I am planning to lower my SWB (how long will I keep it?) about 3 inches and fit these period wheels:

BEFORE
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pstivocle1.jpg

AFTER
http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3yj0vsla.jpg

I wasn't happy with the shape of the bonnet vent. and the depth of the lowest section touched the rocker cover on the Z3 engine, so adjustments have been made prior to moulding.

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3vk6pzdo.jpg

Are the wheels in your photoshop the Buick ones that were on Ebay? I looked at those and wondered if they'd look good.
I can see now that I should have bought them.
It looks a lot cooler lowered as well.
Cheers, Bob.

They are the same wheels Bob, well spotted. You will be glad that you didn't buy them when I tell you they are the wrong PCD. I thought they were Chevy pattern, 5x120 as the BMW, but it turns out they are 5x130. I can get adaptors but I think the wheel offset + adaptor thickness will cause clearance problems. Will double check.

I am sure that most readers/customers will be aware of how busy we are with various customer projects, development work and kit production, so it may not come as a surprise that after struggling to keep up with all of the above I have had to do some serious thinking and decided to pass some work to an outside supplier to free up some hours/days/weeks.

On Monday the SWB buck was transported to a local GRP specialist who is undertaking the mould making and the first run of kit panel production:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psh43gdtv7.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7l0ukyks.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psofa51lgb.jpg

This will push production along far quicker and ensure that we fulfill the current batch of SWB kit orders in good time. It also give us time to finish the development of side windows, grille and inner skin structures etc.

The boot and bonnet will follow the rest of the car shortly once sprayed in gloss:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7rdi1ezf.jpg

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...pspam49x8w.jpg

Can wobble bolts accommodate a 5mm difference?

The odd alloy wheel shown is the 16" standard Z3 rim, due to a flat tyre on one of the wires. The clearance is greater with the new kit fitted because of the enlarged wheel arches. I have some 20" alloys that i was going to try on the car for an "extreme" set up test.

Chris - Exciting times, anything that gives you and Dan a chance to take a well earned rest has to be a good thing. :cool:

Good luck, Paul. :)

The march 2015 issue of Classic & Sports Car has a feature on replicas including a 250swb.
Beautiful work, but as I don't have a spare 10 years or £100,000 I'll stick with my Tribute order.

Cheers, Bob.


http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...&pictureid=205

2.8 donor on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-BMW-Z...item3f4619873e

Simpson Design
 

Apologies if I am covering old ground here. I have been following this thread very carefully but cannot recall seeing any previous reference to this:

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBprogress4.html

Are Simpson and Tribute sister companies, or the first evidence for the parallel universe theory? The Tribute SWB looks more attractive, the Simpson more "finished".

Parallel universe - but theirs are based on 4 pot Mazdas rather than BMWs

With its fuel filler in the correct place, its front brake ducts present and more than a token lip around the rear arches.

Amazing! Simpson makes his prototype in steel then makes a fibreglass mold and production bodies in fibreglass....? His client obviously has more money than enthusiasts in the UK, just look when the blog started to see how any hours/years it is taking.
Yes, I did spot that the car in the background looked like a Ferrari 275GTB so I am not unique in the whole world in making one but, having driven both, I prefer to make mine on the BMW Z3 as a base. The compromises on the overall shape are still there but it is more practical to use the Z3 because all the panels unbolt.

Check the post count – the only reason I’ve signed up for the forum is because of this conversion.

I’ve been watching with interest since a mate stuck a photo of an early incarnation up on his on Facetube. Just wanted to say that the finished body looks bloody brilliant! I love the whole concept of body conversions but have never seen one that combined sensible cost, that hides the original cars origins to the point that only a windscreen fitter would spot it and that looks properly proportioned and just generally right. The shopped lowering is the cherry on the cake – personally I love the whole restomod scene which I think this would suit perfectly (debadged - it’d be a shame to plaster it in F badges). Go big on the rims!

Anyway, point is in all this time of buying secondhand kitcars this really is the first time my hands been hovering over my wallet on the edge of pulling the trigger to build one (despite the fact I have nowhere to build it!) and I just wanted to say I think you’ve done a brilliant job.

Welcome.
Why not ask Chris for a quotation to swap the body for you and fit the lights so you can drive it away.
Best thing I ever did to get my Z300S Barchetta under way.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...?t=4941&page=2

That's exactly what Chris and Dan will be doing for me soon. My 250 is ordered and my lights, rear window, handles and fuel filler are boxed and ready. Just waiting for the word and I'll drop the Z3 down to him.

Bob.

I went down the week after collecting my Z300S and used my Jago to bring the old panels home. I've managed to sell everything apart from the boot lid and boot floor. Someone has their name on the sills but hasn't collected yet.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...?t=4941&page=3

First panel out the new moulds:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psmgll59pq.jpg

Boot next:

http://i1046.photobucket.com/albums/...psdm7oewjj.jpg

Looks good. My build slot gets nearer!

Cheers, Bob.