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.
Our customer wanted us to make a front number plate support bracket which would be strong (speedbumps), discreet (no bolt fittings) and be in a position to cover the fan housing somewhat.
So we cut a suitable piece of aluminum and bent and shaped to to suit. This was then Sikaflexed (or any good quality PU adhesive will do) to the inside of the bonnet. No keying was needed as the glass matting give a good grip for the glue. We marked the centre of the car to get the bracket and plate central.
We left it overnight to harden and the finished effect is good. If the number plate had been bigger it would have covered the fan casing completely. Once this is painted matt black though it will disappear.
We attached the stainless steel sliding boot prop for the rear bootlid. On the Kalifornias there is a massive amount of movement angle availiable for this but not on the coupe. We had to cut away the inner panel till the prop did not rub while lifting the bootlid. This will be tidied and rubber trim fitted afterwards.
Numberplate looks great in that position but if it does hit a speed bump at speed it could do a lot of damage to the lower bonnet if it is too well fixed.
How about incorporating a long piano hinge on it, that way if you hit a ramp it should (in theory) just swing back without damaging the bonnet. You would just need a small spring to keep it held in the correct position. You would of course need to make sure the spring was strong enough that it didn't start pushing back at speed, that would be naughty with all the new forward facing cameras!
We looked at every scenario and possible position and this was the best. You cannot use a hinged flap as it is up against the fan housing. No where to hinge up to. In reality as its a classic car with tall tyres and large wheel gap it is less likely to scrape than conventional cars.
The other build we are doing (Scott's Kalifornia) is a different matter as it will be considerably lowered.
Nice work. Really like the number plate position and fixing. And a wicked plate as well - subtle and cool to boot.
Speaking of boots I really like the sliding boot brace - so much simpler than the gas struts challenge you all faced last year.
I am logging all these ideas for when I save up for my build - or a small lottery win would do.
Dave
If you wish you can do what others have done is pay in installment lumps as the project progresses.
Deposit-kit-build-prep-paint-refit-final,
this way you can start it quicker and save up as you spread the cost. We can work out a plan to suit all pockets.
Number 4 build in the queue (Brendan) is have us assemble and complete, then bring it back in a few months for prep and paint allowing lots of time to save up but gets to enjoy the car for the summer.
If you wish you can do what others have done is pay in installment lumps as the project progresses.
Deposit-kit-build-prep-paint-refit-final,
this way you can start it quicker and save up as you spread the cost. We can work out a plan to suit all pockets.
Number 4 build in the queue (Brendan) is have us assemble and complete, then bring it back in a few months for prep and paint allowing lots of time to save up but gets to enjoy the car for the summer.
I would like to offer you my 80% restored 1949 Triumph Roadster but I know it will be worth £30k when its done so I really must make the effort to finish it now. The restoration costs are high but it should reward me when its done. The seat and door cards went to the trim shop last week ( another £1100 ) and I'm just about done with the reworked dash and Jaeger dials.
Two years so far and ££££'s !
We do part exchange with whatever! We even take Euros!
He He. Reminded me about a friend's venture to the Travelling French Market (in an Essex Town) - he offered them Euro's for the cheese but they refused! Methinks they weren't the genuine French article at all
If you wish you can do what others have done is pay in installment lumps as the project progresses.
Deposit-kit-build-prep-paint-refit-final,
this way you can start it quicker and save up as you spread the cost. We can work out a plan to suit all pockets.
Number 4 build in the queue (Brendan) is have us assemble and complete, then bring it back in a few months for prep and paint allowing lots of time to save up but gets to enjoy the car for the summer.
Dammit Richard. Stop tempting me
I will bring upper management to Stoneleigh later in the year and that will get the momentum I need. I do wish to do some some of the build myself so an open approach to options is appreciated. I will be going KOBRA though that I do know. And have chosen the colour already. Ford Purple Velvet as I had a 1300E in the old days and love that colour still.
What a fantastic looking car, it looks the part and the colour choice show the body off at its best.
Umm i could be tempted.
One question that in the past has put me off buying a kit rebody is can you see anywhere on the car where the fiberglass meets the original steel body or has it been well hidden.
I will bring upper management to Stoneleigh later in the year and that will get the momentum I need. I do wish to do some some of the build myself so an open approach to options is appreciated. I will be going KOBRA though that I do know. And have chosen the colour already. Ford Purple Velvet as I had a 1300E in the old days and love that colour still.
Dave
I can be naughty sometimes, sorry
Thats the benefit of using us..you can do the bits you want to do and let us do the nasty bits you dont want to do. It works well that way
We have a Kobra demonstrator here as well as A 250 Kali, Z300s and several 250 Koupes in different stages of build. Always willing to talk cars to anyone and we dont bite (unless very hungry).
No. There is nowhere, its all hidden. Come and see one in the flesh any day any time....we dont close.
Will more than likely pay Stoneleigh a visit this year to check the 250SWB out, may even take my navigator.
Another question "Do you know that if the BMW's original interior is removed including steering wheel with air bag and replaced with period looking parts will it fail an MOT due to not having safety parts fitted as per the day it left the factory".
Hi
Its a grey area to be honest and seems to be at the disgression of the MOT tester. If you remove the airbag, controller and warning light bulb it should not. If its fitted it must work.
However most MOT testers understand that you have made the decision to remove it and take the responsibility for what may happen if it is not there in the event of a serious collision, then it's on your head (forgive the pun)
Luckily our local tester assumes the vehicle will have no airbag and never mentions it. This seems to be the majority.
However if you get a 'jobs worth' then take it elsewhere.
If you cannot sleep at night then leave it on but they are ugly.
The grille was trial fitted. The new spotlights were lined up and bolted on. The surround was sprayed silver for now. The customer wants to change it for our polished alloy one when they are finished. We will take it apart tomorrow to paint the mounting brackets matt black so they disappear.
Not yet, still waiting for wheel bolts which we then have to machine then paint under arches, then fit wheels. Car should be ready by next Wednesday. We can then get some photos for Kitcar to start the build article.
