Why I sold the build I spent years and every penny on… • “Rusty”

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Timecodes:
00:00 - Intro
00:13 - Status Report
00:56 - I'm in BMW Heaven
01:54 - Rusty's Backstory
04:37 - The SEMA Unveiling
05:39 - Let's Start with the Engine
07:47 - The H&R Suspension
08:43 - The Bodywork & Inspiration
10:52 - Other Details
12:05 - Why did I sell Rusty?
13:29 - Rey's Collection
16:00 - The Parts Collection
18:15 - Hopefully, that makes sense...

[@stanceworks]

Rusty had so many stages that meant something to someone. What stage did you first find out about the car, and which is your favorite?

[@Angus1million]

I first saw it when it was still painted, and you were experimenting with lighting and photography techniques on Bimmerforums (i think?). So cool to see how much it's changed over the years!

[@_Keir]

I first saw pictures of Rusty on the vwvortex forum, when it was still a sedan with the chopped roof, before the fire.

[@pawelpowroznik]

First I saw it on stanceworks blog with copped roof. Then first time in person at Essen Motor Show. It was the best car of the show. When I saw that it was coming to Germany I was so excited! I love the combination of rust and group 5 racing in this car.

[@bryan_turner]

I found out about it during the first stage. I can't say I was ever a fan, but I definitely could appreciate the work put into its final form.

[@iferro89]

I joined Bfc in 09. I think rusty had the rs’ and a trailer with matching wheels the first time I saw it.

[@arrogance8478]

Mike, if you made a 10 part series of 1 hour episodes about Rusty and Ray's BMW's I would watch them all.

[@TheFastgeek]

Hear, hear! Absolutely want a deeper dive into this awesome machine.

[@13THPR0PH37]

I want the Blu-ray with behind the scenes special and director's cut and commentary for that! 💯💯💯

[@1320neon]

It would be like “The Last Dance” , magnificent

[@KingofSoup]

100% would watch!

[@yur1831]

Same, not even a huge BMW guy but I do appreciate these creatures

[@OddBawZ]

I love everything about this build. The fact it’s the charred rusty skin of your old daily just welded on to a tubular chassis is such a story!

[@steakappraiser8752]

Great video, great story so much I didn't know. Amazing to see something built, cherished by another, and appreciated for what it is.

[@Kzsakul]

What a throwback Mike. Thank you. Being 30 years old now, I remember signing up for the Stanceworks forums when they first opened up, as a teenager without a car or license, and followed the entire history of Rusty. Fast forward many years with school and work taking up the majority of my time, I’m now fortunate enough to work in the automotive industry again and attend events like SEMA. Honestly forums like Stanceworks, your blogs and everything about the car culture you started, fueled my passion for the automotive industry even more at a very young age. I don’t have any more projects cars currently but have owned 8 e36’s over the years and really hope to get back into another project in the future to hopefully inspire future generations of enthusiasts as well. Thank you again and look forward to your next video. 🍻

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Mike, wish I could put into better words the vibe I get while watching your videos. The attention to detail, story telling, craftmanship, the videography, the fabrication, the car collection nostalgia. The feeling alone from a the video clips recorded at golden hour with the sun peaking through the window and the b roll shots overlayed on top are out if this world. Anytime I watch one of your videos, Im reminded of my love for cars and the love to build them is re-inspired and recharged and even motivated to try and use all that as creative aid to make better content for my youtube channel, and I hope in some way my content may give off even one percent of the vibe and feel to others that your videos have given to me. Your story of the Rusty build is an incredible part of your journey!!! Keep crushing and leading and inspiring the car community!!!

[@stanceworks]

Thanks so much for such a thoughtful comment!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

@@stanceworks yesssir!! Thanks for what ya do!!

[@RogueViirus12]

An absolutely fantastic example of storytelling and video editing per usual. I've consumed a good bit of Rusty content in the past but this absolutely takes the cake. Ray's collection is astounding too. He truly is something to aspire to be, I can only imagine being able to fully lose yourself in something you love that much.

