My T350 convertible (Tamora) conversion project
Discussion
Cheers for the positive comments guys. Obviously there's a hat tip to TVR for the original style and to plasticman for taking the project on.
NRS, not really decided on colour yet. Shortlist of:
NRS, not really decided on colour yet. Shortlist of:
- Halcyon Atlantis Blue (if I can get it with a nice metallic flake)
- Chameleon Green (if I can find the extra cash, and decide if it's more aqua than gree)
- Lotus Laser Blue- or one of the nice aqua/turquoise/blue's that's coming on new ford/pug/hyundais
- Spectraflair Blue or Silver
Regarding colours, no I still haven't decided. It is without doubt the most difficult part of this project. Light buckets will be black though. And once it's all up and running it'll probably make sag style turning vanes for the front ducts, and possibly small fog/spotlights there too if it looks right, but that's for later!
As noted before, I'm hamstrung by the current navy blue/grey interior which is in too good a condition to warrant changing, and besides which, with what I've spent so far, or am about to, and with an impending wedding, I just can't change (for the moment)!
So I really need an exterior colour which will go with the interior, especially important on a convertible really.... Hence the mostly blue and blue/green shortlist.
I'd also prefer a lighter colour because I think it suits the 350 shape, and I want it to be irridecsent in the sunlight. I've got a particular affection for rich metallic flakes (but not the over the top child's glitter). I have looked at the custom colour route, but think I should keep it fairly simple first time around, and there was plenty of original colour choice anyway.
Without having seen any of these colours in the flesh yet, my favorites are:
Halcyon Alantis Blue, so long as it looks like these, and not the plain flat 'pearl' which is more prevalent. Thanks to BenCA for the photos.
and Reflex/Chameleon Green, so long as it looks like this in real life:
And not like this, which I seem to remember it actually does (wish I had paid more attention, but it was before I was even thinking of painting my own car)
But there is also Spectra Emerald, and Spectraflairs.
And then, a bit out of left field, this is an option:
Sadly, due to traveling overseas a lot for work, I've missed all the shows and gatherings this year, and even the Tiv regional meets are a decent drive out for me. So seeing any colour in real life has proved to be too great a challenge so far.
As noted before, I'm hamstrung by the current navy blue/grey interior which is in too good a condition to warrant changing, and besides which, with what I've spent so far, or am about to, and with an impending wedding, I just can't change (for the moment)!
So I really need an exterior colour which will go with the interior, especially important on a convertible really.... Hence the mostly blue and blue/green shortlist.
I'd also prefer a lighter colour because I think it suits the 350 shape, and I want it to be irridecsent in the sunlight. I've got a particular affection for rich metallic flakes (but not the over the top child's glitter). I have looked at the custom colour route, but think I should keep it fairly simple first time around, and there was plenty of original colour choice anyway.
Without having seen any of these colours in the flesh yet, my favorites are:
Halcyon Alantis Blue, so long as it looks like these, and not the plain flat 'pearl' which is more prevalent. Thanks to BenCA for the photos.
and Reflex/Chameleon Green, so long as it looks like this in real life:
And not like this, which I seem to remember it actually does (wish I had paid more attention, but it was before I was even thinking of painting my own car)
But there is also Spectra Emerald, and Spectraflairs.
And then, a bit out of left field, this is an option:
Sadly, due to traveling overseas a lot for work, I've missed all the shows and gatherings this year, and even the Tiv regional meets are a decent drive out for me. So seeing any colour in real life has proved to be too great a challenge so far.
Edited by ChrisPap on Monday 17th September 03:22
Buzz Billsberry said:
This is a fantastic colour it would be good to see it on your proj.car chris or a normal Tamora
Buzz
The second part is easy. Just Google Cascade Indigo Tamora and you get pics like this:Buzz
Amazing colour though it is, I think it might be a bit to shouty for a 350. Perfect on a Sag though. And expensive!!!
Cheers for the suggestions again guys, but the shortlist has a cutoff. Already had a yellow sportscar, and epic though it is, reflex charcoal is just too dark for me this time.
But while I'm posting- if anyone has a Cham Green or HA Blue car around Buckingham or Oxford that they would like to show off, please let me know!
Shep: I've always thought Cham Blue was blue in name only because it always looks green/purple to me. Never seen any blue in it. Have I got it wrong?
