DNA Owners Club
DNA Owners => 2fifty Chat => Topic started by: johnjames on August 24, 2017, 11:53:39 AM
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Hi guys as some of you know I am building a 250 GT try to post pictures of the build, but I had the pictures in photobucket and I can't get to them, at the moment the car is in the paint shop hoping to have it home this weekend will post some pictures straight from my camera, so another 250 GT will be hitting the road this year.
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Wow
Car number 3 John..! Making it a hat-Trick.!!
You may have to consider installing some of these on this new build, as you can't seem to keep away from the kurb's in your DNA's..?!?
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Yes Lee that is a good idea but it's not me who hits the kurbs its my sisters that seems to like hitting them, a another solution is not to let everyone else driving it, and I think you and Wizard will like the color
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Well there is a simple answer then John
STOP HER DRIVING IT..!
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Here some pictures of the car before I started it is a 2000 Z3 80,000 miles, all the service from BMW and with 2.8 liter engine as you can see I've already chance the registration to 1961 A
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Here are some pictures from the paint shop I know Lee and Wizard will like the colour
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Sorry John
But I'm going to have to say the jury is out at the moment.
Never seen a white 250, so not sure what I will think until the bright work goes on
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Like this?
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Is that 'White' or 'cream'....
There's a big difference
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Cream is period white is modern in my mind, but what do I know I only see Red ;) ;)
MADMAN
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Not sure white is right for this car :) doesn't show off the chrome etc and looks to modern ?? I've done a e type jag in cream and with the chrome doesn't look as good as a blue or a burgundy etc
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I really like the white, white car, lashings of chrome and a black roof will really look good.
One of the main reasons white convertibles don't look good is that people fit tacky white roofs.
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Aah! John, now I know why my 2Fifty is not ready yet!
You got in the queue first. Yours is the one on top I guess?
Hope you are pleased with the result when you finally get it.
I'll have to wait a few weeks more......
Jez
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Getting very excited to know a couple more of these beauties will soon be on the road.
I think the white will look great. A red interior would be incredible.
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My kit car i decided to have my car white as it is not a Ferrari it is how I think it should be, I have sprayed the car Ford frozen white which is a pure white,
I know madman likes red so I decided to do the inside red leather,
There is a picture of a grey car. With red interior I sat in his car and the seats were not very comfortable some people have put rover 90 seats in their cars and I found the top of the windscreen was in the way I am only 5 foot 9.
So my problem was finding some seats, there is a picture of a kit car at the Kent kit car club show i sat in his car and the seats were really comfortable I was told they were MGB seats i used to have a MGB and then not MGB seats, I found a firm in West London and thay make aftermarket MGB seats they do them in back vinyl or black leather with white piping so I bought two vinyl have stripped the covers and use them as pattern for my red leather seats, you can see by the picture thay have a small headrest and thay recline when I finished I will post some pictures of the sears.
first picture DNA grey car red seats.
Second picture white MGB seats in a kitcar.
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Hi Jez. Thanks for the picture of the car at the paint shop so what colour are you doing your car ?
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Hi seriph
Hope you like the picture of the red interior in the grey car. I will post some pictures of my interior when it's finished I am trying to work out how to fit my MGB seats onto the runners of the Z3 which will then give me electric seats up and down and backwards and forwards and also they recline which means I might put a storage Locker behind the seats. Hope to post some more pictures Sunday or Monday evening of the back of the car take care John James
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I intend to fit some MGB seats to my Tribute. This is just the seat placed on top of the existing Z3 seat base.
There is somebody doing a nice pair of leather seat covers on Ebay for £275, they are the humped style which take the MG look away.
I intend to fit without the headresrs.
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4408/37085919932_7470bdd3e0_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Yva2WC)IMG_2535-1 (https://flic.kr/p/Yva2WC) by jaguartvr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/69037147@N08/), on Flickr
I
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Hi guys here is a picture of the back of my car with the lights fitted and a stainless steel exhaust getting there slowly JJ
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Exhaust fixed temporary until i get the back bumper
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Exciting! Looking good.
Can't wait for mine to come back in about 2 weeks.
Jez
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Oh yeeaaaaaahhhhh.
Is that a mini boot release?
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I think it will be the DNA replica Ferrari boot handle.
Jez
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Surely it's from an existing vehicle. I say this because if DNA is able to reproduce items to this degree, it's a bloody heartbreak that ppl can no longer buy these kits. :(
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Far as I know it's a DNA item that's made with a 3D printer I was lucky when I bought my kit I bought a lot of external pieces at the same time I'm glad I did now that they're not being made anymore
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Here's hoping that when I get my act together I can buy one. It means traveling to the U.K. to do so, but I'm willing to do that. This vehicle has eluded me for 30 bloody years and I really thought I had found the holy grail this time.
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Hi guys have any of you who have got a 250 could help me out and post some pictures of the 250 Dash as I'm having a bit of trouble trying to work out where everything goes.
Also have any of you fitted sill plates to the bottom of the doors would appreciate any pictures and also what size did you make the plates. Looking forward to your replies and pictures
John James
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You are a bit ahead of me John but what exactly do you need help with on the dash?
Jez
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Hi Jez thanks for getting in touch just trying to get some pictures of the dash I mean I know where the speedo and the rev counter go but it's rest of the dials and switches, I know where the heater controls pull downwards go It where the new ignition switch light switches and all the other bits and pieces go and where do you put the radio ?
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Hi John, if you pm me with your email address I can send you lots of photos I took of DNA builds in progress. I have many of the dash.
Jez
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This video help John?
https://youtu.be/shC5lgUqeP0
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Hi Lee thanks a lot for finding the link to the video I've haven't seen it for quite a long time, lots of useful information that gets me out of a hole anyway keep up the good work enjoy driving in the sunshine with the roof down. John James
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I can't get this vid to run....anybody got any ideas why?
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Are you in the U.K.?
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Good morning Lee watch the video at 17:15 it was really good try to watch it again at 23:30 and it disappeared YouTube said it was unattainable so you're not the only one sir p that's having trouble watching it I will have a look and see if I can find it. John
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Yeah it would not allow me to watch it. Was it the build video?
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Looks like it's been removed
But no problem, bear with me, I may be able to help
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Does this share work ?
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN8QFH7psgeXRBEqTQUevXGm5lEaHyrXyannxZd-Yb10pTZ_2oMehIBU8d2A8hGrA?key=T3FKVlpTTnpjNXZNYTV2WEgzM1Nta0JJNTNqT1JB
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Thank you Lee you're a star I owe you one have now sent it to my email address and I will save it in Google pictures that really helps me out well that gives me something to do over the weekend
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Nice one Lee, that works
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Hi lads, picked up this badge last week not sure whether to fix it to the back of my car not sure if it's going to look to Modern what do you guys think.
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GT 250 badge
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looks nice JJ, from a Suzuki motorbike?
may even put one on mine, but a long way off yet, Scudo to finish first then look for a low mileage BMW 2.8 Z3
MADMAN
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I've got a low mileage 2.8 Z3 Madman..........oh it just happens to have a DNA 250 strapped on it....ha..de..ha ;D
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I,ll be round your house with my angle grinder haha
MADMAN
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On no
Not the angle grinder :o
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That's what I like lads a bit of banter I might even come up my self with a big motorbike saw it wouldn't take long to cut it up you can have the car Mad Men as long as I can have the wheels.
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Sounds like a plan ;D
I have a set of 16" wires I may not use, how soon do you need wheels?
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Thanks for the offer Mad Men but I'm after 15 in 16 will be too big as I want to fit doughnut tyres big and beautiful and very wide specially on the back you take care Steve keep driving with the roof down take care JJ
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You won't be using the 16" wires madman?
Really.?!???
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Not sure Lee, time will tell
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Sorry guys have not been on for a while have been quite busy the last couple of months I'm now back on the car I thought I'd post a picture of my wheels
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MY WHEELS
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Hi guys I hope you like the wheels got the Spinners from California you can get them in three points or two points with postage about £110 for the four there is an adaptor that fits in the middle of the wheel had to machine a couple of mil off of that, then the spinner fits on top of the adaptor I think they finished the car off anyway looking forward to hear what you guys think John James
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Whitewalls JJ, no driving in the wet for you then...spinners look great.
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Hi sir p. I will be driving my beautiful white car in all weathers it is not a garage queen is a car to be used and it won't take long to clean at least it gives me something to do in my spare time hope yours is coming along looking forward to seeing it you take care John James
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Been working on my electrics today and shorted out the cigarette lighter so went to the fuse box to put a new fuse in 3 and a half hours later put a new one in it had to be the second one from the back the biggest problem is trying to get your hand in to remove the fuse and put a new one in. I found the easiest way was to remove the fuses from the front heading towards the back because you can't see what you're doing it's all done by touch. The fuses is in and it's all working. but I haven't got the top of the fuse box back on trying to see if there's an easy way of fixing it that's the trouble having big hands and big fat fingers. So good luck Mr P hope you're having better luck than me with your electrics.
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Yep - also got that t-shirt. Bit of a design flaw!
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Ahh yes, already had that spot of bother when trying to diagnose when one of my spots stopped working. Used the same technique as you JJ....start removing fro the front till you get to the one that has blown....replace and work your way backwards refitting the ones you took out as you go.
My fuse box lid is attached with duct tape....it hasn't moved and a new bit of tape costs nothing if the lid needs to come off again. It's because the front end really needs to be lifted up to get a lip on the back of it (cockpit end) into a slot....and you can't lift it high enough because of the wing getting in the way. I must admit I "adjusted" the lip so it would slot in without being lifted, but it was a bit loose....hence the duct tape.
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Hey guys. Any chance of a couple of pics of the fuse box positioning, showing the issues?
One thing seems clear: it’s more like a ferrari with these niggles :)
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You can get "trip" fuses. Maybe easier to see which one has gone and you maybe able to reset without having to remove them all.
A bit pricey but I assume the car isn't going to be sold anytime soon.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Auto-Marine-Race-Rally-Car-Circuit-Breaker-Blade-Fuse-7-5-Amp-SCB07-/311585662498
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How brilliant! I wondered if circuit breakers were available for cars. Love it
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Hi Jaguartvr thank you for the useful tip about trip fuses definitely something to think about for the cigarette lighter socket I am fixing two number of them in my car one for my sat nav and one for my camera have already fitted a socket for charging my phone so it would be a good idea to fit the trip fuse as all this works of the same feed thanks.
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Hi Steve in sunny Australia will post some pictures of the fuse box to tomorrow night just a bit busy at the moment found out my battery is not holding the charge it's cream crackered have looked at the Big Wide Web and I've found that Halfords do a 80 amp battery with a 5 year guarantee so that's the one I'm going for also have ordered a battery charger as well wish I should get it tomorrow or Saturday will post pictures John James.
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:)
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F161709586827
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If you are in the UK, Tanya batteries on Ebay are pretty unbeatable, I have had about a dozen of them over the last few years. Very cheap, 4 year warranty and free next day delivery.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/013-027-High-Power-Car-Battery-fits-many-Alfa-Audi-Bentley-BMW-Chrysler-Citroe/272036335146?epid=1346924675&hash=item3f56a10e2a:g:xKoAAOSwAuZX2Ryk
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Thanks for the information about the batteries that's handy to know I have done the glass to my headlights just adjusting the beam to get it right park the car in the garage and marked on the garage door where the centres were and also centre of dip now I've glued the glass on the centres are in a different place so we'll finish up adjusting the lights tomorrow morning and we'll post pictures
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Hi Steve and anyone else who's interested fuse box from above Wing
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FROM TOP
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FUSE BOX LOOKING UNDER THE WING FROM ABOVE
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FUSE BOX FROM THE SIDE
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LIST OF FUSES IF THIS IS ANY HELP FOR SOMEONE WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE A LIST.
THERE IS ONLY 85 MM FROM TOP OF FUSES TO UNDERSIDE OF WING.
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WOW. That is BEGGING for the trip fuses. It really is positioned just like Frrrri would do it :)))))))))
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Long nose bent pliers reach?
MADMAN
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Yep tried that tried long nose bent pliers in the end I used short nose bent pliers and a LED light on my forehead that's why you have to take the front fuse out first and then work your way back to get to the cigarette lighter fuse because there is not a lot of room to get to the one you want when you put your hand in and hold long nose pliers you can't bloody see so I am going to put a trip fuse in but here's hoping that I will have a lot of the extra wiring finished by Monday all good fun. Will post picture or front lights tomorrow and during next week I will post some more pictures when my other bits turn up getting really exciting at the moment I'm getting 10 to 12 hours a day oh well it's 1:20 in the morning just finished work in the garage, I have a short day tomorrow as I need to go and buy some bits all you guys you are looking at my build have a great weekend take care John James
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Hi madman yes you can remove the fuses that run from front to back of car with long nose bent pliers as they are side on but fuses running from engine two outside of Wing it's a bit different as the fuses are face on as you can see in the picture and a cigarette lighter fuse is the second one at the back all good fun. up early this morning going to car Builder Solutions to pick up some more parts as it is only 40 minutes away for where I live have a great day John James
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Got some more bits and pieces today managed to finish my headlights with the lenses all adjusted and working very happy with the effect start on something different tomorrow I keep doing bits and pieces to The Dash and then leaving it to do something easier all good fun John James
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lights on my 250 GT
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Nice work John. Looking good. I was working on my bumpers today. Got the stainless steel ones from Vietnam. Really nice!!
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How come everyone gets more time than me to work on their cars...... ::)
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Wife away for the weekend, so I can play out! 😀😀😀
Jez
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Hi Jez well stainless steel bumpers I didn't know you could get them. Mine are fibreglass with sprayed Chrome but they are slightly different when I have fitted them I will post a picture they do not look like the Italian car company that begins with a F. Because a few more companies have disappeared this year because of the F company. So I decided to do mine a bit different then I can't be accused of copying one of their cars, as I go to quite a lot of car shows my car is a touring car with Italian looks. Have booked in for the classic car show in February at Bath Showground as my friend says it's better to work on the car then to hang around on street corners not quite sure what he meant looking forward to seeing pictures of your bumpers keep up the good work John James.
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Hi sir P I'm quite lucky now I've retired got plenty of time to work on the car last week I was working a lot of hours on my little beast. feeling the Strain today so might have tomorrow off to catch up on my washing and shopping but keep going don't give up there's light at the end of the tunnel and you've got to be finished for Stoneleigh because I'll be there and Jez and I don't know how many more so keep up the good work all the best John James
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Are those headlight trims plastic?????????? Surely not!
I am very happy someone has taken up the stainless option. A year ago I tried to get them interested in making some for me - I think we arrived at the bumpers from a Karmann Ghia would be close enough as a starting point. Keen to see the results
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Yes the headlight covers and the 'chrome' bezels are actually acrylic plastic. I will post photos of the bumpers once I have fitted them fully. They are only trial fitted at the moment, I need to bond them onto the framework.
Jez
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Spent a couple of hours this evening reading through the other 250 builds and noticed that Jez water bottle is next to the fuse box on the right hand side near the windscreen then I looked at sir P had noticed that his water bottle is in the front left hand side of radiator which would make it a lot easier to get to the fuse box. Have removed my air conditioning today as I need a bit more room under the dash have decided to fit a radio between the dash and the gearbox tunnel have found an old looking radio with Bluetooth and USB and it's only three and a quarter inches deep. most new modern radios are about seven and a quarter then you'll have to allow for all the cables in the back. So my glove box will be used for keeping all my chocolate in. I have noticed a lot of people have been fixing the radios in their glove box so I thought I make Mine a bit different let's hope it works pictures to follow not sure when. Off to BMWs tomorrow to pick up some bits and pieces that I ordered Friday afternoon and they told me they would be in Monday morning more pictures on the way more than likely Tuesday.
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Love these builds and really appreciate the updates. I do hope a few lads won’t mind allowing me to visit next year. My wife will be stationed either in Geneva or Rome so I’ll have a base to travel into the UK that’s a tad closer than Australia!
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Hi there Steve if you come over the best time is in May because the 6th and the 7th is when we have the national kit car show at Stoneleigh and most of the lads try and get there for one day or two we have a big area with most of the DNA people park so if you want to see a lot of the cars that's the place to go and it would save you driving round the whole of England anyway you take care buddy will be posting some more pictures soon John James
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Great suggestion. Thanks. I will plan to get there
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Steve. Spoken to you on the forum for so long, would love to meet you.
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Went to BMW today to buy three little plastic covers for my dash I've lost them or I've throw them out can't believe I have to wait as they are coming from Germany three number and they costing me £20.99 so careful leads don't throw nothing away until you finished if you're not sure what I mean look at picture below taken through windscreen
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DASH COVER
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Had my battery charger delivered today is exactly the same as I used to have on my west coast really good it a CTEK mxs 3 .8. It's really good you can connect it to the battery which I've done and run the lead through the boot to the outside and there's a little socket on the end so when I park the car in the garage I just plug it into the socket and it looks after the battery. It keeps a check to make sure everything's ok. Because I found with the west coast leaving it locked up with the alarm on after a months it would go flat so fit his charger never had any problems. See picture below
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CTEK MXS 3.8 CHARGER
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Phoned up the wire Wheel Company MWS about some spare bolts for the wire wheels which are M12 x 1.5 x 32 and they told me it would take 14 weeks for them to get them as they have to be specially made so if any of you guys who's got a 250 and you want some spare bolts for your wire wheels then you better order and pretty quick because you'll be stuck without them. all the best John James
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None on ebay?
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Hi madman they are a special Bolt specially made for the wire wheels I will post a picture tomorrow been hunting around for a week and haven't been able to get them anywhere but I can't believe a 14 week wait for them.
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WHEELS BOLTS
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Thanks heaps for the brilliant information John. You and the other builders provide excellent guidance and insight.
Looks like I woll be able to get there in May. I’ll have to work out details soon so I can try and get accommodation and not get beaten up by the airline.
When I get back home (in Malaysia until Sunday) I’ll check out precise dates, car hire/public transport options etc.
It’s gonna be fun :))))))))
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I've now have a couple of sets of MWS bolt on Wires and one set of Dayton bolt on wires. I also have a selection of MWS wheel bolts. I haven't used the MWS bolts due to the slightly different PCD of Jaguar and BMW. I also fitted spiggot rings.
For the wheel bolts I used wobble bolts bought from eBay, twenty bolts £29.95 incP+P. This amount will buy you 3 of the MWS wheel bolts!
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Hi guys I hope you like the wheels got the Spinners from California you can get them in three points or two points with postage about £110 for the four there is an adaptor that fits in the middle of the wheel had to machine a couple of mil off of that, then the spinner fits on top of the adaptor I think they finished the car off anyway looking forward to hear what you guys think John James
Hiya John, could you let me have contact details for wheel spinners,
Thanks in advance Steve
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Mad Men my son sent them over from California as he is now living out there let me know nearer the date that you want them and I can phone him up and get a price. I showed The Spinners on the 26th of November I will post the picture of the adaptor that fits in the middle of the wheel you have to machine the adaptor a bit smaller to fit in the centre of the wheel.
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ADAPTOR
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Hi Jaguartur thanks for letting me know about the Wobbly Wheel bolts on eBay spent a couple of hours having a look at all of them the problem is From The Bottom of the taper to the end of the thread that goes into the wheel it needs to be 62 mm long and all the ones I've looked at are 28 and I actually found one that was 30 long. So you can see the problem looking closely at the wire wheels they seem to have a spacer built into the centre of the outer casing of the wire wheel. I'm ok it's just one of the threads hasn't been cut properly so I just thought I'll get a couple of spares. Anyway guys thanks for all the information keep up the good work will post some more pictures when I get a chance to get back into garage. John James
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Mad Men my son sent them over from California as he is now living out there let me know nearer the date that you want them and I can phone him up and get a price. I showed The Spinners on the 26th of November I will post the picture of the adaptor that fits in the middle of the wheel you have to machine the adaptor a bit smaller to fit in the centre of the wheel.
ok thanks John, do you know name of supplier
Cheers Stev
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wheel spinners, triple eared £50 for 4, chromed metal not plastic. They also sell 2 eared.
http://www.raceways.co.uk/Spinners.htm
There are 2 different types of mounts. you need the stud mount for the MWS wheels.
Picture of the spinners and wobble bolts fitted here
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5892&page=15
For the wobble bolts
20x m12 1.5 x length you need
Mr Nut
01274524666
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Hi Jaguartvr just been reading about your car on madaboutkitcars especially page 12 about badgers as I'm not going to put Ferrari badges on my car. Anyway keep up the good work now I know where you are I'll be watching your build and getting ideas you take care John James
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I do have a few extra "california" boot badges if you need one.
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Hi Jaguartvr just been reading about your car on madaboutkitcars especially page 12 about badgers as I'm not going to put Ferrari badges on my car. Anyway keep up the good work now I know where you are I'll be watching your build and getting ideas you take care John James
As a Mexican baddy once said to Clint Eastwood "We don't need no stinking badgers"
I do have a few extra "california" boot badges if you need one.
JTVR - got any pictures of the Cali badges?....are they chrome/what font/dimensions etc? might be interested. By the way I saw you recommended the guy who did my hood to someone else, and he used him....good on you...Dee at Croydon was great and it's nice of you to bung him a bit of business based on my recommendation....thanks for that.
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Here is a link to my build thread that shows the badge fitted to my 250.
http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5892&page=17
The font was copied from a California glovebox badge, made of polished stainless steel.
There are no pins on the rear, I fitted mine with a thick super glue and taped it until set. Been on for about 6 months and hasn't come off.
You could use a clear silicone or double sided fixing tape.
I had a few made, £40 paypal gift if you want one.
measures 20 cm long and the "f" 5.5cm high.
To me, the whole point of the forums is to give tips and steal ideas!
Percy, was happy to pass the details of your hood on, they made a great job and is on my list for when I get some extra pennies.
One word of warning.
