The BMW 507 Ultimate Build Thread!!!

[A12pilot]

Hellcat Yugo? I dunno Steve. Isn't the engine as big as the car? I really appreciate all the encouragement along the way here. I'm thinking it's only a few months away from being done!!!

Been working on the top some this past week and there's a few more details to finish up. I've shown through other pictures that I'm no upholsterer, and this top should reinforce the fact I don't know what I'm doing. Step one, buy some fabric. Step two, lay fabric across top and stare at it for a few hours to formulate a plan and realize once again, I don't know what I'm doing. But as this project has shown, that sure hasn't stopped me before!

I started by gluing a pad to the wooden header and securing the fabric to that by wrapping it around the edge. Now that it was tight, I then started on the back and screwed the top down with the retaining strip. The sail panels are separate pieces and it was an interesting process on figuring out where the top could be attached to the frame and where it couldn't. Several folding cycles and it was clear that right above the side widows is where it needed to fold and not be secured. The other areas are 12" behind the door glass. I figured this out by using tape and folding the top down several times. Once I was sure about nothing stretching or pulling, I tucked it in and glued it down. The sides by the door glass will fasten with snaps to the body when the top is up, and then unsnap and tuck into the well when the top is down. Snaps around the back edge will secure the folding top cover (of which I will make next week).















There are a few things left to do. The back glass installation, front weather stripping, front latches need to be mounted, and the interior headliner bow coverings.

So now I have a fully functioning convertible top which will be up only for photos showing it has a functioning top, during transport, or at a show if an inadvertent shower comes through.

Add this to the resume' of "Dave doesn't know what he's doing!"

If the weather warms up next week I can get the wheels painted. Mother Nature likes to throw temps out this time of year like Powerball numbers: 81, 32, 65, 29, 75, 40.....

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

Incredible! Looks great Super Dave.

[A12pilot]

To round out 2024, the engine bay is 100% done. All fluids are in, everything is leaking as it should, and I'm ready to fire it up next week!





Can't wait for the inaugural driver next month. A perfect way to ring in the new year!

Cheers
Dave

[Steve Shauger]

Dave what you've built is spectacular. We are all awaiting your inaugural drive. Thanks for sharing this amazing build with our members.

[Dave Rifkin]

How can you possibly top this amazing build?

[SS427]

Originally Posted by Dave Rifkin

How can you possibly top this amazing build?

Not sure anyone on this board can and I am not talking restoration but rather a complete build. Unbelievable build!

[A12pilot]

Wow, you guys are truly amazing! Thank you for the compliments! We’re rounding the corner to the finish!

I think I’m going to need a break after this. Pfffllpppp hahaha! Oh man….now THAT was funny!!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

With a few photos of the top up, I folded it back and made a cover for it using the leftover material. This is a pattern I'll take to the shop and have the upholstery guy sew up a correct one with snaps using the same material that the seats and door panels use. It's going to tie the whole interior together. Meanwhile, I'm ready to bolt on the Hardtop shortly and start finishing that after I get the a-pillar trim and padded dash fabricated.













I've done a few heat up and cool down cycles of the engine and all seems to be well.

Rounding the final corner..... come on seats!! This is why I try to do everything myself

Cheers
Dave

[Z282NV]

Looking great Dave.

Is that Viper yours? Don't recall seeing anything on that before?

[olredalert]

----Looks fantastic, Dave! Does the R on the end of the license plate denote reproduction???....Bill S