Graham: Believe it or not, that is Cham Green, just in full sunlight, so very green I guess. Those two pictures are actually of the same car- http://www.autogespot.com/spots?licenseplate=49-hz...
It's only the exceeding green-ness that puts me off, as I much prefer the aqua tones like the first photo.
Anyone know what's the difference between reflex and Chameleon Colours? Are they the same or entirely different?
Graham: Believe it or not, that is Cham Green, just in full sunlight, so very green I guess. Those two pictures are actually of the same car- http://www.autogespot.com/spots?licenseplate=49-hz...
It's only the exceeding green-ness that puts me off, as I much prefer the aqua tones like the first photo.
Anyone know what's the difference between reflex and Chameleon Colours? Are they the same or entirely different?
Hi Red,
don't worry, the suspension is currently set to maximum ride height. May have contributed the the initial shunt!
It's helped with some of the towing operations so far, but once painted the car will be set nicely lower.
I'm separated from the car until Tuesday. Can't wait to get back and get it on the road!
don't worry, the suspension is currently set to maximum ride height. May have contributed the the initial shunt!
It's helped with some of the towing operations so far, but once painted the car will be set nicely lower.
I'm separated from the car until Tuesday. Can't wait to get back and get it on the road!
Well, it's about time for an update isn't it?!
Unfortunately with my job I have recently been spending 2 weeks out of the country for every one week or less in it, but things have finally moved on.
I've had my TVR cascade spanners out:
So, headlights fixed in, numberplate light holes cut and lights fitted. Got the horn working by fitting a new relay inside the Relay Splice Unit (what a stupid thing that is!) a bit more detail work and so the car is now at the garage hopefully getting it's MOT.
Fingers crossed they'll be kind to me as the back box isn't properly mounted (it's the old tamora one and is going to get chucked because it doesn't fit under the T350 diffuser panel), there are no rad fans, and the driver side inertia reel was a bit moody this morning! Perfect for the MOT!
Unfortunately with my job I have recently been spending 2 weeks out of the country for every one week or less in it, but things have finally moved on.
I've had my TVR cascade spanners out:
So, headlights fixed in, numberplate light holes cut and lights fitted. Got the horn working by fitting a new relay inside the Relay Splice Unit (what a stupid thing that is!) a bit more detail work and so the car is now at the garage hopefully getting it's MOT.
Fingers crossed they'll be kind to me as the back box isn't properly mounted (it's the old tamora one and is going to get chucked because it doesn't fit under the T350 diffuser panel), there are no rad fans, and the driver side inertia reel was a bit moody this morning! Perfect for the MOT!
Well, it's been quite a day!
I driven 140 miles (in my Alfa) to go and get some new radiator fans, fitted them up, mission to re-bleed the water system! And it took a re-test but it's now passed it's MOT! Emissions were a bit of an issue though!
So got my MOT which is good but I've also popped my breakdown cherry and discover that the alternator isn't working!
Hopefully I can find an easy fix to what's on the car because I've got no idea where I'm going to get a replacement alternator from on a Saturday, and I've got to take the car 300mi to the paint shop by the end of Monday.
Aubrey, thanks but an original box won't fit in becase of the box for the roof panel. Think I need a JP or similarly small box.
Mike, not cascade paint, but it's a coating that makes them look purple/blue/green/gold depending on lighting.
I driven 140 miles (in my Alfa) to go and get some new radiator fans, fitted them up, mission to re-bleed the water system! And it took a re-test but it's now passed it's MOT! Emissions were a bit of an issue though!
So got my MOT which is good but I've also popped my breakdown cherry and discover that the alternator isn't working!
Hopefully I can find an easy fix to what's on the car because I've got no idea where I'm going to get a replacement alternator from on a Saturday, and I've got to take the car 300mi to the paint shop by the end of Monday.
Aubrey, thanks but an original box won't fit in becase of the box for the roof panel. Think I need a JP or similarly small box.
Mike, not cascade paint, but it's a coating that makes them look purple/blue/green/gold depending on lighting.
Cheers Shep! I checked the fuse several weeks ago and it was fine. The car has been jump started and had a flat battery a few times since then, but not being that bright, I didn't check it again once the car was running before fingering the alternator. Found a 100 amp fuse in stock locally, fitted it and job done.
So up and running and just went for my first drive!
So up and running and just went for my first drive!
