I use a walkers stick/pole thing. If you're u twist it than it shrinks to half the length or extends to just over a metre. Sits in the boot or behind the seats without looking too out of place.

Nope, not yet as not fitted them, just lodged them up for photos, will do it when I get around to doing that job, shouldn't be too long now.

Cheers.

Finally drilled out all brake vent slots and also front bonnet air duct

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/732/2...a894ae73_c.jpgDSCN4734 by eric holm, on Flickr
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5693/...4e6ff154_c.jpgDSCN4735 by eric holm, on Flickr
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5667/...21626cfc_c.jpgDSCN4736 by eric holm, on Flickr
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5646/...a6202721_c.jpgDSCN4739 by eric holm, on Flickr
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/581/2...d4b49692_c.jpgDSCN4733 by eric holm, on Flickr

Thanks WCA and IanA for the bonnet stay suggestions, looks like we have to be creative, The bonnet section will only get heavier as I add fog lights and 'other' elements.

:tea:

5mm front wheel spacers arrived and fitted today, perfect clearance now on front wheels at full lock

All wiring crimped with spade terminals, allow easy removal for spraying.

Coilovers fitted on all for corners and adjustments made

Next job, remove drivers side hoop and cap off, then I will start on the doors for real.......nervous :eusa_pray::shock::twitch::noidea::eusa_eh: :eusa_think:

The bonnet prop problem could be fixed by stronger hydraulic struts. If anyone knows of a company that makes these we could commission several sets to keep the cost down? They would need a BMW one to test for Newtons/metre and with the weight and length of the bonnet work out the extra strength. It will not make any extra stress on the fibreglass bonnet as it works on the hinge mechanism not the bonnet itself.

If it helps, I'm awaiting costs from an OEM supplier for a batch of 10 off bonnet struts. I'm assuming there will be an off the shelf solution available from a production car rather than manufacturing something bespoke. The formal request was made via my company so I'd expect a reasonable discount.
I'll post the prices when ready, and happy to supply them at cost to the forum.

Put me down for a couple of sets, one for the Z300S and one for the SWB front end when I get it

Be careful, I dont know of any OEM struts that would be strong enough to take the considerable weight with such a short length. I'll have several sets if they work though (dependent on cost of course).

If it works, I only need 1 :eyebrows:

Wise advice, but the company I've contacted make OEM struts for the car industry as well as those used on boats and planes. If they say they have one that works I'd like to think it will. As I said, I'm hoping for an off the shelf solution, because whilst the company could provide a bespoke strut it's likely to be expensive especially in the small quantities we require.

I've estimated the mass of the SWB bonnet as 75% greater than the Z3. Any chance you could weigh both and post the results?

its not a question of weight....
It's a matter of too much mass upfront.....
So weighing the 2 is not the solution....

Fit the bonnet and then use a hook scale like they use for fishes hooked under the front. This will give the force that the strut will need to resist.

Here is a digital e ample but there are cheap non digital ones too
http://www.amazon.co.uk/50Kg-Hanging.../dp/B004IJDX3U

That will give the weight (or force) at the front, but it needs to be where the strut is fixed because it's all to do with the leverage. It may be possible to use the measure on the original BMW bonnet and compare it to the Tribute bonnet to get a comparison though (not exactly the same length I realise, but close). This would give a multiple for the new strut. BTW what rating are the originals?
As a comparison, the struts on the Fiesta tailgate were 420NM, but the light boot lid on my Quantum only needs 120nm struts!

Just slightly off topic a minute can I ask what the gap between the top of the rear tyre and the wheel arch is for lowering reference if you get a chance? Many thanks

How heavy are you?

Hi, on mine its 40mm, I have coilovers and they are pretty much on the lowest setting.

:faint:

Cheers.

Thanks that's perfect.

Plenty of food for thought

A pair for me as well please.
Thanks, Bob.

if it works I would like 4 sets, depending price