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Ericholm 250 SWB Build thread

By ericholm · 243 updates · Jul 2015 to Nov 2021

Read the full original thread (with everyone's replies) in the archive →

October 2016

30 Oct 2016, 3:55pm Mechanical Overhaul Chassis and Body Interior & Trim
I was not happy with being able to see through the wheel arches and out through the front grill and air intake. Also at the rear of the front wheel it sort of looked un-finished.

I had previously 'chopped' the Z3 inner arch parts to shape, however due to the extra width of the from section of the body it left a huge gap. So I ordered some 1.5mm sheet of black plastic ABS and made an inner wheel arch liner.

I'm pretty happy with the result and will now need to do the other side, it took about 2 hours of adjusting, fine tuning, trimming so that the bonnet can open without it scraping touching. But now one side is done I just need to mirror it on the other so should take less time. On the rear there are also some gaps but nowhere near the size of the front so should be much smaller job.

Here are some pictures of todays work........

BEFORE


DSCN9339 by eric holm, on Flickr
DSCN9338 by eric holm, on Flickr



DURING


DSCN9321 by eric holm, on Flickr
DSCN9328 by eric holm, on Flickr
DSCN9329 by eric holm, on Flickr
DSCN9331 by eric holm, on Flickr


AFTER


DSCN9337 by eric holm, on Flickr
DSCN9334 by eric holm, on Flickr
30 Oct 2016, 5:43pm General Update


Hey Bob! Long time no hear/see.

1.5mm thick and I think the sheet was 2.4m x 1.2m ABS Black non-dimpled (Smooth)

from

http://www.eagleplastics.co.uk/

around £49 delivered

I'm off to NEC to classic car show probably on 12th Nov, are you going? wont be taking my SWB though as sorn'd at end of Oct.

Cheers.
30 Oct 2016, 5:44pm General Update


Thanks Roadster, for me its all about the little details :-)

November 2016

19 Nov 2016, 2:43pm Chassis and Body
Some recent additions

Thanks to Lucky@LeMans (Paul) for building the bracket and screen for my bonnet screen. Heres some pictures:

[SIZE="5"]The original[/SIZE]
P1010985 by eric holm, on Flickr

[SIZE="5"]Placement of my screen[/SIZE]
Dscn9397_ by eric holm, on Flickr

[SIZE="5"]Perspective view[/SIZE]
DSCN9389 by eric holm, on Flickr

There is some adjustment needed to get the right angle, gap, fixing size, etc. but this needs some time and thought, but generally it fits and is a great addition to the car.

You will see that my pictures look dark (time of year I guess), and in reality it doesn't look so noticeable and sort of blends in with the car. Also its shiny metal and in the picture it looks black. I'll take some more and share another day!

Also I have gone with a smaller profile in terms of height and a slightly thicker screen (5mm) so the thing doesn't 'flap' around at speed.

Thanks once again to Paul getting the profile from my rough cardboard template! :eusa_clap:

December 2016

23 Dec 2016, 10:06pm General Update
Hi All,

Iv'e been messing around with a build video on Youtube using the pictures taken during the build

https://youtu.be/v2hZuMKccMY

Had to do 3 parts as software only limited me to 5 mins per video :hurt:

Hope every one has a festive time, look forward to dry weather next year!

:plane:

January 2017

28 Jan 2017, 6:55pm General Update


Thanks, but fair weather only for this one, ironically though I am sure the heavens will open on the first day of use this year, most likley at the further point away form home! :icon_redface:

Cheers.
28 Jan 2017, 6:57pm Mechanical Overhaul



Thanks Dave, Yep well spotted they are calibres with a modified center with a 3 star spinner attached, All cost less than the 17" BMW wheels that were on the Z3 that I sold on ebay!

Cheers
29 Jan 2017, 6:02pm Chassis and Body


Thanks, Bug screen will definately go on, I need to adjust the mounting to get angle correct due to angle of bonnet, probably will go with smaller mountings but will use all fixing positions instead of 3. Will need to get some fabricated, I have some prototypes and as will be seen they need to be a good finish, not my hacksawed/dremmelled version!

Watch this space.....

March 2017

14 Mar 2017, 10:22pm Mechanical Overhaul Electrics Interior & Trim
Front wheel arch liners

I finally got around to taking some pictures of the inner wheel arch liners I put in to

1. Stop the water being splashed straight on to the front light fitments and electrics &

2. get rid of that horrible see through the wheel arch and out of the front grill scenario.

