KOBRA PROJECT - BMW Z3 based body conversion kit

[Tribute Automotive]

Hi Hammy

So far we have produced 4 Kobra kits, one is on Richard's car (shown above in this tread) currently being painted for an appearance on our stand at Stoneleigh. Another has gone to a guy called Russ who is going to take his time building it (especially the paint), another is awaiting delivery to Torsten in Germany. And this one is mine, being built for the drive to Stoneleigh:



The coilovers are on their way, so it should look more like this very quick photoshop image:

[Hammy]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Hi Hammy

So far we have produced 4 Kobra kits, one is on Richard's car (shown above in this tread) currently being painted for an appearance on our stand at Stoneleigh. Another has gone to a guy called Russ who is going to take his time building it (especially the paint), another is awaiting delivery to Torsten in Germany. And this one is mine, being built for the drive to Stoneleigh:



The coilovers are on their way, so it should look more like this very quick photoshop image:

Cheers Chris that looks awesome mate!! See you at Stoneleigh with a bunch of questions and cash and btw I think that may have been a tongue in cheek thing you did there about taking time especially the paint LOL
Lifes changed now, more time and money available and no expectation of what the 'left the mould' finish is. Have to say you guys go from strength to strength the Kobra is AWESOME mate. HUGE WELL DONE!

PS: what drop on the suspension are you modelling that photo on mate?

[Mister Towed]

That's really taking shape nicely.

When it comes to lowering, I'm a dyed in the wool old-skool slam it into the weeds B2'89 beetle on air kind of guy. That was until I did just that with my Spyder then found that UK roads haven't been repaired since '89. This led to the exhaust and chassis fouling the ground all over the place.

The solution was to use higher profile tyres to fill the arches with just a little lowering (by softening the rear leaf spring and cutting 1&1/2 coils out of softer front springs) to achieve the desired look and stance but actually make it driveable on modern roads.

It went from this -



To this -



So I'd think about replacing those rubber bands with some higher profile tyres, both to get 'the look' and make it work on the road.

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Hammy

PS: what drop on the suspension are you modelling that photo on mate?

Good to speak today Hammy. Forgot to say that as I have stripped the whole interior etc out of the Z3 it is running even higher than stock now! The coilovers were delivered today, along with some 25mm wheel spacers, I reckon it will be about a 60mm drop to get it sitting right. Light weight GRP bucket seats and a replacement dash to make and install yet.

See you at Stoneleigh.

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

So I'd think about replacing those rubber bands with some higher profile tyres, both to get 'the look' and make it work on the road.

Thanks Towed. I agree with what you are saying about the state of the roads, and think your choice of tyre profile looks spot on for your spyder. But, I have not owned and driven an "interesting" car for yearly a year now and somehow found myself, at the age of 45, driving a very sensible VW passat estate (now gone), so have recently felt that life's too short, f**k it, I"ll drive something stupid, loud and uncomfortable for a while.......

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Hutson

Hi Chris,
I already was impressed by your Z300S transformation. Now I discovered your Cobra conversion and my sons are very fan of it. It looks that this takes less work to put on the BMW (lights, ...).
So, could you make me an offer for this kit, transport to Belgium included. What lights (E certified) do you suggest?
Go on with the fantastic job, well done , best regards,
Walter

Hello again Walter,

If you were to order a Kobra kit to go with the Z300S already ordered I would be happy to deliver both for free to Belgium for you.

[Mister Towed]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

...somehow found myself, at the age of 45, driving a very sensible VW passat estate (now gone), so have recently felt that life's too short, f**k it, I"ll drive something stupid, loud and uncomfortable for a while.......

Amen to that. I have a fourth generation Mondeo at the mo' and it's quiet, fast, comfortable, well equipped and agile. The motoring equivalent of Prozac in fact.

The perfect antidote to the mind numbing perfection of even the humblest new repmobile is indeed something stupid, loud and uncomfortable, so crack on with your projects and PRAISE THE LOWERED!

Oh, might just drop in for a chat at Stoneleigh on the Monday. I'll be the one driving the stupid, loud silver Spyder (which is actually quite comfortable).

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

...But, I have not owned and driven an "interesting" car for yearly a year now and somehow found myself, at the age of 45, driving a very sensible VW passat estate (now gone), so have recently felt that life's too short, f**k it, I"ll drive something stupid, loud and uncomfortable for a while.......

Chris - Now I know I am usually the one suggesting you take a break from development work.

But if "stupid and uncomfortable" is what you want, then I may have seen just the thing for you...

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=4889

I'm not sure if it even has an engine, but I'm sure "loud" could be added to the mix.

Cheers, Paul.

[Mister Towed]

Hmm. Hummer coupe anybody?

That's right Mr Rooney, not one other premiership footballer has one of these yet...

[Hammy]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Good to speak today Hammy. Forgot to say that as I have stripped the whole interior etc out of the Z3 it is running even higher than stock now! The coilovers were delivered today, along with some 25mm wheel spacers, I reckon it will be about a 60mm drop to get it sitting right. Light weight GRP bucket seats and a replacement dash to make and install yet.

See you at Stoneleigh.

Awesome mate, got my donor today! Will see you soon mate

[Tribute Automotive]

In keeping with the "race car" look of my Kobra I thought a slightly more race inspired roll bar and bracing would look better than the more usual chrome roll hoops





Here's a possible solution (obviously unfinished) for anyone wanting to get rid of the standard black plastic Z3 dashboard and airbag steering wheel



The airbag, sensors, wiring and warning light have been removed and the car MOT tested with no problems relating to airbag system.

[Hammy]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Was thinking more along the lines of these:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/White-Halo...item3f290e8217

Or these, great price and modern looking too without being too spaceage


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1505669913...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Tribute Automotive]

MOT retest passed this PM. Lowering in progress. Not going to have time to paint, funeral tomorrow, but will prime doors, clean/tidy and add a black stripe if time possibly some roundels, then enjoy the drive to Stoneleigh

[Ollie]

That looks like a volvo C30 tailgate spoiler...........

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Ollie

That looks like a volvo C30 tailgate spoiler...........

Nearly! Think cheaper. Much cheaper.

[Mister Towed]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Nearly! Think cheaper. Much cheaper.

K12 Nissan Micra?

[garyh]

A lot of dials in that dash...

[Hammy]

Originally Posted by Mister Towed

K12 Nissan Micra?

Loving the rear spoiler, what is it Chris, also do you have any Mk1 boot spoilers kicking around?

[lumpy]

Its the little things that make it right.

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by lumpy

Its the little things that make it right.

Nice badge idea Lumpy, are you having any made?