Couple of questions

Jaguartvr · #1 3rd April 2016, 13:12

I can't find the thread but it was here a few days ago about using filler on GRP.
I know you can get shrinkage make from using filler, would it be better to use a gelcoat filler as used on boats or is it not worth worrying about?

Second question is, looking at Eric's 250swb convertible build, there seems to be a lot of space under the car now that the exhausts have been removed. Would it be possible to box it out in steel to make way for a spare wheel or will cutting the steel give a problem which results in needing an IVA?

I was thinking boxing out the space where the original silencer sat, removing the rear crash bar and back of the original lower boot closure panel. This would enlarge the boot and let the replacement GRP boot floor panel to be lower and flatter. If this modification was made and it needed an IVA test, would the IVA be a problem as most of the car is a production model or would I be asking for a whole lot of pain from government jobsworths?

The reason for asking is that I intend to run wire wheels, these obviously need tubes and they cannot be repaired by the side of the road by any type of sealant in a can. If you don't carry a spare and you get a puncture you are FUBAR.

smash · #2 3rd April 2016, 19:46

New wires generally don't have tubes - mine don't.

Jaguartvr · #3 3rd April 2016, 20:13

That would be a good solution, I know that there are a couple of tables spoked wheels for motorcycles but normally very expensive.
Trouble is I'm going to be looking at used not new.

Tribute Automotive · #4 3rd April 2016, 20:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

Would it be possible to box it out in steel to make way for a spare wheel or will cutting the steel give a problem which results in needing an IVA?

I was thinking boxing out the space where the original silencer sat, removing the rear crash bar and back of the original lower boot closure panel. This would enlarge the boot and let the replacement GRP boot floor panel to be lower and flatter. If this modification was made and it needed an IVA test, would the IVA be a problem as most of the car is a production model or would I be asking for a whole lot of pain from government jobsworths?

The reason for asking is that I intend to run wire wheels, these obviously need tubes and they cannot be repaired by the side of the road by any type of sealant in a can. If you don't carry a spare and you get a puncture you are FUBAR.

If you are going to run knock-off wires on splined adaptors maybe in the event of the flat tyre you could simply remove the wheel AND the adaptor then use the existing space saver, which will fit inside the stock Z3 boot. Carrying a space inner tube, if your wires require them, would mean any local tyre shop could help you with the repair.

If you do cut into the Z3 monocoque you will technically require an IVA test.

Jaguartvr · #5 16th April 2016, 08:41

Managed to pick up a set of MWS bolt on wires. The nice thing about them is they are tubeless so should be able to use tyre sealant on them or put a space saver on in case of a puncture.
They looked pretty grotty so was intending to have them "chrome" powder coated at £56 per wheel. Now that they have turned up they may well clean up and just one hub will need rechroming. MWS have quoted up to £150 to strip and rebuild and I should get it replated for about £75, so about the same cost as powder coating.
There going into the dishwasher as soon as the wife leaves for work

Advertised on Ebay as "Jaguar splined wheels", no mention of "wire wheels" in the listing at all, kept all the vultures at bay!

kevemm · #6 16th April 2016, 08:52

re Wires why not use Puncture seal in them, I use it in all my replicas due to the lack of a spare. It will even seal those leaky spokes you can get on the wires. They have a few videos on you tube most car clubs I am in also use it. Check out their website.

Jaguartvr · #7 16th April 2016, 09:29

I had something similar fitted to my TVR Griffith as it didn't have a spare wheel. I had it pumped in but every morning for the first 10 miles the car would vibrate terribly because the sealant had collected in the bottom of the tyre, after about 10 miles it was better but you still got vibrations. Cost me 4x the amount to get it removed as it was to have it applied. I think part of the problem was that the tyres were so large that they had to put a large amount of sealant in that they was a puddle of the stuff in them at rest.
Never again!

I have tried the puncture sealant that you can get in cans, I can also confirm that it doesn't work in wire wheels that have tubes.

kevemm · #8 16th April 2016, 09:36

Thats why you should look at Puncture seal not the cheap alternatives. It has guidelines of the exact amount for each tyre size and does not lay in the bottom of the tyre I know for sure as I have had tyres replaced several years after and witnessed the contents across the whole of the tyre internally.
You pays your money you make your choice.

Jaguartvr · #9 16th April 2016, 09:41

The stuff I had fitted wasn't cheap, I went back and complained and they said that they had put the correct amount in for the size of tyre.
I had had it fitted before in a smaller wheel and had no problems.
I would never have it again, it was an absolute pain to get out.

kevemm · #10 16th April 2016, 09:47

Like anything there are different makes if it was not puncture seal i cant comment I have this in three cars no issues up to the individual.

Jaguartvr · #11 18th April 2016, 07:17

OK, so no luck on the wire wheels, looks as if a heavy duty alloy wheel cleaner has been used on them in the past and the chrome has gone dull. So they are going to be sent down to Tudor wheels to be stripped and "chrome" powder coated. They chemically dip them and then blast them before powder coating. The spokes are silicone sealed and I presume the chemical dip or the heat from the powder coating oven will cause them to fail. £50 per wheel to get MWS to reseal them.
I'll start a new thread shortly, sorted out a 2.8 Z3 as my donor, should be arriving tomorrow. Doesn't rev over 2,500 so will need a bit of investigating. I did have an E46 that did the same and it turned out to be the throttle pedal, hoping it might be the same otherwise it might be a pain.