From concept to reality

[DSG4ME]

The round light units look a lot better than the previous ones.
Little by little its looking better and better.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by DSG4ME

...Little by little its looking better and better...

+1

[Roadster]

Thanks for the comments

I can't lie im making it up as I go along but its beginning to show a cohesive design.

I keep forgetting to take photos when im there.

I have this one that shows the earlier mock up to get the headlamps pointing forward,
It also shows my xk180 style grille in place.



The views I wish I had captured is from behind, showing the curve of the front and rear wings tapering in at the door skins. Its a real coke bottle type shape.

And the view down over the bonnet and wing standing beside the door. The curves all sweep naturally down to the leading edge.

Still a lot of filling and sanding to do.
At home im still working on the roof and the side and bonnet vents.

[Mitchelkitman]

Roadster - I keep meaning to ask..... Is there a build thread for your green roadster in your avatar?

[DaveP]

Looking good I do like the twin round headlight look.

My compliments

Dave

[Roadster]

Originally Posted by Mitchelkitman

Roadster - I keep meaning to ask..... Is there a build thread for your green roadster in your avatar?

Michael the roadster build thread is under the Sammio builds but it was years ago and may be a long way back.

I had earnt some brownie points for taking the other half to Devon for the weekend. So I detoured on the way home and emptied a small can of filler onto it.

I was only there for about 40 minutes and I didn't realise how many vistors look around the place after hours.
The other half gave her approval on the way its looking and took some pics while I fought with the filler before it dried.



The curves are shaping up nicely, but lots more filler required



First time I have managed to get a side on view,
The bumper has been damaged slightly where it was stored and couldn't support the weight of the clamshell. (It can be repaired before the mould is taken)
It will make a pretty convertible but im hoping to get the roof on mine.

[Paul L]

The driver's side is definitely getting there.

Originally Posted by Roadster

...I didn't realise how many visitors look around the place after hours...

I often wondered about the security at Tribute HQ.

Perhaps growing up in a rough part of West London makes me think anything not nailed down would be stolen.

Good luck, Paul.

[Roadster]

No vist to the workshop this weekend but I still managed to get some work done.
The hard top has been coming together in the living room.
I started with the 2 glass panels and the shape derived from those parts.

I have been measuring as best as I could but there was no way to tell how I was doing. So I lugged it downstairs. ( I live in a flat) and for the first time I could guage how I was doing.



The front located on and the catches, lined up and locked on.
The rear however needs a little adjusting. Its sitting about 8mm too high and this is leaving a gap on the trailing edge of the side windows.

This in turn has resulted in the rear window isn't sitting as I intended.
But nothing that cant be adjusted and re- glassed.

Considering the heath robinson way its been made i am quite happy.
After all so far it has cost me £60 and it transforms the visibility compared with the soft top up.
Sunroof panel fits snuggly in the boot when not being used.

I will soldier on.

As Paul stated last time the drivers side is taking shape.
So another visit to the paint program to mock up the overall shape.
Im planning on taking the lamps apart and blacking out the surrounds. It will tie them into the rear lamps and disguise their origin more.

[Barber]

Still massively interested in the hard top development. It is looking good and the functionality seems ideal. Having little hair, I don't really need the "wind in the hair" experience, but the glass top appeals. And so much cheaper than the Z3 £800 jobby.

[Roadster]

Visited Chris and Dan yesterday.
As always they were flat out with more projects.

I started out checking what the blacked out headlamps looked like.





They are still a work in progress as I have ordered led rings from Hong Kong for indicator and sidelamp.

[Roadster]

I carried on shaping the offside front.
I was using a sanding block but Chris recommended an angle grinder and a flexi sanding plane.
This allowed my productivity to increase tenfold.

Within 3-4 hours the contours were blending in nicely and the curve now flows uninterrupted up into the wings, mimicking the bonnet bulge.

With the midday sun baking me and the car, trying to get the filler on before it set was getting troublesome





I have a few more days off work so I intend to get back and spray some primer. Once its in one colour and im happy its time to get the near side to match

[Barber]

I presume that the flexi sanding plane is for dealing with the filler. Would it be sensitive enough to deal with Fatboy's orange peel paint? 60 hours down to around 6 would be a result.

[Roadster]

I guess it could be Barber
Im using 40 grit for rough shaping - the longer bed that flexs aids the natural curve to form.

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Roadster

... Once its in one colour and im happy its time to get the near side to match...

Matching sides?

That will never catch on.

Good luck, Paul.

[Barber]

Originally Posted by Barber

I presume that the flexi sanding plane is for dealing with the filler. Would it be sensitive enough to deal with Fatboy's orange peel paint? 60 hours down to around 6 would be a result.

Any chance of posting up the details of the flexi sander plane? Thanks

[Roadster]

Thanks Paul,
Im sure they won't be millimetre perfect but cars were beautiful when they had variances.

The cobra Daytona coupe is inches out but still gorgeous.

Barber something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Long-Bed-S...cAAOSwZVlXqjrJ

[Roadster]

Took the family out yesterday, the drive through the country lanes was disrupted by huge storm. Pitch black and torrential rain wasn't what I had bargained for.

Still I pressed on and headed south to try find better weather.
We ended up in Swanage, the sun was out and we ate outside.

Just 15mins away from the workshop.
I asked if everyone was ok with a flying visit.

So as the sun was setting and the temperature cooling off, I set about using my hour as wisely as I could.

I really wanted to make a start on the nearside but I resisted and continued on the bulge and the nose. The filler was easier to work and after a couple of batches and some shaping I dusted it over with primer to check my progress.

[Roadster]

Those following this thread will be aware of my changes in direction from the original sketch.
I can honestly say that even though I could have been much further through the build if I had stuck to an earlier rendition, I am pleased with the way the car is shaping up.

My 2 main influences are - the XK180



and the original Lyonheart concept "Growler"



I think we are getting there

[Barber]

Originally Posted by Roadster

Thanks Paul,
Im sure they won't be millimetre perfect but cars were beautiful when they had variances.

The cobra Daytona coupe is inches out but still gorgeous.

Barber something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Long-Bed-S...cAAOSwZVlXqjrJ

Ah, right. Thanks, not sure why they did not come up when i googled, but google is another language from my english.

[Triumph Special]

That looks good. I must admit, even when looking at it in the GRP, I'd missed that swage ahead of the arch. Lovely detail that does much for it. Keep it up.