KOBRA PROJECT - BMW Z3 based body conversion kit - Page 13

Jaguartvr · #**241** 24th February 2014, 14:45

The chin spoiler is a standard extra part, I had one the same when i had an mgb in the early 80's. Think they came from the Sebring cars which also had the headlight covers and and bubble arches.
I lost my front spoiler by using it as a snow plow in Switzerland.

Tribute Automotive · #**242** 7th March 2014, 20:33

The chin spoiler is now constructed and moulding of the body will start tomorrow.

lumpy · #**243** 8th March 2014, 09:12

Hello all,

Fantastic looking car, just got better.

I have purchased aZ3, all very exciting now.

Please can i ask, is the car on standard springs? and what is the offset of the front wheels please?

Many thanks in advance.

Lumpy.

Tribute Automotive · #**244** 8th March 2014, 18:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumpy

Hello all,

Fantastic looking car, just got better.

I have purchased aZ3, all very exciting now.

Please can i ask, is the car on standard springs? and what is the offset of the front wheels please?

Many thanks in advance.

Lumpy.

Hi Lumpy

Glad to hear about your excitement

The car is on standard springs at present, the owner Richard will be lowering it an inch or two. Wheels are 19", I will check the offset for you on Monday.

Tribute Automotive · #**245** 14th March 2014, 20:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by lumpy

..... what is the offset of the front wheels please?

Sorry for the delay with the answer, they are 19 x 8.5J wheels with a 35 ET back and front. The arches will accommodate a 10" rim with a similar offset or 8's with a zero ET.

Tribute Automotive · #**246** 14th March 2014, 20:56

The front end mould is now made

And the first bonnet is out of that mould

The internal steel frame to take the Z3 hinges and latches can be made and bonded in.

tytek · #**247** 14th March 2014, 23:01

Superb!

TheLaughingCow · #**248** 15th March 2014, 02:13

Looking good! Chris am I right to assume there will be a completed z3 kobra build on display at stoneleigh? Would like to see it in the flesh

Jaguartvr · #**249** 15th March 2014, 09:56

As this is going to be a bolt on kit rather than loads of gluing and blending would it not be worth taking the mold from a painted car so that it is almost "paint ready". I'm sure people would be willing to pay a small premium for this level of finish and would result in more sales in the long run.

naw · #**250** 19th March 2014, 09:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

...taking the mold from a painted car so that it is almost "paint ready"...

- What does that mean? I'm hoping that this will just be a case of replacing donor panels with new panels, some (very) simple auto-electrics for the lights, then off to the bodyshop for a spray... Actually, would pre-sprayed panels be an option?

Paul L · #**251** 19th March 2014, 10:18

naw - The general idea is that anything produced from a mould will be an exact match of the mould itself.

So if the inside of the mould had a rough finish, then the outside of the finished panel would match.

I think Jaguartvr is suggesting that because the "buck" for the mould was not painted, then the mould itself will not be smooth.

However, I think Chris has produced a smooth buck and by the looks of it the mould & panel are "good to go".

You would still need to put some primer on before paint.

But by the looks of the photos I would say you will not have to deal with loads of "factory" imperfections.

Sorry this is a bit of a long winded reply, but I hope it helps.

Cheers, Paul.

naw · #**252** 19th March 2014, 15:37

@PaulL, No long-winded replies that explain questions are always welcome - thanks for taking the time to do so

WorldClassAccident · #**253** 20th March 2014, 07:54

Hi Naw - This is a pic of my car part way through sanding the paint off. I had the car painted quickly by Chris so I could drive it around for a while before getting it professionally painted in the desired colour so I am currently in the process of sanding off the original paint.

There are a couple of low spots that still have the paint showing although these were not visible when painted and most have sanded out since this picture was taken. What this picture does show is the smoothness of the raw black glass fibre produced from Chris's moulds.

Tribute Automotive · #**254** 30th March 2014, 20:52

First of 3 sets of panels for first orders now finished:

Fitting the kit is a quick process. We will be posting a video of the basic fitting later this week:

seanick · #**255** 30th March 2014, 21:17

That looks A1 cool and classy, sophisticated and sexy!

Well done Chris and Dan

Tribute Automotive · #**256** 30th March 2014, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanick

That looks A1 cool and classy, sophisticated and sexy!

Well done Chris and Dan

Thanks Nick

y cymro · #**257** 31st March 2014, 00:36

The finished items look high quality. This seems a quick and easy way to convert your car into something special and is probably the future for kit cars. Well done lads, I look forward to seeing it at the Kit Car Show.

obr · #**258** 31st March 2014, 08:02

This looks fantastic.

DSG4ME · #**259** 31st March 2014, 09:35

Well done guys, its really looking great. This must rank as one of the quickest and easiest Cobra kits to build. And unlike most other Cobras, this one can be used as a daily driver.

Drummajor · #**260** 31st March 2014, 10:45

Nice . Think we may be having a "chat" on Wednesday when I'm down your way.