The BMW 507 Ultimate Build Thread!!!

[A12pilot]

Excellent press photo, Lee! Always motivation seeing any and all pictures of these.

Now that the Jag is done (for now) it’s back onto the 507 and I decided to tackle the doors. I really only have the shell done which is just a skin and a few stations right now. I kept it all open purposefully so I can manage the innards. Part of the hours spent on this project are not so much in the shop as they are figuring out what to use for various parts of the car like door handles, locks, windows, wheels, etc. Studying the 507 shows the curves and slender design in even stuff like the door handles. I spent hours searching various classic car door handles and came up with 1955 Chrysler Windsor handles that fit the bill nicely. I like they way the function and they pull outward like the 507s do. But with that, what about the latch/striker? I couldn’t find those anywhere (the handles were off ebay) so then I decided to look for mechanisms that function off a push button rather than a pull lever. Lo and behold, the XKE had just the thing!




Now, knowing I really shouldn’t take them off my Jag, I studied the movement and confirmed it would work with a minor modification. So, ebay to the rescue! I bough a set of latches, guides, and striker plates so now it’s just a matter of making this all somehow fit together.





I’m happy to report the door latches nicely and opens easily too. Alignment is right on! So that’s just one example of how much research I’ve put into this. Next up on “This old 507” is episode 17: Door glass!!!!!

Cheers
Dave

[Lee Stewart]

[A12pilot]

Chassis #70110 delivered new to Venezuela.





The driver door is done with functioning locks, handles, window regulator, and the inner panel will be removable for servicing. Window regulator; Toyota pickup. Latch mechanism; Jaguar XKE. Exterior handle; Chrysler Windsor. Door shell; SuperDave!!!

More to come…

Cheers
Dave

[njsteve]

Your window contraption looks like the original prototype for the Hasbro MouseTrap game.

You shall heretofore be known as Sir Dave Rube-Goldberg, Contraptionaire.

[A12pilot]

Ha! Good one, Steve. Window down: crank, lever, bell crank, pulley, turnbuckle, bungee….movement

For us aviators out there, Douglas’ MD-80 cockpit window opening mechanism would put any Rube-Goldberg invention to shame. But works good, last long time.

Onto the passenger side

Cheers
Dave

[Woj]

Originally Posted by A12pilot

Ha! Good one, Steve. Window down: crank, lever, bell crank, pulley, turnbuckle, bungee….movement

For us aviators out there, Douglas’ MD-80 cockpit window opening mechanism would put any Rube-Goldberg invention to shame. But works good, last long time.

Onto the passenger side

Cheers
Dave

Since Dave mentioned the MD-80 / DC-9 Cockpit Window mechanism, I had to post a few pix. The green cockpit is of the DC-9, which Dave and I flew together for TWA throughout the Midwest. The gray cockpit is a derivative of the DC-9, the MD-80. Check out the side window mechanism, same for the 80 and -9. I was always amazed by that set up, it worked well. As basic as the DC-9 was, it was a blast to fly.

[A12pilot]

Sniff…ah, memories, Phil

Phil and I go through recurrent training yearly where we go over emergency procedures when something goes wrong like wings falling and digesting the fish from the crew meal. Anywho, Phil,just happened to post a pic that was our evacuation checklist and we needed to know the actions by memory. You see the numbers, so let me explain the actions in the order of execution

1. Remove scratch paper with slandering drawing of chief pilot from clip holder
2. Discover “On Ground Emergency” checklist on yoke and proceed to run the checklist, but first…
3. Call Flight Attendant and notify them coffee is no longer needed
4. Realize the Captain is senior to you so move the trim wheel to make a noise which scares him and makes him forget the next steps of the checklist
5. Realize this panel was here all the time but not really sure what it was for
6. Grab window handle, pull straightward, the downside right to the back area, wait for click, the rotate frontwise.
7. If Captain is still in cockpit, tell him to grab the “auto exit” button on the window and verify incapacitation after he reacts to 400v AC shock from window heat connector.
8. Adjust lighting to see where yer’ goin’
9. Make sure light shines
10. punch all buttons on this panel hoping in panic mode you hit the PA
11. Verify this panel is in place for some reason
12. Announce evacuation, “Ladies and Gentlemen, this is your Captain. We know you have a choice in airlines, and today it looks like you chose the wrong one. EVACUATE!!! Thanks for flying with and i wish you a pleasant onward journey.”
13. Verify maintained test only panel isn’t in “test” mode creating evacuation
14. Stow tray table to the most upright and stowed position
15. Check adult magazine holder and grab 1976 Edition of “Jugs” and take with. Can’t leave evidence around.

There you have it. Miss flying with ya Phil!!

Cheers
Dave

[A12pilot]

Working on latching the hood now that the doors close and lock





More to come!

Cheers
Dave

[dykstra]

Looking great Dave!!

[Charley Lillard]

Dave you have the least amount of talent, energy and Charisma of anyone I have ever met........