1973 Bavaria, one owner revival

rover215

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Hey group-
I bought this 1973 Bavaria a couple weeks ago. Seized engine, allegedly bad auto trans, tires from 1977, battery from 1979, rodent nests, a lot of old service/repair receipts (partially destroyed by the rodents), COMPLETE original tool kit! Hasn't run since 1981. I've owned two other Bavaria's in the past and regretted selling them, so when I saw this derelict car pop up, I jumped on it. Haven't found any dash cracks or seat tears or damage (but they have the signature "crunch" of the brittle horse hair underneath). Plans are to keep the paint as is; clean it, cut it, and wax it (for now). Replace the engine with another M30, replace the trans with a Getrag 265, +1 on suspension and brakes. It will be strictly a street car, but with better performance. I'm not a mechanic and I don't have a spacious garage, so a lot of what I'll be doing will be curbside. Not ideal, but doable.
I also have an e30 project going, so I'll be switching back and forth, depending on how I feel that week. The e30 runs and drives well, but I'm more excited about the dead Bavaria. I'll be asking questions, lots of them, and will do my best to research the info if it's already been asked/answered. Thanks, everyone!
 

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dang

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If you decide to document your efforts start a thread in the E3 Restoration forum. Welcome!

Dan
 

Markos

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Welcome @rover215,

I seriously wanted to buy this car but I have no room or support for another project. Let us know what you need. I can point you to a coupe owner and inactive forum member in the Seattle area that has a stash of M30’s and period parts.
 

GolfBavaria

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Hey group-
I bought this 1973 Bavaria a couple weeks ago. Seized engine, allegedly bad auto trans, tires from 1977, battery from 1979, rodent nests, a lot of old service/repair receipts (partially destroyed by the rodents), COMPLETE original tool kit! Hasn't run since 1981. I've owned two other Bavaria's in the past and regretted selling them, so when I saw this derelict car pop up, I jumped on it. Haven't found any dash cracks or seat tears or damage (but they have the signature "crunch" of the brittle horse hair underneath). Plans are to keep the paint as is; clean it, cut it, and wax it (for now). Replace the engine with another M30, replace the trans with a Getrag 265, +1 on suspension and brakes. It will be strictly a street car, but with better performance. I'm not a mechanic and I don't have a spacious garage, so a lot of what I'll be doing will be curbside. Not ideal, but doable.
I also have an e30 project going, so I'll be switching back and forth, depending on how I feel that week. The e30 runs and drives well, but I'm more excited about the dead Bavaria. I'll be asking questions, lots of them, and will do my best to research the info if it's already been asked/answered. Thanks, everyone!
Double thumbs up on the 73'!!! Although from the bumpers it looks like a late 72' build perhaps.....Sold in 73'
 

rover215

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Thanks for the welcome, gang. I'm going to check out a nice running M30 with L-Jet tomorrow down in Eugene. It's in my twin car; another blue '73. I'll likely buy that engine and trans, but I'll be searching for a diff (probably?). I'm not sure if the stock auto diff will be compatible, or at least not optimal. Ideally, I'd like to have a Getrag 265 and 3.73lsd rear end. Tried pulling the plugs out of the stock engine and they're all frozen. Doesn't really matter since I'll be pulling it out. But I'd like to keep it just in case it's salvageable. I doused all the fasteners I could in the engine bay yesterday, and will do the same again today (and probably again tomorrow).
Dan- I'll definitely post the progress, but it will be slow going.

First question: I want to test the electrics. I want to connect a good battery to it to test the lights, wipers, horn, etc. Is there anything I should be worried about in terms of frying the system? Rodents made a couple of homes in it and I can't see all the wires/connections. I have a couple fire extinguishers, but not sure those would do much good anyways. Seems electrical fires move at light speed and are not always obvious at first.

The original owner still lives in the area. I'm told he got tired of dumping money into it. I found probably 10 plug leads in the glovebox. Receipts show it had tran issues and overheating issues. Right before it was parked it got new rotors, pads, trans fluid.
 

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rover215

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Hoping I just made a decent deal on a 3.0 with L-Jet and 4 speed trans, $1,500. That includes alternator, ps pump, all wiring, shifter assembly, but not the pedals. Got to drive it and it felt good, but will need a few vacuum hoses.
Will be searching for a brake and clutch pedal, driveshaft (unless there’s a way I can use the auto shaft), and a center console
 

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rover215

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Welcome @rover215,

Hi Markos- I seriously wanted to buy this car but I have no room or support for another project. Let us know what you need. I can point you to a coupe owner and inactive forum member in the Seattle area that has a stash of M30’s and period parts.
I'd love to know the contact in Seattle for my parts search. Things are moving faster than expected.
 

rover215

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If you decide to document your efforts start a thread in the E3 Restoration forum. Welcome!

Dan
I think from here on out, I'll be posting in the restorations forum, even though it won't be an actual restoration.
 

bavbob

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Ahh, Mine was from the original owner as well. Despite them having 2 children, there was no honey mustard sauce, old fries, candy, gum etc anywhere. I did find a lollipop stick when I pulled the back seats. What a pleasure the family was, gave me the car for a song under the promise that they could see it anytime they wanted and drive it sometime. Congrads.
 

rover215

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Probably asked and answered, but I can't find a clear answer: Is my vin number really just seven digits (all numbers)? I've tried many VIN decoders, and none recognize it as a valid number. The plate riveted to the inner fender says "Fahrgest.Nr." (fahrgestellnummer = chassis number): 3134389
I foresee DMV issues when I bring it to them.
 

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