[@turtturt235]

From the music to the cinematography to the story telling, your videos are art.

[@woznaldo]

I’m relatively new to the S/W world, having joined for the Ferrari build. Like most people, once found, I had dig around your history. I wasn’t disappointed. I think what I like most is your passion and the stories behind the cars of your past. It helps that you’re a great storyteller too! I have too many projects and not enough time (sound familiar to anyone else?), so I decided to buy some time back and put my Masters on hold for a year so I can get fab work done after my 9 to 5. Your channel, and a few others, have helped with the motivation, and for that I’m grateful. Don’t stop doing what you do.

[@SebastienAudeon]

I remember walking into the shop and seeing this there, I was but a small child and now, here we are discussing how long ago it really was. Almost a decade since the SEMA reveal is insane to me… I’m glad I got to hear this machine in the flesh and see it multiple times, lots of love for this car and the story behind it

[@F80_Roach]

Mike, I've been meaning to tell you this for a few years. I bought one of your metal iPhone 5 cover plates (coilovers & spanner) from "Lowly Gentlemen" waaaaay back in the day. One day I came home to a crying wife with an invoice in her hand, questioning the status of our marriage. She misread the invoice and thought it was 'Lonely Gentlemen' 🤦‍♂. We still laugh about it to this day... seeing Rusty in his various states and thinking about the old forums brings back a flood of good memories. Thanks man

[@stanceworks]

That’s way too funny!

[@cmarran]

Don't comment on YT much but I have to tell you that I think Rusty is my favorite car build of all time and I was really excited to see this video. Side note- when you say "It's just intended to be" disappoints some people, that's insane to me. Just "being" is the absolute highest thing a car builder can strive for a build to do. Absolutely no limitations, just creating from passion and emotion. Very real.

[@jdwxly]

Very cool introduction to Ray and his collection. And I agree there likely is not a better caretaker for Rusty. It's stuff like this that makes StanceWorks more than another KZbin car channel. It's about your passion and the projects that come from that. I don't care what you build, I'm just thrilled that you are taking us along for the ride. Thanks!

[@Ujointoffroad_CO]

I'll always remember the first time I saw a picture of Rusty. It fundamentally changed the course of my life. Nothing has been the same since! Love you Mikey, and Rusty will always have a place in my heart.

[@randyrimiler6162]

RIP Rusty Slammington! Mike, you’re the reason I started modding my e36 328i when I was 18. Stance Works Changed my life. I still have that car today and it’s the only car I’ve daily driven since then. I’ve just turned 32 and I’ve added a 1990 325i e30 which is my newest pride and joy. Though it’s not pretty after 150k+ miles since 18 and I’m now 32, it’s still as you say perfectly imperfect. Baby’s still kicking! In closing, I’d love to have you all work on them someday. Just gotta make the trip from Florida out to California! Glad to see you have a channel, I’ve just subscribed! Stance Works ♾️

[@SlickNic]

Ray's collection is truly amazing! As a BMW fanboy, just seeing part of his collection in the video was fantastic. Keep 'em running Ray!

[@thesneak281]

The car that got me into cars. You were the talk of the town. Thanks for inspiring a young me

[@N_Davido]

In 2012 I stumbled across the blog post regarding Rays collection. I drove to my Dads that same day and we read the article together. As we took it all in, we giggled like school children and just sat there in awe. Now, in 2023, I can’t wait to go to my Dads tomorrow and watch this video with him. Thank you Mike. Thank you Ray.

