Battery

I bought a massive new battery that barely fits in the tray. The old Acolyte battery looked too small.

Carburettor

The carburettor is simple and single. It will be easy to clean. The design is very similar to American cars.

Body panels and frame

There is very little rust on the car. The underside looks great. The previous owner spent about £10,000 on body work. It is very sound and well preserved.

Interior

The interior needs a LOT of work.

The original fabric seats are corroded and falling apart. They were tan in color. There are now covered with temporary seat covers.

The room lining is OK, however, in the back corners it is heavily faded.

The carpets are long gone. From fragments I can see they were tan in color.

The dash board has rust around the radio. Otherwise it is fine. It is a two tone gray (dark over light).

The base of the steering wheel is missing the ivory enamel. I wonder if this can be fixed?

Radiator/tubing

The water tubing and radiator is completely corroded. It will all have to be replaced.

Wheels

I removed the wheels and tires. I discovered they don't need inner tubes. The wheels can safely take tube-less tires.

There are currently 165 SR 15 tires on the wheels. Dietmar in Germany (my new source for parts) has the same car with 185 / 80 / 15. I will buy the 185 to replace these.

I will have the wheels blasted and powder coated before buying the new tires.

The current hub caps are not so attractive. The simple chrome covers are far more beautiful. I can't find any used ones. New ones are bloody expensive!

Brake System

The brakes system must be completely rebuilt.
The brake reservoir has 6+ hols in the thin aluminium. The servo look dead. Etc.

A good wash and cleaning

After washing the car it looks much better. Aside from a few dings and scratches, it is in decent shape.

1958 BMW 502 Renovation Begins

I found this car in the corner of a garage covered with dust and plastic. It has not moved in over 12 years. I contacted the owner.  

In mid October 2012 we met at the garage to discuss the car. I made an offer and bought it.

I am now the owner of a big piece of metal that cannot move.