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Couerdelion's 250 SWB Coupe Build

molleur 31 Jul 2017, 4:48pm
Looking good. Keep us updated please.
couerdelion 4 Jan 2018, 12:24pm
Well I've done nothing since the last pictures...

So time to get back on with the work.

First job will be to get the roll cage painted and fitted (assuming it comes out!). What have others done? Hammerite?

I've gauges ordered and a few other bits (lights and fuel cap). I'm till trying to decide what to do with dashboard. I have the Nubodi one but like the look of the tribute one retaining the demisters etc... decisions, decision...

Got a mate fabricating the bases for the chairs and have new (2nd hand) carpets for the car.

To borrow a phrase from IT - I'll be looking to get "the least viable model" completed asap and MOT'd and then I can carry on tweaking from there. Maybe I should have left the interior as is but now it's out I'll have to sort that first.
couerdelion 8 Jan 2018, 10:59am
Been talking to Chris about a few things and I'm changing from the Nubodi dash to the new Tribute one (as per Geoff's build) - mainly to keep the vents.

Also the new centre console as per the below pic. That's the metal fabrication that Chris has made the buck from, it will be GRP with the plan to cover in foam and then material (pleather) over that.

[IMG]IMG_1629 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr[/IMG]
Jaguartvr 8 Jan 2018, 11:17am
That looks like a neat solution.
I would imagine that you could mount all the heater controls into the centre console or lose it and have a more retro look.
I was intetending to go with Chris's dash but retain the BMW centre console, looking at this I can see me fitting the new centre section as well.
I still think I will keep the BMW door panels, I know that many people have replaced them but they look a bit like covered hardboard with a pocket. I don't think I could drive a long distance without a door armrest.

Bit of a bugger as I have just lashed out on the original BMW cup holder section so that I can fit a centre armrest.
molleur 8 Jan 2018, 2:26pm
Center console and dash are great additions! Fantastic.
redratbike 8 Jan 2018, 5:37pm
That centre console will look great
trev dunn 11 Jan 2018, 6:02pm
Really like the look of the console / tunnel I will have to keep my eye on this thread to see the finished article then see if I need to save up to get the dash and console . tunnel.
Jaguartvr 15 Jan 2018, 9:10am
Have a look at the DNAOC, couple of pictures have just been posted up of an interior being done in red leather. looks superb.

http://www.dnaoc.co.uk/index.php/topic,4879.msg44516/topicseen.html#new

I think the Tribute centre console will work even better as it leaves space for the stereo mounting.
I was thinking about a similar speaker grill to the DNA car but mounting it with a hinge so a GPS screen could be hidden behind it.
couerdelion 16 Jan 2018, 11:36am
Jaguartvr wrote:
Have a look at the DNAOC, couple of pictures have just been posted up of an interior being done in red leather. looks superb.

http://www.dnaoc.co.uk/index.php/topic,4879.msg44516/topicseen.html#new

I think the Tribute centre console will work even better as it leaves space for the stereo mounting.
I was thinking about a similar speaker grill to the DNA car but mounting it with a hinge so a GPS screen could be hidden behind it.


That looks great - not sure if with my red seats it might be a bit too much though?

I'm still undecided about a stereo in the car. One minute I'm putting a full ICE system in, then next just an old fashioned stereo or nothing...
Jaguartvr 16 Jan 2018, 1:26pm
This is what I fitted to my Jag MK2 about 10 years ago and still going strong. I believe it has more features than when I bought mine. Hide modern speakers behind old Jaguar speaker grills, XJ40's are a good source of cheap parts as nobody wants them.
X8AAOSwQItT6pl~" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retro-Style-CD-MP3-USB-SD-AUX-In-Car-Stereo-Radio-Player-SILVER-CALIBER-RCD110/351144401003?hash=item51c1d6586b:g:oX8AAOSwQItT6pl~

or for tightwads or people who have overspent on their build

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classical-Retro-Style-Bluetooth-Car-Stereo-Radio-USB-SD-MP3-AUX-IN-FM-from-DE/122557396696?hash=item1c88fd76d8:g:2c0AAOSwwzhZSUy-
couerdelion 21 Jan 2018, 9:59pm
Up to the unit to work on the car on Saturday

First job was to remove the roll cage and paint it. It had only been placed in loosely - or so I thought. Good a good bit of 'persuading' to get it back out.