[@jacksonianc]

Keep it all coming-the builds, fabrication work, cad design, story telling... It's all part of what I love about your content. 🤘

[@jbmiller81]

Mike, you’ve always been a great story teller when it comes to your cars. As someone that was around in the “forum heyday”, this car holds a special place in my heart. When I was a kid in the mid 80’s, my mom had a 1984 e28 528e, manual trans, cloth interior and that’s when I fell in love with cars and BMW’s. I remember laying on the garage floor under the car with my dad teaching me to do my first oil change…and I do t know WHY I can recall this…but I vividly remember running errands with my dad in his Ford Aerostar and he was talking about getting “mag wheels” for moms car and I told him he needed to get some gold BBS’s. I’m 41 now. Don’t stop with the content…for the “forum heyday” guys that weren’t brave enough to figure out how to turn out passion/hobby into a living. ❤️

[@Dogbread185]

Man I'm a student of car designing (vehicle industrial design) and your entire channel just inspires me with every upload, I hope someday I'll make cool cars for car guys like you to enjoy, you're a real one Also seeing your videos where you just strip a car and weld it back together is incredible educative since I have to know various processes, materials, and everything in between.

[@Bugatti024]

This whole video is a work of art. Unreal, and never would have expected to see something like Ray's workshop either! Truly amazing and thank you for sharing Rusty and your passion the way you do. Inspiring is an understatement

[@csgarage3682]

This made me respect and admire your work even more! Whomever Ray is, what a car enthusiast! Respect !

[@thesigmaenigma9102]

I've owned a 2018 M4, 2020 M2C, and now a 2023 M850. But I've also driven an E36 M3, and E46 M3. It's true BMW has made very different cars since the 90's, but so does everyone, mostly because they have to. I'd love to see what even older models drive like, like an E30 or something older. Maybe one day. Regardless, it's nice to hear about people like Ray who keep those old rare models alive. What a collection.

[@SynticS]

Damn, i still remember browsing that blog every day back then, every lunch break i checked car websites with my coleagues at work and Stance|Works was my fav one. I remember the first time i saw rusty, the story of it burning to the ground and its rise like a phoenix. You guys shaped my love for retro cars by a lot, watching this video brings so many memories go through my mind. Also running an old Stance|Works sticker on my bagged E30 M3 rear window, respect for you and thank you!

[@lysdexiar31]

I love that you're happy to say that you built it for the sake of building it and nothing more. more people need to take that on board.

[@hennybutabi]

Now I remember I saw it at the Essen motorshow at the time. I thought it was impossible that was the exact car because who would be so crazy to transport it from the US to Germany. And here we are! Keep up the good work, greetings from Belgium

[@garychamberlain3831]

Amazing story. You’re such a good story teller. The cars are incredible. I’m stoked to see more of this. Thank you. 🙏🏼

[@ZEPRATGERNODT]

Your narratives and videos are in my top 5. Bill at Old Man's Garage, Throttle House, Hagerty... youre with them. The videos are as impressive as the builds.

[@SideQuestGarage321]

Man this takes me back. Stanceworks glory days, the days of build logs and writing stories to go with your build pictures. I followed this build from a teenager into my 20s, and always took inspiration. Its amazing to see this detailed breakdown now, with what I have learned over the years about cars- to truly understand how amazingly this was engineered and built. Mike- You do not get the credit you deserve for your skills in fabrication, engineering, design, and pure persistence.

[@joachimemand1687]

Many many years ago I cam across your blog and the red E28 M5 on winding tuscany roads is since then the look I would go after on a E28. Seeing your youtube channel for the first time today is mindblowing.

[@grishakotov9851]

This car is the reason I bought my e28 ( still own it and drive it and mod it and swap it ): first saw Rusty with a woodrack, black center BBS RSs and a missing headlight or two. Think it was about the same time it got wrecked and then the crazyness started. Followed ever since, what a rollercoaster of emotions it was! The rust, the Rotiforms, the chop, the fire, the announcement of the revival ... I have to admit, when I found out it wasn't driven and then later sold, I was infuriated. It all makes sence now! Ray really seems to be the perfect caretaker of Rusty, we the audience would love to find out more about him and his enthusiasm, an amazing mission he has commited to! Shoutout to Byron too, helped me with advice on the SW forum when I struggled to build my own coilover set.

