Couerdelion's 250 SWB Coupe Build

[Lucky@LeMans]

The deep dish wheels together with the track width mod did work very well as per their demo car.

Scroll through the photos for the rear screen mod and side view of their car.

https://a12hhw.co.uk/nature/bodyform-rear-window/

[couerdelion]

So the problem with leaving my car untouched in a damp storage container for 4 years is that the metal work I’d done is tarnished quite badly. The rollcage needs removing, rubbing down and repainting, the windows are just rusty and even some of the clocks (where they weren’t covered back up completely) are tarnished but at least that’s just the back of them so wont be seen.

Took the clocks and other metal work (mirrors, fuel cap etc) out of the unit and have them stored at home now. Also brought the dashboard and that will be job number 1.

This is the finish I’m aiming for - https://www.mgexp.com/article/how-to...int-finish.103

[casamolino]

All that Patina must be worth a few bob .

[couerdelion]

I'm back... so prepare for lots of stupid questions. Probably the slowest build in 250 history...

For those who have fitted a new dashboard...

How have you fitted the new GRP to the existing dashboard?

I've cut the old one, then the new one fits spot on onto the remaining dashboard it so is it just a case of gluing? Screwing too?

[couerdelion]

So... back at it today and nothing more than clearing up the unit so I can get on with the job and walk around the vehicle - I've worked out how to add photos too as I think they add to a thread.

The issue with not touching anything in 5+ years, and leaving them in a damp unit is that things don't stay shiny.

The window frames for example...


Can't see too much from this angle but some of the bolts in the engine bays are rather orange coloured



The roll cage was hammerited but isn't looking great



Chairs are looking mouldy (it does just wipe off) - and the adhesive in the box has a best before of 2017



More of the window frame and just the amount of general dust on the vehicle



All the interior panels, discarded Nubodi dashboard and steel wheels... plus the back end / roof.
(Yes I know it's still a mess, but trying not to bin anything till I 100% know what I might still need!)

[couerdelion]

This is the inspiration for the dash



And the current status...




It is actually sitting in the old cut up dashboard ready to be joined, just cant tell from the angle.

[couerdelion]

If anyone else is using Google Photos and wants to know how to link...

Copy the photos into an new Album on Google Photos.
Enable Link Sharing.
Open the photo in chrome, full screen and right click on "Copy image address".

The append ".jpg" onto the end of that copied address when pasting between the "[IMG][/IMG]" tags

[Lucky@LeMans]

Originally Posted by couerdelion

If anyone else is using Google Photos and wants to know how to link...

Open the photo in chrome, full screen and right click on "Copy image address".

The append ".jpg" onto the end of that copied address when pasting between the "[IMG][/IMG]" tags

None of your photo's are displayed here !

[couerdelion]

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

None of your photo's are displayed here !

Balls, must be only visible to me as I have permission.

Back to the drawing board.

[Lucky@LeMans]

The photo's are now up ! Some sort of delay or have you been tinkering ?

[couerdelion]

Originally Posted by Lucky@LeMans

The photo's are now up ! Some sort of delay or have you been tinkering ?

I hadnt shared the photos, managed to work it out - tinkering with IT stuff is grand - it's the car I struggle with

[couerdelion]

Another few hours done this week

So I started on the fuel pipe and following the instructions on here (Ericholm's thread) I cut and trial fitted the metal pipe and flexible tubing. I'll be honest, the pictures on the thread make it look easier than I found it. A lot of pulling and twisting befor eI got everything removed.





Waiting on polyurethane adhesive from Amazon. Then I'll properly seal the metal pipe in and that'll do till I come to fit the rear.

Next was the windows. I removed the one I had fitted as I 'm going to need to get them both powder coated. Also need one rewelding. One of the fixing points just had a tack weld on. As I drove in to the industrial estate I saw a bloke welding so went round and had a chat. He offered to weld it for free so I'll drop it over next week then he's a contact who powder coats so all good.



Managed to give the roll cage a couple more coats of hammerite after giving a good clean down - was mainly the upper surface where the issue was. Had to go to Screwfix to buy more hammerite as the old can was solid.



I then got the old cut dashboard refitted and placed the new dashboard up against. Will fix properly when the adhesive arrives.



Last job was cutting out the vent in the bonnet. Needs a bit of filing but looks ok for now.



Just want to check on the roof piece - does it fit like this?

[couerdelion]

Don't think I mentioned that I've now got a deadline to get this finished!

It's partly self-inflicted - but I'm the best man at a wedding in August 2024 and want to use the car for this.

So ideally get the majority of the work finished by the end of the year, give it a coat of paint so I can get it registered in the right colour and MOT'd by the end of February which will then give me the time to get it over to the UK for someone to add finishing touches before I need to turn up to the wedding in it. With this forum being dead / pictures are gone, and FB lacking much detail, I'm prepared to admit that there are bits of the project that are beyond my abilities and I won't be able to finish.

The complications... It's a UK car and on UK plates and will be going back to the UK and I'll use it over there. It also needs a UK MOT which living in Ireland makes difficult - should be able to get it done in the North though (any Nordies know a friendly garage nr the border?) It prohibitive cost wise to get it shipped back to the UK so I have to get it through the MOT and driveable.

Why not leave it in Ireland? It'll cost too much to import it to Ireland - I'll be taxed to import based on the market value) and insurance is nearly impossible plus it'll give me an excuse to go home more often. Probably be moving back there too soon enough.

Few more bits ordered/arrived this week so should be able to get a bit more done. Seat brackets and Polyurethene glue being the key bits.

[Jaguartvr]

Can you get it MOT'd in Northern Ireland?

[couerdelion]

Yeah should be able to ring up and book it in. Will need to transport it up but a lot cheaper. There is a 3-4 month waiting list though.

[couerdelion]

Absolutely roasting today so a flying trip to the unit at lunch time to dry fit the parcel shelf and boot lining. Everything seems lined up so will stick the roof on over the weekend to confirm then I'll get the Tiger seal out and stick it down.

Also want to see how much head room I have before I decide if I make a roof lining to cover or just stick carpet directly on to the rook - the four way stretch stuff used in motor homes..

[couerdelion]

Bit more done

Put the back/roof on to see how much work might be needed to get things flush. Happy with how it fits



The doors aren't a million miles off but will need some work



Windscreen pillars seem miles off though.



What's this piece for? Seems too big for a rear windscreen surround but assuming it's for that?



Surprisingly more headroom than I expected - and at 6ft 4" I need it!

[casamolino]

Good afternoon Couerdelion from personal experience modifying the interiors of the three tribute cars i have had , working on the dash/instruments and seats carpets is awkward when the roof is in place and i am only 5ft 6" tall , thanks Geoff .

[couerdelion]

Sorry, should have said, roof removed now and will work on it again after Interior. It's a tight squeeze alright, and I'd only be making things tough if I fitted the roof properly now. Just nice to see it looking slightly like a car!