Well, drove it up to the paint shop today- 120 trouble free miles. A few provoked sideways moments including a very fun U turn (god I've missed RWD hooning)and one butt clenching unexpected slide coming off a roundabout (wet, diesel etc). Dab of oppo and I was away!
Stopped on the way to swap a couple of parts over and parked up next to a cousin. Couldn't resist a few pics.
Stopped on the way to swap a couple of parts over and parked up next to a cousin. Couldn't resist a few pics.
Hi Cramora,
I'm currently out of the country again (I work away a lot) so there probably won't be many updates for a while. I did manage to drop the car off for paint with Brendan Allen in Sheffield before I left.
I think I'll get the car back in the early part of December. I haven't decided on colour yet but there is a shortlist of:
About your above idea of the diffuser... I have thought about it and even photochoped a rudimentry sketch earlier in the thread. I think it remains an option, perticularly as I need to source a 350 pannel, but I had two reservations. The 350 exhaust cover is iconic, and the car should be recognisable as a 350. The other is that when the diffuser is black (or not body colour) it changes the look because the gap between the lower corners of the rear lights and the diffuser becomes really small, which looks a bit wierd. Then I'm back into shortening the rear lights by moving the reflector and deleting the lowest hole, but then it definately isn't looking exactly like a T350 spider.
It's a conundrum!
I'm currently out of the country again (I work away a lot) so there probably won't be many updates for a while. I did manage to drop the car off for paint with Brendan Allen in Sheffield before I left.
I think I'll get the car back in the early part of December. I haven't decided on colour yet but there is a shortlist of:
- Chameleon Green
- Halcyon Atlantis Blue
- Chameleon Blue
- Spectraflair Blue or Silver
About your above idea of the diffuser... I have thought about it and even photochoped a rudimentry sketch earlier in the thread. I think it remains an option, perticularly as I need to source a 350 pannel, but I had two reservations. The 350 exhaust cover is iconic, and the car should be recognisable as a 350. The other is that when the diffuser is black (or not body colour) it changes the look because the gap between the lower corners of the rear lights and the diffuser becomes really small, which looks a bit wierd. Then I'm back into shortening the rear lights by moving the reflector and deleting the lowest hole, but then it definately isn't looking exactly like a T350 spider.
It's a conundrum!
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the offers of colour viewings. I will try to take you up on that that coming weekend.
There is no progress to mention. I suppose by now Brendan has started to prep the car, and I've got test jelly molds ordered of the shortlisted paints.
Not sure what you mean about the spoiler Andy? The tamora boot spoiler was cut off because it doesn't work with the T350 which has a sort of 'ducks bum' rear lip anyway. I don't intend to fit a sag spoiler to the back because it seems a bit OTT on a convertible road car and the Sag is actually a different shape so the perspex spoilers don't fit a t350 very well.
Thanks for the offers of colour viewings. I will try to take you up on that that coming weekend.
There is no progress to mention. I suppose by now Brendan has started to prep the car, and I've got test jelly molds ordered of the shortlisted paints.
Not sure what you mean about the spoiler Andy? The tamora boot spoiler was cut off because it doesn't work with the T350 which has a sort of 'ducks bum' rear lip anyway. I don't intend to fit a sag spoiler to the back because it seems a bit OTT on a convertible road car and the Sag is actually a different shape so the perspex spoilers don't fit a t350 very well.
Well it's been a little while but I'm back! Not with the car, but with some paint samples.
Chameleon Green
Spectraflair Grey
Spectraflair Blue
The only ones not on the list is Halcyon Atlantis Blue, which seems a little plain, but is still nagging the back of my mind, and possibly the bright aqua blue appearing on a lot of current shopping carts, particularly the Mazda2.....
Chameleon Green
Spectraflair Grey
Spectraflair Blue
The only ones not on the list is Halcyon Atlantis Blue, which seems a little plain, but is still nagging the back of my mind, and possibly the bright aqua blue appearing on a lot of current shopping carts, particularly the Mazda2.....
NRS, I wish I was showing you the finished car!
The Spectraflair Black that Don has, I'm looking at a different shade which is painted over a blue basecoat instead of grey or black, which gives it a much lighter hue.
The thing with SF, a Sag can pull it off and look amazing because of all the shapes. I'm not sure about the 350....