It took some time to fine tune, mount, shape and fix in place, without it fouling on the hood section when lifting it up and down.

Overall I am pleased with the look.

aDSCN9670 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9669 by eric holm, on Flickr


I also refurbished the soft top hood, and it had come back really well.

Ive still got to get the small front deflector windscreen fitted with new mounts (local metal work chap on the case with that one).

Here are some more photos as getting car ready for 1st April to be back on the road.

Also booked up the Laon Historique trip for start of June :yo:

So full systems checks are underway, oil, water, tyres, electrics, brakes, etc.

aDSCN9747 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9730 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9849 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9889 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9653 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9677 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9707 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9697 by eric holm, on Flickr

aDSCN9681 by eric holm, on Flickr
15 Mar 2017, 8:35am General Update
Hi Munky and Mr T,

Still trying to get it finished, small steps now, bit by bit getting there. trying also to show all stages for others too, if it helps anyone then great! :yo:
16 Mar 2017, 12:18pm Electrics


Agree from asthetic perspective but sorry thay are staying, heated and electrically adjustable, right size, right colour and comfortable for longish french trips! :icon_biggrin:

Laon it is! :thumb:
19 Mar 2017, 12:33pm Interior & Trim


Thanks Scott! I appreciate the offer and will do that if you don't mind.

They really look nice, problem I had when fitting the Rover 75 ones was it lifted the whole height so my eye line was the top of the windscreen, therefore I was having duck down to see out, these look a slimmer profile on the base.

Cheers.
28 Mar 2017, 7:10pm General Update
Some detailing

Hi all,

Really trying to make use of the lighter nights, managed to get some Campagnolo detailing on the spinners, and added 2 rear number lights, as per original, inspired by Nubodi's No.7.

I was initially reluctant to put them on but when I saw No.7 I was sold so drilled away! Heres some pictures

DSCN9902 by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9899a by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9894a by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9893a by eric holm, on Flickr
31 Mar 2017, 7:23pm General Update
Brackets have arrived.....yay!

I have had some smaller brackets fabricated (Lazer cut and machine polished as they will be very prominently placed) for the front screen, they have arrived today, They give me alot of play for the final fitment with elongated slots, so have now removed gap under screen and have kept the correct angle. Here are some pictures of the brackets with CAD diagram and tomorrow the drilling/final fit will commence.

IMG_0976 by eric holm, on Flickr

bracket 1 by eric holm, on Flickr

Image1 by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9916a by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9917a by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9919a by eric holm, on Flickr

[SIZE="6"]THE ORIGINAL[/SIZE]

Bruce Meyer's 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB SEFAC by eric holm, on Flickr
31 Mar 2017, 7:35pm General Update


I commend the expert metal craftsman who built it from that flimsy bit of cardboard!

:first::first::first::first::first::first::first:

They are a genius!

April 2017

2 Apr 2017, 10:14am General Update
I committed to the screen and drilled away and fixed it, it looks great and is a subtle addition to the car at some angles you dont see it, but at other angles it 'pops' out :whoo:

Theres a little bit of daylight coming under the middle part, but hardly noticable, overall its around 90% flush to surface.

DSCN9949a by eric holm, on Flickr

DSCN9948a by eric holm, on Flickr

Dscn9942a by eric holm, on Flickr

Dscn9943a by eric holm, on Flickr

Dscn9938a by eric holm, on Flickr
9 Apr 2017, 4:40pm Chassis and Body
Out and about - a glorious weekend!

Hi all,

I have pretty much come to the end of my build now, so starting to enjoy driving it, here is a :pop2: [SIZE="3"]video[/SIZE] :pop2: showing the car all ready to go.

With over 300 miles done this weekend, all is good, here is another one of some pictures and driving with sound.....

:pop2: :pop2: :pop2: :pop2: [SIZE="6"]Video[/SIZE] :pop2: :pop2: :pop2: :pop2:
9 Apr 2017, 6:07pm General Update
Oh no! Last minute decison on my part, had a good run 100 miles each way and nothing fell off, that I know of atleast! :pray:
11 Apr 2017, 9:12am Engine Interior & Trim
Hi,

MPG worked out around 28 on the run (motorways mainly, cruising 70ish). However due to 'Rorting' the gauge moved much more quickly towards empty than my wallet appreciates :jaw:

Tunnels and wide bridges are the best, with built up towns with narrow streets coming in a close second... :badgrin: