.
Even my wife who has no interest in cars in general commented about how strange looking, loud, and fast it was!

[Z282NV]

Where exactly is LMC located?
The reason I ask is years ago on my way home, headed North and down through Barrie and past the old horse racing track, headed home to Sudbury - what appeared and sounded like a dark red Cobra (427 badging and stickers) merged out of a South Barrie street onto hwy 400 right beside my wife and I - driven by a guy who looked a lot like Peter who I had only seen on his Motorweek TV program I believe it was called - and zoomed away only to pull back into Barrie about a mile or so later.
I always wondered if it was him taking one of the 'toys' for a quick squirt test drive.
Certainly was a loud and fast car - neat to see certainly.
Even my wife who has no interest in cars in general commented about how strange looking, loud, and fast it was!

Their showroom and shop are located in Halton Hills, Ontario.

[dykstra]

Where exactly is LMC located?
The reason I ask is years ago on my way home, headed North and down through Barrie and past the old horse racing track, headed home to Sudbury - what appeared and sounded like a dark red Cobra (427 badging and stickers) merged out of a South Barrie street onto hwy 400 right beside my wife and I - driven by a guy who looked a lot like Peter who I had only seen on his Motorweek TV program I believe it was called - and zoomed away only to pull back into Barrie about a mile or so later.
I always wondered if it was him taking one of the 'toys' for a quick squirt test drive.
Certainly was a loud and fast car - neat to see certainly.
Even my wife who has no interest in cars in general commented about how strange looking, loud, and fast it was!

It was called “Dream Car Garage”:headbang:

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/2b/fc/CuvGSweB_o.jpg (https://imgbox.com/CuvGSweB)

[Z282NV]

Hey Dave, I see you are 15th on the list....saving the best for last!

15. 1:30 & 4:00: ONE MAN’S DREAM; The Creation of the 507. Learn how and why Dave Molnar built the complete car of his dreams literally from the ground up.

I would have loved to be there and meet you and to see this beautiful creation of yours but I have another trip booked at the same time to visit my sister out in British Columbia who is suffering from a rare form of leukemia. Maybe next year you will return with it all painted and the interior fully completed??

I just want to wish you the all best at MCACN, you going to blow them out of the water!

Safe travels.

[A12pilot]

Rats, Joe! Was looking forward to meeting you too. Hopefully next year. :biggthumpup:

Yes, in regards to presentations and such, I'm not sure what Bob was thinking about why anyone would want to listen to me blab about this.... twice!! I was only informed of this executive decision a few hours ago. But, fear not! I have plenty to talk about yet will say the least amount of tangible fluff relating to anything educational which will leave most scratching their head in disbelief as to why I was given a microphone in the first place!:hmmm::biggthumpup:

Big news today though. I was able to finally source a passenger side outer grille surrounds which leaves me missing only the driver's side. That will complete all required trim items for final assembly/paint next year! Woohoo!:laugh: Best part is this is a hand crafted part from 1959 from the fella that made this for a particular car. The inner grille is made from Martelleria which is the company that restores them for BMW. Just one more part time find, or I may try and make the other side myself.

250911
250912
250913
In other related news, the car left for Chicago today. First time is been out of my sight, ever. Here's what one looks like without a 507 in the garage. :shocked:

250914
250915
250916

See you in a few days! Let me car be the meeting place for the sYc. If you decide to stop by, please say hi. Some I know, most I don't.

Cheers
Dave

[Too Many Projects]

You forgot the top, Dave... https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/q752/Stillwaterchevs/willynilly.gif

[Hawkeye]

It’s only Monday, with the 507 out of the way you’ll probably have the Ferrari done by the time you land in Chicago. :grin:
See you Saturday.

[A12pilot]

Top? Oh, crap!!:eek2::eek2::eek2:

No, decided not to bring it this year, Mitch. One less thing to have in the way. But if asked to return to the show with a finished car, then it'll be with me the next time it comes to Chicago. :biggthumpup:

See you soon!

Cheers
Dave

(OK, yeah, I might have already started parts collecting on the F-Car:biggthumpup:. But there's a Vette that needs attention. Look the other way Mitch!:smile:)

[A12pilot]

On the way to the airport. See yous guys soon!
251068
Cheers
Dave
PS: appropriate poster in the background too!

[Xplantdad]

Fly safe Dave!!:beers:

[Charley Lillard]

Ha !!!!!

[Z282NV]

Ha !!!!!

Those pictures are worth framing. Have a great time!

[A12pilot]

He was already in the car making engine noises before I got there!!:burnout:

251081

251082

251083

Gonna be a fun weekend! We arrived on runway 28C at ORD which puts us just South of Rosemont. This picture looks North up River Road, convention center on the right above the trees in the lower right side of the pic, and a few hotels right across the street as you follow the elevated pedestrian bridge over the highway.

66 degrees. Nice!!

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[dykstra]

Can’t wait!!

[Chazman]

Dave, great meeting and chatting with you tonight at MCACN. Your car is.....well, unbelievably magnificent. Thanks for walking us through it. Now, to read your thread!

Charlie

[A12pilot]

Nice meeting you too, Charlie! Thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself. Pleasure meeting you. Please excuse the dry wit. It's all the glue sniffing during the model building as a kid:biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

[Keith Seymore]

Awesome display, awesome vehicle, awesome people.

I look forward to meeting you some day, Dave.

K

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

It was awesome chatting with you guys at MCACN!!

I hope I was able to convey how impressed I am with this build!!!

I can’t wait to visit Texas someday to see how this level of awesome occurs in the real world!!!

Ryan W31

[big gear head]

I'm glad I got to talk to you and Kelly for a few minutes. The car is awesome and I hope you get to bring it back when it's finished. I wish I had got a picture of you with the car, but I didn't think of it until it was too late.

[dykstra]

Car looked great Dave! Anytime I went to talk to you, people were lined up waiting to speak with you.
Sorry I missed y’all!

[Dusk Blue Z]

Great to meet you and your wife, Dave. I followed your build here, the car looks awesome in person. Great work, you inspire me to get out in the shop today.

Mike

[Jonesy]

Saw the car and saw you but you were busy talking. Was just going to say hi and shake your hand and congratulate you on the journey.:worship: Amazing workmanship :worship:

[A12pilot]

251185

What an awesome time. Finally met a bunch of folks I wanted too, missed a bunch I wanted to see again. I think next year I'm going to only rent a space and put a chair up just so I can have the pleasure of meeting everyone in person on this site and not miss anyone. It was such a fun time and I humbled from the compliments of my handiwork. I made a few VERY interesting contacts from the show. Just am awesome time and the new winner of the Future Fabricator Award was well deserved.

251186

251187

251188

251189

John K from the Mecum venue spent about an hour with me asking questions. Very intriguing conversation. No, it won't be going across any stage anytime soon. :no:

Then this guy showed up for a photo op....:tongue:

251190

So good to see everyone. Wish I could have met some more in person. I was literally walking around with a smile on my face non-stop.

More to come!!

Cheers to you guys!

Dave

PS: Most flattering part was Charley. He was basically a satellite orbiting my car the entire time grabbing others to take a look. You couldn't resist! So amazing

[TimG]

It was great to meet you and your wife, Dave. I loved seeing your car in person, also.

[A12pilot]

Good to finally meet you too, Tim! A funny thing, a judge showed up to look over and score my car. I respectfully wandered over, and a conversation ensued:

251210

Me: "Hello, I'm Dave. May I answer any questions for you? "
Judge: "Hi. I had to look at photos to see what this was and if it looked like it."
Me: "What exactly are you looking for? "
Judge: "I don't know. You don't have a class listed so I'm not sure what I'm looking at. "
Coy Me: "I see. So you're telling me I have no class?"
Miffed Judge: "I didn't say that, you just don't have a category for your car. "
Apologetic Me: "I was just joking, and didn't mean..."
Agitated Judge: "This isn't a joke. Judging is serious. Here, sign this."
Rolling eye Emoji Me: "Total points out of 1,000....14. Awesome!"
Vicki at Awards Ceremony: "The winner with no class, Dave Molnar, with a 1957 BMW 507":biggthumpup:

I say this all in fun, but it did get judged by mistake.
Judge was honest in that he didn't know what it was or why I was even being judged. It was all a mistake (including inviting me! :tongue:)

Cheers
Dave

[L16pilot]

Dave, it was great to finally meet you in person and your 507-R is eve more impressive in person than in the pics. i am even more amazed and humbled than before!

[Charley Lillard]

I kinda wondered how and why they were judging it also. Probably just so Vicki could say. "The winner with no class, Dave Molnar, with a 1957 BMW 507":biggthumpup:

[TimG]

That's too funny......

[flyingn]

Looked great, Dave! We had to bail from bringing two cars this year, unfortunately. It would have been great to meet you

[Chazman]

Wow Dave!!!!!! Wow! Wow! Wow! I just finished this thread front to back and am speechless......except for WOW!

I was tempted to respond to your various posts, but refrained as this thread would have been an additional 10 pages.

When I saw your 507 at MCACN I had no idea. I just figured it was someone's old 507 with some fancy paperwork. I'm glad my friend educated me and was able to meet and chat with you about it for a bit. This is top shelf stuff.

Regarding the MCACN judging we discussed, my advice to them would be to simply assign max points and move along.

Damn dude, so impressed!!!!

Charlie

[Too Many Projects]

Wow Dave!!!!!! Wow! Wow! Wow! I just finished this thread front to back and am speechless......except for WOW!

I was tempted to respond to your various posts, but refrained as this thread would have been an additional 10 pages.

When I saw your 507 at MCACN I had no idea. I just figured it was someone's old 507 with some fancy paperwork. I'm glad my friend educated me and was able to meet and chat with you about it for a bit. This is top shelf stuff.

Regarding the MCACN judging we discussed, my advice to them would be to simply assign max points and move along.

Damn dude, so impressed!!!!

Charlie
When I read your earlier comment about reading the whole thread, I was wondering how long it would take you... we've had the benefit of time and not have to go thru the whole thing at once.

And I agree on the scoring. One area is originality. That should have scored 1,000 by itself. Every part of that car is "original" to it.

[Too Many Projects]

I kinda wondered how and why they were judging it also. Probably just so Vicki could say. "The winner with no class, Dave Molnar, with a 1957 BMW 507":biggthumpup:
Hmmmm.. maybe the Yenko forum members can have a nice plaque made up for Dave to hang in his garage...:biggthumpup:

[Chazman]

When I read your earlier comment about reading the whole thread, I was wondering how long it would take you... we've had the benefit of time and not have to go thru the whole thing at once.

And I agree on the scoring. One area is originality. That should have scored 1,000 by itself. Every part of that car is "original" to it.

I started Saturday night. There are very few 100 page threads where I don't lose interest by page 2.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Charlie. You said you were going to do it, and you did!:laugh::biggthumpup: I’m glad you were able to get through my lunacy!:tongue: Now you can see why I just couldn’t explain it all in mere minutes.

This show was so epic on so many levels. Many great contacts, many great introductions, and many friendships to cherish over the years.

Thanks for all the compliments and following along. Next year there will be such memorable moments as Paint; where’s my roller? EFI; why did I even think that was a good idea? And Upholstery; covering up mistakes, one piece of fabric at a time!:bs:

She comes home Monday and the road testing begins. Hopefully some good driving videos :biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

https://images2.imgbox.com/e7/ff/hI4YKhvO_o.png (https://imgbox.com/hI4YKhvO)

1959 BMW 507 Roadster

LOT R790 // KISSIMMEE 2024

3168cc/150 HP V-8, 4-Speed, No. 242 of 252 Built

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1106023/1959-bmw-507-roadster/

[Chazman]

Thanks, Charlie. You said you were going to do it, and you did!:laugh::biggthumpup: I’m glad you were able to get through my lunacy!:tongue: Now you can see why I just couldn’t explain it all in mere minutes.

