The BMW 507 Ultimate Build Thread!!!

[markinnaples]

Wow, looking great Dave. Can't wait to see it all buttoned up, but enjoying the updates.

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,We need to know power figures, 0-to-60 times, all that stuff. Can't wait for the Motor Trend drivers test. we need to know how well the "Super Dave" rendition figures (of course way above) match up to the original tutonic performance numbers from way back when....Bill S

[MarcDant]

Nice Dave, all those components are really sliding intact nicely as you are coming to the ultimate stage. Thanks for sharing all your hard work.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

If you ever sell this car I want to buy it!!!

I will pay one USD per build hour :-) (I just did the math and rescind my offer as I don’t have 250K USD laying around :-)

This is an absolutely epic build!!!

Ryan W31

[mssl72]

Dave, maybe take it to Charlies and do a burnout!

[Lynn]

Planning to have this a MCACN again?
This year?

[A12pilot]

I hear ya, Bill! Let’s see, let me get out my best John Davis voice from Motorweek….:cool2:

“Hellooow, and Welcome to Motorweek. Today we’ll be discussing the rarely featured and never heard of, BMW 507. A car renowned for it’s drop dead good looks, less than impressive performance given the day, and exorbitant price tag which let everyone know you definitely had more money than sense. Today’s example is a Feather White convertible that’s sure to put a smile on your face knowing you’ve spent more than what most people make in a year on a car that can be out paced by the finest autos 1956 Yugoslavia has to offer.”
{enter a driver haphazardly sitting in the seat rapidly and forcefully adjusting every knob, seat position, and convenience item the car may have} “We enter the interior to find an outdated dashboard reminiscent of the Tiger Tanks of forgotten lore. Unlabeled control knobs leave one wondering if they switched on the radio or operated the cigarette lighter, or perhaps actuated the ejection seat. Climate control is handled by a confusing arrangement of sliding knobs which creating a feeling of Christmas morning awe as you wonder where the conditioned air you selected will eventually come out of the dash from, if at all, and what temperature it may be. Once inside, the turn of a key and the hitting of an awkwardly placed starter button brings the BMW 3.2L OHV all aluminum V8 to life. Although not without its cold start idiosyncrasies which may remind some of a grumpy elder discussing times past with younger generations. We take to the road and are immediately impressed with the way BMW impeccably captured the handling characteristics of the Lusitania as it rounded Cape Horn in the choppiest of seas. Zero-to-Sixty time was a gasping 12 second excursion. Brakes are equally impressive with the stopping distance of a Freightliner resulting in our example coming to a halt in just 85 meters from a blistering sixty mile an hour speed. But all was forgotten when we pulled up to the first four-way stop on our Austrian back road drive as all stopped to stare at the gorgeous exterior and wave us on. Of course, not knowing the local traffic laws, one wonders why they were yelling whilst we pulled away smelling of gas from carburetors that leak worse than the Andrea Doria after the collision with the Stockholm that faithful day. BMW has a winner and it shows with an impressive sale of 252 units spanning four years.”


There. How’s that, Bill? Hmm..maybe I should make a narrative video of that!:haha:

Here’s some more assembly photos. I decided on getting a few parts chrome powder coated and am pretty impressed with the results. I do have some other parts I’ll be sending out to have traditional chrome done on them, but I’m very impressed with how these came out. While not as reflective as chrome, it’s more like polish aluminum. The wheels came out great and I’ll be painting the center portion body color next week and then the wheels go back on.
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Suspension is all blacked out where as before on the prebuild it was chrome/shiny. This adds more of a stock appearance and doesn’t stand out as much. I blacked out the Mustang II crossmember and engine mounts as well so as not to detract from the rest of the car much like the original suspension appears.
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Here’s a better closeup on the carburetor drip tray I hammered out. I’m mocking up the throttle linkage before I bolt the top end back on. This is the original 2x2 intake that I bought for the car and I formed the air cleaners to match the stock Knecht versions. These are slightly offset to allow proper spacing between the air cleaners. Overall, this is looking eerily close to the original engine. I had a remote oil filter mounted on the engine but I found a spin on filter that clears my suspension rack which eliminated the need for the remote filter. A good thing. And yes, the remote oil filter you see on the driver’s side engine bay is a dummy, like me! It’s for looks much like the fuse box, regulator, and relays all with fake wiring. I know, terrible….but convincing!
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Wiring is routed yet not terminated and I’ll get the dash in later this month. I ordered another steering wheel which I will describe later. Overall, I’m happy with the improvements on my “Series II” which will allow for more correct looks and better driving. Here's a pic of the undercarriage with the exhaust heat shielding in place, just like original
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No MCACN this year for me, Lynn. Work duties prevail and besides, the car won't be done by then but it should be done by early Spring barring upholstery. Perhaps next year? Doubtful. Bob took a lot of flak from this pile of scrap being front and center!!:hmmm::tongue:

