Welsh Kiwi's Build Thread - 275GTB

[redratbike]

well done huge step forward

bows the time to get out and enjoy it

[Welshkiwi]

Well guys I am sat here waiting with hope, maybe the same that you have been that I would put an update on with pics from the last of the NZ sun!

My hope is due to the fact that Wellington LVV withheld finalising the cert due to two issues. Seatbelts and Roof support...
1. Seatbelts - as I has removed the airbag and pretensioners, I needed to fit what is called “web grabbing” seatbelts for the Low volume vehicle regs, determined as req’d as I am above 700mm but below 900mm for impact zone A. Essentially what your nogging will hit in a frontal impact forcing you forward. Issues were these are no longer able to be sourced as were a 1999 onwards requirement and not used that much so manufacture ceased. So in a nutshell that is sorted after about 4weeks of deliberation and back and fore. I meet cert pass standards with what I have, but the regs need updating.
2. Roof support (cage bars) this was always a grey area as NZ rules stipulate a car can only have a rollcage/bars etc if fully homologised and the car is modded for Motorsport regs...of course this car is not that and the roof bars are not a roll cage in the full sense. Again deliberations had and with a slight reclassification of the bars being a roof support and requiring to be boxed in/hidden into the roof structure, agreement was reached to pass cert.

So in a nutshell I am still off the road, sent all the photos off for final inspection of the roof/headlining/box in and hopeful my cert gets finalled this week and I can WOF and Rego the car before Easter long weekend and finally get off driving!
If it was easy everyone would be doing it hey? Cheers.......

[Egdik]

Seems like common sense is prevailing there.

All the best for motoring in NZ in the coming months.

We'' raise a glass in toast !

[Lucky@LeMans]

Sounds like you are nearly there so well done to get to this stage. I thought you had everything sorted back in Feb, were the extra issues picked up later ?

Just glad the rules over here are far more relaxed !

[Welshkiwi]

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

Sounds like you are nearly there so well done to get to this stage. I thought you had everything sorted back in Feb, were the extra issues picked up later ?

Just glad the rules over here are far more relaxed !

Thanks LLM, yeh the local certifier was happy and we had the discussions along to way during the build etc, but as you know once the finalised position needs to be agreed and with the central body relating to the cert, a few more questions were raised and then solutions etc worked thru.
Yup you guys are a little luckier with the rules over there, but my cert guy does reflect that he could have dealt with the seatbelt issue a bit more upfront.

[Welshkiwi]

Originally Posted by Egdik

Seems like common sense is prevailing there.

All the best for motoring in NZ in the coming months.

We'' raise a glass in toast !

Thanks Kidge, I got there.... just wanted to thank you directly, for your help and support thus far and of course your dedication to get this acorn started at Tribute/Old No 7 originally. Without your persistence and original money outlay this wouldn’t have got off the ground.
Now a custom/unusual car which is 1 of 1 in NZ and I am sure loads will want to see/discuss whether in current garb or eventual show/shine mode....cheers!

Pity your has been on sold but wish you all the best in future projects....

[JG]

Nice, well done, hope you enjoy the fruits of your labour.

[Welshkiwi]

Originally Posted by JG

Nice, well done, hope you enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Cheers Big Cheese! Appreciated.

[Welshkiwi]

I have changed a bit how the car will look in its final dress.

Will need a lot of work getting the bodywork how I want it to be, but going to head for a 1960 Lemans style racer with stripes/roundels etc... cheers.

[Welshkiwi]

Well guys, the title says it all, but I just want to take time to thank Chris and Dan for their inputs and modification/manufacture of the 275 kit way back sometime when we were all less grey!

I also want to thank everyone who has offered advice and thoughts over the journey, it shows me clearly that there is still a passion that burns in the community of kit/custom builds and not diluted by off the shelf bargains imported from a overstocked auto global supply chain.

My car is road legal and making noise around NZ roads. At last! A bit of stormy weather over the next few days in NZ might stifle the trips, but as soon as out on the long weekend I will post some pictures in the Auckland environment. Stage 1 complete!

I still have a bit of work to do on the bodywork prepping for its final looks and style, (Stage 2) but will work a bit at a time, allowing me to keep it on the road whilst doing it.
1st step is the bonnet, removing the flash lines, tidying the shark vents and nose ready for a blast of primer... A happy boy who questioned his sanity at times relating to some of the challenges of doing this 12k miles from Dorset and requiring LVV NZ regulations, but at last breathing easier with smiles on his dial...

[Welshkiwi]

Hey guys,

Here's my 1st photo captures, you can see the body needs a bit of work, but after only trip I have had "That must be a Porsche 9 something?" or "What year is that car".....So it must be doing something right!

If you are wondering what that "patch is" on the R/H side, that was the quick fix for the hole that was left when the fuel filler was moved for the 4th and final time! It will get sorted during Stage 2.

IMG_20220414_150305

IMG_20220414_150244

IMG_20220414_150231

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[Mick O'Malley]

Top Work! Congratulations on 'completion' .

Regards, Mick

[kon]

Nice work, that looks brill!
Also, love the number plate

[Welshkiwi]

Originally Posted by Mick O'Malley

Top Work! Congratulations on 'completion' .

Regards, Mick

Thanks Mick appreciated. Its has been a long drag and most of it my fault! But the energy you get putting it on the road is immense and certainly helping me attack the next Stage.

Originally Posted by kon

Nice work, that looks brill!
Also, love the number plate

Thanks Kon, yeh the number plate was on the donor when I bought it, quite fitting now tho as he car is "Free" of it's ZD heritage somewhat.....I am looking at other options for a plate, but will wait until that is the final piece of the dress....Cheers.

Done another 200kms in the car today and it is working sweetly. Exhaust noise is noice, but can be a little drony around the 1500 to 2300 rev range if the throttle in a bit hard....I have options in fitting some extra bullet mufflers in the custom part of the exhaust which may help....Trouble is it has a great burble/crackle when you back off the throttle, so don't want to change it too much....Trial and error again no doubt.