Rebody 507 Tribute Build thread

[Piran]

Nick, used fiat barchetta handles on his 300 kit - they look pretty good

 

[Dxbolton]

Nick, used fiat barchetta handles on his 300 kit - they look pretty good

Nicks car used bmw z3 door skins, not the wider ones on the 507, so I’m not sure if that makes a difference

 

[Piran]

The old Pontiac look quite good

 

[Duncodin]

How does the bonnet open/lock Do you use the same pull and catches, same hinges etc?

The whole front lifts? Or do you do your fluid checks, engine, belt work etc through the small hatch? If/when the whole front is lifted what happens to the wiring for the lights?

 

[Dxbolton]

How does the bonnet open/lock Do you use the same pull and catches, same hinges etc?

The whole front lifts? Or do you do your fluid checks, engine, belt work etc through the small hatch? If/when the whole front is lifted what happens to the wiring for the lights?

I use original catches and latches so it opens on the factory hood pull handle.
the whole front clam lifts up as I have secured the smaller opening so it’s always closed.
The light wiring I connected from original location, ran back along the inner wing and up inside the clamshell. This is completed using a multi core wiring cable (as used on trailers and caravans for the light board) as it has 7 wires in the sheath so looks neat and tidy.

 

[Dxbolton]

Pics

 

[Duncodin]

Oh. I didn't know I'd pressed the post button. I wrote that then decided I better re-read everthing in case i'd missed it.

Just came back to click the button and there you've replied already.

Thank you

 

[Dxbolton]

The original gas struts hold the clam open WITHOUT the insert bonnet, but when fitted it’s just too heavy hence the pole. You can get updated ones made but I haven’t done that yet.

 

[Duncodin]

I see you've gone for a dateless plate

I'm currently looking for one too.

 

[Duncodin]

Black plate isn't allowed on a 98/99 car though. Although plod won't know. I had black plates on a car a while ago and they never bothered me.

 

[Duncodin]

How easy would it be, d'you think, to fit hinges on the small hatch? It looks big enough to do most things. Does chris plan for that or is it purely cosmetic and expected to be bolted down permanently?

 

[jaguartvr]

A few builders added hinges to the small bonnet on the 250 sob's. To be honest it really isn't worth it. The only time you will open the small bonnet is at a car show to reveal the BMW engine, Why?
It is a better idea to spend the time getting the gaps better around the small bonnet, I don't know how good or bad they are on the 507 but on the 250's the gap was pretty horrendous =, when I see a 250 I always seem drawn to the bonnet gap, it gives a pretty good indication of the build quality.

 

[Dxbolton]

A few builders added hinges to the small bonnet on the 250 sob's. To be honest it really isn't worth it. The only time you will open the small bonnet is at a car show to reveal the BMW engine, Why?
It is a better idea to spend the time getting the gaps better around the small bonnet, I don't know how good or bad they are on the 507 but on the 250's the gap was pretty horrendous =, when I see a 250 I always seem drawn to the bonnet gap, it gives a pretty good indication of the build quality.

My bonnet gap was near perfect.
I would only want internal hinges so they are hidden, external ruin the lines in my opinion. I did look at some but I couldnt find any that worked, and then you need a second hood pull for the small hood. Internal mounting on the clam isn’t straight forward due to internal bracing. Front hinge may work better
I also have an issue with open bonnets at shows, it ruins the cars lines.

 

[jaguartvr]

Just shows that Tribute kits get better and better the more they develop.

Mercedes A168 bonnet hinges are the ones to use and work well but are becoming harder to find and getting quite expensive.

 

[Duncodin]

If, just if, i do hinges on the small bonnet I'd connect the catch to the original z3 lever. That would be the bonnet I'd use most to check fluids etc. Under the small hatch there could be another lever to open the latch for the whole front.

 

[jaguartvr]

Then what would you use to open the main bonnet?
Honestly the small bonnet will never be opened as access is so limited, just stick to the whole front lifting for excellent access.

 

[Duncodin]

Under the original wheelarch is that plastic mud shield strip. That would be extended up tight against the new wheelarch (shouldn't it?)

doesn't opening the whole front rub up on rubber?

Has anyone ever turned it round so hinged at the front. Opening like a spitfire? Would be a lot of work so I wouldn't attempt it butnI wonder if any has ever done it.

 

[jaguartvr]

I left the original Z3 splash guard in place and trimmed the outside edge. I then used some polypropylene sheeting and slipped it between the splash guard and the metal body and held it in place with self tappers. This stops 90% of the splashing, the rest is not worth bothering about as you probably get more coming up from the engine bay.
I gel coated the underside of my bonnet so a quick rinse with the hose gets any build up off easily when the car gets it annual wash!

 

[Dxbolton]

Plenty of access through smaller bonnet.

 

[jaguartvr]

Fuses, servo, radiator. air filter, shock mounts etc etc
Take another picture with the full bonnet open, why make work for yourself?