I fitted a cable to my inner door lock routing it through to the bonnet and a loop. I then locked the car on the remote and using the loop on the end of the cable
I was able to pull it and unlock the door, genius I know. However a month later the remote stopped working so again I tried the release cable but this time it would not open. The locks had
deadlocked. The only way in was to force open the zip on the soft top and get my daughter to climb through. Even then the doors would not open until the key was put in the ignition.
With the replacement soft top the rear window is sewn in so no access.
If the remote fails (common problem) you are FUBAR'd.
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Hi sir p
if you click on the link above and then go to page 12 you will see the California badge.
At the moment I've got the car up on axle stands fixing my back bumpers. As I have two of them it will make the car look so different so why it's up in the air I shall fit my new exhaust. The only problem it's bloody cold in my garage as the wind is blowing under the bottom of the door all good fun will post pictures as soon as I finished John James
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Pansy, I'm lying on a mat outside on the drive.
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Thanks for the info. I already got locked in once.
Now I thought exactly the same as you that the car had deadlocked, but for me this was not the case. Where the door latches, on the B pillar, on the actual latch, there is a micro switch. If you fell around the latch bar you can feel it. In my case I was locked in because the latch on the door was not going far enough around the latching bar to make this switch, but it WAS far enough around the latch pillar to hold the doors shut.
It caused me all sorts of head scratching until I figured it out. Now yours may not be the same, but it's worth checking, because it holds the doors shut but it does not make the electrical connection telling the electronic central locking system that the door is locked....and then the whole system throws a wobbly (the solenoid will work but the latch will stay mechanically around the latch pillar, so it will appear not to unlock).
The way to tell is to reach up inside the door and manually push the latch...this can be difficult as you must have the top down so you can get in (or out) and I can't remember whether you can reach it with the window down (I think you can but not sure now)
Anyway, yours may not be the same problem....but worth a check.
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Pansy, I'm lying on a mat outside on the drive.
I am lying on an ice flow in the North Atlantic....nude.
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Hi sir p. That is too much information I hope you're not going to post a picture. I have put some old curtains along the bottom of the garage door I've got my little electric heater but it's still cold I'm going to call it a day and hope it's a bit better tomorrow. I've got the right hand bumper on been having trouble with the left trying to get them to look level all good fun. I've got a blow up lilo I'm thinking about putting an old Blanket on the top and stick it on my little trolley to get me underneath to fit exhaust at least I'll be off the ground and if it floods I can float out looking forward to see more pictures of your car it gives me inspiration keep up the good work. John James
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I am hoping to start wiring the dash this weekend....so I also hope it warms up a bit.
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John what area do you live?
MADMAN
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Hi madman I live in the land of the lorries sunny Kent where it supposed to be sunny at the moment it is bloody cold you have Aladdin cave up north and I have aladdin's cave down south was there something you wanted as I know you're the man with three DNA cars looking forward to see what one you're taking the Stoneleigh ?
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Hiya John
No I dont need anything from Aladins cave (southern branch) lol. Ian who has recently joined dna oc asked me to ask you as being a new member he cant add comments as yet. He lives in Sussex and wondered if you were in the same area.
Keep up the good work and updates
MADMAN 8)
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Hi John.
I like the wheel spinners you have, can you use the original MWS stays through the wheel centres or do you have to get the ones you did & mill them down.
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ADAPTERS
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Hi Firefife I have posted a picture of my wire wheel with the adaptor. The wire wheel is bolted on to the Z3 hub. Instead of fitting a centre cap I fitted the adaptor for The Spinners the adaptor that fits into the centre of the wheel is slightly bigger so you have to machine 1 millimetre off of it so it fits inside the wheel it is held in by 3 grub screws then you screwed the spinner on the outside so is tight and then this is held on with 1 grub screw hope this helps anything else you want to know just drop me a line John James
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Thanks John, were the spinner hub assemblies obtained from the same company as the spinners. If so, can you remember which ones they were?
Nice clear picture.
What bumpers are you using, I heard you can get stainless ones from Vietnam but lost the details.
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I have to say, love it in white. I went off white cars in the early 70s as nearly all the cars I had were white & I was never going to have another white car. When I bought my present car, what did I get - Ibis white & think it's the dogs bits - apart from keeping clean.
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Hi Firefife thanks for the quick reply The Spinners and adaptors came in one package from my son in California.
My bumpers are fibreglass with Steel in the middle and have been sprayed Chrome I had to wait 6 months for all the Chrome work to be done if you go back through the pages you will see the chrome round the headlights that is chrome spray on plastic. At the time I didn't know that you can get chrome bumpers from Vietnam I heard a rumour that they are about £3,000 but not sure. Decided to do my car white to make it stand out and be different you can't really tell much in the pictures at the moment but when I post pictures of the complete car it's so beautiful. Also get back to my bumpers instead of having one large bumper at the front and back I have made quarter bumpers makes the car look so different I am working on the back of the car at the moment will post pictures when I have a bit more done. it's a bit cold at the moment and also it's getting near Christmas lots of running around. Had my seats and door cards delivered today.
I have decided to leave the back of the car at the moment and tomorrow I will start on my seats I bought some aftermarket black vinyl MGB seats strip the covers off the seats undone all the stitching on the seat covers to use as pattern for my red leather just got them back from a friend of mine. I have decided to use the electric frame of the original Z3 seats just got to work out had to fit the MGB seats onto the frame if it works I should have electric seats that move up and down backwards and forwards and also the MGB seats recline if it doesn't work I should have to buy some subframes will post pictures as soon as I can looking forward to fixing the door cards with the electric winders anyway had my cup of tea off back into the garage all the best John James
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Hi John,
Sounds like exciting progress. Just for info to everybody, the stainless bumpers from Vietnam are not £3000. They are still expensive, but not that much! But I am very pleased with mine. I fitted mine this weekend.
They are available from http://groupharrington.com/product/ferrari-250gt-california-spider/
Looking forward to seeing pictures of your interesting interpretation with the quarter bumpers. All the best,
Jez
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John,
I am considering stripping the back off the Z3 seats, cutting the top off & welding a wider bar across then widening the back plate then having the whole seat re padded & covered.
Will be interested to see the result of your quarter bumpers. What sort of bracket have you put in?
Jez,
Thank you for the link of the stainless ones, my main concern is the weight being held with bonding. To my mind they would need some sort of fixing on more securely (stainless coach bolts?)
All these extras may have to be put on the boi till I can recoup more finances
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Fixing them on is easy if you still have the grp bumpers. I did, and had not had them chromed yet. The stainless ones are designed to slip over the fibreglass ones. But you can cut away the majority of the fibreglass to remove weight. I'll post some photos when I can. The mounting is very sturdy when done this way.
Jez
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So the stainless ones are basically a skin, that would make sense. I have pinged off a message to Harrington with a few questions. Not cheap but looks like the way to go for a better finish. I tried the chrome paint spray but not impressed & have doubts on longevity.
I'm guessing the weight is fairly light, I was thinking along the lines of a heavy thick stainless bumper.
Thanks for your help & look forward to seeing your pics
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Hi guys finish my exhaust today and fix them to my homemade brackets I have still got my catalytic converters I will post some pictures.
First picture exhaust under the car.
Second picture my homemade brackets.
Search picture looking down the tail pipes.
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PICTURE 1
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PICTURE 2
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PICTURE 3
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Hi Jez like the look of those bumpers can't wait to see them will you have them on the car before the new year keep up the good work trying to get my car finished for the classic car show in February so the pressure is on John James 8) 8)
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Hi Firefife
Can you tell me your first name it would make life a lot easier I have finished my cup of tea I'm now going back in the garage to fit my car seat onto the base I think it's going to look quite good especially with the headdress I will post some pictures tomorrow. Don't forget to post some pictures of your car and what colour is it take care John James
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Hi John,
My first name is Ian (Ian Fife) The 'firefife' nickname is because I am a retired firefighter.
My car has just gone into Alan Wards paint shop. On hold at the moment whilst they do their own 250 California, hopefully they will start mine as soon as they come back after their Christmas break.
Am just making enquiries with Harringtons re stainless bumper, they have an offer on at the moment.
Trying to post some pics of it going into the paintshop but although I have reduced the size twice, it says file too large. Will keep trying.
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Took them down to tiny but still saying file too large. will try later
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Firefife.
Drop in for a cuppa when your at Alan Ward's, I'm only 5/6 mile away.
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Hi John,
My first name is Ian (Ian Fife) The 'firefife' nickname is because I am a retired firefighter.
My car has just gone into Alan Wards paint shop. On hold at the moment whilst they do their own 250 California, hopefully they will start mine as soon as they come back after their Christmas break.
Am just making enquiries with Harringtons re stainless bumper, they have an offer on at the moment.
Trying to post some pics of it going into the paintshop but although I have reduced the size twice, it says file too large. Will keep trying.
Hiya Ian, I will be looking at buying a set of stainless bumpers from Harringtons and asking if they could make the side vents too and how much. As you are considering buying a set I am wondering if anyone else is interested in a set too, possibly we could do a group buy and get a discount to be shared.
as not to hijack Johns post I will re post separately
MADMAN
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Trying to post some pics of it going into the paintshop but although I have reduced the size twice, it says file too large. Will keep trying.
Hi Ian, have you looked at this? It may help you posting / resizing pictures:
http://www.dnaoc.co.uk/index.php/topic,3475.msg22043.html#msg22043
- tenpin
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Hi Ian picture of my seat
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First picture is the MGB seat fitted to the BMW Z3 runners bit of a problem to sort out but it's all done so at the moment the seats will move up and down backwards and forwards and as you can see that is a small lever on the side for reclining the seat I might put a storage bin behind the seat is something I will do at a later date.
Second picture is the whole seat with adjustable headrests it should definitely make the car look a bit different the seats are a lot more comfortable. they are slightly higher just below the headrests with more padding did not like the DNA seats they weren't very comfortable.
Search picture is the seat from the front just hoping I can fit it all in I will also fit a fire extinguisher on the front of the seat hope you all enjoy have a great Christmas John James.
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Hi Madman,
I have been in discussions with Christoph from Harrington & at present he informs me that the price all in including P&P & taxes is £1500. They will do with or without brackets welded in, as far as I understand there is no difference in price. He is sending me details of paying by PayPal as I have said I will order through him. Not sure what route to take, with or without brackets, They have done one set with the brackets that someone sent drawings to them to fit a DNA. I don't know who that is though. They seem very helpful
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Hi John,
They look great, I wasn't aware that DNA ones were uncomfortable but I was thinking along a different route anyway. Will probably have a play next winter & if not successful will think along your lines. I want to keep the electric base - & maybe the heated seats although I doubt I would ever use those
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Hi John,
They look great, I wasn't aware that DNA ones were uncomfortable but I was thinking along a different route anyway. Will probably have a play next winter & if not successful will think along your lines. I want to keep the electric base - & maybe the heated seats although I doubt I would ever use those
I use my heated seats in 430 spider top down heater on heated seats still warm even in frost, just need a hat and hooded fleece with hood down to keep back of neck warm ;D
MADMAN
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ry again to post pics
Car into Alan Ward paint shop the week before last
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Looks like the last one was successful
Just waiting for them to start work on mine now, they are working on Mick's (Alan Ward Boss) first
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What it started off as 1999 2.8
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Hi Furrari
I took the car in to Alan Wards the week before last, would have been good to pop in for a cuppa & chat.
