Well, I got these 15x7 +20 BMW style 5's for $80 but I sold the tires they came with for $60 so I think I got one hell of a deal for them. Much much lighter than the 14" steel wheels.
Anyway, onto the car. When I first got my '77 242 the paint was in horrible shape. It would actually rub off after washing her. A few hours later and some Meguiars ultimate compound I was able to save the paint. What was underneath all that oxidation was some very nice Carlsbad Yellow paint! I then got a roof rack and focused on fixing and cleaning the oil covered B21F.
I wish I had pictures before using compound but here are some pictures after mounting the BBS wheels. I used 25mm adapters all around to push the offset to -5. I had some nearly new 185/60/15's laying around so I mounted those. The sidewall sits very flush to the wheel with a tiny amount of stretch:
Good improvement BUT the ride height irked me something awful. I planned on doing short strut coilovers for the front and also adjustable rears but I had to do something right then and there. Drove her home and I got to cutting the springs. I cut 3 coils off the front and checked the height. There was about a 3 finger gap still - no bueno. I then decided to just cut the front springs in half. Left with a 1 finger gap and a smile.
The rear springs I cut 3.5 coils off and that got me tucking tire and having a level ride height. I absolutely did not want rake so I was happy. I had to hammer the back part of the rear fenders flat to prevent the tires from rubbing. Those rear fender lips sure are beefy but a 3lb mini sledge took care of them fairly easily. I was surprised though that the rear axle did not move to one side after such a dramatic drop. I measured both sides and the drivers side wheel is only about 2-3mm closer to the fender. I may still buy an adjustable panhard bar though:
I was going to get some front 3/4 shots but there was a school next door and parents started pouring into the parking lot.
I am very happy with the new height. The car has some no name HD shocks in the rear and DeCarbon struts in the front. They should last until I get coilovers since I drive the car maybe 200 miles a month.
I am leaving it like this for now and will be doing a timing belt install as well as replacing the front seals. The crankshaft seal has been leaking since I bought the car and I am tired of it.
Anyway, onto the car. When I first got my '77 242 the paint was in horrible shape. It would actually rub off after washing her. A few hours later and some Meguiars ultimate compound I was able to save the paint. What was underneath all that oxidation was some very nice Carlsbad Yellow paint! I then got a roof rack and focused on fixing and cleaning the oil covered B21F.
I wish I had pictures before using compound but here are some pictures after mounting the BBS wheels. I used 25mm adapters all around to push the offset to -5. I had some nearly new 185/60/15's laying around so I mounted those. The sidewall sits very flush to the wheel with a tiny amount of stretch:
Good improvement BUT the ride height irked me something awful. I planned on doing short strut coilovers for the front and also adjustable rears but I had to do something right then and there. Drove her home and I got to cutting the springs. I cut 3 coils off the front and checked the height. There was about a 3 finger gap still - no bueno. I then decided to just cut the front springs in half. Left with a 1 finger gap and a smile.
The rear springs I cut 3.5 coils off and that got me tucking tire and having a level ride height. I absolutely did not want rake so I was happy. I had to hammer the back part of the rear fenders flat to prevent the tires from rubbing. Those rear fender lips sure are beefy but a 3lb mini sledge took care of them fairly easily. I was surprised though that the rear axle did not move to one side after such a dramatic drop. I measured both sides and the drivers side wheel is only about 2-3mm closer to the fender. I may still buy an adjustable panhard bar though:
I was going to get some front 3/4 shots but there was a school next door and parents started pouring into the parking lot.
I am very happy with the new height. The car has some no name HD shocks in the rear and DeCarbon struts in the front. They should last until I get coilovers since I drive the car maybe 200 miles a month.
I am leaving it like this for now and will be doing a timing belt install as well as replacing the front seals. The crankshaft seal has been leaking since I bought the car and I am tired of it.