[@chrisbirth9087]

Love the QUALITY in every aspect of your channel!

[@mykilfremn26]

See this is like the perfect documentary setup and you didn't even need to show your face at all it was truly about the automotive

[@StephenWhite55]

I have a new-found appreciation for your obsessive approach to your current builds... Thanks for the deep(ish) background!

[@genem7234]

I LOVE this car, I grew up with it and your blog...I was so saddened when the fire happened but then I remember the reveal! this car has always had a spot for me, this car plus many other of your featured cars from your site have been wallpapers on my computers. Your passion for this car and also your thought process on where it is is perfect! I think knowing when to stop and move on is something that is a very difficult thing to do. I loved the state right before the fire, that was something I'd show everyone. THANK YOU for this video, any content I can see on this car is makes my week!

[@stumonkey17]

Mike, all you’re films are great to watch but this chance to see more detail of Rusty and the incredible collection Ray has was superb. Thanks for this one

[@greywarden7694]

Once in a while i see fb memories of me sharing your work from a far back as 9 years ago. I've watched every Ferrari episode, this video was awesome too.

[@drewvalenzano746]

Excellent episode. Loved the second dive into Rusty and the absolutely insane history stored inside this building. Thanks Mike!

[@TheDriverr97]

I can't believe my first time seeing this car posted was almost ten years ago. I was still in school also driving a white e28 from 84. When I seen rusty I fell in love 🥺

[@vinzzzV]

Quality again! Thx my friend! Enjoying the content a lot!

[@POVShotgun]

man it's insane seeing a high quality video of a car I only saw photos of growing up on the forums. I never knew all that went into it. I didnt even know what a 962 or an S38 was back then.

[@tylerprochot3864]

I saw this car at a European Car show in Tustin back in March of 2021, it was very, very loud. It was so cool to see it in person, you have to see it in person, seeing it in a picture simply isn’t good enough. It was a beautiful car

[@davidjohnson8474]

I love the way you did the body on Rusty! I've always loved that look! The really WIDE fenders are just crazy sick! I can tell it's in AWESOME HANDS!

[@franciscocosta2734]

This is amazing ! No words! Congrats and thank you for showing this beautiful place!

[@TheSurfboarder]

Awesome video, discovered stance works from the original rusty and have been following ever since!

[@ahriley91]

This was such an influential build. I found you and Rusty on your road trip to the west coast. Around the time of the semi backing into the A-pillar. I had just gotten my first e30.

[@arthurfromtoronto]

Thanks for sharing Mike, the first shot of he colorado E10 gave me an instant flashback to the StanceWorks article...and of course it's the same shop. Appreciate the little tour in video format, can't wait to see more of these kinds of features

[@MCG31]

what a blast from the past. I remember following the beginning of this build on the mye28 forums so many years ago.

[@andreww8941]

Amazing!!!! Just an awesome evolution of a project car that came directly out of your own thoughts pertaining to exactly what you wanted to do each time. You are super talented and beyond creative and it's a pleasure to get to see inside some of the building you, have done/will continue to do!!! Much appreciated and keep up the phenomenal work.

[@ev1sceratr1xizzy65]

I love it when Rusty content pops up, I'm slowly trying to do something with my E12 and this was fantastic motivation

[@gerekappo]

Such a lovely video man, I love your work. Today was a hard day for me, and this video brigthen it a little. Thank you.

[@ThemelisPikos]

Finally get the full story on this beautiful build. I remember Rusty from before the fire. It was nice to see the full timeline and the various looks. Thank you for making this!

[@angeloah]

This takes me back to when I knew all of you as a forum post. Juice Box to Stance Works, this car is one of the reasons I stayed involved and learned how to fix and build my own cars. Great to see this come full circle. Awesome start to my day.

