MX5 MK1 body conversion project

MX5 MK1 body conversion project

Author
Discussion

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Sunday 29th December 2013
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Well here it is so far. Using a TVR Sagaris bodyshell to get the shape i need. The roof has been chopped, raised, narrowed and moved forward. Vents in wings and panels to be filled. Rear lights will be from the nissan juke. Fronts will be individual units. Im either going to make this a bolt on kit or take a mould and make a shell and chassis. Plenty of power options as well. Will continue work in the new year.




Willie Dee

1,559 posts

207 months

Monday 30th December 2013
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Why?

Jerakeen

13 posts

124 months

Monday 30th December 2013
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Why not? It looks like it has a lot of potential.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Monday 30th December 2013
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Kit car industry us still thriving so why not introduce something new.

wildoliver

8,766 posts

215 months

Monday 30th December 2013
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I'm afraid I'm struggling as well.

I can see the point of kit cars that reshell a car with strong mechanicals but mundane/rotting bodywork (eg. Old Cortinas or nowadays MX5s as they rot so well but mechanically are usually excellent).

I can also see the point (although I think people who do are deluded) in replicating a very valuable or rare car.

I don't see any point at all in sticking bits of TVR to an MX5 shell. No matter how good a job you do your going to end up with an over wheeled, cumbersome lump without any of the TVR performance or chuckability of the 5, in short your going to end up with the worst of all worlds and if you managed to make a saleable item out of the bodykit then the car completed would end up costing more than a cheaper TVR model such as a Chimera which would be a real TVR and be fun to own as opposed to an MX5 in a dress.

Good on you, but if you want to make money out of your fibreglassing skills then sell the TVR bits and start producing Zoom, racing beat, garage vary style parts for the MX5 market as the market is huge, I'd be amazed if you sold even one of these kits.

Sosick

8 posts

123 months

Tuesday 31st December 2013
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That looks bonkers!

MG CHRIS

9,077 posts

166 months

Wednesday 1st January 2014
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Looks different and good luck on the project.

Another company tribute automotive seems to be going good at the moment doing exactly the same thing more variety in the market has to be a good thing. Even if it remains a one of why not there are plenty of mx5 out there so not like your doing the same with a rare car.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Wednesday 1st January 2014
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Thanks for your comments. As said either a bolt in kit like tribute or just use this as a plug to bake a shell then take it one step further by creating a complete kit car including chassis. Healey designs has just done it also with their mx5 creation.

KevSeymour

773 posts

172 months

Saturday 4th January 2014
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Looks like you're making a good job of it, interested to see this progress.

If you could install the roof without the rest of the rear end then i could see that selling a few units.

redroadster

1,729 posts

231 months

Sunday 9th February 2014
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Hi, please email me more info i had same idea think its got potential ptpimports@msn.com thanks.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Sunday 23rd March 2014
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wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Tuesday 1st April 2014
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Wheel spacers for cosmetic design purpose these are just to get the wheels in the correct place not for road use.


PATTERNPART

693 posts

200 months

Friday 4th April 2014
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Great industry by this gentleman. I'd be interested in a fastback hardtop that clips on using most of the existing roof hardware. I'm sure this gentleman could dream up a boot/hatch solution. Take the boot lid off temporarily? It would be even better as a winter hardtop if it was good aerodynamically.

Reminds me of the old Midget/Sprite aftermrket conversions from the likes of Lenham and Ashley.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Friday 4th April 2014
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PATTERNPART said:
Great industry by this gentleman. I'd be interested in a fastback hardtop that clips on using most of the existing roof hardware. I'm sure this gentleman could dream up a boot/hatch solution. Take the boot lid off temporarily? It would be even better as a winter hardtop if it was good aerodynamically.

Reminds me of the old Midget/Sprite aftermrket conversions from the likes of Lenham and Ashley.
Thanks i have been asked by a few people about fast back tops. I may be looking into it further down the line. i also have a plan to make this a targa so there is a possibility i will also make a fast back top that is targa. Not sure if this also interests people.

PATTERNPART

693 posts

200 months

Monday 7th April 2014
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Basic fastback would be far more use to me. I'd revert to full convertible in nice weather.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Saturday 10th May 2014
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Thought i would get out and do some today while i have some spare time. I have decided that i will be making this a bolt on kit for the mx5. Rear end will be a one piece clamshell with a removable targa top. Front end will be a bonnet, front wings and nose cone section as one and door skins. The front end will use all the original wing mounting points and the bonnet will use the original hinge points. Few shots of todays work.






wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Wednesday 14th May 2014
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So opinions on keeping it as a convertible with a custom tonuea cover. I will also be able to use the coupe roof to make a fastback.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Sunday 18th May 2014
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Few shots in the sunshine today as it needed a wash. Wheels are spaced out but think i may go another 10mm. I will now be able to work out the correct offsets for the wheels that will be going on when finished. obviously still needs to be lowered. Thinking coilovers 60mm drop and may need to bring the arches down a bit and then it should sit right.



Spidey999

2 posts

118 months

Thursday 22nd May 2014
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This looks awesome, would defiantly be interested if
A kit became availible. Awesome work.

wayneb1408

Original Poster:

58 posts

123 months

Thursday 5th June 2014
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Lowered look