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someone over on retrorides posted a load of pics up of the show yours was amongst them and someone asked about the swb replica so i added a link to your and erics builds and also mentioned tribute automotive and nubodi
someone over on retrorides posted a load of pics up of the show yours was amongst them and someone asked about the swb replica so i added a link to your and erics builds and also mentioned tribute automotive and nubodi
Not much to report as I've been at the Hot Rod Drags this weekend so don't get round to doing much on the car at the minute.
I've made the boot stay, which works well, using a cut and bent bonnet stay and a few bits I had lying around. Not much to look at but when the boot's all tidied, painted and carpeted it will look fine.
I've bought yet another steering wheel. The first was when I was going for a more modern look, so that was sold again. The one on there now is a nice wood rim but a bit modern looking and being 13" it nicely blocks out the indicator warning lights, which as the boss doesn't self cancel is inconvenient.
This one is an old 15", much more suitable and when I've drilled it for the boss, cleaned and varnished it and made a centre cap, should look fine. Just the sort of small fiddling about job I enjoy.
After a period with little progress, I've moved things on a bit this week.
Yesterday I collected a black dashboard and lower panels and will soon be getting black seats and carpets from the same guy. It's going to be a lot easier than recolouring the beige stuff I have.
He has an M series Z3 which he bought stripped so bought another Z3 for parts for it. Then another, and another. This is just a hobby so he admits he's not the fastest at getting things sent, but he has quite a lot of stuff for sale including a hardtop. He may also be interested in a p/x deal with items we don't need My panels all got sold in one lot but he's doing a deal with my beige interior as I won't want it.
Contact is Les 07768418494. He's near Hunstanton in Norfolk.
I've started restoring the new steering wheel which I hope will look good when done. My original wood rim will be for sale eventually for £30 if anyone's interested.
Today I've been at a mate's (Thanks Graham) having some fibreglass work done. Finishing off with a little filler is still needed but I'm pleased with how it's turned out so far.
The bonnet was fixed in place and adjusted with wooden wedges to get it and the surrounding panels reasonably level. It was then fibreglassed in place from the rear but leaving a groove to give the impression that the bonnet still opens. An idea which came from Andy (Ericholm)
The rear reflectors have been relocated in a cut out next to the rear lights. I hope the new cutout will with flow with the same curves as the original light housings when finished.
A spot light has been set into a mould in the rear panel which will be the new reverse light. (the original rear fog light will later be relocated out of sight).
Great work Bob!, great to to see how you aligned the small bonnet, and the reflector aspects look great also! The back end of your car looks really wide compared with mine. it looks like yours is on steroids
That's a lot of work to do with the interior and all the best with that, and great you found someone that can give you a deal locally.
Having a bit of time fiddling about on the car this week.
I've just finished the steering wheel. Not a perfect finish, but I didn't want one as the car is supposed to look like an old road racer with some history.
I've altered the holes in the spokes to loose the small holes where the pads were riveted on. (The shape is nothing to do with any poor measurement when I first drilled them. Oh all right, it is). The centre cap is the surround off an old Lucas rear light lens and a bakalite middle, both of which I found in my auto jumble stock
The new reverse light (an old foglight) is temporarily in and the lip around on the rear panel is built up to suit
This is a racing car wet weather light which was very cheap on ebay (second hand) which I mounted on a bracket which will be fixed across the corner f the roll cage. It will replace the rear fog light. I may fit a cheap hidden swing down one inside the rear panel incase there are issues at MOT time.
I've also started stripping out the inside and will start on the revised centre console when I've read through WCA's thread and borrowed some of his ideas.
That green bit....... Is it an air spoiler/splitter!
I shouldn't have shown that, it's top secret and still in the development stage. All I can say is it should be a big improvement on the tiny ashtray currently fitted.
I've just had number 1 coil pack replaced. The mechanic said it was damp around it. I've had the car out in some very heavy rain in the past and wonder if the gap around the centre bonnet may have let water in which has gathered there.
Not a problem for me now as the bonnet is sealed but possibly, for those that prefer to keep it as opening, worth sorting a rain gutter/seal.
I've just had number 1 coil pack replaced. The mechanic said it was damp around it. I've had the car out in some very heavy rain in the past and wonder if the gap around the centre bonnet may have let water in which has gathered there.
Not a problem for me now as the bonnet is sealed but possibly, for those that prefer to keep it as opening, worth sorting a rain gutter/seal.
Water ingress can indeed be a problem, and 'altering' panels (ie new bodykit) requires a look to see where water will end up! I recall the FWD Escort (mk4?) which had a problem where the gutter on the inner wings/ bonnet shut had clips holding the washer tube inserted through square holes. Rainwater dripped through the holes and onto the battery, but caused no immediate problem to the battery (being reasonably 'distilled' water) except that it overflowed the acid in the battery, which then rotted the battery tray and bulkhead under it! Nasty!
Not much visible change today but I've had an electrician here doing some jobs.
The horn which was originally on the steering wheel is now rewired to an 'engine start' button which will go on the console somewhere.
The high level brake and rear light is wired up and has a rear light cut out in case an MOT man doesn't like a central rear light.
The rear fog light in the rear window is wired. The hang down one will be replaced with one that folds out of the way and only shows at MOT time. There may be a cut out switch installed later in case there's an MOT issue with it.
Also the alarm has a new light and the second number plate light is now wired.
Next on the list is an outside opening passenger door as I know that's an MOT issue.
As you are a local, I thought it worth letting you know about a 'Family, drive friendly' trackday at Snetterton on Sunday December 6th. 9 - 4pm Road legal cars only, that must be driven to the circuit. 20mins sessions; 3 groups: Experienced; Intermediates; Novices. £80
Contact Kidge on [email]kidge.elder@btinternet.com[/email] or robert on [email]robert.bensley@btinternet.com[/email]
I picked up the black seats and carpets this week.
One point that may be obvious to some but wasn't to me is that when I tried to fit it, the drivers seat electric motor would only move one runner. I knew it must have been ok when the guy I bought them off removed them or he wouldn't have got to the bolts. When I took it back for him to check, the answer was obvious to him, I'd picked up the front of the seat by what looks like a rod but is actually a plastic covered cable. It had pulled slightly out of line. I quick move of it and all now works fine.
Not much happening at the minute.
MOT repairs last week. 4 metal brake pipes and a couple of suspension bushes.
The current little project is to make the centre console a bit different.
I've checked what Geoff is doing and adapted his idea.
The heater panel now has mesh with an alloy backing with the horn (start) button where the clock was and the other panel will have 3 flick switches and the socket for the sat nav fitted.
The shortened console will have the mesh fitted at the bottom in a form that's not fully decided yet as I tend to make it up as I go along.
Big news is that I've booked it in for the start of Feb for the body to be finished and the paint job done (dark blue of some sort)
Good advice!