Convertible New Build

[Jaguartvr]

Just a standard replacement shocks, the springs are -30mm front and rear.

[molleur]

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

Just a standard replacement shocks, the springs are 130mm front and rear.

Thanks

[Lucky@LeMans]

Linear springs have evenly spaced coils, progressive are wound with large space one end of the coil and shorter space the other end. The idea is the closely wound end is softer and becomes coil bound as it compresses and then large spaced area takes over which is stiffer.

[Jaguartvr]

Typo, drop is -30mm not -130!

[molleur]

Originally Posted by Jaguartvr

Typo, drop is -30mm not -130!

No worries, I figured that.
Any pics with the drop?

[Jaguartvr]

It is the same as my profile picture, click it and it will enlarge. These are of the earlier springs but they were also -30 and the picture was taken on the day they were fitted so hadn't yet collapsed.
The springs, tyre size and wheels all suddenly came together and it all makes it look so much better. The car isn't garaged but since changing the wheels and suspension it is impossible to take it out without someone stopping to admire it.
Currently working on a full interior. Dash (not Tributes) was awfull and only fitted where it touched (which wasn't in many places) is just about fitted, just doing a final modification to the mould. The speedo and rev counter also looked too flat so they have been adjusted and the top cowls made longer. I have also managed to incorporate the heater controls and am very pleased with how they have come out. I think the dash has taken more hours than the rest of the car. It has almost cost as much as the kit! No pictures yet as it is going to a trimmer to have it leather covered. I am also waiting for the mounting plinth for the small central instruments to come back from CNC. Should look stunning, well it bloody well should do after all the work.
Also bowed to popular pressure and removed the spare wheel so a twin stainless exhaust could be fitted. Kept the centre box and just pipe from there back, sounds great but not obnoxious. I have a phobia about not having a spare so the original space-saver lives in the boot. The car now obviously has knock-on hubs but a bit of forward thinking goes a long way. The hubs are held on by the original wheel bolts (shortened by 3mm) this way if you get a puncture, remove the wire wheel and hub and then fit the space saver using the original nuts. I have had a 3 earded spinner removing tool made up with a 2 foot
breaker bar so it is very easy to remove the spinners and nuts. I then have a locking bar that sits over 2 wheel bolts to lock the wheel so you can stop the hub from turning when undoing the bolts.
Sorry, didn't mean to hijack your excellent build thread.

[molleur]

That's perfect!
With all of your interior work it should be fabulous. Thanks.

[Lucky@LeMans]

Dash conversion sounds great, be sure to post some photos when its done !

[Lucky@LeMans]

Received the lower windscreen trim from Grassbank today, I've trimmed it up and should look smart on the finished car. It just visually raises the lower edge of the screen by about 3" to make it look wider, a bit more retro and less Z3.

[molleur]

Do you plan to modify the wiper arms as well?

[redratbike]

So does it have a fake rubber along the top edge ?

[Lucky@LeMans]

I'll have to reduce the length of the wiper drive cranks by around 1/2" if I remember right. That will reduce the sweep of the wiper blades so they stay within the glass. The standard wiper arms can be used, just tweaked a little to get the angles correct. I also radiused each end of the panel so the trim will be curved rather than a sharp angle as in the photo.

[Lucky@LeMans]

Originally Posted by redratbike

So does it have a fake rubber along the top edge ?

I intend to use genuine rubber !

[molleur]

I was going to make my own FRP part, and was referencing
Justin's photos, but the site is now down.
Should have saved them.

[Lucky@LeMans]

Originally Posted by molleur

I was going to make my own FRP part, and was referencing
Justin's photos, but the site is now down.
Should have saved them.

They still have some stock, I only ordered this part last week.

[molleur]

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

They still have some stock, I only ordered this part last week.

I'll try go contact Justin. Thanks

[molleur]

Would look better if the panel was glassed to the "A" pillar trims.
Just hope you never have to replace the windscreen.

The PU adhesive can be removed carefully with a heat gun and a sharpened putty knife. Careful with the heat around the windscreen though. Was a challenge removing my body.

[Lucky@LeMans]

You could do that to make it look like it was always there. However, this area of the car is a compromise. If you were really keen it might be possible to extend the bonnet right back to the screen and mount the wipers on the back edge. Lots of work but it would look more authentic, perhaps.

[molleur]

Too much work.
using the panel is a good compromise. I have sent Justin an email.

[Paul L]

Lucky - A very belated congratulations.

By the sounds of it, it appears to have been a very straight forward build.
( Obviously, your previous building experience helps. )

I look forward to seeing the car painted, especially with the bumpers.

Good luck, Paul.

PS
Your garage floor needs a good clean!