A long, cold, wet Oregon winter is the perfect time to attack the growing list of projects taking up space in Paul’s garage. This year it’s all engine rebuilds. Below is a quick list of what needs to get done. I’ll try to update frequently with more detailed articles as these projects progress.

Project “Sexy Beast” 1969 Jaguar E-Type
I broke many personal rules when I purchased this vehicle, a non-running barn find. Of course it needs about a thousand times more work than I initially estimated and of course it demands great amounts of both money and time. I have replaced or rebuilt all of the brake hydraulics, (an overly complex system of multiple master cylinders, remote power booster, and inboard rear brakes). As luck would have it the motor has some interesting noises from deep within so I will be pulling the engine and transmission this February for a thorough rebuild and reseal.

Project BMW 2002
The engine rebuild that started two years ago for my daily-driver BMW 2002 has finally started moving ahead, sometimes these tasks take motivation and sometimes that motivation comes in the form of your car’s engine blowing up! Needless to say I’m now in a hurry to get this lump together. Urgency is no reason to cut corners however and I’m excited to say this engine is going together right. I had all rotating components balanced and when assembling the bottom-end used only genuine BMW bearings and seals, when clearances were checked everything is perfectly within specs. My hope is a long lasting smooth revving reliable motor and I think I’m on the right path.

Some photos from the work completd this past week.

Project Wunderbike 1970 BMW R75/5
I purchased and fell in love with this motorcycle last summer, a late season camping trip in October spelled the end. The engine, which was low on compression at the time I acquired it, decided to go all the way south during our return trip from central Oregon. To give credit where due the motorcycle did make the 200 mile trip back home fully loaded over the Cascades all while running rough and very weak. It made me feel really bad to do it, like galloping a faithful horse ’til it drops, at least I don’t have to shoot this horse, I’ll blow a big hole in my wallet instead! Cylinder heads are currently at the machine shop and I’ll be re-ringing and honing the barrels, rebuilding the carbs, and upgrading the electricals all before heading out for the 2011 riding season.

Filed under: Misc. Automotive