A 250 SWB made it's way down under
 

After reading the original article in KitCar magazine and lurking around here for a long time ordered and received my kit a few weeks ago...
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/971/2...900d4b75_b.jpg

This being New Zealand there are of course different rules but I should be able to build it without any formal certification just the standard Warrant of Fitness test to pass. To be able to do that had to find a 1998 (2.8 manual..) model that predates the front impact regulations here so as to be allowed to remove the front bumper. Also can't move the fuel filler and tires can only be 10% larger....

And since we don't have square number plates here I will take inspiration from the original 1959 show car 1539GT that had no indents... https://www.conceptcarz.com/images/F...MAL_04-800.jpg

The stripping and building has started and happy to see that panel fit has been much improved.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/912/4...223f4ff5_b.jpg

No cuts required and the door looks to open without any issues. Little work at the top of the door panel to pull it in but most of that is the Velcro holding it in place...

First addition was a cap on the hole in the chassis rail, quick trip to Fusion360 https://farm1.staticflickr.com/827/4...397851bc_b.jpg

And the 3d printer produced a rubber seal and ABS cap.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/946/4...6d6a8d19_z.jpg

Now just need to figure out how to fit the power steering cooler and the fan in front of the airco radiator....

Congratulations!
I have a 250 SWB shipping to the USA in about a week. Good luck with your build.
This forum has been very helpful, folks here are freely giving hints and tips for the builds. Most appreciated too.

Awesome NZIdol, look forward to seeing your progress. Love the idea of the number plate recess change, that will look very smart.
Hopefully one day we will be able to get your 250 and my 275 in the same picture! Good luck with all the challenges ahead.

They're going to be as common as muck in NZ!

Nice to see another build, keep the details common.

I closed my cassis legs off with an alloy plate and some silicone. I have since cut a replacement in 3mm steel, I'm intending to drill it and weld a nut to the inside so that the towing eye can be inserted. A rubber blanking plug will keep the moisture out.

NZidol - Sounds like you have already put a lot of thought into your build.

Good luck, Paul. :)

Can you share the fusion 360 file. I keep meaning to print some but have never got around to it. Nclarksouthampton at gmail dot com

No worries if you can't as I should be able to design them myself

It will be on Thingiverse in a day or so....

Printed and ready to fit
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/982/4...43ab63de_c.jpg20180508_194541 by WCA!, on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/825/4...ace1f7d2_c.jpg20180508_194703 by WCA!, on Flickr

I am thinking of using rubber glue rather than a rubber gasket (because I have some) to fix them in place as well as the bolts

You could print the other part in hard plastic and use rubber/silicone to seal it. The holes are not centered to German precision on the car....

How are you getting on with the low volume cert for this?

Since I have a 98 Z3 and a cabrio kit no certification should be needed, you are allowed to change body panels and replace parts with generic OEM parts. For post 99 cars there is a front impact regulation that does not allow the removal of the front bumper but that does not apply to a 98... also can't move the petrol filler, tires can only be 10% larger and you need a third brake light....
When converting to a fixed roof there are requirements to add rubber around the bars running next to your head, the specified rubber only works with a racing helmet though (so clearly targeted at Targa cars with a Motorsport roll cage.) that cabrio roof also uses steel bars is apparently not an issue.
The first WOF will be interesting....

Ok interesting. So there may be problems with an mx250 hard top kit. The bumper covers need to be removed but the bumpers remain and the fuel filler needs to be moved a little. Hmmmm

Don’t worry about LVV too much until you have engaged with certifier. These guys are realistic, passionate about the car “hobbyist” approach and can provide good advice and practical solutions. I have just started my journey but have got a good certifier who is interested in the concept and project.
I know LVV is another regulatory hoop to jump through, but with low level (I.e. level 1A/1B or possibly Level 2 required it is not too daunting. Also when doing the car to get items such as wire wheels/adaptors fitted/Fuel filler moved it is all part of the very important look so a bit of extra work shouldn’t put you off.
In a few weeks I will be at the point of heavily engaging with the initial stages of certification and what we can/can’t do so once the car is stripped so will post updates on my thread when I can. Cheers- good luck with your plans!

Thanks guys. I'm committed to doing a mx250 hard top . Just waiting for a delivery date. I'm about an hour north of Auckland. Maybe some time in the future there could be a little tribute gathering.

Definitely interested in that longer term. Be great to catch up with guys with likeminded interests in the classic style cars. A few meets/shows in NZ but few and far between compared with the UK scene. A while to go before I’ll be ready but look forward to it!

You know how it goes too many projects on the go and none are fully finished yet... But Jag wanted to see some pics of my boot hinges

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4815/...28027e5d_b.jpgBoot open

The support is 3d-printed in ABS and screws to body, will need some extra glassfibre behind it but it is not protesting yet...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4863/...08b3a347_b.jpgboot hinge

You'll probably notice the lock, it is the original BMW lock with some 3d-printed supports and cover, just need to figure out how to hook it onto the lid of to the side...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4855/...dd090987_b.jpgBoot lock in place

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4900/...41cb760e_b.jpgBoot lock printed and assembled

And yes the logo is 3d-printed smoothed with acetone vapor and some (...) sanding, filler and chrome paint. May get it cast in aluminium....

Good work! Liking that logo.