Author Topic: Kalifornia's build thread  (Read 66863 times)

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #15 on: October 06, 2014, 01:40:23 PM »
I am painting the wood on the wheel satin black.
Would love to change the wheel, but the Merc has very advanced electronics etc, makes it a big headache to change it.

I paid approx. £1,400 for my LPG conversion and can get equivalent of 35 to 45 mpg.

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #16 on: October 06, 2014, 06:31:51 PM »
I looked at the feasibility of changing to the later three spoke wheel with paddle change but its very expensive.  Even on ebay a new wheel is £500,  you also need a new loom and a new "clock spring"; that's the bit that allows the wheel to rotate while still keeping the electrics working.  The cost would be around £1200.
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Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

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seriph

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #17 on: October 07, 2014, 11:37:20 AM »
Thanks for your reply. Would it perhaps be worth considering getting the steering wheel rim professionally covered in fine leather?  Might cost a bit but done right it'd look fantastic. Just a thought.
Steve

wishing we could get cars like these legally registered downunder

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #18 on: October 07, 2014, 03:24:04 PM »
My steering wheel will be recovered in a mix of plain and perforated black leather.  Maybe a touch of yellow.
Unfortunately we couldn't work out a heated steering wheel.  :-)
Not all problems can be solved with gaffer tape.  For those there is WD40.
Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

If you can’t buy it or steal it you have to make it.

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #19 on: October 07, 2014, 07:37:56 PM »
Kal
I think Luke is charging me about £175 to recover my wheel.  Probably worth waiting to see how mine comes out.
Not all problems can be solved with gaffer tape.  For those there is WD40.
Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

If you can’t buy it or steal it you have to make it.

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #20 on: October 13, 2014, 10:39:22 AM »
Progress is a bit slow at the moment, but hoping it will pick up this week.

The rear light unit holder panel is trimmed slightly to accept the new lights and fibre glass rear panel.

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #21 on: October 13, 2014, 11:02:43 AM »
Kal
Where you've cut the body to fit the rear lights I would fit some trim over the raw edge ( I've just done this over at Luke's ).  You can't see any difference but it might if you have to get at the back of the lights to change a bulb.

Mick
Not all problems can be solved with gaffer tape.  For those there is WD40.
Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

If you can’t buy it or steal it you have to make it.

Wizard

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #22 on: October 13, 2014, 12:13:28 PM »
Would be interestin to see exactly what needs to be cut/trimmed for the new body to go on.

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #23 on: October 13, 2014, 02:41:13 PM »
Mick

Did you put trims all around the aperture, or just on the bottom.
What material did you use ?

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #24 on: October 13, 2014, 02:44:14 PM »
Here's another photo with a bit more of the panel skins trimmed, the bare metal will be brushed with black etching primer, as used with windscreen replacements. The panels are made from a aluminium alloy anyway so wont rust.

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #25 on: October 13, 2014, 03:48:36 PM »
Kal
I put the trim ( a "U shaped section off eBay) on the boot lid where it's been cut to clear the tail lights and on the back panel, again where the panel has been cut away to clear the lights.  Stuck on with a black mastic stickey stuff and black duct tape.  As I said it'll probably never be seen again, but then it might be my fingers it bites.
Mick
Not all problems can be solved with gaffer tape.  For those there is WD40.
Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

If you can’t buy it or steal it you have to make it.

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #26 on: October 15, 2014, 09:14:31 AM »
Ok things have started to move a bit now.
Here you can see the complete back section being fitted up for final fit soon.

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #27 on: October 15, 2014, 09:20:28 AM »
After some fine adjustments to get gaps correct etc.. it will be permanently fixed into place. The boot (trunk) lid is a separate piece which is also being lined up at the same time.

I am now getting excited as things are taking shape.  ;D

kalifornia

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #28 on: October 15, 2014, 09:22:22 AM »
A quick note to SANTA, a Christmas present to myself. 8)

Furrari

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Re: Kalifornia's build thread
« Reply #29 on: October 15, 2014, 10:26:07 AM »
Kal
Did you hear about the dyslexic devil worshiper?

He sold his soul to Santa.

:-)

Mick
Not all problems can be solved with gaffer tape.  For those there is WD40.
Not even gaffer tape can fix stupid, but it can mask the sound.

If you can’t buy it or steal it you have to make it.