All Aluminium 1957 250 Testarossa

[molleur]

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

Thanks for putting up those photo's Paul, I still can't do it !

The red car above is the look I'm after. I've decided to go with a fully finished, fully painted and trimmed as close to the original as possible. It will be void of any bling, the dark red and silver/grey wheels will look better than bright red with chrome wires you might find on some "restored" examples.

Totally agree! Dark Red with the silver/grey wheels..

[Lucky@LeMans]

The donor car is here now, only delayed thanks to the weather last week. Yes I know its far too good to mess around with but I wanted a well built example to build from.
I've offered up the wire wheels with the adaptors and luckily the wide, deep dish set I bought will fit under the TR arches and look just right !

[Barber]

Having a good base is the main thing. Nobody is going to miss it.

[redratbike]

Starting with a well built base car has halfed the project time, as that will be staying the same apart from new lights and the frame to take the bodyshell I think you have gone the right way about it

[DaveP]

Agree with all so far . Really looking to see how develops

Dave

[Paul L]

Lucky – I am also a firm believer in buying the best donor car you can and paid over the odds for my Spitfire 1500.

However, I had very little to do on my rolling chassis and by the time I’d sold the surplus parts it was a bargain.
( Which reminds me that I must get around to selling the last bits I have in boxes. )

Good luck, Paul.

[Lucky@LeMans]

My thoughts exactly! I could have bought a cheap example, there are plenty out there, but they come with problems. This is the best example I could find.

[Lucky@LeMans]

The "7" is now stripped down with all the exterior parts removed. Not a massive job but it has taken most of the day. No surprises other than a little damage to a lower chassis rail, an easy fix.
I've had the deep dish wire wheels reconditioned and two fitted with narrow 165/80-15 tyres for the front. I want to go with 185's on the back but I need to check clearances first.
I'll have the rear body section offered up in the week so I'll be able to work out mounting points. The plan is to have the front and rear easily removable as two sections so they will be bolted onto the chassis.

[DaveP]

Great start. Good look so far

Dave

[molleur]

Looking fantastic! Lots left to do.
Best!

[Lucky@LeMans]

Managed to offer up the front end tonight. The doors are simply taped into position and the wheels are just resting against the hubs.
It looks like the whole concept is going to work and my original measurements were really close.
I hope the progress will continue over the next few weeks to a point where it should all be bolted on ready for paint but I'll be taking my time to get everything right.

[redratbike]

Fantastico!!!!!!

Bet you had a big grin on your face

[Lucky@LeMans]

It was more a sigh of relief ! It does actually go together !

[lancelot link]

That works ......

[molleur]

Awesome! The devil will be in the details, as always.
Looking really great!

[Lucky@LeMans]

Originally Posted by molleur

Awesome! The devil will be in the details, as always.
Looking really great!

The rear end will to mount up to the chassis. A few simple brackets welded the chassis and matching brackets welded to the original steel tube structure of the rear end will secure it in place. The front end will need more work to mount it. The doors are simple but require the hinging method to be worked out.

[molleur]

Shouldn't be too horrible to fab some tubing for the front.
Hinges, etc. will be easy enough for you as well.
In all, a bit of time is necessary. Looking splendid right now!

[JG]

Superb

[Paul L]

Lucky – I know you did your homework before buying the body shell, but that really has worked out very well.

Good luck, Paul.

[DaveP]

I know it’s early stages but - bl@@by hell looks wicked.

Thanks for sharing

Dave