More to come!!!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

OOO....that last photo makes my head hurt. Here's a more clearer one.
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Dash being pre-wired. I'm attaching all the heater lines before installing so there's less contusion and convulsing under the dash for me. After some hard work, it was off to HEB (our Texas grocery store) where I stumbled across my ultimate favorite beer: Shock Top Twisted Pretzel. This beer has the aftertaste of my beloved Snyder's of Hanover sour dough pretzels. I have three cases in the shop and another five at the house. Last time they came out with this is was seven years later until they made it again. Go try it...you'll love it!!!!!!

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Cheers!!!!
Dave

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[Lynn]

"Bob took a lot of flak from this pile of scrap being front and center!!"

I say that's just tough. Someone needs to get over it. Great cars are great cars, regardless.

[A12pilot]

I appreciate that compliment, Lynn. That comment was merely a joke that was sans an emoji to lighten the mood. :shocked: Like that one!:scholar: Even if he did get any grief over it, I don't think Bob's one to care what other's think.

I chatted non-stop when I was around the car which was incredibly flattering. I even saw that Wayne Fettuccini guy wander over a few times to get a better look

Oh, and Ryan. Despite my history, this one never leaves unless that check is big with a lot of zeros and commas and life enhancing!:scholar:

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----That John Davis guy really has a way with words,,,LOL!....Bill S

[A12pilot]

Progress is progressing! It's...ALIIIIVE!! All electrics hooked up and everything worked on the first try with no issues. But fear not! There's so much more that will go wrong later! :tongue:

I'm redoing the steering wheel and more on that later.

It's going a lot slower since this is the final time in doing it. Every connector gets shrink wrap to had the crimp, all the routing of the wires under the dash is neat and clean, and along the way a few re-engineering of a couple items takes more time to complete. But that's OK since it just makes for a better end product. :biggthumpup:

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There was a recall on my correct Michelin X vintage radials so they are shipping out another set. That's going to delay things a bit. Seats and door panels are off at the upholstery shop and that will take some time.

Last big things as of now are the convertible top, rear bumper, exhaust, and interior finishing along with the windshield. The last big item will be the hood and that'll go on after I get the engine running in case it needs anything. Much easier to work on sans a hood and I only want to put that on one more time.

I need to start thinking of another project after this one! Hard to believe I'm almost done and it should be wrapped up this year I hope!:3gears:

Cheers
Dave

[big gear head]

That's truly amazing.

[dykstra]

Agreed! Absolutely amazing!

[SS427]

I need to start thinking of another project after this one!
Dave

Can't wait to see what that'l be! :cool2:

[markinnaples]

So, what's the new project? A new Space Shuttle? Restoring The Concorde? Retrieving and restoring the moon space buggy?

[67since67]

So, what's the new project? A new Space Shuttle? Restoring The Concorde? Retrieving and restoring the moon space buggy?

Or raising and restoring the Titanic?? NP for Super Dave...

[Too Many Projects]

Now you know why BMW nearly went bankrupt producing that car...:wink:

What happened to that fiberglass body you had to have and drug home a year, or so, ago ?? You could build a frame for that and conjure up a suitable drivetrain.

[A12pilot]

Ha! You guys are awesome! :worship::worship:

That body was sold, Mitch. Too many things wrong with it to warrant a nice build. What's next? I'm thinking something a little easier and think I'd like to build this:
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We'll see!

More to come next week!