Toyed with the idea of getting it powder coated but decided just to go with Hammerite and a hammered look finish. Applied it with a brush and it looks pretty good (2nd coat hadn't fully dried when I left). Also means if it gets scratched I can easily touch up.

20180120_155902 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Also took the opportunity to paint the exposed metal beam under the dashboard

20180120_155921 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Also removed the drivers side window (That damn sneaky bolt under the door that holds the 1/2 light frame nearly tricked me again)
Then tried a trial fit of the windows.

20180120_165922 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Do I need to remove the button that locks the doors from inside? They seem to be in the way. Do I keep the rubbers to put back on?

20180120_165929 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Also started working on the door cards. Have a template made in cardboard just need to make one up now in hardboard so I can trial fit.
couerdelion 21 Jan 2018, 10:13pm
Jaguartvr wrote:
This is what I fitted to my Jag MK2 about 10 years ago and still going strong. I believe it has more features than when I bought mine. Hide modern speakers behind old Jaguar speaker grills, XJ40's are a good source of cheap parts as nobody wants them.
X8AAOSwQItT6pl~" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Retro-Style-CD-MP3-USB-SD-AUX-In-Car-Stereo-Radio-Player-SILVER-CALIBER-RCD110/351144401003?hash=item51c1d6586b:g:oX8AAOSwQItT6pl~

or for tightwads or people who have overspent on their build

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Classical-Retro-Style-Bluetooth-Car-Stereo-Radio-USB-SD-MP3-AUX-IN-FM-from-DE/122557396696?hash=item1c88fd76d8:g:2c0AAOSwwzhZSUy-


Still cant decide - another week to go before I start on the interior properly and need to decide!
ned 22 Jan 2018, 4:47pm
nice choice for the seats
WorldClassAccident 27 Jan 2018, 11:57am
Lovely set of dials. If I was building mine now I would get the dashboard done. Unfortunately that wasn't a realistic option at the time.

Those will really set off the interior look. V jealous
Jaguartvr 27 Jan 2018, 2:36pm
Wow, trying to save some pennies up for a set. Those dials with Chris's new dash will be a real finishing touch.
Please post all the fitting details so those of us who don't understand electrickery stand a chance.

A simple wiring diagram of the existing plugs into the old binnacle showing colours and where each wire goes to would be great, well someones got to do it so it may as well be you!
Paul L 27 Jan 2018, 3:05pm
Very nice. :cool:
couerdelion 27 Jan 2018, 10:26pm
WorldClassAccident wrote:
Lovely set of dials. If I was building mine now I would get the dashboard done. Unfortunately that wasn't a realistic option at the time.

Those will really set off the interior look. V jealous


IF Iwas biulding mine again I think I would leave the interior as is! But its all out now so...
couerdelion 27 Jan 2018, 10:30pm
Jaguartvr wrote:
Wow, trying to save some pennies up for a set. Those dials with Chris's new dash will be a real finishing touch.
Please post all the fitting details so those of us who don't understand electrickery stand a chance.

A simple wiring diagram of the existing plugs into the old binnacle showing colours and where each wire goes to would be great, well someones got to do it so it may as well be you!


Don't worry, I have every intention of posting as much as possible. I find the other posts on this site where people have put kinda 'how to' guides really useful.

Although saying that I've not read the instructions yet so they might be beyond me yet :-)
couerdelion 27 Jan 2018, 10:30pm
Paul L wrote:
Very nice. :cool:


Hopefully the rest of the car can do them justice.
couerdelion 27 Jan 2018, 11:08pm
After painting the roll cage last weekend it was time to fit it this weekend. Had the help of a friend.

I drilled the holes in the rear as the instructions said and then fitted the roll cage. A couple of rubber mallets got it in and down

We then realised the front windscreen roof and door seal and the plastic where the sun visors and interior light are in, had to be removed. Also the holes on my side were not quite in line so had to lift the roll cage remove rubber and plastics and elongate the holes.

Then onto attaching the front.

First removed existing catches

20180127_155604 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Then fitted new brackets

20180127_160609 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

Again,it didnt quite line up so needed to re-drill. Took the burrs off with the angle grinder.

20180127_162738 by couerdelion2013, on Flickr

I've given it a coat of hammerite and will fit tomorrow.

Most of the day was spent tidying the unit rather than doing much work.

Hopefully will get the dash from Chris during the week and ready for next weekend and some trial fitting.