I am planning to lower my SWB (how long will I keep it?) about 3 inches and fit these period wheels:
BEFORE http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pstivocle1.jpg AFTER http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3yj0vsla.jpg |
I wasn't happy with the shape of the bonnet vent. and the depth of the lowest section touched the rocker cover on the Z3 engine, so adjustments have been made prior to moulding.
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3vk6pzdo.jpg |
Are the wheels in your photoshop the Buick ones that were on Ebay? I looked at those and wondered if they'd look good.
I can see now that I should have bought them. It looks a lot cooler lowered as well. Cheers, Bob. |
They are the same wheels Bob, well spotted. You will be glad that you didn't buy them when I tell you they are the wrong PCD. I thought they were Chevy pattern, 5x120 as the BMW, but it turns out they are 5x130. I can get adaptors but I think the wheel offset + adaptor thickness will cause clearance problems. Will double check.
|
I am sure that most readers/customers will be aware of how busy we are with various customer projects, development work and kit production, so it may not come as a surprise that after struggling to keep up with all of the above I have had to do some serious thinking and decided to pass some work to an outside supplier to free up some hours/days/weeks.
On Monday the SWB buck was transported to a local GRP specialist who is undertaking the mould making and the first run of kit panel production: http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psh43gdtv7.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7l0ukyks.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psofa51lgb.jpg This will push production along far quicker and ensure that we fulfill the current batch of SWB kit orders in good time. It also give us time to finish the development of side windows, grille and inner skin structures etc. The boot and bonnet will follow the rest of the car shortly once sprayed in gloss: http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7rdi1ezf.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pspam49x8w.jpg |
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
Chris - Exciting times, anything that gives you and Dan a chance to take a well earned rest has to be a good thing. :cool:
Good luck, Paul. :) |
The march 2015 issue of Classic & Sports Car has a feature on replicas including a 250swb.
Beautiful work, but as I don't have a spare 10 years or £100,000 I'll stick with my Tribute order. Cheers, Bob. http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...&pictureid=205 |
|
Simpson Design
Apologies if I am covering old ground here. I have been following this thread very carefully but cannot recall seeing any previous reference to this:
http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBprogress4.html Are Simpson and Tribute sister companies, or the first evidence for the parallel universe theory? The Tribute SWB looks more attractive, the Simpson more "finished". |
Parallel universe - but theirs are based on 4 pot Mazdas rather than BMWs
|
Quote:
|
Amazing! Simpson makes his prototype in steel then makes a fibreglass mold and production bodies in fibreglass....? His client obviously has more money than enthusiasts in the UK, just look when the blog started to see how any hours/years it is taking.
Yes, I did spot that the car in the background looked like a Ferrari 275GTB so I am not unique in the whole world in making one but, having driven both, I prefer to make mine on the BMW Z3 as a base. The compromises on the overall shape are still there but it is more practical to use the Z3 because all the panels unbolt. |
Check the post count – the only reason I’ve signed up for the forum is because of this conversion.
I’ve been watching with interest since a mate stuck a photo of an early incarnation up on his on Facetube. Just wanted to say that the finished body looks bloody brilliant! I love the whole concept of body conversions but have never seen one that combined sensible cost, that hides the original cars origins to the point that only a windscreen fitter would spot it and that looks properly proportioned and just generally right. The shopped lowering is the cherry on the cake – personally I love the whole restomod scene which I think this would suit perfectly (debadged - it’d be a shame to plaster it in F badges). Go big on the rims! Anyway, point is in all this time of buying secondhand kitcars this really is the first time my hands been hovering over my wallet on the edge of pulling the trigger to build one (despite the fact I have nowhere to build it!) and I just wanted to say I think you’ve done a brilliant job. |
Quote:
Why not ask Chris for a quotation to swap the body for you and fit the lights so you can drive it away. Best thing I ever did to get my Z300S Barchetta under way. http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...?t=4941&page=2 |
Quote:
Bob. |
Quote:
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...?t=4941&page=3 |
First panel out the new moulds:
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psmgll59pq.jpg Boot next: http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psdm7oewjj.jpg |
Looks good. My build slot gets nearer!
Cheers, Bob. |
The bonnet looks high quality and I love the black gel coat. Can't wait to see the rest
|
Thanks guys.
