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Hello all .  Newbie here.  Just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself.  I’ve been checking around here a long time now, but finally decided to join up.  I have had a CMC kit for a long time now (speedster wide body), but never put it together.  I bought the thing way back in 91 when I was young, foolish, and making decent money and it’s been sitting in my garage since (actually first in the driveway in my first house then moved to my current home 17 years ago).  When I bought it I was very excited, but things came up (mostly kids) and the assembly never began.  Started working on an engine back then as well, but that never came to being either (increase both stroke and bore, but don’t remember how big).  But now after cleaning my garage a bit, it may be time to start.  I’m no mechanic, but I have confidence in taking on the task (I just do the standard stuff on my other cars as problems arise).  I do have friends that can handle some fabrication work as well as mechanical issues that may be beyond my capabilities.  As far as I can tell, all the parts are still around, but some of the metal may need a little paint work.  I also need a new windshield that didn’t make the journey from my old house (I think my neighbor broke it when packing it).  Which kind of sucks since I just saw one go a few weeks ago not far from me.  Of course, still need a donor car as well as figuring out what I am going to do for an engine (not sure if I will build or buy).  Also need to research a bit on registering in CT.  From what I read, it could be a pain (I know I need a steel firewall).  This will probably be a slow process since I already have 2 other toy cars to keep running (a 93 saab and 91 bmw) and funds for this are on the short side (mostly because I have 2 other cars to keep running).  Not to mention its winter and most of my work will probably be outside.  Planning on slowing picking up the extras as they come up at a good price.  Not looking for a top of the line build, but want to do it right.  Looking forward to posting in the future and from what I have read so far, the board looks like a great source of info.  I know I was a little rambly, so thanks for reading.

 Thanks.  Paul.

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"Birds of a feather ...."  Purchased mine in Nov '89 in VA, now retired to FL!  Wonder if the Empi solid or louvered (maybe not louvered) stainless steel engine surround will satisfy the steel firewall requirement.  CMC/FF just have a fiberglass "firewall"/partition in the rear (same for front).  I don't think others with CMC/FF, VS, JPS or IM's have had problems with not having a steel firewall in CT but maybe some new CT requirement.  It is very difficult to build a car outside in FL --- more so in frigid winters of CT.  VW bug donor cars are becoming increasingly difficult to come by.  Check SAMBA or local Craigslist.  Be sure one you get has a matching/valid title and check pan for severe NE rust.  

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majorkahuna posted:

Welcome to the madness!

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Funny, that is what we all say when they someone is new to the BMW 850 board.  It's a labor of love (and I am ready for it).

The two main things I see in the CT are "proof of valid purchase of all main components" and the gas tank.  Not sure what proof I have of the kit itself, so I will have to do some searching for old docs.  For the gas tank it says it must be vented to the outside (not sure if in the hood counts) and if in the trunk, must have a firewall between the tank and passenger compartment.  Not sure if the hood counts as the trunk on these cars.  The other pain in the butt is having to lug it over an hour and a half away on a trailer to have it inspected.

Here's a link to CT requirements if your interested in the read.  http://www.ct.gov/dmv/LIB/dmv/20/29/R-157.pdf

Although gas tank is in the front trunk, the bottom is completely open to the outside so would guess you are good to go there.  I thought the part of bumper's "capable of transferring impact to the frame" was comical for plastic bumpers.  If you bought body new it came with a FL Certificate of Origin (COO) which looks like a car title.  Many just go with the VW chassis # (VIN) and it's title.

Hey, Pablo!   Fortunately for you, there is a large and really cool vintage VW club in Connecticut.  Lots of people more or less local to you who can offer help and parts.  Bugcity.com up in Bristol will become your best friends.  

Lots of seasonal shows all over southern New England, too.  I hang out with the 356 guys down around Lyme and Saybrook sometimes during the summer.

I’m way up near Worcester, MA but will keep an eye peeled for a decent donor car to mate with your wide body - We could also get it delivered for gas and Pizza.  You don’t see a ton of them come up, but they’re still around.  You’ll also find this site to be a terrific source of info and help as you get going on your build.  A couple of other guys are building their cars in New England now, too.

Don’t sweat the CT regs.  Other people have gotten their cars inspected and registered in CT and you can, too.  One step at a time.

Gordon

Last edited by Gordon Nichols

Thanks again for the welcomes.  Gordon, please keep an eye out for a donor in the area.  I actually saw one a couple of weeks ago, but really didn't have a place to put it and it sold a few days later. (that's the second thing I missed). 

I already try attend every local show I can with my BMW and looking forward to bringing the speedster to one (another thing that got my motor running (pun intended) to get this started).  Cars and Coffee in New Canaan has a huge show (over 1000 cars) and Greenwich CT and Yorktown NY are nice as well.  I also try to Bimmerstock in Glen Cove NY every year and FCP Euro in Milford started one that has grown pretty quickly.  (here's a shot of my BMW if anyone is interested).  I started my driving days with VW.  Had a 2 bugs and 2 Ghias.  That was decades ago, but time to get back into them.

 

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  • BMW 850i Mine (2) small
Lane Anderson posted:

Is that an 850 or an 840?  I love 'em both!

It's and 91 850i (first year made).  Sadly an automatic, but still fun.  It's all original, and currently has 57k on it.  I've owned it for 17 years now.  Was my daily for the first year and a half, then became just a toy.  Working on this has given me more then enough confidence to take on the kit project.

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