[@ijsk7930]

That was great. And I had to rewind it a couples just to makes sure I heard your right… the Model A is getting worked on, super excited for that. Thanks and keep it up.

[@KeatonsMusic]

Been following this car for like 15-20 years now? Still one of my favorite builds ever

[@nicolelongneckergallery]

Great video. My late friend, Jeff Bailey & I took a 2002 to Bonneville Speedweek in 2007. It made the cover of Roundel. We finally went 131.7 on our third visit in 2009, setting what is the fastest FIA-sanctioned top speed for a stock bodied 2002. Someday some other goofballs may think about trying, but we actually did it. So, I understand your BMW love affair.

[@siyavuyambasa6145]

It finally hit me that I actually used to read Stance blogs. It didn't quite hit me till they showed the BMW article oh man I used to love waiting on the next article to come out damn. I think I fell in love more reading up on articles written on Stance blog page.

[@samfletcher4808]

This is such a great video! I loved hearing about your story along with the car and the collector who bought it.

[@mikebiondino8591]

Just enjoy the thoughtfulness in every edit you post. Top stuff, Mike.

[@daleschwed1680]

Wow! Great story about Rusty and Ray’s collection, stuff of car enthusiast legends! Just great stuff! I truly enjoy all of channels content!

[@urmilpatel1721]

Not a BMW guy....but damn, I can understand and FEEL the passion Ray has. None of those cars nor specialty parts means a thing to me (with the exception to Rusty), but I love the collection, the mindset of stewardship, and the drive to keep history alive and real rather in books and defunct blogs only to be found on Wayback Machine. As much as I LOVE your build episodes, this episode is one of my favorites. Goosebumps for real!

[@koens2578]

AMAZING episode! Ray's shop is absolute heaven!

[@tylerelston7792]

I've been inside the shop and although Ive seen the cars going in and out of the shop I was overwhelmed to a different degree when I got to see all the cars in there especially Rusty. Rusty not only got me "into" BMW's but into cars and the community. Thank you for giving Rey some recognition, as far as I can tell he doesn't get any at all.

[@JerseyArtform]

Dude I remember when you first started this build back on Bimmerforums, good to see it’s still alive.

[@rosscullen531]

The Zakspeed Capri has been my all time favorite car....and i had no idea about rusty. Now im seeing this and blown away

[@jasondever8313]

Appreciate the inspiration, I started building my Benz 10-11 years ago and was tagged in a lot of you post throughout that time.

[@tollefreyerson6710]

Absolutely fantastic episode in every detail!! Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravo!!

[@kylesawyer64]

Loved meeting you and seeing rusty at SEMA. Love the vids

[@JoshTHankins]

Yes! Finally! I have always wanted to know the story. Thank you for sharing!!

[@benzina5917]

Fabulous story and very well told. I'm absolutely blown away with Rusty's build.

[@dakrush319]

Such a good video! Saw Rusty at the Essen Motor Show in Germany and was very impressed 👌🏻 Love the videos please more content like this!

[@donovanlucibello379]

I am not a BMW guy, but I am a car guy, and that was inspiring. A true work of love & art!

[@BikesAreFun]

Love it Mike. I still remember when Rusty got the window crushed in by the semi and reading about it on Bimmerforums, back then we all thought it was over for Rusty, who would have thought he'd live on this long!

[@liam821]

Ray's car and OMG parts collection is insane! I like how Rusty is parked next to an e46m3 CSL like its nothing. Incredible.

[@benstrait333]

Very cool car, thanks for giving us a tour of Ray's place. And we all thank you Ray for launching this channel and the great content we've gotten to enjoy here 👍🤘👍🤘

[@myencraftings]

this is a very special episode. It was a pleasure to watch. thanks a lot!

