Alex's TVR/250 Build

Tribute Automotive · #1 23rd September 2012, 18:07

We have just started this build for Alex. He originally asked about an MX5 conversion with a stretched wheelbase and bigger engine installation, but after some discussions the logical step was to start with a longer/more powerful base car, hence the TVR 350. The original outer body panels will be cut off of the TVR and one of our MX250 kits offered up. A very quick Photoshop overlay shows how the unmodified panels should fit.

Much chopping and changing will follow over the next few weeks. We have made a start by stripping the TVR.

And I couldn't resist cutting off the rear panels in a spare moment on Saturday!

MX rear end panels roughly in place.

seanick · #2 23rd September 2012, 21:37

I think this is going to be fantastic. I also think that you could get away with the original screen. Those few extra inches of wheelbase and larger wheels look spot on. What is the plan re rear vents ?
Just as I was about to bond my body on too........
Lastly..... Is that Secma quad in for a body kit too? :-)

Tribute Automotive · #3 24th September 2012, 20:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanick

I think this is going to be fantastic. I also think that you could get away with the original screen. Those few extra inches of wheelbase and larger wheels look spot on. What is the plan re rear vents ?
Just as I was about to bond my body on too........
Lastly..... Is that Secma quad in for a body kit too? :-)

Hi Nick

The windscreen and frame will be going, its just too flat and isn't far enough back. Rear vents depend on Alex's choice.

It's not a Secma quad in the background, but a Renault Twizy electric car! And yes it is getting a re-body, subject to design approval of the customer.....

More progress today with the TVR front being stripped and a quick trail fit of the new front end panels. More trimming needed!

seanick · #4 24th September 2012, 22:18

More trimming needed....but already looks a good fit...
There is a B reg 280 on fleabay for 1750 btw.. 70 miles .
Finally sorted the wheels, I hope!

Tribute Automotive · #5 28th September 2012, 20:18

More stripping down and trimming of the TVR outer panels. Doors removed, door pillars and windscreen also removed.

TVR side impact protection will be retained and modified to fit new doors

Trail fit of panels is now much better

Side profile is good...

But could be better...

Tribute Automotive · #6 17th December 2012, 20:18

This project is now back on track after a break requested by Alex.
Once the trail panel fit had been carried out Alex paid us a visit to discuss how the project would progress. It was decided that the scuttle area and windscreen needed to be pushed further down into the bulkhead. So more trimming of the bulkhead was required.

With the trimming complete the panels could be refitted. The centre of the bulkhead and the heater will need to be modified. The brake reservoir will also have to be repositioned to the centre of the bulkhead and the expansion bottle moved inboard slightly.

Repositioning of the windscreen has improved the front wheel arch gap and the curve of the top of the wing into the scuttle area.

Tribute Automotive · #7 17th December 2012, 20:29

Rear wheel arches have been opened up (part left is currently a mounting point)

Side window openings were also increased in size, the rear edge of the opening will follow the line of the lower door shut.

The front edge of the door has been moved back, lengthening the front wing. The side profile is now greatly improved.

Tribute Automotive · #8 17th December 2012, 20:47

The headlight/grille area needed to be dropped down to bring the front valance more in line with the door sills.

The radiator needed to be canted forward to give clearance for the lower front panels.

Front end in lower position.

A 2" section had to be removed from the centre of the nose to align the vertical section of the outer wings. The 3 front nose air intakes will be remodelled.

Leading edge of bonnet opening has been dropped down into the engine bay. The wings will be sectioned and reshaped to close up any gaps.

seanick · #9 17th December 2012, 21:00

WOW! Quite a jiggle but its looking good !
Reckon you could open up the rear arches even more?

Thought you had gone on holiday!

DOUBLE WOW, just seen what else you have done.

Its quite suprising how narrow the originals are.

Tribute Automotive · #10 17th December 2012, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanick

WOW! Quite a jiggle but its looking good !
Reckon you could open up the rear arches even more?

Thought you had gone on holiday!

DOUBLE WOW, just seen what else you have done.

Its quite suprising how narrow the originals are.

Holiday? Nope, my iPhone broke, so no pictures

casamolino · #11 18th December 2012, 09:01

Morning Chris ref that cut across the front end could that be the start of a whole *new* project , Geoff King .

Tribute Automotive · #12 4th January 2013, 18:48

Another day tweaking the TVR 250.

Bulk head and heater ducting were still too high, so marked and trimmed down a little.

An A352 bonnet and it's surround were found to be a remarkably good starting point for the revised 250 bonnet area

Which combined with the original outer wing, shown on the right, give a much higher peak to the wing when compared to the original on the left

With the nose section in its new position the profile of the wing top is all wrong

Now sectioned and lowered, much better

Bonnet will require a strip adding each side to widen it and the rear of the bulge flattening toward the scuttle area

seanick · #13 4th January 2013, 21:18

I got one of those for Christmas!!

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Tribute Automotive · #14 4th January 2013, 21:20

I'm having to make one! No 1:1 scale models available.....yet

WorldClassAccident · #15 5th January 2013, 09:13

Nice camera work with the model.

Queue the scene from Father Ted

That is a big car a long way away, this is a little one close up

At least I hope that is what it is otherwise the guy in the silver one is going to get a hell of a shock when he looks in the rear view mirror and sees the giant hand!

Tribute Automotive · #16 6th January 2013, 16:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by WorldClassAccident

Nice camera work with the model.

Queue the scene from Father Ted

That is a big car a long way away, this is a little one close up

Ah go on, go on, go on, go on........

The area between the front arch and headlight was still too big , so pushed the nose back in 50mm

With the tops of both wings re-profiled there is now alot more curves across the front upper surface of the car

seanick · #17 11th January 2013, 15:53

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How about.......moving the rear vent fwd and reducing it to something like this?

Apologies for elementary paintshop abilities!

garyh · #18 11th January 2013, 16:10

Thankfully i have been watching your thread, otherwise i would be worried about your building abilities...

seanick · #19 11th January 2013, 16:14

Tribute Automotive · #20 11th January 2013, 19:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by garyh

Thankfully i have been watching your thread, otherwise i would be worried about your building abilities...

????