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----Awesome, Dave! Beemer looks great and a Cobra would be good if there weren't already so many. I absolutely know that yours would be one of the best, but you will have people asking you constantly if it's fiberglass, and dumb stuff like that. Parts are also too readily available for you to have it stand out like the BMW. Just a few random thoughts from an old fart....Bill S

[SuperNovaSS]

Unreal Dave! You are an inspiration to us all. Not only for taking on a monumental task but seeing it through to a high level.


Jason

[TimG]

Looking good, Dave. I hope to see the finished car.

[TimG]

I've always hoped someone would reproduce the Bill Mitchell 1959 race car, one of the most beautiful cars ever built. I'm sure there are a number of C1 chassies out there with all the Restomods being built.

[markinnaples]

I've always hoped someone would reproduce the Bill Mitchell 1959 race car, one of the most beautiful cars ever built. I'm sure there are a number of C1 chassies out there with all the Restomods being built.

Is that the same one that Elvis drives at the end of his one movie with the racing boats, Clambake?

[Keith Seymore]

I've always hoped someone would reproduce the Bill Mitchell 1959 race car, one of the most beautiful cars ever built. I'm sure there are a number of C1 chassies out there with all the Restomods being built.

That would be my dream. Dave is my inspiration.

K

[PeteLeathersac]

‘

:beers:
~ Pete

.

[A12pilot]

Oh, I get it Bill. It’s the main reason that I don’t want to build one, but they’re still pretty cool cars! I’d do the street version with no scoop, no side pipes, no rollbar. This would be an easier fun build. I’m looking at A&C Autos kit. They have some REEEEEALLY nice kits. Of course, and ERA Slabside would be fun too.

I appreciate the compliments on my 507 guys. I’m glad my tinkering might inspire others to go after that dream car no matter how far fetched it may seem. We only go around once (that I’m aware of) so might as well fulfill some car dreams along the way! It’s almost to the finish line and I’m excited.

Tim, dare I have TWO Elvis cars?:burnout: That’s a pretty cool ride!

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

Elvis cars could be your theme, Dave.

[TimG]

Cobras always get the "kit" question. Your BMW will probably never get that question.

When I had my Scarab, nobody ever asked if it was a "kit", nobody knew what the heck it was.

[Too Many Projects]

Slab side is too similar to what you just mastered. With A&C, you could build a replica '49-50 lead sled, or a chop top '35 Chevrolet coupe, etc. Just don't build another '32-34 Ford, they are everywhere too, like Cobra kit cars...:laugh:

[Z282NV]

Whatever you decide to do Dave, it will be killer. Looking forward to your next megathread.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Joe. I’m all over the place with my interests so who knows what’s really next?:hmmm:

It drives Kelly crazy!:biggthumpup:

I’ve decided I’m going to tackle the 507 upholstery myself too. I mean, why not? I’ve done this much, might as well try a new skill.:grin:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

Getting closer and closer! Sound/heat insulation is down in preps for carpet. I'm going to do that myself. It shows up tomorrow and the binding material is already here! The heater bezel is all connected via control cables to vents on the floor for both driver and passenger (lower two controls) recir/fresh air vent (upper the control), and temperature control. Of course, fan speed in the center. My second iteration of the steering wheel came out almost identical to the original. And speaking of that, I was able to buy an original wheel and it's being shipped from Germany as we speak! Woohoo! This one is an aluminum boat wheel and I fabricated the center cap to match the original. This is 15" in diameter versus the 18" one I had before. This will allow Charley to sit in it better! :laugh: The knobs and wheel are Ivory and I found an almost exact match to that color. After I sprayed that I used my PPG clear to get the final smooth finish.

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Windshield is in via glass urethane adhesive. More detail work on that in a bit. The doors are all weather stripped and shut solid with a nice thunk and not a clang. Engine bay drip rail is installed too. A lot of loose ends wrapping up.

I'm redoing the door panels out of different material and making the armrest full like it's supposed to be. I added electric windows so I can position the switch where I need it, and with that, the switch is the style that uses an old crank handle so it appears to look like a manual crank yet it's an electric switch.

Trunk details are next!

