Very nice looking wheels but it does look like they might push out too far for the SWB arches though.

Just run a few calculations through the 'will they fit?' software.

The MWS wheels at ET -16 and splined adaptors which effectively increase the wheel 'poke' by another 31.75mm (1.25"), give an equivalent of ET - 47.5mm.

Looking at the BMW Z3 as a potential donor, compared to the factory fit 7x16 ET38 alloys, the wires will 'poke' 73mm further out, widening the track by 5 & 3/4".

Even looking at some of the huge optional alloys that Z3's tend to wear - the biggest I found that I think are meant to fit on the front were 9x18 ET 40's - they'll still 'poke' out another 50mm, widening the track by 4".

There's probably two inches clearance to play with at the back, especially if a 'narrow body' donor is used, but I think it might be a struggle to get them to fit on the front without fouling the arches of the SWB shell. Shame. :(

MWS Cobra wheels
 

Sorry should have explained, ET of -16 includes the splined adaptors, so based on the Mx5 with a std wheel of et 45 they stick out 60mm plus half the difference between the rims (5.5 vs 6.0") so 67 mm in all. :smash:

Ah, that makes more sense and reduces the extra 'poke' to between 18 and 41mm compared to 'standard' wheels. That should be a lot more manageable. :)

Some Progress
 

Sanding, filling, more sanding, more filling, and a splash of paint to see how its going. Then more sanding, more filling, even more sanding.......

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps11928345.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pse961bbc7.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8eedbd7c.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psb408dfd3.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps36e98362.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pscab6f3c4.jpg

Wow!!

A bit of colour works wonders!!

Good to see the finishing underway. What of the door window frames ?

Frames are looking good in the last picture. Is this the finalised version?
I'm looking forward to coming down to see the end project.

Oh, that's starting to come together nicely now. Can't wait for the next update. :)

That looks great!

Wow, again.

Can someone tell me if this is just a one off for Geoff or will it eventually be a kit?.

Good evening , kits will be available , suggest you give Chris a call for more info , Geoff ,

Chris & Dan - I think this is shaping up to be your best kit yet. :cool:

Keep up the good work, Paul. :)

PS
hurnleft - Welcome to this forum.
Sorry I meant to ask your steering wheel / air bag question over here and then completely forgot. :rolleyes:

Paul L,
Hi again, as is often the case with a question such as 'can I legally remove the air bags (and some other modern stuff) to fit a wood rim steering wheel and make the cab of a Z3 look older, there are many variations of reply and the water ends up very muddied. I'll speak privately to Kevin Rooney when I'm nearer to getting started to get his answer.


A friend of mine had a customer's Bertini in yesterday so I went to look at the concept of a Z3 rebody, although I'm not interested in that actual model. I like the idea and am off to look at a 2.8 Z3 today. If that's ok, I'll be ready for when the 250 kit is ready.

Cheers, Bob.

'can I legally remove the air bags (and some other modern stuff) to fit a wood rim steering wheel and make the cab of a Z3 look older

I hope so

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z...923_132112.jpg

And here is how I did it
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=4917

The airbag sensor is located just in front of the gear stick and when you remove that the warning light on the dashboard goes out. On mine there was no passenger airbag fitted .

WCA Very nice interior.
I've just put a deposit on a Z3 2.8 manual so I'm getting prepared.
Cheers, Bob.

Working my way around the car prepping for the moulding process, I have always thought the "shoulder' of the rear wing could be improved upon. So before it was too late, out came the grinder.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pse1e69c11.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps54ce00cb.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps007003be.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps66671d5b.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps852eb613.jpg

That looks do much better, great idea Chris

Chris nice attention to detail , Geoff .

Thanks Geoff. Her's some more detail:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps980e9d65.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6fea63f9.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psb1f5fa02.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psb4242b96.jpg

The devil is in the detail :smokin:
It's coming on nicely. Good job

Thanks Steve. Matching up the other side:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps600629e6.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps8fae3891.jpg

Looking really good. I'll speak to you during the week about coming down.

Cheers, Bob.

Excellent.
Talking about matching the other side reminded me of the famous story about Sergio Pininfarina’s response to the Triumph TR7 when he saw it unveiled at the Detroit auto show. Walking from one side of the car to the other, he said of the swooping swage line along its flank, "Oh no, they did it on this side, too"

Any further development on this chaps?









T.I.A.

Mould production this month , with my build to start at the end of the month , Geoff .

Looking forward to it Geoff

Mine won't be far behind, starting to collect the required lights, handles etc to take down with me.

Really looking forward to it. I'd like to make Stoneleigh with it if work allows (I know I'm working on the Sunday.

Bob.

+1

Don't know if this may be of interest but came accros it and thought it may help posting it.

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBprogress4.html

Thanks for that heads up on Simpson Design. Did you see the prices they are asking? The USA is clearly a different market!
They are using a Miata (known as MX5 in Europe) which requires them to make some compromises. I thought all their types looked a bit "chunky" as a result and I was particularly interested in seeing their Italia 2 GTO which looks a bit like my 275/Z3 project based on a Z3 (see my thread at http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=5207 ) I am still finalizing the design so I will take note of their efforts and try to benefit.

Good find Jaguartvr.

Here's some more
http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBprogress3.html

I think it looks good.

Blooming heck - he started by making it in steel
http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBchangemind.html
Kudos

As Geoff said moulding will start this month, with 1st panels out and on Geoff's Z3 by end Jan/beginning of Feb. We are running behind due to shear volume of kits, part builds and development work. Mustn't grumble, business is good, if a little tiring sometimes :sleep:

I have always admired Jim Simpson's work. And his prices.

Glad to hear that business is booming, can't wait to see the 'production' SWB kit as I might be in a position to place an order later this year. :)

It's great news that the SWB is almost ready, and I'm sure I share the feelings of all on this forum to be chuffed for you that business is so good. You've got a good range of products and an innovative approach to producing kit cars during a time of increasing government intervention.
I can't wait to get mine on the road :smile:

I've just looked up his prices and they're an eye opener. It must be difficult selling a kit car in a country where for the same price you could buy a new Mustang, Camaro or Challenger.

I have one of the Italia kits in the back garden waiting to be fitted. I believe it is one of the Retroforza kits.
The finish is amazing, the front end just bolts on an would be ready to paint with virtually no prep. Probably one reason they are so expensive.