I feel a bit remote down here & no build manual to boot. Hope to met a load of you guys soon, hopefully at Stoneleigh
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Hi John,
I sent an email off to Raceways, who do the Wheel spinners, they apparently operate from Burton on Trent & import the spinners & hubs from the States. I was querying the use of the thread mount adaptors on our wheels as they state for use on alloy ones. I will post their reply on here.
I wondered about postage & import taxes from America but now I know their location, it would seem nothing to worry about.
I see you are using the thread mount on (which I prefer), wondered, just how secure they are with the grub screws onto metal rather than alloy? Apart from milling off 1 mm, were there any other mods you had to do?
Dear Ian,
firstly we are based in UK (Burton on Trent) but import these from USA so normal post etc. The reason we list these for alloy is you need the depth of metal to accept the insert of the adapter so grub screws can secure, a steel wheel is usually too thin. If the mounting area on the wires is deep enough and has a flat surface to take the grub screws they will work. Several customers take these and use OK or adapt to fit there wheels. We only had a few sets of these last week, but have just sold out again, seem popular at the moment. We will bring some more over in new year.
If you are unsure of fit etc, please give me a call and I will be glad to go over it with you.
Tim
Raceways
07834 625372
01283 565919
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Spinners
I bought the triple eared spinners from Raceways to fit to my MWS bolt on wires. They fit using the existing metal plate that keeps the original spinner on. I did have to order some slightly longer bolts to fit them. Be aware that you need to order imperial threads as they come from a technically backward country (USA). Don't forget to use loctite on them. The spinners st on the curved section of the hub so you have to get it as level as possible and then nip the holding bolt on tight to stop the spinner from moving. With the triple eared spinner you block the access to one or two of the mounting bolts, the only way to get to them is to gently tap the spinner out of the way. Make sure you tap it the tightening way so you don't loosen the spinner.
Another alternative is the Europa spares spinners, these are cheaper chromed plastic but the advantage is they are lighter and probably easier to rotate to get to the wheel nuts but I have not used a set yet.
https://www.europaspares.com/abs-chrome-dummy-spinners.html
Bumpers
I have been looking at the Harrington bumpers for my Jag MK2 for a number of years. There seems to be some bad feedback on may forums about poor fit.
A friend was asked by a customer to fit some to a Ferrari 308. He did get them to fit but he had to spend a few days to get them to fit too a good standard but he is fussy. His comments were that they were ok considering the cost of 308 bumpers if you could find them. He felt that if you did have a set of 308 bumpers you would be better off having the originals rechromed.
With the Jag MK2 bumpers, they are very heavy solid thick bumpers, if they were slightly out there is no way to adjust them. I couldn't get a straight answer from Harringtons about refunds in the case of not fitting, the cost of returning them to Vietnam would be prohibitive.
My Jag bumpers were quoted around £1200 and are much larger than the 250, £1500 seems a bit expensive, with a bit of negotiation I think you should get them for £1200. Make sure that you get a returns agreement in place before ordering and pay by PayPal which gives you an extra layer of protection. With eBay purchases, if it doesn't fit or is faulty it is the seller that has to pay for return shipping.
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Thanks for the feedback jaguartvr, I did wonder about using the original backs to the wheel centres. I thought that the threaded centre would make the access to the studs easier though.
It seems all the feedback for Harringtons on the 250 bumpers, so far all the guys seem satisfied, saying that, it is only what I have read on here & what Brian has told me.
Ian
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Hi Ian picture of my seat
I have obtained a set of MGB seats that I have roughly positioned in my kit. I was going to go for the "humped" seat cushions with a set of Leather seat covers.
What seat foams did you use? The genuine MGB humped seat foams thathe bottom seat cushion with straight seams at the font the same as the upright seat cushion. I notice you seat cushion has angled front seams
which takes the "MGB" look away. How did you do it?
I am going to delete the headrests to give it a more period look.
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Prefer the slanted eared ones to the straights as in the Europa spares ones
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So do I but was wondering if the straight spinners may give better access to the wheel nuts. The Raceways spinner were nice heavy quality items.
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Yes, they looked better quality
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Jaguartvr,
"My Jag bumpers were quoted around £1200 and are much larger than the 250, £1500 seems a bit expensive, with a bit of negotiation I think you should get them for £1200."
Good luck with that. I tried to negotiate a discount buying two sets of the 250 bumpers (one for me, one for another builder I knew wanted some) and the best they could offer was £50 off the whole order!
Jez
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Good morning Ian so you live down in Sussex well I'm not far away I'm in Ashford in Kent and I belong to the Kent Kit Car Club I will be seeing the lads on the 29th of December where I should be getting a list of all the kit car shows down south I will post them and if you're interested to come along let me know and we can meet up John James.
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Hi Jaguartvr about my seats the first picture is of MGB seats from a firm called Moss they are brand new and good quality you can get them in vinyl or leather but when I ordered mine they only had black. So I bought a couple of black vinyl ones took off the seat cover and left everything else as it was. then undone all the stitching on the vinyl and use that as a pattern for my red leather then a friend of mine stitched it all together. I decided instead of having vertical lines on all 4 cushions I would just do it on 2 to make it look more Italian looking. Also bought the seats without runners as for the headdress they are not big like modern day cars they are quite small. The only reason that I am keeping the headrests because in my younger days I was at passenger in a MG Midget that rolled over and believe me that extra little bit could save you from breaking your neck. Anyway take care John James.
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first picture MGB seats
my red leather seats.
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Hi John,
That would be great for some more local shows & meet up with you.
We are in the Italian Replica club, have been in that for 21 years so will stay with them & visit the DNA stand when they are about. Stoneleigh seems to be the only 'kit car' show these days but we do a lot of classic car shows. They are a good bunch & membership is only £4 a year. used to be free but with all the H&S legislation they introduced a small fee. Next year s few of us are going to the Le Mans Classic. We went last year & had a great time. Then I had the Dino which actually behaved itself.
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Yes I could be interested in that the last time I went to Le Mans it was in 19 67 when they had the Ford GT my father took me he used to work for Fords and they used to be tested at Brands Hatch I had many a trip around the circuit in one I think that's why I love speed so much. I know there's a heritage transport show at Detling Hill near Maidstone on April the 7th there's lots of old buses and there's bus stops all round the site. You just hop on a bus and you can go round the show. Kent Kit Car Club have quite a few cars there and we get in free with a passenger I will get some more details at the end of the year so if you fancy coming along just let me know.
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Hi guys I have finished the back of my car I bought some aluminium number plates I got one set in yellow and white and I got a set in black and silver, fitted the new ones with sticky pads and then screwed them but I can undo the screws and fit my black and silver ones over the top so they will be in the same place. Hope you enjoy I've got an MGB number plate light upside down under the number plate and also fitted my reversing and fog light and of course my quarter bumpers hope you enjoy John James
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back of 250 gt
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and some more
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Also the number plate are 1961 A registration which makes the car look even older.
Hope you like the look of the bumpers madman does make the car look different. Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow I've started to make a box to fit on my gearbox tunnel to go under the dash for my new radio will post picture tomorrow and I've got a new air filter I might fix that tomorrow as well.
JOHN JAMES
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How come the whitewalls have disappeared ??
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Hi sir p well spotted originally had white walls but they were black tyres with 15 in white walls that they put on Volkswagens especially on campervans wasn't sure whether to get white wall tires so I thought I'd try them out I like the look of it but I found when I was driving around the back ones are ok for the ones on the front they kept trying to move away and I thought if they come loose they could do a lot of damage to the bodywork so when these tyres wear out I should get some white walls from America. I have a bit of an easy weekend so I might post some more stuff Saturday or definitely Sunday evening all the best John James.
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Looking good John
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Hi jaguartvr,
Do you know what size imperial bolts you got for your spinners? I think I will go your way using the existing brackets
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Sorry but I sold the set of wheels that had the triple eared spinners on and I can't find the details. If you ask Raceways they should be able to tell you the thread.
They were slightly longer, I seem to remember they were just over 1 inch long, 1 inch was too short.
Sorry I can't be of any more help, if I can track down the details I will post it up.
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Hi sir p well spotted originally had white walls but they were black tyres with 15 in white walls that they put on Volkswagens especially on campervans wasn't sure whether to get white wall tires so I thought I'd try them out I like the look of it but I found when I was driving around the back ones are ok for the ones on the front they kept trying to move away and I thought if they come loose they could do a lot of damage to the bodywork so when these tyres wear out I should get some white walls from America. I have a bit of an easy weekend so I might post some more stuff Saturday or definitely Sunday evening all the best John James.
I fitted the Atlas thin band whitewall to my E-type a good few years ago. The front ones started to come away and were slapping the wheel arch so were removed. I put it down to high speeds and I was using the car for commuting daily on the M25.
Being thick I later fitted a set to my MK2 thinking that as it was slower I wouldn't have the same problem, I never learn. They didn't break up but started bunching. The only way to get them to fit properly was to remove the tyre completely and fit the trim before inflating.
If you just try to deflate the tyre it tends to stick between the tyre and rim. I also gave the inside of the trim a coating of washing up liquid, this seemed to allow the trim to slip into position.
Since refitting them this way they have caused no problems at all and do look very good.
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Yes they're the ones that I used I once fitted them on a J B A convertible that I had. They were on there for two years and never had a problem. So I thought I'd try them on the 250 and they seemed ok but I think because of the big tyre and go around lots of bends the wall of the tyre tends to move more and they started to sneak out a little bit. So I'll take them off but I've been told by a friend of mine that there is a white rubber paint that you can paint on is supposed to look really good but at the moment I haven't found any it's a shame because whitewalls does make the car more special. I will post some more pictures later on today I have fitted my air filter because the old one with the body work you can't get into it. And also at the moment I'm building a housing for my radio. The biggest problem most radios are about seven and a half inches deep because of all the wires in the back. There is a firm called Moss they do a radio to fit in an old Spitfire and that is only three and a half inches deep so I've got one very impressed. Looking forward to hearing from your comments all the best John James
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Okay jaguartvr, thanks anyway. I will ask Tim from Raceway
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Good evening lads fitted my new air filter today can't believe I had it a couple of months and haven't got router to fixing it another job off the list the list is getting smaller hooray.
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AIR FILTER
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Also made the surround for my radio it looks ok I've tried it on the tunnel realised I can't go up to the dash because my heater controls will be in the way but it's all done in MDF has spoken to my trimmer and he said he will get it back at the beginning of the new year so will post another picture when I get it back John James. 8) 8)
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RADIO BOX
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Jaguar MK2's have very nice rectangular chrome speaker grills, XJ6 and XJ40 had very nice round chrome grills.