Cheers
Dave

[SS427]

Your crafting skills are amazing. If you fly as good as you fabricate you should be doing barrel rolls, loops and even lomcevaks with all those passengers smiling and laughing!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Rick. :biggthumpup: See, they don’t let us do stuff like that anymore. Ask Woj. Last time I flew with him we were loopin’ all the way to Cedar Rapids!:cool2:

I’m trying to get a lot of details correct so it appears as original as I can hope to achieve. Here’s the heater and radio from Albert Bold’s original 507 which is one of the cars I used as a reference for my build in comparison to mine. My temp control is different as far as hot/cold direction, it it’s close!:biggthumpup:

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Cheers
Dave

[RPOLS3]

Wow - just wow

[67since67]

Ask Woj. Last time I flew with him we were loopin’ all the way to Cedar Rapids!:cool2:

Cheers
Dave

Whoa, wait...You and Woj were in Cedar Rapids and didn't call?? I'm hurt!

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Jake!

Oh, fear not, we weren’t in Cedar rapids recently. This was way back in May of 2001. :flag:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[A12pilot]

Glass is in with trim, and I'm installing all the weather stripping all around. I boxes the trunk in like the factory with a removable left side panel to access the jack/tools/storage. This will be trimmed in vinyl around the back side panels and carpet on the floor. Speaking of that, I'm trimming the carpet as we speak!

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Tedious tasks trimming everything out, but the more time I take the better it looks. Putting the carpet in really makes me feel like I'm nearing the finish line! The real 507 steering wheel shows up next week!

So much fun!!

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,When you mentioned boat in reference to your steering wheel I immediatly remembered seeing these on small outboard boats in the 50's. There's a marine salvage place near me that probably has 20 or more of them. The owners nick name' is "Earl the Pearl"....Bill S

[SS427]

Dave, were the carpet edges trimmed with vinyl on original cars? If so, are you going to have that done? Maybe you cannot even see the edges when everything is installed.

[big gear head]

I can't help but wonder what will happen to this car when it's finished. You have sold the other cars that you worked so hard on. Will the same thing happen to this one?

[A12pilot]

They’re almost identical looking steering wheels, Bill. I guess stylish at the time. It’ll work but when the original comes in I’ll install that. The more correct parts the better, but it’s always good to have options.:biggthumpup:

Rick, yes, they had binding around all the edges. I’ll have that on mine in dark blue. Here’s a picture of an unrestored 507 with its carpet style. Right now, those pieces I cut are just laying in place. The tunnel will be flush with the floor and the floor pieces will cover that where it joins up and the binding on the floor pieces will clean it all up.:biggthumpup:

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Fear not, Freddie!! This one goes nowhere!!:no: The only way this would leave would be a very big check with a lot of zeros and commas. It would have to be a life changing offer, I can assure you. I can always restore another anything, but I’m only making something from nothing once!:grin:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

Greetings Yenkonians!

Making progress and approaching the final stretch! Hood is on and aligned, and the carpet is done in the trunk and interior floor. Still some more trimming to do on the jambs, and I've got the fabric ready to go for the convertible top.

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It's starting to look more like the poster in the back!!

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Cheers,
Dave

[big gear head]

Amazing!

[Dave Rifkin]

I am at a loss for words.

[napa68]

Damn Dave.......that looks great!

[AnthonyS]

VERY, VERY cool. WOW!

[SS427]

Incredible! As was said, there are no words. The talent you have is amazing. Makes me slap myself when I run into a small problem on my restorations and get discouraged when compared to what you go through.

[A12pilot]

Wow, thanks men!:worship::worship::worship: I appreciate the positive thoughts!:laugh:

I’m working on the convertible top now, and man, it’s more challenging than I thought. But, not knowing how to do something hasn’t stopped me before!:eek2::wink:

More to come!

Cheers :beers:
Dave

[scuncio]

I have to admit, this thread makes me smile every time I see an update, knowing one of us is talented enough to build an entire vehicle from scratch. Just amazing.

[Steve Shauger]

I have to admit, this thread makes me smile every time I see an update, knowing one of us is talented enough to build an entire vehicle from scratch. Just amazing.

Absolutely and couldn't have said it better.

