Z3 project...no going back now!

[The.Analyst]

Welcome to reality

These kit cars require massive amounts of time and cost to do a half decent job

Even seasoned DIY folks often sub contract a specialist body specialist to do the initial fit and fettle

I looked at a few kit conversions most just ended up looking tatty and unfinished

I’d look at bailing out

The pain will only get worse if you are OCD and looking for both visible and unseen perfection

 

[Pondrew]

In the words of 'The Fast show'.......This week I have mostly been sanding and filling.

Next week will be more of the same.

 

[ronk]

Are you keeping a photographic diary of the buildi?

If or when you sell it will be an asset

 

[Pondrew]

Are you keeping a photographic diary of the buildi?

Yes Ron, but only when something actually looks different. I could post pictures of my internal door mechanism adaptations, but it really isn't very interesting to anyone else.

 

[ronk]

I am thinking more of a historical document when the car is completed - it would be an added value item if you sell it or a “look at what your old Grandfather built when he was young”!

 

[Pondrew]

I am thinking more of a historical document when the car is completed - it would be an added value item if you sell it or a “look at what your old Grandfather built when he was young”!

I am documenting everything when I remember. I'm not good at that. I need to for the re-registration, anyway, as the DVLA will want pictures. I also have a terrible memory, so forget stuff easily. Pictures help!

I have around 50 pictures so far, but most are of things that are only useful for reference. The pretty ones will hopefully start soon (if the bloody awful weather ever improves).

 

[ronk]

Put a wanted ad for a digi camera and charger keep it in the garage with the project!

 

[Pondrew]

Bit of progress...
Front of body all cut, trimmed, filled and sanded. I trial fitted the brightwork and lights to the front. Bonnet fits OK. Fog/ driving lights will be changed for larger (and prettier) ones.
Rear is in progress but lots of work needed, especially to the bootlid which doesn't fit at all.

I spent yesterday in the garage getting the new wires to fit. As they are 15", the fronts didn't fit over the Z3 calipers. I knew this but didn't know how much they would be out. I was concerned about grinding brake calipers down, from a safety point of view.
It turned out not to be as bad as I thought (that's a first). I only needed to take a few mm off a small part of each caliper. I am confident it will not affect the integrity of the calipers.
I took this one as a small victory and another job to taken off the (massively long) list.
Piccies...

 

[bigwinn]

Andy that looks superb mate- well done

I know it’s a long way to go but that’s great progress

 

[MikeyH]

Looking really good, love those wheels. Nice to see progress keep the pics coming please

 

[pvr]

Nice to see some real bits being ready. Not to sure about the tyre choice though, talk about eleastic band sized ones :lol:

 

[enuff_zed]

That is going to be a lovely Frogeye Sprite when it's finished. oke:

 

[Pondrew]

Not to sure about the tyre choice though, talk about eleastic band sized ones

They are bespoke. Actually 60 profile but made from 'invisible rubber'. Very expensive. Really difficult to see when the tread is wearing down, though! :lol:

 

[Pondrew]

That is going to be a lovely Frogeye Sprite when it's finished.

Not going to respond to that..... oh hang on :headbang:

 

[Huzee4]

Really enjoying this thread, very impressive,

 

[IRD]

Looks great Andy. Used to have some chrome wires on an MGB I had many years ago. Took longer to clean the wheels than the rest of the car.

 

[Special Kay]

Nice work on the wheels mate. They look great . You could do with pulling your finger out on the rest of the car though :rofl: oke:

 

[Pondrew]

You could do with pulling your finger out on the rest of the car though

Slowly, slowly catchy monkey!

 

[Ole gits rule]

Good to see the progress mate - hard work I'm sure but will 100% be worth all of the effort once finished, will be a thing of beauty

 

[MikeyH]

Good work always takes time and as with all things handcrafted it's the little details that make the biggest difference. Good stuff. I just hope I live long enough to see the completed car in all it's glory :rofl: