DFW7 - 12/02/06 DIY & Charity Meet Summary & Lots of Pics

[JLe38]

The weather cooperated and we had a great time today. Euro Connection (EC) of Dallas opened its door early and <a href='http://www.dfw7.com' TARGET='_blank'>DFW7</a> members were treated with Krispy Crème donuts and Noah’s coffee. In all, we had 18 7 Series owners participated throughout the day.

Big thanks to Nino of EC for offering his facility to DFW7. The lifts and his knowledge of BMW came in handy. This meet was also for a charitable cause, the <a href='http://www.cacplano.org/' TARGET='_blank'>Children's Advocacy Center</a>. Nino donated the entire $45 lift fee proceeds; members who donated include TXDarth $20, Dave B. & JohnG each $10. We took in a gross receipt of $160 from eight DFW7 T-Shirt sales (Scott, Noah, Carlton, David, Brett & Michael); less the cost, over half of the net proceed is destined for CCCAC. In addition, there is $600 in private commitment along with today’s DFW7 fundraising drive. We have raised $750. I plan on acquiring additional commitments next week to round out the amount to $1,000.

Last car was off the lift shortly after 1:00 PM. Most of us headed to Bone Daddy’s (BD) for lunch. The word on the street was that the nice ladies at BD were in desperate need of help. With freezing temperature fast approaching, the BD ladies still do not have adequate clothing to get them through the chilling winter months ahead. Upon hearing such unfortunate tale; DFW7 guys gallantly took on the challenge to keep the BD ladies warm. I will let the pictures speak for our fine work.

Below is a short list of accomplishments today. It was truly a group effort, with people helping each other. The veteran DIYers responded to requests and they showed up in force. There was never a moment lack of assistance for anyone working on their cars. TXDarth had the furthest to drive (2 hours), but he was there the earliest. Here goes,

*Dave L. - Installed rear guide link, power steering hose, and trunk shocks with help from Roger (TXDarth) and Carlton (Collison944). He also had the squeaky steering wheel fixed by Martin (BimmerNav).

*JohnG - Installed front end thrust arms with help from Michael (Lurcher) and NoahGo

*Dave B. - Painted rotors with JohnG’s assist. Dave also had Martin installed complete bluetooth kit in his ’01 750iL today.

*NoahGo - Inspected suspension with advice from Collison944 and Lurcher.

*Tony P. - Sergey of EC installed fan belt free of charge.

*Martin (BimmerNav) - Martin was all over the place. In addition to work mentioned above; he repaired a sub-par Bluetooth install that done by a local shop for David M. He also showed TXDarth a more efficient way of wiring for his BimmerNav Bluetooth kit.

*Josh Y. (Riechter) - HD radio and DICE were backordered. But he was not to be deterred and attacked Krispy Crème donuts with determination and promised to host a mini DIY install with help from JohnG when the goodies arrive.

*Doug B. - Doug offered advice on Basslink install while multi-tasking downing donuts. He went to fly his experimental airplane afterward to work off those donuts.

At the end of the meet, we discussed about a group drive from DFW to Austin; the discussion then turned into a possible Texas BMW 7 Series meet in Austin; still on the drawing board. This would be a nice evolution for the Texas 7 Series guys. DFW7’s next meet is a Winery Tour in spring, 2007. Visit DFW7 website or Bimmerboard’s Dallas Forum for updates.

JL

Early Arrivals














NoahGo assisting JohnG with front end thrust arms


TxDarth assisting Dave L. with Guide Link, etc.


Dave B's custom cardboard BBK rotor, fits like a glove on his '01 750iL


Martin sorting out a bad Bluetooth install job done by a local shop for David M's 13K miles '01 Imola Red Dinan Stage 5 740iS.


Martin showing TXDarth a better way to wire his Bluetooth kit.


Moved camp to Bone Daddy's.


Helping the BD ladies stay warm, very charitable.


Sometime we can take on too many projects at one time.


For the grand finale, we present.... THE MOTHER OF ALL CUP HOLDERS!!!