[Lynn]

"...knowing one of us is talented enough to build an entire vehicle from scratch."

That "one of us" shall remain.... Super Dave!!

[Crush]

He cooks, he sews, paints, cleans and builds cars from nothing!
I think someone’s going to offer you big money for this, it’s one of a kind for sure!

[njsteve]

You need to make a Hellcat Yugo next.

[A12pilot]

Hellcat Yugo? I dunno Steve. Isn't the engine as big as the car?:laugh: I really appreciate all the encouragement along the way here. I'm thinking it's only a few months away from being done!!!:scholar:

Been working on the top some this past week and there's a few more details to finish up. I've shown through other pictures that I'm no upholsterer, and this top should reinforce the fact I don't know what I'm doing. Step one, buy some fabric. Step two, lay fabric across top and stare at it for a few hours to formulate a plan and realize once again, I don't know what I'm doing. :frown: But as this project has shown, that sure hasn't stopped me before!:wink:

I started by gluing a pad to the wooden header and securing the fabric to that by wrapping it around the edge. Now that it was tight, I then started on the back and screwed the top down with the retaining strip. The sail panels are separate pieces and it was an interesting process on figuring out where the top could be attached to the frame and where it couldn't. Several folding cycles and it was clear that right above the side widows is where it needed to fold and not be secured. The other areas are 12" behind the door glass. I figured this out by using tape and folding the top down several times. Once I was sure about nothing stretching or pulling, I tucked it in and glued it down. The sides by the door glass will fasten with snaps to the body when the top is up, and then unsnap and tuck into the well when the top is down. Snaps around the back edge will secure the folding top cover (of which I will make next week).

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There are a few things left to do. The back glass installation, front weather stripping, front latches need to be mounted, and the interior headliner bow coverings.

So now I have a fully functioning convertible top which will be up only for photos showing it has a functioning top, during transport, or at a show if an inadvertent shower comes through.:scholar:

Add this to the resume' of "Dave doesn't know what he's doing!":hmmm::biggthumpup:

If the weather warms up next week I can get the wheels painted. Mother Nature likes to throw temps out this time of year like Powerball numbers: 81, 32, 65, 29, 75, 40.....:bs:

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

Incredible! Looks great Super Dave.

[A12pilot]

To round out 2024, the engine bay is 100% done. All fluids are in, everything is leaking as it should, :rolleyes: and I'm ready to fire it up next week! :headbang:

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Can't wait for the inaugural driver next month. A perfect way to ring in the new year! :burnout:

Cheers
Dave

[Steve Shauger]

Dave what you've built is spectacular. We are all awaiting your inaugural drive. Thanks for sharing this amazing build with our members.

[Dave Rifkin]

How can you possibly top this amazing build?

[SS427]

How can you possibly top this amazing build?

Not sure anyone on this board can and I am not talking restoration but rather a complete build. Unbelievable build!

[A12pilot]

Wow, you guys are truly amazing! :worship::worship::worship: Thank you for the compliments! We’re rounding the corner to the finish!:biggthumpup:

I think I’m going to need a break after this. Pfffllpppp hahaha! Oh man….now THAT was funny!!:haha:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

With a few photos of the top up, I folded it back and made a cover for it using the leftover material. This is a pattern I'll take to the shop and have the upholstery guy sew up a correct one with snaps using the same material that the seats and door panels use. It's going to tie the whole interior together. Meanwhile, I'm ready to bolt on the Hardtop shortly and start finishing that after I get the a-pillar trim and padded dash fabricated.

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I've done a few heat up and cool down cycles of the engine and all seems to be well.

Rounding the final corner..... come on seats!! This is why I try to do everything myself:rolleyes2:

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

Looking great Dave.

Is that Viper yours? Don't recall seeing anything on that before?

[olredalert]

----Looks fantastic, Dave! Does the R on the end of the license plate denote reproduction???....Bill S

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

So close it must be painful!!!

The blue and white are an awesome colour combo!!