This show was so epic on so many levels. Many great contacts, many great introductions, and many friendships to cherish over the years.

Thanks for all the compliments and following along. Next year there will be such memorable moments as Paint; where’s my roller? EFI; why did I even think that was a good idea? And Upholstery; covering up mistakes, one piece of fabric at a time!:bs:

She comes home Monday and the road testing begins. Hopefully some good driving videos :biggthumpup:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

For sure. I really had to go through the whole thread to get the full impact of what you've done here. Every detail impressive - but those MUTT/frying pan wheels, though........

[A12pilot]

Everyone seemed to love those wheels. :scholar: Plus, I break down on the side of the road and I can make a non-stick dinner!:wink:

Car comes home Monday!

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[Too Many Projects]

You could incorporate that as part of the display next year !! Have a small camp stove and cooking supplies in the trunk as a survival kit for a break down. Make another center cap and have it on the stove. Fashion a spare lug wrench to have a spatula on the handle. I'd like to see the grumpy judge's face when he saw that... "This isn't a joke....judging is serious business"..:grin:

[njsteve]

Dave, you do realize that you have created an actual 1:1 scale Transformer? It converts from a BMW into a cooking stove.

You are truly one the immortals that Budweiser classified as the "Real Men of Genius". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsC3ni7A88M&ab_channel=zatoblade

[Hawkeye]

Got to see this one up close. I like Dave’s version better.

[A12pilot]

Wow, thank you for the compliment!:worship:

53 miles on it so far and nothing catastrophic, so that's good. All on track for disassembly later this month in preps for paint! :cool2:

More to come!!

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,Are the window cranks correct on the red Beemer pictured above??? They sort of look like billet style hot rod stuff.....Bill S

[Too Many Projects]

----Dave,,,Are the window cranks correct on the red Beemer pictured above??? They sort of look like billet style hot rod stuff.....Bill S
I was thinking the entire door panel looked modernized and what is the big screen in the middle of the dash ? Looks like a audio/gps display ?

[A12pilot]

Everything stock and correct inside and the door panels are 100% stock. Window handles, door actuators are correct too. The large black thing in the middle of the dash is the speaker grille/ cover.

Cheers
Dave

[PeteLeathersac]

‘

I like Dave’s car better, especially the ‘Fudge’ Wheels not seen w/ pic above.:worship:
:beers:
~ Pete

.

[A12pilot]

No sale again at $1.4m. This isn't the venue for these cars and the bad part is that this one now has the stigma of a boomerang auction lot. Just keeps circling back. Too bad.

253844

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

There's 100 miles on the car now, and luckily, only minor items that needed fixing. I turned my attention to the front bumper which I needed to shorten up since it was way too wide. I did that to the back bumper which required about 6" to be taken out. The front needed 8 total. This now fits correctly.

254620

254621

254622

254623

254624

254625

254626

254627

254628

This week I'll install my 2x2 intake and once I know it's running correctly, the disassembly will start for paint and a few other things I still need to fab on. The grille openings need to be massaged to fit the real parts, then all the trim heads to the chrome shop.

I'm in talks with a custom wheel maker to have a set of polished aluminum wheels made. Design will be like the Rudge, but a heck of a lot lighter.

More to come!

Cheers
Dave

[Steve Shauger]

Love it Dave. So many amazing improvements you've made in this from scratch build. Love every update and look forward to seeing it painted and more tricks up your sleeve. Your ingenuity is amazing!!!!!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Steve! I’m probably going to get side tracked with a couple more projects shortly, but progress will continue!

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

It looks great, Dave.....

[olredalert]

----As usual, just bitchin, Dave!....Bill S

[A12pilot]

Final bodywork starts today! After the 100 mile test drive, I've decided on what needs to be changed and will start ordering those parts.

