This is a read-only archive of the old Madabout Kitcars forum. New posts and replies are no longer possible, but every thread is still here to browse and read.
Yea, that does fit rather nicely. Has it created a double-hump on the top of the car, due to the curce of the screen, and the fact that it's usually more upright in a micra? cant quite see in that pic.. i'd guess it would be more apparent in a side-on photo, rather than rear quarter.
If the screen is moved up a couple of inches, the lines down to the boot can be re-aligned. Chris said that he had to nip the 275 roof in at the back for Welshkiwis car. This formed the base for the Z3gato, but it will have to be moved back out to accommodate the screen at the top.
So the whole of the back from the roof down to the boot will need re-working. But it is going to be worth the wait. The black surround to the screen is not the best, but needs must if we want to have a stock production solution that doesn't cost the earth.
I quite like the black surround, still gives a production car feeling, even if it is a few decades out. I am really looking forward to seeing what your going to do around the window.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