Ryan W31

[A12pilot]

Thanks, guys! Yes, Joe. That’s my 1997 GTS. This is my second one. The 84 Ferrari 308 GTS is mine as well, and not to be confused with my old 328 GTS. Fun stuff!:burnout:

Bill, close. It stands for Replica. The friend of mine that gave me the scanned files for the 3D parts I printed from his car coined that phrase for cars that are replicas of real ones. He’s very well versed in Pebble Beach cars and that whole scene and denotes non-factory built cars with the “R” designation. I like it, so I adapted it. After all, this isn’t a 507 since it’s not a factory built car. Much like all the repop Cobras aren’t real Cobras no matter how nicely built. At least that is my view on them. Think of it as an internal use designation code!:haha:

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[RPOLS3]

Just amazing Dave - looks great!

[Xplantdad]

Just amazing, Dave!

[A12pilot]

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the comments and positve thoughts!:smile:

A thought occurred to me this morning while disposing of some coffee into the septic system. I've written several articles for the BMW Classic Car Club's magazine and am penning the final article now. While it's documented here on this site amongst us family, there's still plenty of stories and information to share about my build that I haven't described on the thread due to band width exceedance reasons. And you all know me and my lack of words and humor :rolleyes2: , I mean, why not write a book to bore the rest of humanity?:hmmm: So that's what I'm thinking of doing. I know, what else?:eek2:

Anyone have any info on amateur publishing? I think Amazon has something like this but not sure. I'd want it avaible to sell on there in hardbound form and indigimous for easy Kindle reading. Of course, once I hit the NYT Best Seller's List, I'll take the proceeds and retire to the private island I'd have purchased with the royalty checks and sip margaritas on the beach. :biggthumpup: Or, stay gainfully employed and pay off the debt I incurred doing this. Either way, a win-win for humanity!:laugh:

Any thoughts on the process? Publishing? Sticking to the day job and forget this nonsense?:biggthumpup:

Thanks men!

Cheers
Dave

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Wes Eisenschenks would be a good person to talk to, he has written several car books, (I even penned a chapter of one of them) Lost Muscle Cars or Diego Rosenberg wrote Selling the American Muscle Car (so much goodness in that book)

They would have good insight.

Ryan W31

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,I've heard a bunch of stuff about self publishing. I would think you should google it (not that you haven't already thought of that) and do your due diligence. There's everything from family tree stuff to full blown books. I have no doubt you will figure it out!. The story will be thrillingly exiting of course! I would expect no less
....Bill S

[big gear head]

I tried writing a book on building rear ends in the early 2000s, but couldn't figure out how to do it. I gave up and as soon as I did there were 3 books that came out on the subject. One of them had a lot of stuff in it that I had posted on web sights when helping other people. I guess I missed my fortune. I hope you figure it out.

[A12pilot]

Thanks, Bill. I appreciate that! Yes, I’ve done a few searches and reached out to a few people so we’ll see what happens. The key is to not use anyone else’s content due to copyright stuff. That shouldn’t be a problem since it will be all my content anyway.

More to come!

Cheers
Dave

[Dave Rifkin]

I know you can count me in for a copy if you decide to publish one.

[useless tony]

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959-bmw-507/

[A12pilot]

It seems the ones that sell on BaT or other sites have been passed around a lot. :frown: Me thinks dealers buy and sell these as I don't think if owned by a true enthusiast, it would be crossing the blocks so many times. This is the third time for this one. The red one at Mecum has had several "no-sales" and there have been a few others. Lots incorrect with that one from a concourse standpoint, but I'd be thrilled with it. Better than a homemade pile of parts built from who knows what!!! :blush:

I'll have an update next week on mine!:scholar::smile::laugh:

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

A festabulous day today! "Let the wurd go fourth from this time and place, to Yenkonians and Lurkers alike: Mein 507R ist fertig!!!" Well, at least that's what Google translates it to be. So in English, MY 507R is DONE!!!!!:3gears:

A six and a half year journey is complete. Is it really ever complete? Don't answer that, since I still need to chrome the bumpers. This was no small endeavour emotionally, spiritually., and most importantly, financially. BMW stands for "Bring Money With" when you head in for service, and nothing about this car could have been further from that truth.

Things learned from the build: Metal shaping, metal de-shaping, the average price per pound of recycled scrap metal, and there is a weight limit for the trash on Thursday. I do know I'll never build another one. Although since taking inventory of leftover parts, I probably could seeing's how I bought multiples of things I forgot I had!

