Geoff's 250 SWB Replica Build

[jones]

Chris and I am guessing Dan, these look absolutely fantastic. If/when I finish the MX250 I am definitely doing one of these!

Well done!

[mobilerobbie]

chris, all followers must conclude now that you are doing an amazing job!!!!
Look forward to collecting the 3 kits next week.

My staff cannot wait to get their hands on the kits, the rolling chassis are all waiting!!

Rob

[Egdik]

From 3 independent sources, the rear track of early Z3 models is between 1427 and 1439mm / 56.7’’. Later cars have a rear track of 1494mm / 58.8’’. An increase of between 55 and 67mm. The front track ranges from 1411 – 1423mm / 56’’

May we agree that rear track is measured between the centre lines of the rear tyres. Therefore tyre size will make little difference. Wheel offset or the use of spacers can make a difference.

The Z3 diff mounting frame or rear axle carrier, also carries the trailing arms. The frame is the same for early and late cars according to the reliable OEM website – the part number is the same. The trailing arms have different part numbers. It is unlikely that the hubs / drive flanges would be changed so much as to accommodate a 30mm increase each side, so the most likely place for the increase in track of about 60mm, appears to be the trailing arms.

Could we press bm dealers to have a UK OEM site ?

Alternative explanations are welcome.

[scimjim]

it's not "early" models - it's pre 99 1.9 litre cars (the 2.8 was already "widebody"). If the trailing arm is wider, the driveshafts are almost certainly longer too.

[swifty]

swb 250.jpg

That's one cool looking body, had a quick look on tributes web site but no info, does any body have an idea of the cost for the shell?

[reneanglia]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

Hi Kevin. Thank you for your compliment.

The 250SWB kit package price will be £3650 and will include:

1x rear body section including roof and windscreen pillar covers
1x boot lid (double skinned)
1x front body section
1x bonnet (double skinned)
2x door skins
2x sill panels
1x set of internal fitting panels
1x shell brace (roll cage)
2x side window frames with toughened glass sliding windows
1x front grille outer lip (GRP) and alloy inner slats (alloy)
1x set of boot and bonnet hinges (internal)
1x fitting kit, inc. bolts, screws, rivets, brackets, adhesive.

A deposit of £1000 is required to get you into the production queue.

Here you are Swifty

[Tribute Automotive]

Originally Posted by reneanglia

Chris.........if the door panels are fitted there bwill be an air gap between the z3 door and the panel
ofcourse,is this gonna be filled to eliminate vibration sounds?...........
René

Here is the reverse side of door skin



And inner structure of bonnet and boot lids

[Mister Towed]

Ooh, as a former Sammio builder I'm not sure my brain can quite take in the quality of those internal supporting structures. That's not meant to be a criticism of the Sammio product (it was incredible value for money and I'm probably its second biggest fan after Phil J), but until it was bonded onto the frame and had the internal cockpit panels fitted, the shell had all the structural rigidity of a blancmange on a hot day.

These mouldings are starting to look very good indeed and I reckon the kit will be excellent vfm for the price quoted. Keep up the good work!

[Tribute Automotive]

Pictures of a complete set of production GRP panels, with the exception the grill and surround which are the prototype units, correct grille along with steel side window frames/glass and roll cage/shell brace will follow next week:

[Mister Towed]

Those panels do look very slick indeed. Me want one...

[Paul L]

Chris & Dan - You must feel like proud fathers.

You have a lot of nice kits in your range, but this is my favourite by far.

Does this mean you can approach Stoneleigh with "just" a paint job to do?

( As opposed to your usual frantic build a new kit in a few weeks approach. )

Everything looks so good and well made I hope the 250 SWB is a big hit.

Good luck, Paul.

[hurnleft]

It all looks brilliant Chris.
I'll speak to you in the week and am all sorted for drop off on the 9th.

Cheers, Bob.

[redratbike]

wow...very impressive..

[reneanglia]

I thought Maranello was in Italy,not Dorset...............
Now for sale1962 Ford Anglia 105e original not restored original dutch car....to fund one of these kits.........
René

[Mitchelkitman]

Originally Posted by Tribute Automotive

This is the Z3 windscreen surround minus is rubber infill trim.......

This all looks really great IMHO, I especially like the attention to quality with the coremat in the panels. One question- is it still possible to remove the windscreen once the kit is in place?

[froggyman]

Originally Posted by Mitchelkitman

This all looks really great IMHO, I especially like the attention to quality with the coremat in the panels. One question- is it still possible to remove the windscreen once the kit is in place?

Yes, see pictures in post 811. You can see a before and after fitting of the rear section complete with front screen pillars.

[Mitchelkitman]

Originally Posted by froggyman

Yes, see pictures in post 811. You can see a before and after fitting of the rear section complete with front screen pillars.

Thanks - I think my colour-deficient vision didn't help, but I can see the new just exactly the same size as old. Getting better all the time! Now all I need is to shift 2 projects to get cash and space.

[Tribute Automotive]

Glad to hear that everyone is shifting all their old projects/cars to replace with SWB's. I am looking forward to seeing a few at Stoneleigh.

Paint Paul? A rare sight for us at a show.

[Very Andy]

Oh my word how fantastic do those panels look!
Great job Chris.
This one could outsell any of the cobra replicas IMO.
You are on to a winner for sure. Stunning. Cant wait to see one finished.
So, what colour is the show car going to be? My choice would be silver.

[Mister Towed]

Originally Posted by Very Andy

My choice would be silver.

Ditto -