Geoff's 250 SWB Replica Build

[Rudycob1]

Like I asked earlier in the tread, I think this is a great opportunity for Tribute to develop it as a full kit with its own be spoke chassis, giving potential owners choices of running gear, old and new.
It would be also great if a dashboard could also be replicated and available as an option with the kit for those of us who wish to go down the replica route.
We wait and see what news comes from the main man.

[Tribute Automotive]

Pulled this quote from my previous entry on the EBay SWB tread:

Originally Posted by TributeAutomotive

First priority is to pull a couple of splash moulds off the front and rear of the buck (after a lot of remedial work) to finish Geoff's Z3 based car. After Stoneleigh we will look at moulding the whole buck, but will confirm availability of shells once this has been done.

The obvious, and the only viable route for us as Tribute Automotive, is a non-IVA body swap onto an existing chassis that has the correct wheelbase, the TVR Tasmin 'wedge" fits the bill on both accounts. The only downside with this potential new project is the huge amount of labour (unpaid) and investment (£) needed. We need to make this a viable proposition before we can proceed any further.

[Rudycob1]

Yes I fully appreciate that any project and development needs to be viable.
The TVR will be a great option. Especially with the option of the V8 engine.
The non IVA route is also another big bonus.
This car, I'm sure will appeal to many and if developed will look fantastic and a definite winner.
I think that one of the main areas of development and which will need a lot of thought will be getting it to look right as well as sound right. Glass, lights, chrome work all add to the complexity of this but if sorted out could, in my opinion, be one of the best looking classic kits which will tick a lot of boxes to many kit car builders.
Me for one will be following this with great interest.

[Tribute Automotive]

Front end skimmed in filler



A happy chap isn't he



Rear end now foam filled, partly skimmed and sanded

[casamolino]

*A happy chap isn't he*

Chris yes I am , Geoff .

[Mitchelkitman]

Looks to be coming on well - But what glass will be used?

[zagmad]

Hehehehe. Don't get me started.

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Mitchelkitman

Looks to be coming on well - But what glass will be used?

If you really want to know look earlier in the thread - it's been discussed.

[y cymro]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Don't think much of the wheels Geoff. Thought you were using Minilites :-)

And it needs lowering lol

[Mitchelkitman]

Originally Posted by y cymro

If you really want to know look earlier in the thread - it's been discussed.

Sorry, but I've been following this closely and I'm getting puzzled.......
Up until the new buck arrived I think it's true to say the following:
Z3 Front screen
Unknown side windows
MGB rear screen

Now the new buck is being used, is the above still true, or are there major changes (maybe even base vehicle)?

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by Mitchelkitman

...Now the new buck is being used, is the above still true, or are there major changes (maybe even base vehicle)?...

Mitchelkitman - This is what Chris wrote on the thread where this buck first appeared...

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

First priority is to pull a couple of splash moulds off the front and rear of the buck (after a lot of remedial work) to finish Geoff's Z3 based car. After Stoneleigh we will look at moulding the whole buck, but will confirm availability of shells once this has been done.

So I believe that initially this build will remain as before, but with an exact match for the original 250 SWB based on the buck.

After that who knows, but I think deserves a bit of a development break.

Cheers, Paul.

[Tribute Automotive]

Thanks Paul.

More progress on the front and rear of the wooden buck, which will provide the "ends" of Geoff's Z3 based SWB:

[Pandora]

Can you 'get away' with removing ALL the body off a TVR wedge and fitting a complete replacement shell without the IVA issues?

If so, will a complete replacement shell be an option down the line, wade with a moulded in TVR floor etc?

Looking good so far though. Foam is so much nicer to work than timber!!!

Al

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by Pandora

Can you 'get away' with removing ALL the body off a TVR wedge and fitting a complete replacement shell without the IVA issues?

If so, will a complete replacement shell be an option down the line, wade with a moulded in TVR floor etc?

Looking good so far though. Foam is so much nicer to work than timber!!!

Al

As the TVR has a proper chassis it's fine to cut off the outer body and use the floorpan as we did on this D Type:

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/foru...ead.php?t=4681

No IVA as its just a rebody on existing chassis/running gear.

Will complete SWB shells be available? I don't know yet. We have lots of other projects to get done this year first.

You are right about the foam.

[Tribute Automotive]

New nose panel just pulled from the splash mould.



A good fit





Splash mould removed from the rear of the buck

[casamolino]

Good afternoon WELL there has been a change of plan! no i am not changing to a Cobra build still having a BMW Z250 SWB Replica/Coracle or what ever the DVLA should decide , but i have decided that the car is going to look to good just to use on the odd weekend or sunny day , so i have bought another Z3 couple of years younger 2001 instead of 1999 and 2.2l instread of 2.8l , to use on a more regular basis . Now before all the offers come in to buy my old Z3 some bloke in Dorset! has bought it and you never now he may even join the Tribute Owners Club as a full member Geoff .

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by casamolino

Good afternoon WELL there has been a change of plan! no i am not changing to a Cobra build still having a BMW Z250 SWB Replica/Coracle or what ever the DVLA should decide , but i have decided that the car is going to look to good just to use on the odd weekend or sunny day , so i have bought another Z3 couple of years younger 2001 instead of 1999 and 2.2l instread of 2.8l , to use on a more regular basis . Now before all the offers come in to buy my old Z3 some bloke in Dorset! has bought it and you never now he may even join the Tribute Owners Club as a full member Geoff .

Your old car might just end up as a Cobra......

Rear end now out of the mould



After some thought about the project, and the fact that we now have the wooden buck, I have decided to foam fill and mould the rest of the SWB wings for Geoff's car.

[y cymro]

That's looking really good Chris.
Thought you might be interested in lots more good reference photos on the Ferrari Centre website:

click here

[casamolino]

Well that was hard work , i am currently working away during the week so the only chance to do any work on the (new)Z3 is at weekends , i need to remove all the panels, the roof and some of the interior before shipping it to Dorset , so after 5 hrs the boot,front wings,sills,rear wings and boot were off , all most certainly would have been quicker if i hadn`t had to stop every 45 mins to allow the rain/hale to pass , have a mate joining me tomorrow to take the *heavy* bonnet off , thats assuming it doesn`t pour down , feel a lot better after that bath , Geoff

[puma931]

How much is this bodykit going to cost?