A round of "Thank a Yous" to all of you here. Everyone's encouragement through this endeavor has kept me going when the stumbling blocks were in front of me. Bringing the car to MCACN for you all to see was a highlight for me, and I'm sure a massive disappointment for Bob.:biggthumpup: More photos to come as I get ready for the last article for the BMW Classic Car Club's Spring edition magazine.

WOOHOO!!!!! Now what do I build next? :dunno::hmmm:

Cheers
Dave

[SS427]

Incredible build and was a pleasure watching the past several years. I am proud of what I have built and accomplished over the years but nothing compares to the skills of making one from scratch. Certainly a feather in your hat and a very large one at that.

[AnthonyS]

Das ist gut!

[AnthonyS]

Seriously, I echo the sentiments that you've already received, and will certainly continue to receive.

außergewöhnlich beeindruckend!

Cheers!
Anthony

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,I have been super impressed thru out your saga. Today, I am officially monumentally impressed. It may be a bit too soon, but I wonder how your "repro" will perform as compared to an original. My thought is that yours will surpass, maybe, in several areas. Congratulations many times over!....Bill S

[dykstra]

Congrats Super Dave! Looks fantastic!! You out did yourself on this build! Words can’t express how cool this is.

[Too Many Projects]

Super cool !!
But, no pics with the top up ? I have to be the one to ask, is that done ???

[big gear head]

Awesome, amazing, fabulous, fantastic, incredible, far out, COOL!

[A12pilot]

Wow, thanks guys!! Praise from Caesar... thanks Rick! :biggthumpup:

Mitch, just never satisfied! Scroll a few pics back! :hmmm::tongue: But here you go! Remember, top stays down now unless needed for transport or the like. I'll fish the Hardtop later this year. :biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

Congratulations Dave it turned out perfect. And also BIG THANK YOU for allowing us to share this journey with you. I don't think there are any or very few built from scratch cars out there to this level of excellence.

[mssl72]

Amazing!!! That's what I call 1 of 1!!!

[Billohio]

absolutely amazing. Job well done Dave

[mockingbird812]

Simply stunningly impressive! Wow Dave, just WOW! Congrats! Gullwing next?:naughty:

[A12pilot]

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Thanks guys! Gullwing? Yeesh! This was bad enough as far as expense and parts. Can't imagine that one! No clue what's next. I need to just enjoy this for a bit! Plenty of projects on the 308 and Viper to keep me busy. Plus, couple other friends cars I promised I'd work on. :biggthumpup:

This is such a proud moment. Not sure I'll ever top this one! :eek2:

Thank you all for the well wishes and accolades! :3gears:

Cheers
Dave

[Lynn]

Amazing.

[RPOLS3]

Amazing.

x1,000

Probably the single most impressive car thing I've seen. Thanks for sharing the amazing build journey with us.

Congratulations doesn't seem like an appropriate enough word here as I'm sure most have no clue what it actually took to pull this off as well as you did.

[Hawkeye]

Congratulations. Simply amazing work for a first time build.

Cheers,
Marty

[Crush]

The vision, the execution, sourcing some unique parts etc., etc., SUPER DAVE MOTOR CARS COMING SOON!
Now , I’ll just go back to do the challenging, for me, oil changes in my cars!
Well done!

[A12pilot]

Thanks men!! Over 1,000 replies/posts and half a million views!:worship:

We all say it’s the journey with these cars and the people that make it special. This build was much more than just a fabrication of a dream for me. I’ve made so many new friends globally with this build that it truly emphasizes that sentiment.:headbang:

Cheers
Dave

[olredalert]

----Just a bit of what makes this such an amazing build to me is that Dave did it while flying all over the world all the time in his regular job. And then, when I started thinking, I'm not sure, but I think there was also a move involved in there somewhere. I may be wrong on that though. Just amazed, Dave!....Bill S

[A12pilot]

True, Bill. I did move during this build. Also, I moved my folks from Florida to TX next to us. In addition to that, the move entailed me redoing my shop, building the barn, remodeling the kitchen and fireplace, adding raised beds with a watering system, adding a side garage to the shop, adding and RV port to that. And there were car projects too: Kelly’s Sprinter conversion, rewiring and improving the Jaguar XKE, a “Alpinaizing” of my E30, 5spd swap in my 63 Corvette, and getting a 62 Corvette back on the road. Not to mention a few projects in the 308 and Viper recently.

