MadaboutKitcars

Can wobble bolts accommodate a 5mm difference?

The odd alloy wheel shown is the 16" standard Z3 rim, due to a flat tyre on one of the wires. The clearance is greater with the new kit fitted because of the enlarged wheel arches. I have some 20" alloys that i was going to try on the car for an "extreme" set up test.

Chris - Exciting times, anything that gives you and Dan a chance to take a well earned rest has to be a good thing.

Good luck, Paul.

The march 2015 issue of Classic & Sports Car has a feature on replicas including a 250swb.
Beautiful work, but as I don't have a spare 10 years or £100,000 I'll stick with my Tribute order.

Cheers, Bob.

2.8 donor on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1999-BMW-Z3-2-8-ROADSTER-MANUAL-REDUCED-/271759017790?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3f4619873e

Simpson Design

Apologies if I am covering old ground here. I have been following this thread very carefully but cannot recall seeing any previous reference to this:

http://www.simpsondesign.net/blog250SWBprogress4.html

Are Simpson and Tribute sister companies, or the first evidence for the parallel universe theory? The Tribute SWB looks more attractive, the Simpson more "finished".

Parallel universe - but theirs are based on 4 pot Mazdas rather than BMWs

With its fuel filler in the correct place, its front brake ducts present and more than a token lip around the rear arches.

Amazing! Simpson makes his prototype in steel then makes a fibreglass mold and production bodies in fibreglass....? His client obviously has more money than enthusiasts in the UK, just look when the blog started to see how any hours/years it is taking.
Yes, I did spot that the car in the background looked like a Ferrari 275GTB so I am not unique in the whole world in making one but, having driven both, I prefer to make mine on the BMW Z3 as a base. The compromises on the overall shape are still there but it is more practical to use the Z3 because all the panels unbolt.

Check the post count – the only reason I’ve signed up for the forum is because of this conversion.

I’ve been watching with interest since a mate stuck a photo of an early incarnation up on his on Facetube. Just wanted to say that the finished body looks bloody brilliant! I love the whole concept of body conversions but have never seen one that combined sensible cost, that hides the original cars origins to the point that only a windscreen fitter would spot it and that looks properly proportioned and just generally right. The shopped lowering is the cherry on the cake – personally I love the whole restomod scene which I think this would suit perfectly (debadged - it’d be a shame to plaster it in F badges). Go big on the rims!

Anyway, point is in all this time of buying secondhand kitcars this really is the first time my hands been hovering over my wallet on the edge of pulling the trigger to build one (despite the fact I have nowhere to build it!) and I just wanted to say I think you’ve done a brilliant job.

Welcome.
Why not ask Chris for a quotation to swap the body for you and fit the lights so you can drive it away.
Best thing I ever did to get my Z300S Barchetta under way.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4941&page=2

That's exactly what Chris and Dan will be doing for me soon. My 250 is ordered and my lights, rear window, handles and fuel filler are boxed and ready. Just waiting for the word and I'll drop the Z3 down to him.

Bob.

I went down the week after collecting my Z300S and used my Jago to bring the old panels home. I've managed to sell everything apart from the boot lid and boot floor. Someone has their name on the sills but hasn't collected yet.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4941&page=3

First panel out the new moulds:



Boot next:

Looks good. My build slot gets nearer!

Cheers, Bob.

The bonnet looks high quality and I love the black gel coat. Can't wait to see the rest

Thanks guys.

I am not going to claim that the finish is perfect, just that with a bit of elbow grease it would look presentable as a temporary finish whilst using the car before final painting.

More progress, rear end/roof should be ready by friday

The reflections on the bootlid show the quality of the moulding. Hope the front end looks as good once it's cleaned up.

I have been asked by several customers to compile a list of basic items required to build an SWB, The following are examples, there are limitations on the size of rear lights due to body recesses and we have set the kit up for Mini door handles, but all other items are down to personal choice:


7" Headlights with side lights + buckets

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/7--headlight-assembly-with-side/



Chrome headlight trims, MAKE SURE THEY ARE THE TAPERED TYPE

http://www.retroclassiccarparts.com/headlamp-rim-for-triumph-tr



Rear lights

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l539-lucas-stop---tail--pair-/

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l539-lucas-indicator--pair-/



Front indicators CLEAR LENSES WITH AMBER BULBS REQUIRED

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/l594-lucas-clear-lens-indicator--pair-/