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I had a nice silver one with rounded corners but the round bit went inwards. I bought it brand new for my MGB in the late 70s and it had gold mesh couldn't find it so the one that I used is one of a pair that came out of an Aston Martin couldn't believe it finish making the box got it all sanded. and they decided to tidy up my bench and found the MGB one but it's a lot bigger and I don't think it would look right when you see the box on the tunnel you will understand more. If I can and got time I will take a picture of the grill so that you understand what I'm talking about it's hard to explain about round corners that face inwards. John James
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Posted some pictures of the speaker grills the left hand and the middle one are from a Aston Martin and the right-hand one is from a MGB as you can see the inside is gold chrome mesh. I will have to stop drinking wine before I post a message just looking at it this morning the corners are hexagon God knows where I got the rounded bit from I think it's a touch of Alzheimer's or too much wine before Christmas. I'm making myself sound like a alcoholic well it is Christmas.
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PICTURE OF GRILLS
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Got my little baby out of the garage today went down to deliver Christmas presents and cards finished up doing 75 miles 50 of those miles with the roof down. Can't wait to get the heater going. I will post some pictures of my wipers they are really good when you switch them on they go downwards and then they go back up and wipe and when you go over 60 they creep up the glass just like an old fashioned convertible. Now my little baby's back in the garage she won,t come out again until I've done my dashboard which I'm not looking forward to, the good thing is a friend of mine he's coming over between Christmas and the new year and his son is a car electrician.
In the early days I bought myself a workshop manual for a Z3 the wiring diagrams which there are many or absolutely rubbish I was hoping there be like that old Haynes workshop manuals lucky for me I put little tags on the wires so I know what goes where but for some unknown reason the emergency flashers have suddenly stopped working and I can't seem to dim the dash lights.
I have decided to keep the Z3 interior mirror which will be a lot more easier to see out of then a little silly square one that people fit on the dash that wobbles about all over the place.
One thing I must do is sort the light out in the boot as it used to work of the boot lock which isn't there anymore another thing to add to me list. Oh well having a couple of days off and going back on the wine. Take care John James
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Big mistake going out Christmas Eve with the roof down and no heater felt a bit cold round my neck. Woke up Wednesday I've got a stiff neck I can just about move so having a bit of time off try and make a list of all the bits and pieces left to do I have some friends coming Saturday so hoping I should be able to move if not I'll let them do the work and I can make the tea or I could get the wine out anyway I hope you all had a great Christmas. 🎅🎅⛄
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JJ. One solution to the boot light problem is to use a miniature PIR and a 3v relay. (I can send you details if your interested). You can set the time the light remains on for so you can leave the boot lid open and the light will go off after a set time and the switch back on when you walk back up to it.
Hope the neck gets better soon.
Wishing you and Brian a happy new year.
M
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Thank you Mike that would be most helpful can't move much at the moment neck still playing me up but I've got to get the car finished ready for the show in February. Hope you and the family had a great Christmas I bet the cats like the Turkey not sure about gorgeous George but I suppose you could always give him a banana anyway take care mate John James
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Morning lads sorry I haven't posted anything for a while had a lot of trouble with my neck but I'm back in the garage now connected up my heater Saturday morning and then we had a power cut. So open the garage door and switched the car on had it running for about 20 minutes the heater is quite good especially when you turn the fan on.
But word of warning when you turn the heat on make sure the fan is off put the heat down to the footwell vents switch your hoover on and then start the fan on I had a cloud of fibreglass dust glad I didn't switch it on full. I remember the problems with the dust on my west coast I was itching 4 weeks anyway we'll post some pictures later tonight or tomorrow have glued the carpet in. Hoping to work on my radio today will show pictures later and happy new year from John James. 8). 8)
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Just after Christmas I tried my radio box in the car with the carpet fitted and the leather on the gearbox housing as you can see it's what I made of MDF
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mdf radio box
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Had my radio box delivered early this morning my friend made a good job of red leather I've now fitted it and actually got it working another job 2 tick off the list
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finished radio
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Stunning.
Love the red.
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Thank you for that. Yes it's starting to come together hoping to get the seats in by the week end. At least I can have some music what I'm working have used the speakers in the foot Wells and two speakers at the back. Not that I will hear much when I'm driving with the roof down a good little radio with Bluetooth and USB socket really good find anyway back to the garage finish my cup of tea will finish off the door cards and I've got some work to do in the boot.
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I like that
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Hi guys I am going to fit a 12 volt socket in the boot so that I can recharge my torch or I can use my electric foot pump does anyone know what size amp fuse I should use. Answers on a postcard only kidding. Also guys what tyre pressures are you running on your 250 looking forward to your replies have a great day John James. 8) 8)
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Glad you asked about tyre pressures, I was going to try 28 F & 30 R, I found my Dino, which has similar sized tyres handled better with lower pressures but trial & error I guess. Await replies from other owners.
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Tyre pressures.
You can calculate the correct tyre pressures by looking on the side of the tyre and finding the max loading and the max pressure. From this you can work out the pressure per pound/kilo. When the car is mobile you can take it to a weighbridge and find the weight at each corner.
As you know how much pressure you need per pound/kilo you can now work out the pressure you need per end.
Or you can use the method most of us use and guess. :-)
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Have you managed to get the odometer working in the Speedo?
If so was it very tricky?
And finally, can you set the mileage to the correct mileage or do you have to start from zero?
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I believe mine is working OK....it reads zero when I switch on the ignition....I presume it will work correctly when the speedo is calibrated. Not had the car rolling since I fitted it so can't say if it works for sure...but should be if it reads I would think.
I suspect it will just have to start from zero, and we will have to note the previous milage.
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I have made a note of the old speedo Reading my new one starts at zero won't know if the Speedos working until I go out in the car with my sat nav looking forward to get the rest of the clocks finished hoping my friend will finish it off having a bit of trouble with my fingers and my eyesight it's called getting old but I'm almost there. Looking forward to get the seats in and taking her out for a drive if it stops bloody raining. John James
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Hi had a good week this week have got my carpet stuck in and also fitted door cards I think I've got more glue on me then on the floor John James. ;D ;D
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CARPETS AND DOORS CARDS
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Looking good mate
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Thanks Ian well I've got one seat in the electrics work up and down backwards and forwards and also the seats recline hoping to have the other seat finished by the weekend and I can show more pictures. Also trying to get the boot finished also at the weekend John James. 8) 8)
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Keep up the good work. Off to bed now ;)
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Looks great JJ
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Thank you sir p if you think it looks good wait till you see the rest of it hoping to have the seats finish tonight and then I will post the pictures late tonight or tomorrow morning then I've got a bit of work to do in the boot. And then all I have left to do is front bumpers, grill, spotlights, cill plates, engine name badge, rest of the gauges and the best bit my Badges oh almost forgot front number plate but there's bound to be something else that I forgotten anyway at least I'll be ready for the show in February just hope it's not bloody snowing that will be all I need anyway have a great weekend all the rest of you guys John James
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The Red is amazing JJ. What are your seats from please?
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hi Steve The seats are aftermarket MGB seats that I bought new in vinyl and then stripped the covers off and use them as patterns for my red leather I have mentioned it further back in my build. Also fitted the seats on the Z3 basis which are electric
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Here is a pictures of my red leather seats all working and the seatbelts are working as well really pleased.
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Two more pictures of my seats on the Z3 electric runners. John James
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Looking good buddy. I bet the seat tilts forwards a lot more than the Z3 ones do too
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Looks very nice, same seats that I have bought for mine.
I would send the drivers seat back to your trimmer, the backrest is very poor with all those creases, it will get a lot worse once the leather stretches. Don't let him try
and fob you off.
Rest of it looks very good.
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The picture below is my driver's seat push back as far as it go and then reclined as you can see there is quite a lot of room behind the seat especially if I move it Forward
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Decided to do some work in the boot first picture is the old carpet on the back panel which used to have an old CD stack unit but I got hold of a new one that never had the unit which looks a little bit better. When you look in the boot on the left hand side there is a bit of carpet missing I shall cut my old one to stick over this as I don't think it's worth buying a new panel
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Also on the right hand side back corner there is a plastic box that fits flush with the floor and goes down to lower part of the boot I have fitted a 12 volt socket inside the box which is quite handy for recharging my torch while I was at it. there was a pipe that went from the battery down through the floor to one side of the box. So removed the pipe as it's not connected to my battery and have threaded my battery cable through the rubber mounting. So now I can plug my battery charger on to the end of the socket so if my battery goes flat and I can't get in the boot just plug it up and it will charge also if the car spend a lot of time in my garage I can't plug my charger and it trickles charge when I'm not there posted some pictures John james
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More great ideas mate, I have to do my carpet too. This car has the least space for luggage, etc. than any of my previous ones (& they didn't have much), so have to get as much as I can out of it.
Was trying to think of some way to get into the engine compartment if battery went flat to access the two terminals for charger or booster. Need some sort of emergency cable to the latch with hidden outside access.
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I have a solution for that. I can open my boot if the battery goes flat. More importantly, I can also open the boot if the solenoid failed. Even if you could charge the battery you are still goosed if the solenoid failed. I will post instructions and photos later today.
Jez
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I decided to fit a hidden cable pull so that I could open the boot in an emergency. There are screw mounting points on the solenoid body, so I screwed in a couple of those little chrome curtain rail hook things as cable guides. I ran a wire cable from the solenoid to the RHS of the boot and then drilled two very small holes in the double skinned part of the inside of the boot, through which the cable passes and then goes back inside. The result is a short section of cable that runs parallel to the side edge of the inside edge of the boot. I made a hook from one of the solenoid rods, and put heat shrink over the hook end so it does not damage the paintwork. This is an emergency use only process so its not designed to be used frequently.
So if the boot is locked because you have a flat battery, or the solenoid is busted (I know someone who pressure washed their 250 and this resulted in water getting inside the double skin part of the boot lid, resulting in a flooded solenoid that no longer worked) at least you can take your hook and carefully pull the wire, and the boot pops open. It's not visible at all from outside the car, and unless you know it's there, its pretty safe because only I know about it! Hopefully the photos explain a little too.
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Thank you Jez I have already got a cable release to get into my boot if the electrics didn't work.
The biggest problem last week was when I shut my bonnet it kept popping up so I had a look at the cable and the cable had come adrift so I done a repair and it works ok then I was thinking if the cable ever breaks and your bonnet is locked how the hell do you get your bonnet released as it is not down the front it's at the back so I'm trying to work out how to fix another emergency cable so if my main cable breaks I have an emergency one the problem is my dash is in the car now so if anyone's building at 250 and you haven't got your dashing in yet think about putting another cable on the passenger side to release the bonnet in case the main one brakes. John james
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Getting in with a flat battery. Imergency access. I don’t know where the starter motor/solenoid is on the Z3, but on some cars it’s accessible from underneath. If you put power to the lead from the battery to the main feed to the starter solenoid to feed power to the battery. A bit of a furkle but it works if you are stock.
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My remote central locking failed, I had put a cable release in which allowed me to unlock the car from a cable accessible from under the bonnet. This was tried and tested and worked well. When the central locking failed I tried to open the door with the cable but hadn't realised that the car deadlocks itself. I had to remove the rear window and get my daughter to crawl in. She still couldn't open the door until the key was put in the ignition. I am hoping to replace the roof at some point but as the replacements don't have a zip in rear window I won't have any way of gaining access unless I smash a window. Worth bearing in mind.