Of course job-wise, I became a Check Airman (instructor pilot) as well during this time.

Now that I type this, I’m exhausted!!!

Thanks for the kind words! It’s motivation to keep going on things. There’s more projects to come!

Cheers
Dave

[67since67]

True, Bill. I did move during this build. Also, I moved my folks from Florida to TX next to us. In addition to that, the move entailed me redoing my shop, building the barn, remodeling the kitchen and fireplace, adding raised beds with a watering system, adding a side garage to the shop, adding and RV port to that. And there were car projects too: Kelly’s Sprinter conversion, rewiring and improving the Jaguar XKE, a “Alpinaizing” of my E30, 5spd swap in my 63 Corvette, and getting a 62 Corvette back on the road. Not to mention a few projects in the 308 and Viper recently.

Of course job-wise, I became a Check Airman (instructor pilot) as well during this time.

Now that I type this, I’m exhausted!!!

Thanks for the kind words! It’s motivation to keep going on things. There’s more projects to come!

Cheers
Dave

Whew Dave... I got tired just reading that project list!!

[TimG]

Great pictures, Dave. It would be cool to have your car next to an original for a photo.

I saw your blue '63 Corvette that ended up in Austin, I visited the current owner on Sunday and the car looks great. He enjoyes driving it.

[MarcDant]

Wow, one hell of an accomplishment i dont think there are any compliments or accolades remaining to describe this thread thanks for your pictures and humor always look forward to your projects. Dont stop the dance.

[A12pilot]

Thank you all! Tim, that’s great to hear he’s enjoying it and agree with your sentiments. That should happen next year sometime with another Federweiss/Red car.

No dance stopping, Marc! Just different music!

Cheers
Dave

[The Boss]

Beautiful!

[A12pilot]

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Thank you!:biggthumpup::biggthumpup::biggthumpup:

Cheers
Dave

[SS427]

PERFECT photo!

[TimG]

Great photo, Dave.

[Z282NV]

Very Sexy......the car!

[dykstra]

Great pic!!!!

[flyingn]

beautiful job, Dave!

[A12pilot]

Thanks guys! The dealer I got my X4 at expressed interest in having it in display. Not sure I want to do that, but we’ll see!

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

Dave, and you know that nobody will ever ask if it's a replica I bet.

[A12pilot]

That’s flattering, Tim! Thank you! :laugh:

I guess we’ll see when I start taking it out to some shows. You’re probably right, but I think it’s more related to nobody knows about these cars rather than my build quality. Who would make a replica of a car nobody has heard about, so by default, it has to be real!:wink:

I tried to make it as close as I could to the real deal. I probably have as many hours studying the assembly as much as I did building it. I am glad I didn’t go the donor chassis route and fabricated the inner structure like original.

Cheers:beers:
Dave

[olredalert]

----Dave,,,Don't sweat the dimensions. The originals are all different from each other anyway. I'll bet yours is some where in the middle of all the the originals anyway.....Bill S

[Billohio]

https://www.mecum.com/lots/1142640/1959-bmw-507-roadster/?aa_id=673806-0

One coming up in May

[TimG]

Dave, I ran into an old friend of yours today. Three Austin guys took their Corvettes for a country drive. We had the odd years together, 1963, 1965, and 1967.

[A12pilot]

Well that’s just cool as snot, Tim! She was a fine old gal! Just a carefree driver to use and abuse. I hope he’s having fun with it. Looking forward to seeing you again this year in November! Tell him I said hello.

Cheers
Dave

[TimG]

I see the owner most every Saturday. He rebuilt the headlight motors on both of my coupes and fixed the canceling unit for the turn signals on the white '67. He's just a great mechanic that loves to help out friends with their Corvettes. It is the Corvette he loves to drive, the others are sheltered in place.

[A12pilot]

Excellent. Glad to hear it, Tim!

Cheers
Dave