Rebody BEACHCOMBER'S ZED-CARS

[beachcomber]

NOT for the 507 - what year Mondeo grill is used on the 250 SWB kit? Possibly 2 on the go as soon as I'm mobile again !

 

[mittaw]

Don't believe the grill is mondeo . It comes with the kit

 

[beachcomber]

Thanx, Mittaw, saved me from an embarrassing / expensive mistake !
Back to the 507 now. I've decided how to delete the 500 from the Fiat boot handle. I'm going to cut out the area and put a plate in that hints at the original key escutcheon. Still debating if I should cut out the "507" numbers and put a reflector lens behind. Once cut out I'll try the trusty CAD ( cardboard aided design) mock up to see if it looks OK or not. If not, I'll simply replicate the ridged effect on the escutcheon plate, maybe with a fake lock button.The Ivory coloured banjo steering wheel arrived today and I've ordered the relevant BMW medallion for the horn centre. BTW, if anyone is tempted to buy the 507 "Saga 2" ref book - the content is excellent, but the paper quality and graphics are appalling, not what you'd expect from a £46 book. Mine's gone back for a refund.

 

[Duncodin]

More info about that steering wheel? Make/Model etc. Also how will it fit onto the Z3 steering column? Do you have an adapter?

 

[beachcomber]

The steering wheels are made in Taiwan by my old Porsche parts suppliers. In fact I used them on some of my 356 Speedster reps. I have a readily available off the shelf adaptor ( I'll find the link) which has got the airbag delete gizmo. When I get back home tomorrow I'll take pix. and show how the wheel fits to the steering boss hub. The mount is finished in black, but I intend to spray it light ivory ( RAL # 1015 ) to match the wheel. In fact, that may well be the colour I choose for the exterior of the car. I've that colour in conjunction with Celeste Blue on my Edoardo Bianchi Phantom Boardtracker homage ( Tribute ??). I've got another consignment to order up at the end of the month.

 

[beachcomber]

Looks like the plan to cut the Fiat "500" logo out and replace it with a plate of some description will work. Except my Dremel battery died ! Job for tomorrow with a new mini diamond cutting disc.

 

[beachcomber]

First stages - so far so good. Next step to properly cut out "507" / red reflective backing and another with fake lock.

 

[beachcomber]

507 cut out looked too fussy, going with a body coloured escutcheon plate with fake " boot key barrel". Mounting hub now Ivory to match the wheel. Just needs a sandwich adaption ring making to join the wheel to the hub.

 

[beachcomber]

Cupboard latch lock cut down another enough clearance inside the handle. I .ight get the mounting plate with laser cut ridges similar to the original. I cut out the "507" logo in another POC escutchion- looked too fussy.

 

[Duncodin]

I was planning on doing more of a chop. I don't use the switch under the handle so cutting it out like this

ie something like this

Scuse the MS Paint chopjob. But I'm sure you see what I mean.

 

[beachcomber]

That's a much nicer solution, and coincidentally similar to what I have planned for the second handle due to arrive sometime next week ! Everything is an evolution and my first attempt was preserve the unblemished "chrome finish".

I have already done a CAD [ cardboard aided design ] based on the OEM 507 handle assy., which is basically what you have already done.

I love the interchange of ideas here !!!

I'm just drawing up the banjo steering wheel sandwich plate to attach the wheel to the hub.

 

[Pond]

507 cut out looked too fussy, going with a body coloured escutcheon plate with fake " boot key barrel". Mounting hub now Ivory to match the wheel. Just needs a sandwich adaption ring making to join the wheel to the hub.

Just be careful with your steering wheel. The adapter boss pulls the wheel quite a lot closer to the seat. If you then go adding other 'adapters' you could end up with the steering wheel being too far forward (or back depending on how you describe it). My wheel has a 25mm 'dish' and with just the adapter boss on the spline connected to the wheel; anyone over about 6ft would struggle even with the seat as far back as it goes.

I tried several boss adapters until I found one which would connect to the BMW clock spring correctly. I can't remember which one it is now TBH, but it was an expensive one (no surprise there!).

 

[beachcomber]

As ever, thanx for your timely input. The Banjo wheel is flat and the connector sandwich plate is 10mm. However. given your advice I will look at reducing the depth of the boss as an option if room us tight. Again. My thanx