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I didn't think you could get 17" steels either, I'm using the 15" alloys, on my z300s, the ones that look similar to Dunlops until I can afford a set of 16" Billets 46. I do like the Dunlop style, although everyone at work keeps telling me to get wires.
Andy
Those IMAGE Billet 46's will certainly suit your Z300S and would look great in aan SWB too:
Lovely looking wheels and at least one Ferrari had Dunlop racing wheels fitted in period - racing driver Peter Collins fitted them to his personal 250S convertible (a wedding present from Enzo) so that he could fit the then revolutionary Dunlop disc brakes. Once Enzo tried the car Ferrari ditched their drums and switched to disc brakes themselves.
Quick question on the SWB - how much longer is the rear overhang than the standard Z3? Just thinking ahead and looking at exhaust options (got to be four tail pipes).
Looking forward to seeing the Kebab come together - If it's ok with you Hurnleft I'll have to make the trip over to Norwich to see it for myself once you've got it back.
Hi Mr T, I'd be pleased to see when when it's back home (should be a couple of weeks).
All those odd bits that weve been think about, wheel space under the arches, exhaust endings, interior bits etc are much easier to get clear in the mind if you've seen an example of the car.
...Quick question on the SWB - how much longer is the rear overhang than the standard Z3? Just thinking ahead and looking at exhaust options (got to be four tail pipes)...
The pics here show it well but measure twice, cut once !!!
Quick question on the SWB - how much longer is the rear overhang than the standard Z3? Just thinking ahead and looking at exhaust options (got to be four tail pipes
Something else to address, especially if using 4 pipes, is how to support them, as the extended SWB glassfibre panels will need some sort of bracketing to cope with the additional mass slung out at the back end of the car.
I've spoken to a mate today who makes one off stainless exhausts.
He'll be having a look as soon as I get the car back. I'll let you know what we decide is best. (In our opinion)
Something else to address, especially if using 4 pipes, is how to support them, as the extended SWB glassfibre panels will need some sort of bracketing to cope with the additional mass slung out at the back end of the car.
Something else to address, especially if filling the "rear boot" with bags of shopping, is how to support them, as the extended SWB glassfibre panels will need some sort of bracketing to cope with the additional mass slung out at the back end of the car.
Just working on herself to think about one as her next car.
I have now begun the process of collecting the parts I need for a SWB build myself, starting with the wheels. It's a bit early for me to begin a build thread, so I hope you don't mind me thread-jacking yours occasionally Bob.
I had also spotted the similarities between Dunlop alloys and BMW steels, and couldn't resist these -
They're 6.5x15 ET20 from the 5 series E34, and came from Germany for...
£77.84 for four including delivery.
I'll probably add 6mm holes between the existing ones and spray them with silver (or maybe white) smoothrite.
So, need to start saving my pennies for a donor and panel kit now, but that Abarth E Type exhaust keeps nagging away at me...
No problem with the thread sharing, we can all help each other with information as there's bound to be a variety of issues crop up.
Very similar style wheels to mine, except mine are 17" so I can keep the same tyres (hopefully).
I'll keep everyone posted about exhaust end extension once my mate has had a look.
I spoke to Chris about dash and door panels on Tuesday as once paint and wheels are done, the interior will be the part to let the 'original car style' down He has some plans which, as usual, look good but I think he needs to get some cars out before he gets to sorting and making them. I've penciled myself in for a set if they work out ok.
Nice, but not for a Fezza- the angle of dangle is wrong and you'd need straight pipes, not those cranked ones.
It must be possible to get chromed pipe of the right size and gauge- if not- how about a group buy?
I appreciate that the angles are all wrong on the full system, which is a shame. I've got previous for hacking perfectly good exhaust systems apart to fit my vision of what it should look and sound like though -
My starting point with that system is that the tailpipes are absolutely correct for the SWB. Everything else can be modified to fit relatively easily.
I've also chosen to use 15" wheels for a more authentic 50's feel. The SWB originally came with a choice of either 15" or 16" Borrani wires, both wearing 185/80 tyres in their respective sizes.
If I were to go with 16's, any tyre with a half convincing profile is going to up the gearing far too much and may leave me with clearance issues. I'll probably fit 195/65/VR15 tyres as they're cheap and plentiful (Quality brands for around £50 each fitted).
As for the dash, my thoughts are that I'll probably reuse the Z3 gauges as a simple and cost effective solution, but set into a home made dash in the Fiat coupe style -
...but made to look much more like (one of) the original style dash fitted to the SWB -
I appreciate that the angles are all wrong on the full system, which is a shame. I've got previous for hacking perfectly good exhaust systems apart to fit my vision of what it should look and sound like though -
My starting point with that system is that the tailpipes are absolutely correct for the SWB. Everything else can be modified to fit relatively easily.
With you there cos that's the bit you can see.
195/65/VR15 tyres as they're cheap and plentiful (Quality brands for around £50 each fitted).
That's about what I paid for my Falken Euro-Weathers in that size and speed rating.
Windscreen frame inner panels removed, and retained, ready for kit install
Something to note here is that once the roll cage is fitted it will not be possible to remove the trim it passes through without the aid of an angle grinder
As for the dash, my thoughts are that I'll probably reuse the Z3 gauges as a simple and cost effective solution, but set into a home made dash in the Fiat coupe style -
...but made to look much more like (one of) the original style dash fitted to the SWB -
So many ideas, I can't wait to get started.
I have had similar ideas of retaining the Z3 gauge pod and forming a "cover" dash
Ian, how do you find the 195's cope with the oomph your 2.8 gives? Are they up to the job?
Never had them break traction in a straight line. The driveshaft joints are a bit clonky, especially when cold so I tend not to stomp it off the line. I think I drifted it once on a damp road coming out of a roundabout but I certainly haven't missed the 225 originals.
Never had them break traction in a straight line. The driveshaft joints are a bit clonky, especially when cold so I tend not to stomp it off the line. I think I drifted it once on a damp road coming out of a roundabout but I certainly haven't missed the 225 originals.
Thanks Ian, makes sense really: the original 250 GT had nearly 280bhp and ran just fine on 185 width tyres without any electronic 'driver aids'. Modern cars are just too technical these days, you actually have to drive an old car and they're all the better for it.
