Tribute Z3gato (?!!) - Page 15

Jaguartvr · #**281** 16th August 2018, 17:39

Could the corners of the window be cut using a diamond stone cutting blade in an angle grinder? Someone would need to pour water over the blade when cutting.
Not sure if it would work but I can't imagine a micra window costing much. I know it wouldn't work on a toughened screen but I would expect the micra to be laminated.

Barber · #**282** 16th August 2018, 19:29

Thanks everyone for the input. All opinions welcome.

froggyman · #**283** 16th August 2018, 21:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

Could the corners of the window be cut using a diamond stone cutting blade in an angle grinder? Someone would need to pour water over the blade when cutting.
Not sure if it would work but I can't imagine a micra window costing much. I know it wouldn't work on a toughened screen but I would expect the micra to be laminated.

Looks like a Micra rear Screen to me so would be toughened I think.

Barber · #**284** 17th August 2018, 02:31

Chris has confirmed that the screen is toughened, not laminated.

froggyman · #**285** 17th August 2018, 22:15

K11 Micras have been used for rallying and polycarbonate/Lexan rear windows are available. These I think can be all clear with no black edges and would be able to be trimmed. Hope this is of help.

redratbike · #**286** 18th August 2018, 00:21

http://markholmesautoengineering.co....product_id=451

£214 for a full kit so rear screen should be a much cheaper

Barber · #**287** 18th August 2018, 07:17

I will investigate

Jaguartvr · #**288** 18th August 2018, 10:47

On the 250swb an mgB rear window was used which is flat.
Could you not use a flat piece of perspex or Lexan to make a flat rear window. This way you could choose the shape and not intrude into the side windows.
Curved edges would be nicer but how many kits will be sold, needs to be quite a few to make a curved window cost effective.
Saying that, the 250 window from Grassbanks would be a nice addition, I'm sure the cost could be brought down if every 250 had it as standard.

molleur · #**289** 18th August 2018, 18:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

On the 250swb an mgB rear window was used which is flat.
Could you not use a flat piece of perspex or Lexan to make a flat rear window. This way you could choose the shape and not intrude into the side windows.
Curved edges would be nicer but how many kits will be sold, needs to be quite a few to make a curved window cost effective.
Saying that, the 250 window from Grassbanks would be a nice addition, I'm sure the cost could be brought down if every 250 had it as standard.

I bought an MGBGT back window. Hated it! Saving for the Grassbanks solution.
Meanwhile, I'll continue to look at other cars that may suit. Nissan Versa (USA) may work. I'm making a transportable FRP patters to scour parking lots to see.

Jaguartvr · #**290** 5th September 2018, 08:27

As the rear window is causing so many problems and delaying the project, why not pull the rear end off and produce a convertible first

Jaguartvr · #**291** 5th September 2018, 08:30

[QUOTE=Barber;96439]here is the image from the link

How about fitting the screen the right way around, ie narrow end at the top.

Or buying this and getting Chris to make another one from it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aston-Mar...QAAOSwyW5a6VAZ

Barber · #**292** 5th September 2018, 08:35

The correct top has a curve where it wraps into the Micra roof. It is easier to address this at the bottom on the Z3gato I believe. Hope to post some update pics at the end of next week.

IanA · #**293** 5th September 2018, 10:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

As the rear window is ... delaying the project, why not pull the rear end off ...

Nice one Jag, but a bit extreme.

I would have one of the resident grp geniuses make a translucent panel using that rear window as a pattern, trim it to size and fit it. Then I'd worry about trimming the glass one at my leisure.

Alternatively, have a piece of Perspex or Lexan (respective trade marks recognised) heated and curved to shape. That worked OK on TVR Granturas.

Barber · #**294** 6th September 2018, 11:38

Firstly, the Z3 is fixed and ready to pick up. The downside is that I cannot pick it up until 10 days time. Doh! And then I do not have the availability to do anything on the interior for another week.

Secondly, I will be visiting Chris at Tribute to see progress on the rear screen and modified rear before he proceeds. This is scheduled for next Wednesday, so expect some pics and an update then.

Gamphy · #**295** 7th September 2018, 00:17

Barber, what's the plan for the infil between door windows and the rear screen?

Barber · #**296** 7th September 2018, 06:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamphy

Barber, what's the plan for the infil between door windows and the rear screen?

Custom made quarter light. We have toyed with one or two stock ones, but they were not right. We can get custom ones very cheaply.

Barber · #**297** 7th September 2018, 06:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by IanA

Nice one Jag, but a bit extreme.

I would have one of the resident grp geniuses make a translucent panel using that rear window as a pattern, trim it to size and fit it. Then I'd worry about trimming the glass one at my leisure.

Alternatively, have a piece of Perspex or Lexan (respective trade marks recognised) heated and curved to shape. That worked OK on TVR Granturas.

Ian, part of the agreement with Chris, in order to get this off the ground, was that we would use existing panels where possible, as a start point, and stock parts as a priority. This is so that ongoing build complexity and costs are kept as straightforward as possible. It is better for Chris to modify the buck once, than customise the screen many times.

So whilst it has taken a while, and is not optimal, the long term economic model is better.

Jaguartvr · #**298** 7th September 2018, 07:08

Would the rear window from the DB5 kit work? I believe it was made by DNA so maybe Chris could ask him what he used.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Aston-Mar...a/282948436957

Paul L · #**299** 8th September 2018, 05:28

Barber – Sounds like you and Chris have agreed a pragmatic approach to this build.

Based on previous ‘under construction’ threads, I fully expect to see this car come together nicely in the end.

So I hope all goes well on your visit next week.

Good luck, Paul.

Barber · #**300** 13th September 2018, 09:56

The picture below shows the changes made to the rear roof to fit the screen. Only this side done until i signed it off. Ignore the loosely placed Scimitar window fitting/gutter. There are one or two compromises, but nothing that can't be lived with. The rear wing at the roof will be raised a little to give a more pronounced curve, see the black marker line sketched in.The rear quarterlight will be made to taper back a bit further also.

Not pictured here, we are going to lower the front valance a couple of inches, and the rear valance at the wheels will be raised a little. Also, both front and rear wheel arches need to be re-centred.

What you cannot see is that the bonnet is not front hinged, and that works very well. The current panel does not have the second skin or wheel arches built in yet, but it is going to be good. Also, we are going to lengthen the small bonnet lid, the scoop, and make them into a "false" lid. ie they will not lift seperately. They don't need to as the forward opening bonnet gives all the space anyone could need.

More pictures of progress in a few weeks.