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if your car is locked and the battery goes flat in the remote key there you can't get in. If the battery in the car goes flat and you can't open the door then how can you lift the bonnet up to pull the cable that locked the door because you need power because the doors are deadlock this is why I have connected my battery that runs to a plug under the back of the car that I can plug a very small charger on to the end that should charge the battery to open the door the only problem is if your battery in the car is cream crackered then the charger won't work will have to think of another way of unlocking the door. Now that gives you guys something to think about waiting to hear what you guys come up with ??. I suppose the answer is to carry a spare key or battery in your pocket for the remote. John James
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With the 250SWB, there is a brake vent just under the front indicator, this is large enough to get your hand in to release the bowden cable that is run to the door lock. My boot is opened with a lock and key so I can always access the battery in case it goes flat.
On my car the battery wasn't flat, the remote central locking just stopped working overnight and I still haven't managed to get it working. I have had to resort to a crook lock.
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Hi Jaguartvr you talk about a brake vent near the front indicator on the 250 SWB.. I am talking about a DNA 250 GT which I think is a bit different on the DNA 250 GT the bonnet release is in the middle up by the windscreen as you can see by the picture. The picture is Taken from the outside Wing if you look at the lock in the centre the cable comes out of the side where the water bottle is then goes back underneath the Loch and you can see it coming cross to the wing it then goes through the Old hole down to the bonnet release there is no way to get to it from the outside if you are building this car and you haven't fitted the dash then you might be able to run another cable over towards the water bottle and just have it hanging down under the dash which you could get to to release the Loch. I know some of the guys have fitted a spare release on their DNA 240 to lift the back bonnet so I am thinking about the same idea.
John James
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Hi guys have fitted a black ball to the end of my gear stick, wasn't sure whether to put a white one has the car is white what do you guys think ?
See picture
Also I have fitted a fire extinguisher to the front of the driver's seat I think it's a good place and it doesn't get in the way see picture
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Hi Jaguartvr you talk about a brake vent near the front indicator on the 250 SWB.. I am talking about a DNA 250 GT which I think is a bit different on the DNA 250 GT the bonnet release is in the middle up by the windscreen as you can see by the picture. The picture is Taken from the outside Wing if you look at the lock in the centre the cable comes out of the side where the water bottle is then goes back underneath the Loch and you can see it coming cross to the wing it then goes through the Old hole down to the bonnet release there is no way to get to it from the outside if you are building this car and you haven't fitted the dash then you might be able to run another cable over towards the water bottle and just have it hanging down under the dash which you could get to to release the Loch. I know some of the guys have fitted a spare release on their DNA 240 to lift the back bonnet so I am thinking about the same idea.
John James
Hi John
My post was more of a warning, if your central locking goes tits up as mine did there is no way back into the car. As you have done, the most likely problem is a flat battery so you have devised a way into the boot. On my car the central locking has failed with the car locked, the way in normally is simply with the key in the door lock but with the skins fitted this is not possible.
My bowden cable was fitted to the pull up knob on the door lock, threaded through a sleeve to the A post then along the ledge that the old front wing screwed too , over the wheel arch liner to dangle down at the front in case of emergency. This worked fine until the car deadlocked itself.
What the answer is I don't know.
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Just had a thought if your central locking was locked and your remote wouldn't open the car.
I'm wondering as the cars got electric windows whether you can have a separate remote that would open the window from the outside that way you can put your hand in and unlock it just a thought I am seeing my friend Mick with the yellow west coast at the bath show in February I shall ask him he's always played about with electronic gadgets
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That would be ideal. My first cunning plan was to run a pair of wires from the boot to the window motor, in case of a problem I could just run touch the wires to the battery to drop the window. This also didn't work, the window only moved very slowly and the wires got hot. Unfortunately cars electrics aren't set up like they used to be, saying that electrics certainly are not my strong point.
With your bonnet lock, an emergency release wire would be a good idea, run it into the wheel arch. I once bought a Triumph Stag very cheaply as the bonnet cable had broken. Only way to open it was to cut a hole in the bonnet, the cat was in the same position as yours.
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Hi guys have fitted a black ball to the end of my gear stick, wasn't sure whether to put a white one has the car is white what do you guys think ?
See picture
Also I have fitted a fire extinguisher to the front of the driver's seat I think it's a good place and it doesn't get in the way see picture
Personal opinion - keep the black gear knob.
Great place for the fire extinguisher
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Hi guys got some stickers from the Big Wide Web and I've stuck them on the glass what do you guys think ?
They also have the registration number of my car. :o. :o
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Excellent ;D
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Have you got the link mate, I could with couple of those.
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Yes I will sort it out tomorrow afternoon and send it to you just about to go out so won't be able to do it till tomorrow.
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Two pictures of my engine cover have removed the BMW badge. I'm getting a badge made to go in this space. sprayed gloss black with chrome stripes
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As we are talking about steering wheels here is the picture of my nardi steering wheel.
A picture of the horn push and the signature to prove it's a real one.
And also a picture of the cover that you get when you buy the wheel on the back of the wheel there is a serial number so for the guarantee you let nardi no what car is going on. anyway enjoy the pictures all the best. John James
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Hi Kal and anyone else who wants to know about the stickers if you go online and type. www.platinum-place.co.uk
When you go onto the site you are looking for personalised with registration GPS tracker stickers they're about £2.95 for 4 number I think you can get them on eBay anyway good luck all the best John James
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Hi guys back in March last year I went on eBay and got myself an old tax disc that was blank see picture got my friend and his son finishing off the electrics on my dash today Saturday because you need Little Fingers and good eyesight anyway take care John James
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Thank you sir p for the information that you posted on the 17 January about how to dim the dash lights I have now set my to 50% and it's a lot better I will post some pictures of the switch layout of my dash hope this helps anybody all the best John James
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Drivers footwell looking up at the switches from right to left.
Sidelights and headlights switch.
Front spot light switch
Rear fog light switch with light indicator over the top
Far left switch for speedo trip metre and for dimming dash lights.
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Underneath the glove box at the bottom of the dash just above the foot well there is a flat piece on the right hand side I have fitted a on and off switch, that switch is for the power to my front facing camera next to that I have a 12 volt socket for plugging my sat nav in or anything else.
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Centre of dash switches from right to left.
Boot release switch
Hole for BMW key
Switch for electric roof
Switch for fan heater
Behind fan switch emergency flashers.
Next three switches are for the heater.
Behind the last heater switch there is a USB socket for charging my phone or camera.
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I would like to also thank my friend Terry and his son for sorting out my electrics on my dash I got totally lost but he found it quite easy and as his son has got small hands he made it look quite easy thanks a lot guys I really appreciate it at least now I know that I definitely going to the show in February oh well I've just got the front bumpers to finish and the grill and then I can stick all my Badges on the car not long to go now John James
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Good news mate, looking good.
Can't wait to see it on the 12th. Did you have any picture of the dash wiring you can bring along?
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I don't suppose they made a wiring diagram of what they did?
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I have some notes and diagrams on wiring I can send you.
Jez
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Got them, many thanks
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Steve has just pointed out to me that the DNA dash does not have an ABS warning light wired in anywhere. Has anybody found that this caused an MOT fail ?
DNA seem to have got several factory built cars on the road and I don't remember ever seeing one with an ABS warning light.
Jez
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Hi guys I will be seeing my mate Terry tonight I shall ask him if he's got any drawings about the wiring I have been looking at my dash and you're right I haven't got an abs but thinking about it I don't know if I had one at the beginning I never had a digital clock or a trip computer to work out my mileage am fuel consumption like some of them have, i will go through my old pictures and see if I can find it, if I did have abs then the switch is somewhere under the soundproofing and the carpet I will let you know how I get on John James
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I have some notes and diagrams on wiring I can send you.
Jez
Hiya Jez, could I have a copy too please, I have not started my 250 yet but it would help me later on
Cheers MADMAN
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Emailed to ya Steve.
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Cheers Jez
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Hi guys I will be seeing my mate Terry tonight I shall ask him if he's got any drawings about the wiring I have been looking at my dash and you're right I haven't got an abs but thinking about it I don't know if I had one at the beginning I never had a digital clock or a trip computer to work out my mileage am fuel consumption like some of them have, i will go through my old pictures and see if I can find it, if I did have abs then the switch is somewhere under the soundproofing and the carpet I will let you know how I get on John James
Just been reading up. The ABS on my Z3 is designed to be permanently on...and just lights the tell-tale if there is a fault....it does not have a switch of its own.....however switching off ASC may disable it!!
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I was talking to Ash yesterday about this. They have had some MOT failures resulting in some creative retro-fitting.
It may be that we also need an airbag light if your Z3 had airbags - even if they don't exist anymore. Having an airbag light that comes on with the ignition, then goes out seems to be more important than having airbags that could save your life in the eyes of a tester.
I am considering, as I still have to put the dash in, wiring up both ABS and airbag 'dummy lights' that do just that, just in case I have a difficult tester.
Probably put them in the space between the speedo and tacho.
Jez
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Apparently in my understanding, you don't require airbags as they were originally introduced in the USA as a safety feature instead of seat belts. As we have to wear seat belts, that should be sufficient protection.
I looked into it thinking along the same lines as you guys but can't remember where I found that info now.
Your idea of a timed pair of dummy lights sounds a good idea & would look quite nice between the 2 main gauges
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Hmmm. Interesting what you can find....this is on the official Government website referring to SRS (Airbag) lights.
https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/common-mistakes-made-by-mot-testers/
2. Supplementary Restraint Systems (SRS) lamps
When testing SRS MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light) lamps we are only looking to see if the lamp indicates if there is a fault with the system. If no lamp is present or it doesn’t illuminate then it can’t indicate a system fault, so it can’t be failed. Some vehicles may also incorporate warning messages on dash board displays; these are in addition to any MIL lamps and should not be used as a reason for rejection.
Where passenger air bags are present it is also often possible to disarm them, or they may automatically disarm where there is little or no weight on the passenger seat. This may be accompanied by a lamp permanently on to highlight the airbag has been disarmed, this is not considered a SRS MIL, and therefore isn’t a reason for rejection.
So my interpretation of that is no airbags, no airbag warning light = no MOT fail. Same could be said of the ABS light too. If there's no light present, then it can't indicate a fault, so it can't be failed.
Just my thoughts....
Jez
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Different wording to what I remember reading, but same result. I had a chat with my mate who will be helping me with the wiring & also does MOTs & he came to the same conclusion after checking up. So looks all good.
Still think a couple 'warning' lights between the speedo & rev counter would look cool, a bit of a bland space there.