I am not going to claim that the finish is perfect, just that with a bit of elbow grease it would look presentable as a temporary finish whilst using the car before final painting. |
More progress, rear end/roof should be ready by friday
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psqdoooaog.jpg http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psz3lkzzzk.jpg |
The reflections on the bootlid show the quality of the moulding. Hope the front end looks as good once it's cleaned up.
|
I have been asked by several customers to compile a list of basic items required to build an SWB, The following are examples, there are limitations on the size of rear lights due to body recesses and we have set the kit up for Mini door handles, but all other items are down to personal choice:
7" Headlights with side lights + buckets http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/7--he...bly-with-side/ Chrome headlight trims, MAKE SURE THEY ARE THE TAPERED TYPE http://www.retroclassiccarparts.com/...for-triumph-tr Rear lights http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l539-...--tail--pair-/ http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l539-...icator--pair-/ Front indicators CLEAR LENSES WITH AMBER BULBS REQUIRED http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l594-...icator--pair-/ Side repeaters (front wing). Example for style, but your choice http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-FI...item35da2f95bd Fog light Example, your choice. REVERSING LIGHT TO MATCH? NOT REQUIRED FOR MOT http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/1253-rear-fog-/ Reflectors. Example of period correct for SWB, but your choice http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/lucas...ectors--pair-/ Washer jets http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MI...item418580ccc8 Numberplate lights x2 http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/550-t...lamp--frogeye/ NUMBERPLATES: UK STANDARD SIZE, OBLONG FRONT + SQUARER REAR Door and boot handle set http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MI...item1c4e51bded Bonnet pins, Example http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BONNET-PIN...item19eedbb0e8 |
Body is looking excellent. My workshop slot gets nearer still.
Can I add a couple of things to your list Chris. Please correct if they are no longer what's needed. Fuel neck and cap - I bought them from Car Builder Solutions. The parts to connect the BMW petrol filler neck to a new cap. I'll list the part numbers as they may be useful to others. The cap I chose was AST100, an Aston style locking flip top. Other parts were FFF51- ULTRA FLEXIBLE FUEL FILLER HOSE 51mm (2 feet) POLY - BLACK POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE/SEALANT ALIT50 - 50mm OD ALUMINIUM TUBE 0.19metre. beaded at one end H45ZN - 2x HOSE CLIP 45-60mm Boot catch- Bought from Europa. Flat Hook Latch Left Hand BN3BLL Cheers, Bob. |
Quote:
Does the z3 rubber stays in place or????? Sorry but i don't understand how the windscreen has to be fitted if the pillar covers and the roof are bonded and painted............... I am very intersted in this kit but before buying one i like to see some kind of build manual or instructions,for the more expirienced builder it is probably as clear as glass but for a novice kitbuilder as me it is not. Oh........let me introduce myself,René,57 years young,hotrodder,classis car nut and perhaps a kitcar builder.......:whoo: I live in Holland near Amsterdam,work as a pro tig/mig welder but grp/polyester is almost new to me. Greetz René |
Rene - Welcome to this forum, I've enjoyed your work on "Rods & Sods". :cool:
I'm sure Chris from Tribute will give you a proper answer to your question at some point. In the mean time have a look at this Kobra build thread. http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=5001 By all accounts the Kobra is a more straight build than the 250 SWB, but it is still BMW Z3 based. So the photos of the BMW panels being removed should give you some idea of the general process. But with a few added complications given the 250 SWB has a roof. To be frank, a man of your skills should have no problems with building something like this. Good luck, Paul. :) PS For everyone else, here are a couple of examples of Rene's work. Car: http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/gar...l-anglia-66837 Trailer: http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/gar...coooool-137857 |
Thanks for the welcome Paul,i fully understand how the build on a z3 is working with the panels,i have been reading several build treads (including your epic struggle with the rain and snow in which you earn my respect however i can"t understand why you are building a roadster ,if it is done you still be in the rain)about z3 builds........