I'm hoping June/ July for final paint. Been chatting with a few upholstery shops too and one is really excited about doing my car, but it's up in Connecticut. I'd rather have the car local to me (or at least in a short flight range) to check on things when needed.

258461

258462

258463

258464

258465

258466

More to come!!

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

So what needs to be changed Dave? It looks perfect to me.

[A12pilot]

Hi Joe,

I wasn’t happy with the transmission shifter placement, so I’m swapping out tail shafts on the T5 to the Camaro version which will put the shifter exactly where it needs to be. Those parts are headed this way. Parking brake linkage and cable routing changed. Electric window regulators to allow me to make the door panel correct with the larger lower pockets. Changing cooling fans to swirl style (straight blades sound like a F5 tornado approaching!) Floor plenum ducts for the footwell heater/vents. Inner Door latches moved/new mechanism. Higher rate coils for the back. Rear convertible top well modified a bit for more top clearance. Hardtop needs to be massaged a bit on the forward edge. Drip troughs in the hood area trunk area, and door weather stripping retainer channel installed. I think that’s about it!:hmmm::biggthumpup:

:beers:
Dave

[Too Many Projects]

Are all those running changes going to be noted in the next edition of the AIM ?

[big gear head]

Your speedometer gear location might change when you change the tail housing on the transmission. BW made different main shafts for those transmissions for the different gear locations. I don't know which shaft you have and if the gear location will change or not, but just giving you a heads up so you won't be surprised.

[Z282NV]

Hi Joe,

I wasn’t happy with the transmission shifter placement, so I’m swapping out
tail shafts on the T5 to the Camaro version which will put the shifter exactly where it needs to be. Those parts are
headed this way. Parking brake linkage and cable routing changed. Electric window regulators to allow me to make the door panel correct with the larger
lower pockets. Changing cooling fans to swirl style (straight blades sound like a F5 tornado approaching!) Floor plenum ducts for the footwell
heater/vents. Inner Door latches moved/new mechanism. Higher rate coils for the back. Rear convertible top well modified a bit for more top
clearance. Hardtop needs to be massaged a bit on the forward edge. Drip troughs in the hood area trunk area, and door weather stripping
retainer channel installed. I think that’s about it!:hmmm::biggthumpup:

:beers:

Dave

That is very smart of you to get some
miles on it before making the final touches like interior and paint. I can't wait to see it done like the rest of us following you on this journey. :biggthumpup:

[dykstra]

Any updates Super Dave??

[A12pilot]

Hi Dave!

Yes! I've been fitting the grilles to the car. These are the ones made from Martelleria in Germany that restores these for BMW. I am currently waiting on the driver's side outer grille surrounds to be made and shipped, then I'll fit that to the car too. The 3D printed plastic grilles I had made were just about perfectly sized, but the metal lip around the edge needed to be formed better. If you look closely, the grille sets into the metal which rounds over. The grille doesn't sit on top on the metal. It's a subtle detail, but it matters. I'm close. I like the way its looking.

260335

260336

260337

260338

More to come and It should be in paint in a few months!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

It's a very slow process with these details but think the end result will be well worth it.

Can't wait for paint!

Cheers
Dave

[Billohio]

Those fit really nice. Good work Dave!

[parkbrau]

Have you seen this? Hans Stuck beating the crap out of a 507 at Gaisbergrennen in 1959.

[dykstra]

I need my Super Dave fix! Any updates?

[A12pilot]

Hey Dave!

Haven't posted any updates since they're boring and not overly exciting, but I've turned a page and am in the final block sanding stretch!:headbang:

263277

I'll have more in the coming days/ weeks leading to paint. Next week I drop things off at the chrome shop. Woohoo!

Thanks for checking in!

Cheers
Dave

[markinnaples]

Not sure if this was posted before, but here is Super Dave's YouTube Channel for your viewing pleasure:

https://www.youtube.com/@superdave007/videos

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Mark! I need to do more, but making vids means less time actually working on what it is in making the video about! :haha:

Here's the 220 round and some lows that need to be fixed. I also needed to fabricate the wood header and extend the other bows on the donor top I'm using. Also made up the retaining strip which will go into the pile of chrome parts I need plated. This is just a sheet I used to see where I needed to extend the bows.

263406

263407

263408

263409

263410

263411

263412

263413

The rear bow needs to be extended and the middle two raised with a foam spacer. That should match up with the original lines. Should be down to 320 by the weekend!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

263468

https://www.goodingco.com/lot/1957-bmw-507-series-ii-1/

This is the sister car to Chassis 70079, Elvis' former car, which were both owned by the late Jack Castor.
This is the blue car in the videos showing the two cars together.
This is the color combo of mine when done!

Cheers
Dave

[cook_dw]

Amazing work like always Dave. Love the blue top. Nice touch.

[markinnaples]

Hey Dave, Saw your latest video and it looks like you're super close to paint, congrats.
Looks good!

[A12pilot]

Thanks guys! Yep, going to start painting in about a week. Several stages of the process and it’ll take a few days. I’m pretty excited and can’t wait!! Been very busy with a few things around here so I haven’t had time ti update things, but I’ll be back on track once it’s sitting in Federweiss. Pics to come later this month. Happy August!

Cheers
Dave

[Billohio]

Good luck Dave. That will be exciting to see your creation painted

[A12pilot]

And it begins! Undercarriage, engine bay, jambs, trunk, interior are all painted Federweiss. Underside of the hood and deck lid are tomorrow. Then I’ll assemble so I can paint the exterior as one piece Friday! Woohoo!:headbang:
266485

266486

266487

266488

More to come over the weekend! Just in time for Monterey Week where 3 507s will go across the block!

Cheers
Dave

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Your motivation always impresses me to no end!!!

This will be the most special 507 in the world!!!

Ryan W31

[olredalert]

Your motivation always impresses me to no end!!!

This will be the most special 507 in the world!!!

Ryan W31

----Motivation,,,,,,and energy!!!.....Bill S

[Z282NV]

What a work of art this 507 is. There are very few people in this world I believe that can pull this off with the tools/equipment that Dave worked with. Blows my mind every time I see pictures of it.

[A12pilot]

You guys are awesome! Thank you! Final walk around with a pencil and tape to circle any imperfections I see prior to color. More to come!!

Cheers
Dave

[MosportGreen66]

To make the heart of the build more authentically BMW?

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/engine-37/?utm_source=dm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2024-08-15

[A12pilot]

Well, that's a 502 motor. The 507's was a little different and man, did you see the cracks in that thing? Yikes! Nothing a little JB Weld can't fix!:shocked:

Sadly, on this day in 1977, Elvis passed away. Fittingly though, my 507 is painted in the same color as his, Federweiss!

266758

266759

266760

266761

266762

266763

266764

266765

I'm exhausted!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

And a few of Elvis taking delivery of his used 507!:flag: these first three are him at the dealer.

266766

266767

266768

These next three are him on the base

266769

266770

266771

This bottom one shows it after he painted it “Fire Engine Red” which was actually a Porsche color at the time.

266772

Cheers
Dave

[69M22Z]

Wild!!!

[69M22Z]

Good to be king!!

[Z282NV]

Looks great Dave! Just going to have a toast of Fiederweisser for all your hard work. :beers:

[big gear head]

Look at the third picture. Did you see the ripples and waves in the rocker panel and the door? Dave I bet the fit and finish on yours is much better than the originals.

[A12pilot]

Man, I know I'm not the best blocker-outter but you don't have to pick out every flaw on my car, Freddie! :eek2: OH, You mean Elvis's car. :wink: I attribute some of that to old photo distortion, honestly. But they did have their inconsistencies for sure. And remember, his car was a used demonstrator with some race car pedigree to boot.

Undercoating is sprayed in the wells and on the trunk pan. A lot more care for overspray taken this time. So many over restored cars don't have this, but I wanted it on mine. I think it looks better too.
267100

267101

267102

267103

267104

267105

Wetsanded to 3000 grit. Polish up next!