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Hi guys had a chat with my friend Terry last night he hasn't got any drawings on the electrics, but he said what he done was with Z3 cables he twisted another piece of wire onto the ends and then put solder on them and then shrink wrapped them, he then fix this to a connector block which he got from car builders Solutions the connecting blocks are male and female they do them in 2,3,6,10,12 and 15 way, and then on the other block he run the wires to the switches which makes it easy because you can just unplug and lift the dash out sorry I can't be any more help been a bit busy lately trying to get my bumpers and my front grill spotlights finish by this weekend and then try and find my abs switch if I've got one, will post some more pictures as soon as I finish John James
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That's a good idea putting some little lights between the speedo and rev counter you could use them for all sorts of things you could have one that blinks on and off so that people think it's an alarm even though my car is alarmed and has a tracker if you looked inside it you wouldn't know that it's alarmed, and you could have it wired up to the Passengers seat belt that tells you whether they've done their belt up or not, as I have left the Z3 internal mirror because of all the electrics for the interior light I've also fitted my dash cam between that and the windscreen have run the cable behind the cover on the door pillar that goes down behind the dash and there goes to a switch so that I can switch this on and off whenever I want, have just had a phone call from my friend William who is making some Seal plates and a engine nameplate won't have them finished until late Thursday afternoon which is leaving it a bit tight as I am leaving Friday morning to go to the shout at Bath, and just looked at the weather for next Friday and there could be snow it will take me about 3 and a quarter hours to get from my house to Bath that's if I don't stop let's hope it doesn't snow all good fun John James. 8). 8)
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What my MOT tester said was that the ABS check light had to illuminate when the ignition was turned on and then go off, this is to show that the system is working.
I know my MOT tester very well and he isn't one who looks for reasons to fail a car.
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Got a bit more done to the car this weekend have now got the front finished bumper and spotlights all finished and working, I'll be glad to get it outside so that I can take some pictures from a distance, but here are some pictures of the front bumpers enjoy.
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That looks amazing, love the quarter bumpers, they look well.
Can't wait to see it in the flesh
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Not long Ian looking forward to seeing you a week Monday any news on yours looking forward to seeing a bit of colour on it you take care John James
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Nice work John. Looking good, and different to all the others.
Jez
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No more news John, posted last pics but don't want to pester them too much, they may try to rush it & I don't want that
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Where did you get your chrome work done John?
Jez
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Hi Jez I had it done bye a guy in Canterbury Kent he made quite a good job of the fibreglass bumpers but not very happy with the rest of it the back boot lock is starting to go yellow one of my vents on the side the Chrome is starting to peel off and the Chrome around my front grill is starting to change colour near the radiator so we'll have to wait and see how it goes but I wouldn't mind getting chrome grills or stainless waiting to see what that other firm is doing because when I got mine done I didn't know about the stainless steel other bits and pieces but I'm glad I made little quarter bumpers just wanted to be different, anyway hope your builders coming along looking forward to seeing more pictures all the best John James
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Love the quarter bumpers, they don't look as heavy. Someone had a set of metal bumpers made for a Tribute 250, looked good but I felt a little too heavy looking. I always thought an MG Midget style quarter bumper would look good on the rear.
I had my grill surround vacuum chrome plated (same process they use on plastic model kits), came out pretty well and it has the advantage of not going yellow with age. They suggested that next time I had the grill surround painted before painting. I thought mine was well finished but rubbing down marks are clearly visible. They couldn't do a bumper as it is too long to fit into the vacuum chamber but the quarter bumpers would. My grill was £120 to give you an idea of cost. I'm sure the cost would come down a bit if you had a box of parts to do in one go.
Being very picky, I would change the amber side repeater for a clear one with an Amber LED to match the other lights, the clear lenses look great against the white.
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Thank you for the information on the Chrome work, at the moment I went to see how it goes it's been a bit of a rush and money is getting a bit tight, I originally got some clear reflectors but they just didn't look right so I managed to get some orange ones but they are really old fashioned looking, in my younger days I had an MG Midget, an MGB and a MGB GTC that had a blown up engine so I fitted a Granada engine in it but sold it in the end and bought myself a Ford Anglia with a 1650 Lotus engine that was the dogs doughnuts, I cut the roof off to make it into a convertible but didn't like it so put the roof back on but about 6 inches lower I have some pictures somewhere I will try and find them, woke up this morning and there's snow that's all I need let's hope it clears away by Friday, at least there's one thing if it's cold I'll be able to tell you guys if the heater works or not and how she handles in the snow all the best John James. ⛄ ⛄
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Badge on the bonnet of my 250 GT
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Badge on the boot of my 250 GT
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Like the badges John, the good thing about the 250s is the fact they didn't have loads of badges anyway
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Hi guys thought you might like to see my glove box lid I've now put a little badge on it enjoy
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And why I was at it I thought I put a little badge on the front grill as well John James
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Hi lads left home Friday morning to go to the shower at Bath soon as I got my lovely white 250 GT out of the garage heading up towards the M25 in a massive great rain storm and then got I got stuck on the big car park call the M25 because everyone was driving like Maniacs, and then down the M3 and finally got to the show from the time I left my house and got to the show my bonnets popped up 14 times when I hit a big bump it popped up when I went over 65 it popped up but sorted it out at the show just moved to locking mechanism over a couple of millimetres, left the show early Monday morning and it was snowing and then going through the sluash, but I will see one thing my heater works and also the demisters actually cleared the screen finally got home at 21:30 so the car will come out the garage tomorrow and it will be washed but handled really well great fun driving in the snow, but I think I will have to change the back Springs as when 2 people sit in it and luggage in the back she looks a bit low, the springs that are on the car are the original ones from the Z3 and thay looked a bit low anyway, but I will say one thing the 2.8 can really accelerate which is quite good fun and also it's good fun when you're driving towards a good head wind the front of the car starts to lift it doesn't seem to cut through the air like I thought it would with the headlight covers how those guys in the early 60s used to drive around at 140 mile an hour on drum brakes with no seatbelts my hats off to them, anyway we'll post some more pictures tomorrow and I've got some really nice sill plates and a nice engine badge John James
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Good to see you yesterday mate, your car looks amazing. Just hope mine reaches the same standard.
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Thank you Ian glad you like my car and thanks to your wife for making me a nice cup of tea, I like the ideas that you have for your car to make it a bit different looking forward to see it when you get it home and start finishing it. Also I would like to thank you for show me the pictures of your convertible Ferrari Dino I was most impressed as I have never seen a convertible one before, and by the way driving home in the dark and ready the M25, I was a bit wary but it was ok I was quite surprised how good the lights are as for my heater it was working ok going to the show and going to your house I noticed when I got up on the M25 there wasn't so much heat coming out to the foot Wells but where the speaker grill is on top of my radio it got so hot I couldn't touch it so I have a feeling that one of my pipes might have come off oh well all good fun another little job to sort out and also that funny clicking noise I might have found it but I won't know for a couple of days until I check it out my dash cam when I got home I flick the switch on my dash to switch it off and it's stayed on when I looked at the little screen on the dash cam it said run out of space which is quite strange as it's supposed to be on a loop, so it might be that's why it was beeping so in the end I pulled the wire out of the dash cam and it's stayed on so I think there could be a battery backup in the DashCam will have to find the instructions and have a play about, and also thank you very much for the ideas about my car, it was very interesting meeting your friend who works on GT40s which does bring back memories when my father used to work four ford developing the GT40 and it was great talking about the days when I went with the Mechanics to test one at Brands Hatch will post some pictures sometime this week bit busy at the moment after 4 days away got me washing and shopping to do take care John James
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Hi John,
Was sorry we had to rush off but previous appointments & all that.
I put a couple of pics on the IRC & Supercar sites & had a fair few likes & nice comments, they seem to love your colour.
I do miss the Dino but comfort wise left a lot to be desired as we have aged 21 years since I built it, especially on long journeys.
Good to hear that the the lights are good, the Dino ones were rubbish as they had the old style bulbs & hard to find. The heater was rubbish too so need to know how your's was supposed to be piped & what you used for piping. I had a nice present arrived today, will post some pics on my build thread.
You may have to reformat your camera SD card, strange that it has run out of space. Sounds like that could be your beeping problem. Strange it didn't turn off when you disconnected it.
Take care buddy, speak again soon.
Ian
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Careful with the bonnet release. Mine was getting sticky so I removed them (mine still uses 2 at the front as per original z3), I soaked them in wd40 and then gave them a coating of copper grease. Fast forward a few months and the bonnet wouldn't pop open, it was a pig to get to the latches to get it to open. The problem was that the copper grease had gone hard causing them to stick. If the catch had been at the back of the bonnet I would have had to cut it open.
Cleaned the copper grease off, re WD40'd them and then put a smear of engine oil on them, now much smoother.
Can I also suggest you get some spares of those very nice badges you have just fitted. If they come loose or fall off in a few years time you probably won't be able to source them and they may leave a mark. If you have spares they will never come off, good insurance!
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I use white electrical grease on things like hinges and catches. Doesn’t creep or go hard.
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Hi guys thank you for the replies but all it was just needed a slight adjustment it was working ok but just needed a little tweak as when I hit a bump or driving in a strong headwind the air would get under the bonnet and the bonnet will come undone, I just undone the two bolts holding the fastening and move the catch over about 2 mil and it works ok take care John James
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Here is a picture of my seal plate and one of my engine plate,
If anyone wants a price please email my friend William his email address is
william@gordonengraving.co.uk
Just let him know what size and a picture as well and he will give you a price.
Sorry about the quality of the pictures but it's quite hard taking a picture in the garage of shiny stainless steel enjoy
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They are really smart JJ....I shall be dropping your friend William a note to get some prices....thanks.
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Hi sir p glad you like them he can make them in any material that you want just let him know the size and size of the lettering and if you want a shield like I have just give him a picture but the price does go up when it starts to get more complicated, he showed me some signs that he made they were very thin plastic with LEDs in the side and the lettering in the middle was a different colour than the outside I think they were about 8 mil thick, looking forward to see more pictures of your car you take care buddy John James
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They look even better in the flesh - so to speak ;)
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Very nice. I want some too!!!
Jez
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Hi guys first picture is a tax disc that I bought off eBay.
Second picture is the same tax disc that I had in my window at the show if you look closely at the end of the wiper there is a mark on the windscreen that says BMW I used the marker pen on the inside to cover the mark and then the edge of the tax disc is over there marker pen so you can't really see it, enjoy John James
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Hi guys sorry I have been around for a while went in hospital at the beginning of March come out today 6th of April first thing I done when I got home was had a look at my little car in the garage I've had withdrawal symptoms while I've been in hospital. But now I'm home I shall take me time and get fit again and then take my little baby out for a drive. Hoping to see you all at Stoneleigh god willing hope you all had a great Easter John James
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Glad you are out and recovering John.
Jez
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Sorry to hear that John...glad you are on the mend.
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Quick recovery buddy make sure you enjoy the sun in your new car :) :)
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Don't rush things buddy, get yourself fit & hope to see you at Stoneleigh ;)
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Hi everybody thank you for all the nice messages waiting for my nephew to pop round as we're taking the car out today Sunday he's coming with me to make sure I'm ok. All I've done since I come out of hospital is sleep and eat soup and stuck in front of the TV can't wait to get out anyway I hope you guys are out in your cars with the roof down hoping to get to Stoneleigh you take care John James. 8) 8)
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All the best - take it easy.
OXO
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JJ. Sun next week. Roof down, driving with 100,000' of headroom. The best medicine there is. See you at Stonleleigh.