Side repeaters (front wing). Example for style, but your choice

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-FIAT-500-FIAT-600-PAIR-WING-REPEATER-INDICATOR-LAMP-/231293818301?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item35da2f95bd



Fog light Example, your choice. REVERSING LIGHT TO MATCH? NOT REQUIRED FOR MOT

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/1253-rear-fog-/



Reflectors. Example of period correct for SWB, but your choice

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/lucas-rectangle-reflectors--pair-/



Washer jets

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI-CHROME-WASHER-JETS-x2-TWIN-PAIR-AUSTIN-ROVER-COOPER-998-1275-5L2-/281412685000?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item418580ccc8



Numberplate lights x2

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/product/550-type-no--plate-lamp--frogeye/



NUMBERPLATES: UK STANDARD SIZE, OBLONG FRONT + SQUARER REAR


Door and boot handle set

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CLASSIC-MINI-CHROME-DOOR-HANDLE-SET-WITH-KEYS-MK3-ONWARDS-CZH1785-EXHS-/121573064173?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item1c4e51bded



Bonnet pins, Example

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BONNET-PIN-SET-HEAVY-DUTY-CHROME-PLATED-/111381557480?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item19eedbb0e8

Body is looking excellent. My workshop slot gets nearer still.

Can I add a couple of things to your list Chris. Please correct if they are no longer what's needed.

Fuel neck and cap -
I bought them from Car Builder Solutions.
The parts to connect the BMW petrol filler neck to a new cap.
I'll list the part numbers as they may be useful to others.

The cap I chose was AST100, an Aston style locking flip top.

Other parts were
FFF51- ULTRA FLEXIBLE FUEL FILLER HOSE 51mm (2 feet)
POLY - BLACK POLYURETHANE ADHESIVE/SEALANT
ALIT50 - 50mm OD ALUMINIUM TUBE 0.19metre. beaded at one end
H45ZN - 2x HOSE CLIP 45-60mm


Boot catch-
Bought from Europa.
Flat Hook Latch Left Hand BN3BLL

Cheers, Bob.

In case the windscreen has to come out,how can you fit a new screen without damaging the roof/pillars?
Does the z3 rubber stays in place or?????
Sorry but i don't understand how the windscreen has to be fitted if the pillar covers and the roof are bonded and painted...............
I am very intersted in this kit but before buying one i like to see some kind of build manual or instructions,for the more expirienced builder it is probably as clear as glass but for a novice kitbuilder as me it is not.

Oh........let me introduce myself,René,57 years young,hotrodder,classis car nut and perhaps a kitcar builder.......
I live in Holland near Amsterdam,work as a pro tig/mig welder but grp/polyester is almost new to me.
Greetz René

Rene - Welcome to this forum, I've enjoyed your work on "Rods & Sods".

I'm sure Chris from Tribute will give you a proper answer to your question at some point.

In the mean time have a look at this Kobra build thread.

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5001

By all accounts the Kobra is a more straight build than the 250 SWB, but it is still BMW Z3 based.

So the photos of the BMW panels being removed should give you some idea of the general process.

But with a few added complications given the 250 SWB has a roof.

To be frank, a man of your skills should have no problems with building something like this.

Good luck, Paul.

PS
For everyone else, here are a couple of examples of Rene's work.

Car:
http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/garage/starting-old-skool-anglia-66837

Trailer:
http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/garage/westfalia-funeral-trailer-not-teardrop-but-way-coooool-137857

Thanks for the welcome Paul,i fully understand how the build on a z3 is working with the panels,i have been reading several build treads (including your epic struggle with the rain and snow in which you earn my respect however i can"t understand why you are building a roadster ,if it is done you still be in the rain)about z3 builds........
The SWB should be a straight build to exept the windshield thing what i asked about.
The main thing i like about the SWB is you don't need to go to the RWD(dutch sva)to get it registred because it is only a bodykit.
In Holland you can't build your own design chassis and bodywork with engine of choice like you guys can,a car has to remain original on 2 of 3 parts,that is chassis,engine and body are 3 parts,you can chance only 1.
On a car like a z3 there are just 2 parts,engine and unibody so there is nothing to chance,switching loose panels is not a problem.
I am looking out to see how this develops and getting dreams about the first SWB on my block

Have send you a PM , René , so schould be in your Inbox.