TRIBUTE A352 Project - Page 6

Tribute Automotive · #**101** 17th November 2012, 21:34

You are getting good with photo effects aren't you Nick!

Tribute Automotive · #**102** 23rd November 2012, 21:45

We got the moulds for the internal panels on the A352 started today. All of the joins between the individual parts were filled and the tech screws that were used for fixing were capped with mirror screw covers so they will echo the rivet detail on the exterior of the car. The moulds are split into 3 parts and will go along way towards a total replacement GRP tub option that will be offered alongside the retention of the steel Spitfire tub option.

Gelcoat and paste applied.

Matting applied with reinforcing bar to stop flexing of the rear panel.

We are planning to produce a finished set of new internal and external panels over the next week or so, along with the acrylic and steel hinges, to have a complete A352 kit package ready for the first customer to pick up. Not too bad when we only started on the 15th October!

Tribute Automotive · #**103** 25th November 2012, 21:14

Interior moulds taken off the car, just need a trim around the edges and remove all the black paint/pva.

Bonnet No.1 out of the mould

Tribute Automotive · #**104** 1st December 2012, 19:36

We laid up the 1st production body today. Once trimmed it will go back on the Spitfire in the workshop for final finishing work on door hinges etc.

seanick · #**105** 1st December 2012, 19:39

Ooh, I bet that resin was thick and cold!

Tribute Automotive · #**106** 1st December 2012, 20:17

Nah, we "pre-heat" with a small log fire underneath the barrel of resin!

SAFETY NOTICE: I'M KIDDING!!!

seanick · #**107** 1st December 2012, 21:57

I'm sure you stand the mix in hot water!!

Tribute Automotive · #**108** 4th December 2012, 19:58

1st set of production panels out of the mould, just the internal panels to follow in the next few days

tytek · #**109** 4th December 2012, 20:59

Looks like an alien :-D

davecymru · #**110** 5th December 2012, 10:45

body looks excellent but i think the mounting frame needs some work, as at the moment it just looks like some old oil drums

froggyman · #**111** 5th December 2012, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by davecymru

body looks excellent but i think the mounting frame needs some work, as at the moment it just looks like some old oil drums

It certainly does look good and I like the way the front mounted radiator and rear fuel tank double up as the mounting frame. ( Colin Chapman concept I think)

seanick · #**112** 5th December 2012, 17:08

Another whrilwind production!
I do like the way the wheels fill the arches, in fact I think the proportions are improved on the original, it being a little narrower.
And now, rest.

Tribute Automotive · #**113** 6th December 2012, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by davecymru

body looks excellent but i think the mounting frame needs some work, as at the moment it just looks like some old oil drums

Thanks Dave

. The mounting frame also enables it to float! Good job too with our weather.

Tribute Automotive · #**114** 6th December 2012, 19:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by froggyman

It certainly does look good and I like the way the front mounted radiator and rear fuel tank double up as the mounting frame. ( Colin Chapman concept I think)

Thanks Froggy. It's a twin fuel tank system, a la Jag.

Tribute Automotive · #**115** 6th December 2012, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanick

Another whrilwind production!
I do like the way the wheels fill the arches, in fact I think the proportions are improved on the original, it being a little narrower.
And now, rest.

Thanks Nick. The wheels are nice aren't they, you may like the one's on the new Tribute "Workshop Truck".........

Tribute Automotive · #**116** 7th December 2012, 19:38

First set of internal cockpit panels from the moulds today

16:30 - One empty Spitfire cockpit.....

..... 16:35 - One panelled out Spitfire cockpit. Simple

. (Doorbars and hinges would of course normally be fitted first.)

Cemlyn · #**117** 9th December 2012, 18:12

Is this a clone of your starting shell ? Wheelbase and track F&R please ?
This whole project is a really exciting one and old kit car builders like me who have been put off by IVA could make this a viable concern !!
Great !! Keep at it guys !!
Cemlyn ( sorry - another Cymru )

seanick · #**118** 9th December 2012, 19:19

I think most of those those answers are in this thread, but, it will fit Triumphs Spitfire and Herald. Google will provide wheelbase etc.
Saying that, Chris from Tribute could probably manage to massage it onto any suitable vehicles.

Cemlyn · #**119** 9th December 2012, 20:40

Spitfire/GT6 WB 83" Track F 49" R 49"
Herald/Vitesse WB 91.5" Track F49" R 48"
TR7 Shorter and fatter but 1998cc
Original D-Type WB 90" Track 50" F&R
So, is the body from an original D-Type?
I'm looking for a donor to make this a possibility and would prefer tax-exempt so GT6 would be preferred. Using 1296cc or even 1500 would be a bit understated! But people are asking silly money for GT6s full of tin-worm.
Help!
Cemlyn.
Moss Malvern builder in late 70s and currently have an Aristocat which came built but un-trimmed.

seanick · #**120** 9th December 2012, 20:48

I think from a D type, but Chris will be along any minute to give you the correct answers!!