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Hi guys me and my nephew took the car out on Sunday the 15th of April had a lovely drive. And then we run into a thunderstorm so had to put my roof up and then we had hailstones but I'm glad to say my old roof kept the rain out so I'm now thinking about getting some cleaner and giving it a good old clean that way I can save a bit of money and have a new roof at a later date. Here is some pictures of my car wet I was quite surprised that there wasn't much dirt on it you can't beat a good waxing.
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Looking good buddy :D
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Thanks for the reply Ian. Been having a bit of trouble with the old brakes so decided to bite the bullet get some new pads, discs and handbrake shoes so that should keep me quite busy over the next couple of days
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Lol, did my brakes all round with pads & discs but haven't changed handbrake shoes. Thought I would do that + suspension & steering ball joints before I started the build.
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Hi guys when I went to the classic car show at Bath in February when I looked at my car it looks ok I noticed that when there's two people sitting in it and a bit of luggage in the boot it looks a little bit low and exhaust might hit a sleeping policeman. So I thought why I've got it up on axle stands doing my brakes perhaps I should fit different springs on the back. Although my car is a 2.8 I'm not sure when the springs on the back are standard or whether the car was slightly lowered when I got it. Have looked on the Big Wide Web and can't seem to find any information on the size of the standard Springs and what thickness the springs are. So has anybody change their back Springs because at the moment I am stuck I'm not sure what to do for the best the front looks ok. Any suggestions looking forward to hearing from your replies not long to go now to Stoneleigh. Lucky for me I bought two and a half litres of WD-40 been having a lot of trouble trying to undo the bolts on my discs will post some pictures when I finish John James
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Hi John,
Soak overnight in wd spray again next day tap several times with hammer spray again tightening motion spray again and undo
Usually works fine or a bit of heat around bolt. I once had some chewing gum remover that sprayed on to bolts made them extremly cold contracting it. That seemed ro work too
MADMAN
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Two and a half litres of WD40? You could undo most of the bolts holding the Titanic together with that lot.
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Hi Mick my arms feel like I've undone every Bolt on the Titanic the bolts on my brakes were really hard I'm glad I had so much WD-40 and a big hammer post pictures of the old discs and a couple of pictures of the new ones. Also painted the calipers as I had some red paint leftover from my west coast.
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Also thanks MadMen for letting me know about the chewing gum cleaner didn't realise that it made everything cold that is very useful information John James
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I like to give new discs a coat of BBQ paint, it rubs off on the contact surfaces as soon as the brakes are used but does stop the rest of the disc rusting in front of your eyes.
You can often get the BBQ paint in poundland.......................for a pound!
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I can never work out the prices in poundland
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You can also buy barbecue paint in B&Q in gloss or Matt they do it in spray or brush and if you go on a Wednesday you'll get it 10% cheaper if you've got a diamond card that is if you're over 60. But you have to watch out if you go in your 250 GT as you get older wrinkly groupies around your car with their Nora Batty stockings and Bridget Jones knickers I'm getting excited already.
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Matt spray is the best, goes on very thinly. My rear discs were scrap due to the rust inside the drum, nothing to do with wear. A coat of paint would have saved them.
Whule you are doing the discs, give the back splash plates a spray with some rust killer and give them a coat of paint to stop them from rusting away. Worth giving the ABS pickup wheel
a clean with some brake cleaner and a toothbrush.
I had to replace the rear plates as they had rusted around the holes that mount the handbrake shoes. Pig of a job. The front splash plates were both missing, just some
rusty mounting points left. Another pig of a job that I still have to do.
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Yes I know what you mean I'll still got some more work to do but at the moment is up and running ready for Stoneleigh I'm in bloody hospital again this week but I'm hoping to be out Friday dinner time. Then give the jam jar a clean ready for Stoneleigh. I'm still trying to find out what suspension springs people have been put in on the back of their cars because my car it's ok but when you've got two people in it the back goes right down. At the moment all I've got is the little Tesco's Hudl which is my outside Lifeline as I've been told I can't use my mobile phone because I'm lit up like a Christmas tree to a monitor. But my little hudi doesn't seem to effect the machines I only problem is getting it charged. I have posted about the rear Springs on my car trying to find out what other people have got perhaps I can find out at Stoneleigh John James
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My front & rear springs are the ones that DNA supplied John.
Look forward to seeing you again at Stoneleigh,, hope your recovery is soon enough mate ;)
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Mine are 30mm lowering springs (all round) by Cobra of Holland
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Thanks guys for letting me know about the springs. I'm finally out of hospital been told to take it easy which I will tonight and Saturday. But definitely going to Stoneleigh Sunday and Monday need to see people that haven't got doctors or nurses uniforms. Can't wait to be out in the fresh air and driving my jam jar with the roof down roll on Sunday. 8) 8)
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Hi guys finally home I have ordered my new springs on the Big Wide Web. So car will be going back up on axle stands can't remember how many times I've taken the back wheels off getting quite an expert at it now will post some pictures when I get the springs great to see all you guys at Stanley enjoy driving with the roof down.
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Hi guys was asked at Stoneleigh where I got my ashtray. The ashtray is a cigarette case that I got from eBay there about 12 to £14.
The Ferrari and Pininfarina flag I bought from eurospares click on their website and you go to the Ferrari website at the top of the page it says part number. Part number is 64460400 ferrari-pininfarina flags I paid about £63 that was delivery and VAT
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Hi guys ordered my new springs they arrived about a week ago. Thank you for letting me know what one's to get. Got the ones with the 30mm drop when I stand the new Spring against the Old Spring there isn't much difference between the two but after fit them on the back my car seats 66 mm higher. so now it is roughly the same height as Sir percival and handles a lot better. Have decided to fit my new springs for the front when I take the car off the road in the winter months as it seems to handle very well at the moment with the old springs on the front.
Picture 1 is the new Spring and Old Spring together new Spring is the red one.
Picture 2 is the new Spring sitting in the back of the car.
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Just changing your rear springs will affect your headlights. You might have to get them re-aligned.
Jez
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Thanks for the info Jez never thought of that another job to add to the list. Off to Kent Kit Car Club Friday night so I'll be quite interesting driving it back in the dark. Let's hope it isn't raining. 8). 8)
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Had a busy week this week when I got my car I had a tonneau cover that fits over the roof I tried it when I was building the car and it wouldn't fit because of the rear bulkhead. So I thought I'd have a go at making it fit so I got a piece of ply and fitted a few blocks to the ply about the same measurements then took the cover and a steamer and started to steam and bend a little bit at a time just take it steady. It looks ok the only problem the little pigs that stick up near the doors I had to unscrew and packed them up with two small washers and a spring washer in between to make them that little bit higher. I'm not sure when two die it Black or red but not might not get the same red as the seats or could leave it as it is, what do you guys think.
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Its gotta be red
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Hey John. Great job mate. I’m unfamiliar with this cover. Does it need to be removed to lift the roof? Do the bolts need to be removed for the roof to lift? The bolts could be chromed but some really nice proprietary looking trim bolts or even knurled thumbscrews or little turn levers might be a nice touch, though again, I don’t know what they do yet :)
As far as colour of the cover goes, red might look good but also might be too much red overall. Black pillowcases usually go with black roofs. One thing is certain; Tan is horrendous 😄
Such a stunning car
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There are 6 black tonneau covers on eBay at the moment or one on Zorg
https://zroadster.org/threads/tonneau-cover-in-black.23483/
2 on gumtree, £75 & £80
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There are 6 black tonneau covers on eBay at the moment or one on Zorg
https://zroadster.org/threads/tonneau-cover-in-black.23483/
2 on gumtree, £75 & £80
Cpuld someone photoshop the tonneau cover in red?
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There are 6 black tonneau covers on eBay at the moment or one on Zorg
https://zroadster.org/threads/tonneau-cover-in-black.23483/
2 on gumtree, £75 & £80
Cpuld someone photoshop the tonneau cover in red?
Something like this?
- tenpin
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Hi guys thanks for your replies so far I have been thinking about the red the problem would be getting the colour dye the right red so I think I might go for black.
Hi seriph in sunny Australia yes it has to be removed so that you can lift up the roof but it will fold up and fit in the front of the boot. The clips that hold it down I like little pop studs see picture.
First picture is the little nipple that holds the cover down that I had to pack up with two washers and a spring washer in the middle.
Second picture is the pop stud on the top
3 picture is the pop stud from underneath the cover
4 picture is the instructions on how to fit it.
5 picture is it folded up ready to fit in the boot.
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Thank you tenpin for the picture of what it would look like in red I'm not sure now where to do go for red or black shall have to wait and see if I can get the right colour dye anyway at least it looks better and seeing the roof all folded up at least it doesn't look like a BMW roof anymore when it's folded down what's happened to all the sunny weather I want to drive with the roof down. 8). 8)
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Hi guys thanks for your replies so far I have been thinking about the red the problem would be getting the colour dye the right red so I think I might go for black.
Hi seriph in sunny Australia yes it has to be removed so that you can lift up the roof but it will fold up and fit in the front of the boot. The clips that hold it down I like little pop studs see picture.
First picture is the little nipple that holds the cover down that I had to pack up with two washers and a spring washer in the middle.
Second picture is the pop stud on the top
3 picture is the pop stud from underneath the cover
4 picture is the instructions on how to fit it.
5 picture is it folded up ready to fit in the boot.
They are known as "Tenax" fasteners.
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Thanks for a great review of the Tenax clips. Such a great innovation. They’d look good in chrome regardless of cover trim but black looks ok too. I love the way th cover folds up.
The pillowcase seems a bit modern but I doubt it matters. If one was to retrain it, I imagine some nice boot stitching would add a more period look. But I know I’m nitpicking here. The combo of red and white is lovely mate. I’m so bloody jealous of you guys!
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Thought for completeness, I'd show a black cover as well.
- tenpin
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Great alternative. Great photoshop work too!
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Thanks Tenpin. Gives me some idea what black would look like. wish I could use Photoshop would make life a lot easier.
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Thought you guys would like to see what my car look like when it had white wall tyres enjoy.
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For what its worth, i like the black, it matches the tops of the doors and the dash, gives a nice finish between the red and the white which would then go all the way round the interior. Going with red the eye goes from the dashboard to the door trim (black) then at the back its red. Looks nice but think black looks better IMO.
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As you know I had a beige tonneau cover for my car decided in the end to go for black. I was thinking about dying it but knowing me I would finish up with black hands so having a look round in B&Q I found a spray that you can spray on leather plastic and cloth at £4.50 a can. so I decided to by two.
first picture is the can of spray.
Second and third picture is the cover being sprayed in my garage.
Fourth and fifth picture is the cover on the car I will take some better pictures when I get time.
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Looks really great bro but is it a “mottled” finish by intent or is it just a funky effect of the light?
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Steve it's just the light my seats are not that bright red it was just the light.
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Groovy. Thanks mate :) it F’n awesome
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On reading the thread I noticed that you have used MGB seats. I have a pair of the same that I am intending to use but am not to happy about the lever that reclines the seat back. You don't have it fitted, how do you recline the seats?
Thanks