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

Looking great Super Dave!!

[olredalert]

----The best of your build will be coming up soon. Can't wait to see the parts go on the finished body. Love that part of every frame off resto I've ever done!!!!....Bill S

[Z282NV]

Man, I know I'm not the best blocker-outter but you don't have to pick out every flaw on my car, Freddie! :eek2: OH, You mean Elvis's car. :wink: I attribute some of that to old photo distortion, honestly. But they did have their inconsistencies for sure. And remember, his car was a used demonstrator with some race car pedigree to boot.

Undercoating is sprayed in the wells and on the trunk pan. A lot more care for overspray taken this time. So many over restored cars don't have this, but I wanted it on mine. I think it looks better too.


Wetsanded to 3000 grit. Polish up next!

Cheers
Dave

Looks fantastic Dave :biggthumpup:. For interest sake, how many coats of base and clear coat did you decide to go with?

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Guys. And agreed Bill. Can’t wait to get the polishing done and get those parts back on!

Joe, it’s two coats of base which covered nicely, then four coats of clear. DCU2021, Slow reducer based on the upper 80s temps in the booth/shop. It flowed nicely! Good grief none of this stuff is cheap! I want to say I’m past the $7k mark just in supplies, easily. I lost count, honestly.

Cheers
Dave

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

I am also a big fan of perfectly restored cars (or built from scratch) with undercoat just like they were new, it is too easy to leave it all perfectly painted, it takes some balls to hit it with tar!!!

Ryan W31

[mssl72]

100 pages!!! Congrats Dave!! Car is looking spectacular!!

[A12pilot]

Thank you thank you! It’s crazy. And 438,000 views!!:blush::biggthumpup::beers::crazy:

It’s been quite a journey with you guys! So much more to come. Polishing starts next week!

Cheers
Dave

[1967Z28]

I was at the Barris Museum last night and saw these two pics. The first one said Ursula Andress and George Barris with the BMW that Elvis had gifted her. I guess Barris did the custom bumpers for her? Can't see much else modified.

[A12pilot]

Yep! This is the car commonly misunderstood by many to think Elvis ordered it new then gifted it to her. Not exactly correct. Elvis wanted to buy her a car and she wanted his BMW which he had already sold. So he told his guys to go find one, which they did, and he gave it to her as a gift. He never owned it, and Barris did some bumper work, trim, and exhaust work to it but that was about it. It still wears the bumpers to this day!:biggthumpup:

268990
268989

Notice the black painted undercarriage. Undercoating was applied by the factory on these as an option, but the side frame rails were not coated. Her car was blacked out by Barris to show the lines more, I’m guessing.

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----How's your masterpiece going, Dave? Peeps have to know!....Bill S

[A12pilot]

Hey Bill!

Funny you mention it, since I'm going to do an update this week with things. I should have the engine back in and a bunch of other things done. It should start to resemble a car again by Friday!:burnout:

More to come.....

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[mssl72]

Dave,
I saw this:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/tag/d/redondo-beach-kids-bmw-electric-car/7781086595.html

[A12pilot]

They came out with these right after I came up with the idea to build it. They’re pretty cool! Amazing some of the details they incorporated into it. :biggthumpup:

That’s a great price too! Thanks Mark! :biggthumpup: :laugh:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

Been steadily making progress and improvements along the way. More details soon, but it's really moving along!

Today the engine went in. I decided to do some more small details to add more "authenticity" to my fake! :cool2::dunno: A carburetor drip pan was used that drained the fuel off the intake on the original BMW V8. Yes, that's correct. Leaky carbs? No problem. Just getcha one of them drip pans under it!:confused2: I fabricated my own air cleaners to look close to the originally installed Knechts. Still a few more details to fix on those.

269368

269369

269370

269371

269372

269373

With vacation coming up I should have the car back on the road by the end of the month or early next month. Far from the finishline, but its really coming together and I'm happy with the progress.

More to come soon!

Cheers
Dave