[@EXROXX]

thats one of the best videos on your channel man really sick content

[@Covkiller]

What a great personal creation. Especially that you did the work. And a great video film 👍

[@maxanstine1139]

GAWD you know what BMW SAUSE is. The reason I subed to your channel wasn't only because you were building a crazy Ferrari. It was because when I was fantacizeing and googling late at night and I saw the STANCEWORKS logo at the bottom of a photo, I knew that whatever was above it was pure exuisit astetic and taste. I have a photo album of "the cars" that I want to own one day. The black Stanceworks E9 (that I think was yours) is among them. I love your taste and astetic preference in cars and it really comes out in this video (even though I am a Mercedes guy). That being said, my dad and I need to get our 02tii on the road ASAP. Cheers!

[@dannoyes4493]

Wow. You have a gift. Excellent job of telling the story. Well Done.

[@ZachRobert]

Having watched the evolution of Rusty on the StanceWorks forums, this video hits differently. Mike sparked my interest in automotive photography and a subtle love for BMW; this video has both in spades. What a wonderful tribute to an old friend ❤

[@avidworkslol]

Dude, I can't believe it's already been 8 years since it was unveiled at Sema. Time flies.

[@BazilVanSinner]

Thumbs up for your amazing built(need more feed !!!) and for Ray and the appreciation you are giving to him!!!

[@rbdesignsnh]

its cool to know that Rusty has a home where someone can enjoy him.

[@ronannz]

Classy "tip of the hat and head-nod"...well done 🍻

[@perigogrady9738]

The fact that this popped up is insane!! Long story short, we have a 76” bmw 2002 that WE call rusty in the family!! So cool that a fellow old bimmer shares the same nickname haha

[@Boz196]

Absolutely love this car. It’s such a unique aesthetic for a BMW but it just looks so good. Also the craftsmanship that went into it is just beautiful.

[@sladeb6036]

Fantastic video all around. Thank you.

[@Laterdays2]

Wow. Awesome build. What a great place for Rusty to live and be loved.

[@Kr8zyVids]

We love you Ray! Whoever you are

[@simonchristyjohnston4365]

Awesome episode bro, thank you.😊

[@kiaazjegels]

Rusty has been a stance race and modified legend for years to greatful to have experienced or watched how this car got love n respect over thhe years n so glad rusty is among other vehicles that stand the test of time... Well up for the video amazing story stanceworks always brings the fire... Building my own vw project n has been an inspired by Rusty's life...

[@EmKeysGarage]

I like this kind of Videos! Rusty is an awesome project. I was able to see Rusty at SEMA show a few years ago. Keep on doing your KZbin Video Style!

[@LowDownAndDirty]

"It just is" love it, love this build ........ Works of art don't need a reason to exist, other than to be.

[@jnu199]

First saw chopped top rusty back when i was in college. But fell in love with group 5 rusty when it dropped. Still remember seeing pics from sema and thinking it was the scariest thing i’ve ever seen, in a good way of course.

[@bryandickerson5365]

I’m new to Rusty, but seriously impressed! I’m also a big fan of the Group 5 influences and immediately saw them reflected in the build. And man, what a collection Ray has! My favorites - 320is, E28 Alpina, all the wheels and that AWESOME hot-rod 524td - WOW! Hey, maybe you’re the guy to help me finish my TDI powered Volvo 240 wagon :^) Thanks for the back-story and the tour!

[@linkinpark4life0220]

Another great video Mike! keep it up

[@jeffcarrington7411]

Thanks for sharing rusty! I am in love with e28's I am currently building an 84' 528e

[@jamesfcookjr]

I enjoyed your segment on Rusty I like to see more of the build series of it and also to I like to see more of Ray’s collection videos. Thank you for posting it.😊👍🏼🤙🏽🙏🏽

[@andrew_cant_golf]

Didn’t know anything about this car but I’m glad you made this video. I built my Honda Grom to the nines last year not for any purpose, but because it’s what I wanted to do. I dream to do that one day with a car, just haven’t decided which one. Thanks for the video Mike, really makes me wanna pursue it more seriously and utilize my mechanical engineering background for my own personal pleasure with designing a dream car.