The SWB should be a straight build to exept the windshield thing what i asked about. The main thing i like about the SWB is you don't need to go to the RWD(dutch sva)to get it registred because it is only a bodykit. In Holland you can't build your own design chassis and bodywork with engine of choice like you guys can,a car has to remain original on 2 of 3 parts,that is chassis,engine and body are 3 parts,you can chance only 1. On a car like a z3 there are just 2 parts,engine and unibody so there is nothing to chance,switching loose panels is not a problem. I am looking out to see how this develops and getting dreams about the first SWB on my block:icon_mrgreen: |
Have send you a PM , René , so schould be in your Inbox.
|
Windscreen cover
Hi Rene;
I have sent you a PM to clarify, but might as well state it here as well; The windscreen is not covered by the GRP, just the gap that would normally take the Z3 rubber trim, it will become clearer on Monday when Chris installs the rear/roof section to Geoff's car. I'm sure Chris will post pics on the forum to explain to everyone. We are the Benelux supplier of Tributes kits Rob |
Thanks Rob,it clarifies but i like to see some pic's first.
There are always some issues with every build i do wich are not forseen and usually cost a lot of money my way. Once i bought a restoration project which was half done,only painting and finishing the interior was left to do.It seems all the parts were there,nice solid body in primer and it looks fine.The seller told it was never welded only sandblasted and primerd. In blind faith i painted it all and started putting it together and discovered the doors were a bit too tall(5 centimeter)and after a lot of investigation it seems my nice solid car was made of 2 nice solid cars,front was 1956 and behind the B pillar there was a 1957 rear end welded on..........scrapped it in the end. Looking at the SWB kit my guess is i am when it is done 20.000.00 euro's poorer but the proud owner of a nice car..........so in don't like unwanted surprises afterwards. René |
Hi Rene;
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with kits in the past, I can tell you the Z-3 kits that Tribute makes are of a different league! That's why we, when looking at the first proto, immediately signed up to be the the distributor for these conversions. I can understand your concern, please wait for the photos of Chris. As you know there is a large 'masking' surround along a Z-3 front window, and that is being covered by the kits new bodywork. Offcourse we can show you all during our builds in March when we will build 3 cars simultaniously. Rob |
An outlay of twenty thousand euros should result in the, erm, Rolls Royce of Ferrari replicas.
Unless you're paying someone else to build it or using a Z3M as a donor, I think you could get a decent example on the road for not much more than half that figure. With the body kit retailing at about 5,000 euros, a donor for around 3,000, and allowing another 4,000 for wheels/tyres, lights, filler and paint, where's the other 8k going to be spent? I'm hoping to get one of these started myself in the not too distant future, and I'll be budgeting for a spend of about £7,500 which will include a complete interior transformation. That's only a fag-paper over 10,000 euros at the current exchange rate. It would be possible to spend an awful lot more of course: I'm aiming to use BMW E39 steel wheels and try to make them look like Dunlop Racing wheels, but if you go for genuine Borranis with bespoke adaptors and fit them with Vredestein Sprint Classics, you could blow ten grand on the wheels alone. Anyway, however much you spend I'd love to see a build thread getting started soon. :) |
Mr T.i am sure you can build a drivable SWB for 11k,but as you say with steel wheels,almost stock interior etc.
A decent 6 pot donor will set you back 4-6 k overhere,i don.t want a knackered 300.000km donor but a low milage 6 cylinder. Kit is 5 k. Professionel paintjob including prep and polish around 4k. Bespoke leather interior with period seats 3,5k. Period steering wheel,wire wheels,tyres,stainless exhaust,badges,engine bling,period dash gauges and more will add the bill. This is the way i will go so i think 20k is pretty realistic. The build itself i can do myself but interior and paint will be done by a pro. The build of my Anglia hotrod i did almost everything myself but it is not a show car,A SWB should be flawless and as near an original as possible in my opinion. It does not matter,this is the way i like to go IF i decide to buy a kit,how someone else like to do it is his problem and as long as you have fun building it and are satisfied with it in the end that's what it's all about. |
Quote:
The kit has no set provision for filler location, as everyone will want something different. Geoff's SWB, for example, will be fitted with a modified stock Z3 filler flap over the existing cap/neck. |
Any update pictures Chris?
|
Quote:
|
I agree with your plans for the fuel filler, Chris, I will be re-using the standard fuel flap on my 275GTB re-creation (re-profiled to match the contour) as the alternative is so expensive but if anyone wants to follow me, as you say, they can use an authentic looking alternative.
|
Quote:
It's not that I'm a cheapskate looking to cut costs but I might just want to go more for a GT (as in Grand Touring like what posh people did in the 18th Century) rather than the race car look. Thank you. :) |
All times are GMT +0. The time now is 09:00. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright Madabout Kitcars 2022