GazDavies SWB build - Page 3

Jaguartvr · #41 8th May 2015, 16:35

If it doesn't work you may well fcuk it up so the proper key doesn't work. It could make £10 seem like bargain of the century.

you could always re sell it again on eBay.

BazMason · #42 9th May 2015, 10:48

Nobody in your street got a Beemer mate?

GazDavies · #43 10th May 2015, 08:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by BazMason

Nobody in your street got a Beemer mate?

Yip although none with the same lock nuts. They come in many variants that look the same but the number of splines being different on each. No problem, I have ordered the correct socket on eBay along with a set of coil overs so I will hold off on fitting the body for now to give better access the suspension. There is still quite a lot of prep work to do in any case so it shouldn't slow me down any.

GazDavies · #44 14th May 2015, 19:59

I have received plenty of deliveries this week including the lock nut key and my coil-over suspension kit. I tried on the American wheels that I bought and decided that I really wasn't very keen on them plus they would need me to widen the wheel arch so they have been put straight back on eBay and I will fit the steel wheels for now and possible change them for wires at some point in the future.

I had booked the afternoon off work today to give me a chance to make some progress however the sun was out for a short time so I decided to take my other toy for a spin instead.

My plan for the weekend is to remove the body to let me paint the internal roof, fit the new suspension, refit the body and if time allows, fit the door handles. On that note if Chris is reading, any chance you could let me know how you fit the mini door handles? I had a quick look at them and can see that I need to change the push action of the handle to a pull action on the internal mechanism, how did you go about this? Don't worry about the lock, that can be dealt with later.

Tribute Automotive · #45 14th May 2015, 20:22

I will pop the door skin off the black swb tomorrow a take a pic for you.

Jaguartvr · #46 15th May 2015, 05:31

Why not fly your other toy down to Chris?

You could have a Spitfire by Xmas!

garyh · #47 15th May 2015, 08:06

You could have a Stealth Fighter with a prop... well, stealth...ish!

Paul L · #48 15th May 2015, 10:24

Gaz - Nice toy.

An old work mate of mine has promised me a flight in his (shared) plane.

I "just" need to pick him up when my car is finished, so it may be some time away yet.

Good luck with the car work, Paul.

ericholm · #49 5th June 2015, 10:49

Hi,

I am a new member and have been watching this thread with interest in last few weeks.

I have the Z3 3.0i and am ready to take the plunge and very interested to see any updates to your build.

Thanks for sharing looks like it is coming along nicely

GazDavies · #50 5th June 2015, 21:20

Hi ericholm, welcome to the forum.

The SWB is a very easy build but you wouldn't think it from how long it is taking me so far. Every time I plan to work on the car something comes up so this weekend I am planning not to plan to work on it and see how that goes!

There really isn't much to report on my build. I received my coilover suspension kit and have managed to fit the rear so that the body can go on when I next work on it and once that is on I can start adding lights etc before I paint it. The only part that I am unsure of is getting the mini door handles to work but I honestly believe that I could finish the car (minus paint) in a weekend given the time and correct parts.

I will look forward to seeing you build. Any idea on the look and colour that you are going for?

ericholm · #51 6th June 2015, 00:08

Hi,

Thanks for welcome,

Have my interior pretty much how I want it, will post some pics when back on PCs as can't seem to work out how to do it from iPad I'm using now. Toying with idea if dash mounted mirror, which I am sure others have considered, concerned about vibration?

If I take plunge I'll likely try to replicate Le Mans 1961 car, although want to keep soft top so will be a hybrid.

Btw coilovers kit, is this required, I just replaced rear springs on mine with standard hd spring set, not sure I want to play with levels or have it lowered.

Looking to do this as first adventure into kit cars so easy sounds good to me!

Good luck

WorldClassAccident · #52 6th June 2015, 05:32

As far as I know, coil overs are optional. Useful if you do want to change the height, unnecessary if not.

I replaced my knackered front shocks with coil overs partly so I could lower the nose a bit but mainly because the old shocks were knackered.

The basic rule is that it is your car so you are right whatever you do as long as you are happy with it.

Great thing about Tributes instead of replicas, you version is always fully correct and authentic.

Enjoy

a big scary monster · #53 7th June 2015, 08:08

There is a sticky thread about posting pics that works well from my nexus android tablet you upload them to a photos box on your profile on the user cp top left.when choosing the picture use the lower of its 2 links, not sure from an iPad as apple probably don't want you too, as they dont seem to wantvyiu to do much that's why mine has lived in a draw the last 2 years, I will dig it our and try do a tutorial if I can remember my forum log on that is? Ed.

ericholm · #54 7th June 2015, 18:53

Hi,

I got home and created an album on the forum and stuck some pictures in it:

Before:

After:

More photos:

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...php?albumid=35

Cheers.

Tribute Automotive · #55 7th June 2015, 20:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericholm

Hi,

Btw coilovers kit, is this required, I just replaced rear springs on mine with standard hd spring set, not sure I want to play with levels or have it lowered.

The need for lowering will depend on your wheel/tyre combo size/ The convertible prototype wasn't lowered due to the high tyre sidewalls:

ericholm · #56 7th June 2015, 22:30

@Gaz what tyre and wheel combo are you going for in the end? Had you considered sizes and clearances when choosing especially with the lower suspension you have on.

I wonder what the largest wheel size and tyre size can be on the open top version is that still leaves clearance for full lock steering? Maybe there is no difference between the hard top and open top.

I like the idea of old spoked wheels with spinners but for me the bigger the better

I guess this is another thing I can get on the car in anticipation of going for the. Kit, assuming the z3 body clearances are similar to the kit.

Maybe this is information in another thread and I just haven't found it yet.

mobilerobbie · #57 8th June 2015, 06:29

no difference in convertible or coupe offcourse, I rum 15 inch wire wheels with 225/60 tyres and on my other 250SWB even 17 inch wirewheels with 245/55 on it.
Did lower both cars to look fab.

ericholm · #58 9th June 2015, 09:59

Thanks Mobilerobbie!

I don't know much about wire wheels and expected to talk with the Tribute chaps about where and what to get at some point, there are not so many available on ebay from what I can see. Anyhow don't wish to hijack this thread with my concerns so will endeavor to post Questions in another area, just keen to see Gaz progress as he is in the same situation as I will be in soon....hopefully!

Cheers.

IanA · #59 9th June 2015, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by ericholm

...there are not so many available on ebay from what I can see...

Plenty of E-type Jag wire wheels on eBay but they are 15" with only a 5" wide rim which doesn't really suit the Fezza. Needs something a bit wider to emulate the original Borranis.

The 5 stud Jag adaptors from MWS do fit the Z3 well, once you've re-countersunk the holes to match the BMW bolts.

GazDavies · #60 9th June 2015, 18:05

I haven't really decided on which wheels I want yet so until I do I will be using 15 inch steels with a high profile tyre. I may still decide on modern alloys or some wires (or stick with steels) but as I can't make my mind up I will go with the steels as they were the cheapest option.