You just never know when Angels may smile on you

[eightsandaces]

Congrats B, let's hope they smile on me today at an interview that could transform my life.


PS Thanks for the Fiat help, I drove my future inheritance 38 year old car to a cafe to have a dark beer and maduro with my 82 year old dad. The car was a bee hive of activity. I have never seen so much gawking ever, it was cool for my dad as people asked him about his car.

[jmatta]

That's a very cool story and it sounds like the car couldn't be in better hands. A friend once raced a 2002 on the vintage circuit; he sold it when he was battling cancer. Now that he's gone, I occasionally see "Max" (as he named him) from time to time, passed between new owners. No one cared for Max more than Jon; but it sounds like the doctor's 2002 will have a happy new home.

[Thumper]

Excellent score! You need to post some pics ASAP.

I almost bought a black 1976 BMW 2002 in 1977 when my 1971 Trans Am began having some problems. They wanted $5,000 which was a bit rich for my blood at the time (college student) and I passed. Always had a sweet spot for those trusty old 2002's.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by eightsandaces

Congrats B, let's hope they smile on me today at an interview that could transform my life...

Thanks! And I wish you the best with your interview!

[eightsandaces]

Originally Posted by Lil bastard

Thanks! And I wish you the best with your interview!

I think I kicked ass, I wont know about a second interview for a couple weeks, the place doesn't open till Thanksgiving. I'm pretty psyched though, I already hold licenses for the position, currently work PT in the same medical discipline and have experience with their information systems.

I can see that Raby rebuild just over the horizon...

[AUDIOGUY]

What a great story!! It was meant to be!

Now get some pix of that bad boy online for us.

Cheers!

[vath2001]

So, you will not be keeping it in orginal condition.
Ok.

[Lil bastard]

Originally Posted by vath2001

So, you will not be keeping it in orginal condition.
Ok.

No, I prefer to think of it as upgrading or improving it. There has been lots of aftermarket support for this car through the years which has spawned innovations which make the car run better, stop better, improve starting, handling and reliability. The 5-speed conversion for instance uses the same gear ratios but adds an overdrive allowing the car to rev about 20% lower on the expressways which helps prolong the life of the engine and aids MPG (BMW did make a very few '02s w/ 5-speed, but they are as elusive as the alleged #89 Porsche 550 Spyder). The Crane electronic ignition does away with the points and condenser, making the car run and start better. The SS exhaust is just more longlasting. The suspension upgrade is Korman Racing's 'Street' upgrade as opposed to their 'Street/Track' or full blown Race setup. The ziebart coating will help preserve the shell. The car will not really be any faster, and it will still have the stock 100 hp. I'm not doing any mod which isn't time-tested and essentially become the standard for these cars.

But, I do hear you. I do want to try and preserve the car as much as possible and not turn it into some ought-two on steroids; if for no other reason than deference to the sentimental attachment to the car by the person who made it possible for me to own it to begin with. I believe the reason he chose me to own the car after his passing was that he felt it would be in caring hands, I do not want to disappoint.

My inclination is to keep the car stock, or as least as much as possible. But, with this car, some parts are simply not readily available anymore, or if they are, they are extremely difficult to track down and then astronomically expensive - I have had a little more than a month to research this model, parts availability and lurk the '02 boards to see what the current state of the marque is, so at least I'd like to think I've chosen them wisely. Believe me, there are lots of go-fast parts available for these which I have rejected. However, I will keep all the original parts and will not make any changes which are not totally reversible.

[Opposite Lock]

Great story.

I had a 2002tii for a couple of years back in the early 80s. Fabulous car. Its party trick was moving from standstill in 4th (top) gear with no throttle, just keeping the clutch at the bite point.

Cam chain tensioner went and the valves hit the pistons. I had to sell it for scrap.