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I think I need to state a few things about this project before we get to far ahead of ourselves here.
Our customer (Kidge) approached us about 2 years ago with a view to having an MX250 built, but on driving an MX5 decided he needed a little more car around him. At that time we had started on WCA's Z300S project and Kidge liked the idea of the Z3 base car. He asked about the possibility of producing a 275 'style' body conversion. Now we have finally made a start on the project the brief is to take one of our existing SWB kits and change the nose, tail and some other details such as side windows to make a good looking car, not a replica as such.
We are treating this as a one-off for Kidge and currently have no plans to produce moulds and kits, we have spent way too much time and money on the SWB project over the last year.
Back to the car, Kidge is planning to use TVR light covers along with some very nicely made brass trims that will later be chromed:
More lights, with added stainless surrounds; the rear p,b,i, led light is made in Aus and sourced through LR Gawley in Markyate. The indicators are led Landrover replacements, online purchase. Side repeaters are the tear drop italian ones.
Crystal 7'' headlights with the clear glass are attractive for transmitting more light.
The wheels are matt silver bmw 6.5 x 15 with 225/60 tyres, giving an overall diameter of c.653mm 3% more than standard.
Below we are cutting up a flat oval SS tube to create two side strips, which are then pinched to give a soft V shape profile.[/SIZE]
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Ollie, It was always our intention to have wind up / electric windows. We have used a front glass guide reversed at the rear and welded on a top window rail from a Fiesta; plus we will use the fiesta door seals.
Inside the door things are a bit tight, but the frame can be inserted / removed with the Lexan window in place; the brackets now being bolt on.
Uncertain about the quarter lights but may look for some windscreen glass with the right curve, no bm paint, but put a stainless trim on the front edge ?
We will try and use the bmw handle door lock mechanism, with a new handle, fitted to the grp doorskin. Kidge.
Wow - that is really looking - almost bang on for a 275 short nose.
Honestly think this is your most cohesive design to date.
The SWB is really nice but the modern rake of the windscreen always felt a little awkward to me. But here - it just all works, and the windscreen rake is perfect.
Brilliant work - can't wait to see what it looks like finished. It'd be a massive, massive shame not to produce a kit from this although obviously there are probably very good reasons why it may not be possible.
The windscreen rake is just one of the problems I have been wrestling with on my 275GTB/Z3 project (http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5207&page=4). Basically, the Z3 is a different shape - shorter nose, longer doors, higher side window (and different shape), more room between the door and the rear wheel, wider roof, bigger boot lid ... As the old saying has it "If I were going there I wouldn't start from here". Tribute have done an amazing job of producing a nicely cohesive design and on my own I can not match their skill or speed of working but "I have started so I will continue".
The windscreen rake is just one of the problems I have been wrestling with on my 275GTB/Z3 project (http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5207&page=4). Basically, the Z3 is a different shape - shorter nose, longer doors, higher side window (and different shape), more room between the door and the rear wheel, wider roof, bigger boot lid ... As the old saying has it "If I were going there I wouldn't start from here". Tribute have done an amazing job of producing a nicely cohesive design and on my own I can not match their skill or speed of working but "I have started so I will continue".
Hi George.
I hope your health/memory are continuing to improve. As we discussed before the journey for you is as important as the finished project, so keep on enjoying it at your own pace.
Regards Chris
