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From concept to reality

26 Aug 2016, 10:03pm
I guess it could be Barber
Im using 40 grit for rough shaping - the longer bed that flexs aids the natural curve to form.
27 Aug 2016, 6:10am
Roadster wrote:
... Once its in one colour and im happy its time to get the near side to match...

Matching sides? :eek:

That will never catch on. :icon_wink:

Good luck, Paul. :)
27 Aug 2016, 9:13am
Barber wrote:
I presume that the flexi sanding plane is for dealing with the filler. Would it be sensitive enough to deal with Fatboy's orange peel paint? 60 hours down to around 6 would be a result.


Any chance of posting up the details of the flexi sander plane? Thanks :yo:
28 Aug 2016, 7:52am
Took the family out yesterday, the drive through the country lanes was disrupted by huge storm. Pitch black and torrential rain wasn't what I had bargained for.

Still I pressed on and headed south to try find better weather.
We ended up in Swanage, the sun was out and we ate outside.

Just 15mins away from the workshop.
I asked if everyone was ok with a flying visit.

So as the sun was setting and the temperature cooling off, I set about using my hour as wisely as I could.

I really wanted to make a start on the nearside but I resisted and continued on the bulge and the nose. The filler was easier to work and after a couple of batches and some shaping I dusted it over with primer to check my progress.



28 Aug 2016, 8:04am
Those following this thread will be aware of my changes in direction from the original sketch.
I can honestly say that even though I could have been much further through the build if I had stuck to an earlier rendition, I am pleased with the way the car is shaping up.

My 2 main influences are - the XK180



and the original Lyonheart concept "Growler"



I think we are getting there

28 Aug 2016, 8:52am
Roadster wrote:
Thanks Paul,
Im sure they won't be millimetre perfect but cars were beautiful when they had variances.

The cobra Daytona coupe is inches out :o but still gorgeous.

Barber something like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Long-Bed-Sander-Flexible-Rigid-Sanding-Block-Velcro-Flexi-De-Nibber-FREE-Discs-/232052245251?hash=item3607644303:g:c-cAAOSwZVlXqjrJ


Ah, right. Thanks, not sure why they did not come up when i googled, but google is another language from my english.
28 Aug 2016, 10:53am
That looks good. I must admit, even when looking at it in the GRP, I'd missed that swage ahead of the arch. Lovely detail that does much for it. Keep it up.
28 Aug 2016, 10:55am
PS Are you planning on incorporating a rear diffuser? It might balance out the front one nicely? The one from the Clio 182 is a good shape.
28 Aug 2016, 10:46pm
I haven't finished the rear end modifications yet but im sure they are 99% decided.



The centre is from a late M3 and has been cut and shut into a venturi style diffuser
The lights are having the red halos from the previous rear lights incorporated into them.
TVR back boxes should provide a suitable exhaust note.



Still a few holes to fill but it shouldn't take long to finish
29 Aug 2016, 6:47am
Triumph Special wrote:
... I'd missed that swage ahead of the arch. Lovely detail that does much for it...

+1 :cool:
29 Aug 2016, 8:26am
Couple more pictures from another camera





29 Aug 2016, 10:03am
What is that roof stowed in the back?
29 Aug 2016, 2:23pm
If it's the one I've seen before, it came off a Sprite or Midget. I think it's an Ashley one.
29 Aug 2016, 3:15pm
☺ thanks
30 Aug 2016, 8:08am
So back to work today and just in time as I think the other half has cottoned on to that all our day trips end up in the same place.

So after a few hours on the beach, we just happened to stumble on the Tribute workshop and I managed to get another hour on the beast.

Early evenings are a good time to play with filler and I didn't waste any going hard before I used it.

So starting to look at the near side, I realised my bonnet bulge is not a symmetrical as I would like so I added filler to even it up a little but I haven't blended this in yet as I was running dangerously low on filler.

The main job was to cut in the other headlamp panel and stitch it together.
Its too big of a job to complete in an hour but its in place and next time the long process of blending the panels and creating the curves can start.




30 Aug 2016, 9:29am
Roadster wrote:
... as I think the other half has cottoned on to that all our day trips end up in the same place...

I did wonder how you were getting away with that for so long. :icon_wink:

The passenger side is already a great improvement. :cool:

Good luck, Paul. :)
30 Aug 2016, 1:50pm
She has been good about the time i've sneaked in.

But she still doesn't understand me getting dusty while im there.
Got rollocked when I got back in the car covered in dust.
30 Aug 2016, 3:05pm
No doubt your good lady surmises thst you are knocking up a Venus de Milo in her image. Bad news for you come Christmas.
31 Aug 2016, 1:17pm
[QUOTE=Triumph Special;82231]PS Are you planning on incorporating a rear diffuser? It might balance out the front one nicely? The one from the Clio 182 is a good shape.[/QUOTE

The Clio 182 rear diffuser looks good but I personally prefer the Clio 192 version.
Especially if its Hydro-Dipped in carbon Fibre effect.



That front end with the twin headlamp set-up really looks the part. If the rear end looks just as good as the front you have a winner there.
31 Aug 2016, 9:47pm
Thanks DSG the diffuser looks good.
Its kind of what I was aiming for.
They are expensive secondhand especially as I would have to chop it up to fit the radius
1 Sep 2016, 5:28am
Maybe look at universal diffusers probably cheaper or mod yours the square ends look at odds with curves of the body
1 Sep 2016, 8:10am
redratbike wrote:
Maybe look at universal diffusers probably cheaper or mod yours the square ends look at odds with curves of the body


The rear will get worked on soon.
The diffuser outline will be shaped, the corners rounded similar to the front lower air intake.

The centre finned area will remain largely untouched and will end up a contrasting gloss black.

The roof, wheels and accents will all be in gloss black.
The body colour is still undecided but I am down to 3.
All are pearlescent as its the best way to show all the curves.

Im also considering cutting a number plate recess in the rear to match the grille opening, inspired by the Jag concept



What do you think?
1 Sep 2016, 9:43am
ford focus GTI and fiesta ones are cheaper off the bay of E
1 Sep 2016, 9:54am
Looking good nice to see the front taking shape!
With regards to the rear diffuser, you should 1st take into consideration where your number plate will go.

This was my inspiration for my kobra rear...



Looks well until you realise there isnt a number plate!

Pug 407 coupe rear....



A little bit of photo shop.....



And mine....