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I've been following this build... very nicely done glad you decided on door skins to keep the flow of the original design. Looking forward to seeing it complete. Maybe I could get the first kit to ship to the States. Jeff
Looks like another hit....
If i could add my humble tuppence worth...
I agree with the fabricated window frame idea...but....
would it be possible to taper the frame down towards the back,
i,e, lower it to flow with the roof line more... like Fe**ari do..
I think this would help the look tremendously....
Cant wait to see the first finished one. eace:
Looks like another hit....
If i could add my humble tuppence worth...
I agree with the fabricated window frame idea...but....
would it be possible to taper the frame down towards the back,
i,e, lower it to flow with the roof line more... like Fe**ari do..
I think this would help the look tremendously....
Cant wait to see the first finished one. eace:
Got to agree with the observation on the side window line. There seems to have been a couple of different designs: one with a kink towards the back and a slightly flatter roof perhaps (optical illusion?); and one with a straight top, but both slope down to line up with the sweep of the rear window. The Tribute SWB, pretty though it undoubtedly is, has a horizontal window line at the moment -
I guess there might be a bit of a packaging issue with headroom using the Z3 donor seats (maybe aftermarket buckets could help?), but it'd be so nice if the roof/side window line could mirror the original.
Please don't take the above as a criticism, the car already looks very nice, but that side window is one of the defining features that makes the real thing look so special imho.
Got to agree with the observation on the side window line. There seems to have been a couple of different designs: one with a kink towards the back and a slightly flatter roof perhaps (optical illusion?); and one with a straight top, but both slope down to line up with the sweep of the rear window. The Tribute SWB, pretty though it undoubtedly is, has a horizontal window line at the moment -
I guess there might be a bit of a packaging issue with headroom using the Z3 donor seats (maybe aftermarket buckets could help?), but it'd be so nice if the roof/side window line could mirror the original.
Please don't take the above as a criticism, the car already looks very nice, but that side window is one of the defining features that makes the real thing look so special imho.
I agree that the roofline could be better, but on a personal note, probably wouldn't be able to get in it if the roofline sloped any more as it already looks lower than the Z3.
Comparing the two, I think the higher windscreen of the z3 has caused a problem using the marvellous, original SWB pattern roofline, because it is too slender for the side window profile.
I recommend making the roof profile deeper. It's difficult to estimate just how much without seeing the car in the flesh, but would guesstimate at least 25mm, possibly a little more. This would make it more like the second photo above. The higher roofline would provide a profile more in proportion with the original car, and also allow the side window profile to be made lower at the rear end, whilst still allowing me to get in.
That said, I think it's a wonderful effort which I'm sure will be very popular.
Looks good - the widescreen 'rake' on the tribute is much nicer than on the original - I'd have preferred the bonnet a bit longer maybe, but all things considered its going to be a cool looking car!!
A quick photoshop (if only changes could be made as quickly in real life) showing how raising the roof profile by 25mm and lowering the front by 75mm affects the look. The front of the front wings has been lowered but keeps the rear position which are dictated by the BMW bonnet hinges. Suspension height hasn't been changed.
Lowering the front won't be easy and I don't know whether the slam panel, front of engine, or strut tops will be the limiting factor. I should imagine lowering the slam panel would be easiest presuming there's ground clearance for the rad to drop by 75mm. Of course, a new 4 core smaller radiator could solve that. Also, it may be that the bonnet line has to be raised slightly in relation to the tops of the wings as well as lowering the slam panel.
Slight doming of the roof the side profile near the screen might help but as ever its about balance . Trial with cardboard might help see the affect . Possible check of the angle from the bootline. Seeing it as a silhouette comparison. Maybe 15-20mil . Long as this doesn't start the rear screen thing again.
That last photoshopped pic of the Z3 coupe wearing a 250SWB roof just highlights how fugly the BMW design is. Just look at what they should've created instead.
Hoping to get over to Donington to see the SWB for myself at the weekend.
Though I've suggested a deeper profile roof above to achieve the most realistic period look of the actual car, I think the narrower profile of the Tribute suits the more modern look of the silver car, helped by the large diameter wheels.
There must be a way to drop the front of the wings as I believe this will have most impact on making it a pretty car, as shown in both the above.
As Geoff said, we will be there and after a few more hours filling and sanding tomorrow morning, the car will be in one colour after lunch ready for the drive to Donington. See you there.
Back from a short test drive. All OK, apart from the guy who nearly had a head on crash caused by looking at the swb!
A massive thanks is due to Dan, as always, for his constant help and support
Morning Chris the line between the front and rear wings and across the doors looks spot on , thanks Geoff .
eace: 
