Thanks everyone for all the suggestions, they look much better than the ones I eyeballed. It looks like the Scimitar ones could be an option, they are a couple of inches deeper, and the S5 and S6 ones are different widths, so maybe a better chance of a fit?
The roof of the car is based on the 275, which is wider than the 250 and slightly higher. I expect that this changes all the dimensions, so would not be surprised if the GTO or Grassbank windows prove to be US in this case. I will check with Chris. However, I expect that we will have to follow a similar process to Grassbank and make a buck.
I agree about getting the profile correct.
Dave, we are making the bonnet to hinge at the front. I want to have aircon, and whilst we can fit an aftermarket slim fan, the front will still be a bit longer than the 250 SWB. Front hinged also means no problems with the struts, and more space to work on the engine bay.
Good shout, one to consider.
Wouldn't it polish off? - Just checked, apparently you would have to abrade it down then polish the window glass. Probably would look a real mess if i did it.
Whilst not ideal, a hole can be plugged with a chrome disc or something. I could live with that.
Funnily enough, I spotted this near my daughter's house last evening!
I think it is Chris's own project.
Paint tribulations
This was the quality checked paint that is delivered as RAL 6021 from Pro Aerosols Paints. I am not sure whether to give up on the colour, or give up on the supplier. I knew that the green was always going to be a bit tricky.
I am thinking of something more like wine red, a la Jaguar. RAL 3004 as a start point for gelcoat.
I will try it. The trial was onto grey plastic lid
Paint tone
I think it is time to give up on this batch of paint, clearly Pro Aerosols Paint suppliers don't cut the mustard.
I will try again with a couple of other suppliers, but it may be best to get the panels fitted first, then take the car to a paint shop to get the colour matched, as I am assuming that the gelcoat finish will be the a true colour.
Enforced Pause
What with holidays and family engagements around the country I have had little time to do anything apart from seal the dashboard together, not much visible difference to the previous photos.
My Z3 has a yaw sensor problem, and has been with the garage for 3 weeks as they have had problems getting the sensor from BMW. Today they were sent a longitudenal sensor and not the rotational one, so more delays. As I don't have the car to hand, I can't check the colour of the vinyl covering for the dashboard is right, so am pretty much hamstrung on progress there until I get the car back.
Paintwise, I need to talk to Chris to get a colour sample of what the gelcoat will look like in green before I spend more money on can samples.
But I am enjoying the sunshine anyway.
You know me too well, I was hoping that I may get away with a worn out, served its purpose kind of effect.
Progress, or not
My Z3 is still with the garage, it is taking an age to get the sensor. So long as it is there, I cannot check the vinyl colour against the dash, so enforced sitting in the garden enjoying the sunshine.
Nothing to report on the body.
Nothing much happening at the moment
Chris has been labouring in the hell that is GRP work during the recent (and ongoing) heatwave. Last time we spoke, he was due to collect a Micra screen as a possible solution for the rear. Not much else to report on that.
The Z3 yaw sensor issue is dragging on. The indy BMW garage uses a local BMW dealership for parts supply. The OEM for the part has changed a couple of times, and searching round the internet, they are not common parts. The Euro holiday shutdowns don't help either. Result is that no part supplied yet, after the initial long delay then sending wrong part. The garage had to send the part of my car so that they could verify the correct part number from the first OEM supplier.
As it happens, I haven't had much time to do work anyway, and certainly would not have relished doing stuff in the temperatures we have been experiencing, so whilst a little frustrated, not desperately so.
Reading that back, goodness, it's dull, sorry.
Thanks, will have a look. Chris's thinking was that as the Z3gato is a coupe, a deeper screen would give more visibility. But the width and curve are primary considerations.
The Z3gato uses a modified 275 roof, so is wider than the 250. Probably the Grass all one will not be wife enough but I will investigate.
Chris has got the Micra screen, and dropped onto the hole cut for the Alpha ft screen, it looks like it can work. Needs moving a couple of inches up, and some work to the sides and boot. Nothing more to see for a couple of weeks.
