MadaboutKitcars

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)

Bob.

I spoke to a mate today who makes one-off stainless exhausts for a living. We'll see what looks the best bet as soon as I get the car home.

Bob.

Hi Mr T,

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.

Cheers, Bob.

Hi Chris,
just back from holiday and can see the pictures properly now.
It looks fantastic and I'm really looking forward to picking it up on Thursday morning.

Cheers, Bob.

Just got back to Norwich after picking the car up from Chris. A nice little 250 mile road test with a 1 hour rest on the M25 3 lane car park.


Dead chuffed with the car, and more importantly, my wife loves the look of it.

Chris has really done a great job. A few more bits to come from Chris and paint/interior/wheels/odd bits from me when I've saved up.

I'll do some better pictures of it as soon as I can.

Will be good to see some of you at Stoneleigh on the Monday

Bob.

I'll take some more pictures tomorrow.
It feels like a classic as I look down the bonnet but it's easy to drive like a modern car, doesn't overheat in traffic and is really comfortable. I will need to make the interior a bit more 'classic' though.

Cheers, Bob.

Thanks for your comments guys. Chris really has done a great job.
I've been posing about in this morning trying to arrange prices for paint and trim. Will make a proper plan when I've got prices in.

Forgot to mention yesterday, the grille will be sent from Chris as soon as his suppliers get things sorted. Also he added a couple of lengths of pipe onto the back of the exhaust. This stopped any fumes trying to come into the cabin from the original shorter pipes.
A friend lent me a really excellent centre cap with 3 eared spinner that he'd bought in from America. Just too big to push through the hole in a steel rim so I'll get the supplier's details and try to find something a bit smaller. I'll report back.

Cheers, Bob.

Hi Mark,

The cap and parts are shown and listed on page 2 of the thread.

The cap was fitted into a small moulding that already Chris has.

Cheers, Bob.

I certainly am chuffed. You're welcome to come over Mr T, send me a message first as my daughter and 3 little granddaughters are up from Wales next week so we'll be quite busy.
Dark blue like the Stirling Moss car but the stripes will only go on if the body looks like it needs it once painted.

This simple look is my inspiration.

The windows look good and work well. They also fit nicely with the picture above.
Cheers, Bob.

Now then, let's be nice. I don't want any bad feeling starting because I ended up the first one assembled.

As put so well by 8 Valve Ed, the next one will have all the small issues sorted that have shown up on this first one, so it should be a smoother build for Chris.

It's a superb car and I'm sure they will only get better as Chris refines the details.

Cheers, Bob.

Hi Chris,

Bit of a late reply as we're looking after our 3 granddaughters this week (all under 5) so all logical car based thought is a bit lost.

Sorry i missed your name off Dan, I realise the effort you've put in as well, both in construction and problem solving. I'll wait for your update regarding the new handles.

Replacement front indicators (to replace the ones you lent me) and the extra number plate light have been ordered today. Also on order are a pair of mirrors that I think should look ok, give some rear vision both sides and fit on the door trim without fouling the door glass. I'll report back.
I'll do more with the car next week including fitting the small woodrim wheel I bought last week. The car's in the garage out of the weather for now.

Hope to send the DVLA paperwork off shortly, then I can pass on any info that may be helpful to others.

Hope the guy took the body parts away and paid you without any hassle.

Cheers, Bob.

Thanks for the pictures Chris, they angles they are taken from look much better than mine.

New mirrors and replacement indicators arrived today so will give you yours back when I next see you.
Will post details of the mirrors once they are fitted and I know they work well.
I've posted a thread in the garage section on Rods'n'Sods and the car has gone down very well.
http://www.rodsnsods.co.uk/forum/garage/not-rod-sod-bmw-z3-based-334033
Cheers, Bob.

I fitted the new mirrors yesterday. Curved arms and lots of adjustment mean I can actually see out of both of them. Very reasonable price too.
I'll post a picture of them on the car when I remember to take one.
Cheers, Bob.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231459205449?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2648&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Hi,
No changes at the moment due to work commitments although plans are shaping up.

I'll be with the car at Stoneleigh on the Monday.

Cheers, Bob.

Hi all,

It probably looks like nothing much is happening with my project but although it still looks the same, plans are being made.

I've got a wood rim and boss to fit and bought some badges that I may or may not fit.

Today I ordered an adjustable coilover kit as, for me, the wheel arch to body gap is higher than I'd like but I want to keep the same rolling radius so the speedo is correct. I did look at air suspension but the although it would be fun, the price was just too high for my budget.

I've got prices for paint and interior which I will probably book for over the winter.

I will be trying on a range of wheels soon as I have the 17" steels, a single bolt on Jag wire and I've borrowed one of a set of American 15" wires. (I probably won't use those but they will be handy of checking offset etc.) They will probably be for sale, if so I'll post on here.

Finally remembered to take a photo of the mirrors I fitted. I'm very pleased as they offer good adjustability.



A friend has ordered a set of these spinners which seem really good. He'll just use the spinner as a hub cap fitting on his Zodiac but they come with the towers. The price was around £50 the set including shipping and tax. Several styles available.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Gorilla-Automotive-73515-Chrome-3-Bar-Spinners-w-Towers-3195-In-OD,83689.html



Cheers, Bob.

I've been trying different wheels this morning.
Here's my findings.

1st picture is how the standard alloy sits in the rear arch.


Jaguar 15" wire wheel, balanced in as would need longer bolts.





American 15" wire wheel, one of a set of 4 which may be for sale. Ideal for 'rat look' car. Again, balanced as longer studs needed.





17" BMW steels.
A nice fit under the arch in my opinion as they have the same outside offset as the alloys. I'll use these with some new tyres as my rear ones will be too wide.




Outside offset and overall width on the front is the same as the alloys.






Not sure what to do about spinners yet as the wheels are a snug fit on the hubs so there may not be room to fit a tower in between.

I've mocked up fitting them to the outside of the wheel and they look good


and they should keep pedestrians away!

A couple of other options, both fairly unlikely.



Or maybe spider caps.

Thanks for that Ian, I realise I didn't make a very nice job of it.
It will all be sorted properly before it's painted.

I found the moulding flash may it hard to appreciate the nice curve of the boot, so thought I'd have a go. It may not look good but it did what I wanted.

Cheers, Bob.

Hi Ian,

I went to look at an Aristocat before I bought this car. The finish was as you describe and was very good. For me though it still had a plastic look if you know what I mean.

The wire wheel without a tyre in the picture below is for sale as part of a set of 4. They are 15", Jaguar/Chevy stud pattern and all in need of a blast and paint but at £50 the set they may be of use to someone. I'm in Norwich, Norfolk and on 01603 408021.

Thanks, Bob.