Convertible New Build - Page 4

Lucky@LeMans · #1 17th November 2019, 10:06

Hi Paul,

I liked the idea of a convertible as soon as I saw the hard top being built. That was a few years ago and I was still in the middle of my Triumph resto, then the TR turned up ! Only back in the spring of this year was I in a position to ask Dan about a convertible.

The garage is in the process of a revamp by the way ! The chequered lino was fine for a while but impossible to clean. Gone with a light grey two pack floor paint, you can't go wrong with that.

Mitchelkitman · #2 21st November 2019, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

Hi Paul,

The garage is in the process of a revamp by the way ! The chequered lino was fine for a while but impossible to clean. Gone with a light grey two pack floor paint, you can't go wrong with that.

I've not used 2 pack floor paint - indeed in my current garage I have no floor paint

In my previous garage I put down single-pack floor paint (first coat thinned with white spirit), and it stayed good for years until we moved - but it was slippery when I walked in with wet shoes. I should have mixed some sand or similar into the top coat? Did you do anything to stop the 2 pack being slippery, or doesn't it need it?

Lucky@LeMans · #3 21st November 2019, 21:03

Depends how smooth your floor is I suppose. My floor is pretty textured, the concrete was just tamped down. I've not had a problem but adding sand will give you an anti slip surface for sure.

Jaguartvr · #4 28th November 2019, 09:18

Find it hard to believe that for the money Ferrari charge that they just use screws to fit the door cards rather than hidden clips like every other manufacturer.

smash · #5 28th November 2019, 13:55

Same on SWB headlining panels!

Incidentally 275 features briefly in new Le Mans 66 flick

Lucky@LeMans · #6 28th November 2019, 16:28

Called in at the paint shop today. They have done loads of prep and they're nearly ready for the final top coat. After a lot of thought I've gone with a slightly lighter shade of red.

Lucky@LeMans · #7 22nd December 2019, 14:09

The paint has turned out really well. I'm mid way through putting all the trim back onto the car. Mostly finishing off jobs so only a couple of weeks away from completion.

Jaguartvr · #8 22nd December 2019, 14:47

Pictures, we meed pictures..........lots of them!

DaveP · #9 22nd December 2019, 17:45

Pictures !!!!

Dave

Simon E · #10 23rd January 2020, 15:23

Any new photos of this yet????

I'd say it's going to look the t*ts!

(Apologies to those that clicked on this thread thinking L@LM uploaded some new photos!

)

Lucky@LeMans · #11 1st March 2020, 09:30

Been a while since my last update ! The car is basically finished and MOT'd. One or two little cosmetic jobs and its all done, I hope to get those done this week.

Looks like my car is the only convertible.

I'm really pleased with the way it has turned out, it looks great and drives really well. The 2.8 has just the right amount of power and performance. I'm running a standard exhaust, exiting in twin pipes so it sounds spot on. Not too loud, just smooth and refined !

The interior upgrades have worked really well, the seats are comfortable, supportive and together with the subtle changes like the door cards have taken away the obvious Z3 origins.

I haven't fitted any inappropriate badges, I didn't think it would be right to do so. It will keep them guessing at the shows for sure !

Mitchelkitman · #12 1st March 2020, 09:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

Looks like my car is the only convertible, the kit is no longer available which is a real shame.

Is that really the case? Surely not (I hope)

Welshkiwi · #13 3rd March 2020, 01:33

Looks a very nice outcome LLM, jealous of the speed!

One question on the trim surrounds, have you 3m taped the trim and the headlight cover to the opening or just the trim? If not how did you end up fixing the cover to the opening? I am scratching my head at the moment because I have already partially cracked one after drilling so am wondering whether I hide retention for that under the trim or still try and make it a feature either inboard of the trim or on the trim.

Trouble is trying to keep the lines visually as clean as possible.

Nice work!

Lucky@LeMans · #14 3rd March 2020, 09:35

The TVR perspex covers needed a lot of trimming in the first place. They were then drilled with 4 mounting holes which were then countersunk for M4 screws. I spotted through the covers and tapped the GRP M4 to suit. Its about 3mm thick around the rim of the light cover so plenty thick enough . The outer trims were then stuck on with heavy duty, out door spec 3m tape.

One word for drilling perspex as there is a lot of BS out there ! You need to grind your drill bit to a very shallow angle. It needs to be sharp ( not blunt as you might read elsewhere ! ) You need to go slow and steady and keep the drill bit cool using water. The plastic can get very hot very quickly which can cause the drill to jam and crack the work. Only use very light pressure, let the drill cut at its own rate. You need to support the perspex directly behind with a wooden block where you are drilling.

Welshkiwi · #15 4th March 2020, 07:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

The TVR perspex covers needed a lot of trimming in the first place. They were then drilled with 4 mounting holes which were then countersunk for M4 screws. I spotted through the covers and tapped the GRP M4 to suit. Its about 3mm thick around the rim of the light cover so plenty thick enough . The outer trims were then stuck on with heavy duty, out door spec 3m tape.

One word for drilling perspex as there is a lot of BS out there ! You need to grind your drill bit to a very shallow angle. It needs to be sharp ( not blunt as you might read elsewhere ! ) You need to go slow and steady and keep the drill bit cool using water. The plastic can get very hot very quickly which can cause the drill to jam and crack the work. Only use very light pressure, let the drill cut at its own rate. You need to support the perspex directly behind with a wooden block where you are drilling.

Thanks LLM, very full and great advice. Totally appreciated. I shall heed it well....Cheers.

molleur · #16 3rd March 2020, 18:25

totally agree with the drilling method. Perspex & Lexan drill bits are available, but heed the method outlined by LL above.
Let the drill bit do the work. Go VERY slowly.

Car photographer · #17 3rd March 2020, 22:03

Very nice

molleur · #18 6th March 2020, 20:42

absolutely stunning!

DaveP · #19 6th March 2020, 22:25

Agreed. That is very tasty indeed. My compliments as that is just right.

Such a crying shame that the Fxxxxxs got involved. 😟

Paul L · #20 7th March 2020, 06:40

Looks like a beautiful production car to me.

Hope you get a chance to enjoy driving this one longer than the last one.

You certainly deserve a few sunny (and warm) days with the roof down.

Good luck, Paul.