Restoring the SSEi: F40 swap, HIDs, and a HY35 turbo.

[MARCTHEDUBBS]

The next to last picture looks like you are riding on the rims!

Nice work with the car so far!

[Bonneville92V688]

Fixing that rust is dedication! Not many people would even bother with that!

Makes me feel like an ass thinking the little bit of rust on the BMW is bad.

[MattStrike]

Makes me feel like an ass thinking the little bit of rust on the BMW is bad.

If nothing else, hit it with a wire wheel and some rustoleum. It will slow it down or stop it if it's surface rust.

[MattStrike]

http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-Mul ... tor/#step1

Imagine smaller scale with a silhouette instead of an LCD. Would be cool to project something like 'SSEi ya!!!' under the rear bumper!

[MattStrike]

I'm getting started on my first official mod!

Here's the picture of the hood scoop frame:



Should it be right side up as shown, or upside down to match the grille more?

The original plan was it 'cut out' of the hood, with nothing additional protruding from the hood. That is not possible, due to the location of the hood latch. Well, it's more correct to say that it wouldn't look right. It will probably end up being half sunk, half protruding. Which means a lot of body filler work.

And yes, that is one nasty hood. The hood glue has actually separated and it rattles and is starting to rust. It's perfect for this experiment (and keeps the leaves out of the engine bay).

[WhiteArrow3800]

Hot *dang* I am excited for this project.

[MattStrike]

Exhaust video

[Bing]

I'd say flip it over so it matches the grille and slightly recess it into the hood.

[MattStrike]

I cut a hole in my hood today:




Built up the framework for the scoop, reinforced the hood frame and am working on re-bonding the hood frame to the hood.



Here's what options I have for the scoop:






And the flat white primer. It will get sanded smooth eventually, and another coat of primer and then paint.


I need to get another grille so that the scoop has a matching pattern. The scoop frame will be mounted temporarily so I can build up the cutouts shape. The scoop frame and grille will be a removable piece. I also need to get some 4" pipe and make the intake ducting.

[MattStrike]

I didn't make as much progress as I originally planned, it was 70 degrees out so I had to take the bike out.

I've got the rough shape in bondo now. I may have to modify the hood latch, but I won't know until the hood frame is glued back on.







Now I just need to find a grille pattern to match...

[wake]

looks good so far

[MattStrike]

Got the alignment done today, it feels so much nicer now! I carved out some corners about 10mph faster than the LeSabre tonight, and the tires didn't even squeal.

[nos4blood70]

Ahhhh yeahh! I like the progress on the scoop. It's lookin' good.

[MattStrike]

I discovered that my hood latch is broken... not good. I'm not sure how I missed that, but the rivet that holds the latch to the bracket is rusty and the latch can rotate and slide off the locking mechanism - and the hood pops open all by itself!

I got the car out today and, as Ace Ventura said, "Exercised the demon"..

The progress on the scoop: It's mostly shaped now, needs another coat of bondo in the middle and I need to find a way to get a better finish on it, it's kinda bumpy still. Painted with primer for now, so the metal I exposed while sanding today doesn't rust.











I borrowed the 6x9's from the LeSabre; 40W RMS Pioneers. I get really clean, crisp sound from them with the main sound board in the back coated with bedliner.


I might end up putting ceramics on this car, the brake dust really shows on the white rims. Tomorrow I'm getting new tires on. These are way to squishy and the sidewalls have no rigidity. I might also have to make a 'Restoration Montage' video too...

[sethjamesrimrodt]

Use a thin layer of glazing compound to get a smooth finish, it's looking great!

[SSEiMan01]

I REALLY like that scoop Matt! Can't wait to see this thing in person!!

Think you can do something cool to a 00+ hood?

But seriously.

[MattStrike]

Think you can do something cool to a 00+ hood?

But seriously.

If you had a spare, sure! I'm not sure if (how much) the aluminum will warp when it gets welded.

[SSEiMan01]

This is true... At the moment I don't has a spare hood.

Maybe a project for someday. I'd rather give ya a few bucks to help me do bodywork on the T/A. jk

[SSEiMan01]

.

Also, I didn't see this until now, but that's a big.................chicken.


Don't be ashamed of a primer hood. I have a whole car that's mostly primer, and will soon be all primer. lol

[yonkerse]

Car is coming together really nicely!! I admire you body work and repair skills!