With the Cham Green, I want this (so bad):
But I'm going to get this (unless the lighting is just right):
But then, this is the same debate I've been having with myself for months now....
The Spectraflair Black that Don has, I'm looking at a different shade which is painted over a blue basecoat instead of grey or black, which gives it a much lighter hue.
The thing with SF, a Sag can pull it off and look amazing because of all the shapes. I'm not sure about the 350....
With the Cham Green, I want this (so bad):
But I'm going to get this (unless the lighting is just right):
But then, this is the same debate I've been having with myself for months now....
Well it's been a while but here's a pitiful update.
I haven't seen my car for 2 1/2 months now, and I think it's going to be at least another month until it's back. To keep myself amused I've spent the time um-ing and ah-ing about colours, and and after deciding that the small jelly mould samples aren't really giving me a good enough indication, I've spent the last couple of nights making something more suitable; a 1:10 scale model of my car based on a RC car chassis. it's nearly ready for stage 2 now, just the windscreen and some surface smoothing to do.
Then I'm going to make a mold and knock a few of them out, then paint those to get a better idea of what I'm going to end up with.
I haven't seen my car for 2 1/2 months now, and I think it's going to be at least another month until it's back. To keep myself amused I've spent the time um-ing and ah-ing about colours, and and after deciding that the small jelly mould samples aren't really giving me a good enough indication, I've spent the last couple of nights making something more suitable; a 1:10 scale model of my car based on a RC car chassis. it's nearly ready for stage 2 now, just the windscreen and some surface smoothing to do.
Then I'm going to make a mold and knock a few of them out, then paint those to get a better idea of what I'm going to end up with.
Guys, I know I'm being insane picking a colour, my wife reminds me. But in my defence it's a decision I can only make once and I don't want to get it wrong and be stuck with a colour I don't love. It's not a cheap or easy thing to put right. There are lots of good colours, but for my car it's not enough to just be good.
Buzz, I bloody hope it'll be ready by then! I'm hoping for the end of the month really, but will have to see. So should be at Chatsworth anyway.
Luckily I have a uniform at work, so most of my wardrobe takes care of itself.
Buzz, I bloody hope it'll be ready by then! I'm hoping for the end of the month really, but will have to see. So should be at Chatsworth anyway.
Luckily I have a uniform at work, so most of my wardrobe takes care of itself.
Hi Guys,
new update, propmted by a thread on the tvrcc forum.
Colour was chosen a couple of weeks ago. I managed to view a couple of colours on real cars and the others I was able to paint onto the 1:10 scale models I turned out. It was actually a key step because most of the colours I was looking at were pearls with the odd metallic and Spectraflair in there. And none of those colours are just a colour, they are a colour that changes based on shape an viewing angle. As I've hardly seen any TVR's in real life, and when I did I wasn't paying keen attention to the colour, seeing the colour on the target shape brought clarity.
The car has been delayed a bit but I think it should be painted next week and re-assembled the week after so I hope to have it back in early Feb. Then I'll post some pics of the finished article and some of the new features like the LED rear lights, a new bonnet hinging system I will make that isn't a complete joke, and I've just bought a Parrot radio for single DIN GPS, Bluetooth phone/music, USB music, SD card music and a reversing camera too.
Looking forward to meeting up Alan, and eventually getting out there!
new update, propmted by a thread on the tvrcc forum.
Colour was chosen a couple of weeks ago. I managed to view a couple of colours on real cars and the others I was able to paint onto the 1:10 scale models I turned out. It was actually a key step because most of the colours I was looking at were pearls with the odd metallic and Spectraflair in there. And none of those colours are just a colour, they are a colour that changes based on shape an viewing angle. As I've hardly seen any TVR's in real life, and when I did I wasn't paying keen attention to the colour, seeing the colour on the target shape brought clarity.
The car has been delayed a bit but I think it should be painted next week and re-assembled the week after so I hope to have it back in early Feb. Then I'll post some pics of the finished article and some of the new features like the LED rear lights, a new bonnet hinging system I will make that isn't a complete joke, and I've just bought a Parrot radio for single DIN GPS, Bluetooth phone/music, USB music, SD card music and a reversing camera too.
Looking forward to meeting up Alan, and eventually getting out there!
Hi Mike,
not sure about the badge. For the front I want to use the TVR letters like off the older cars rather than the ford oval.
On the back I was thinking I would either use a TVR badge from the front, or as the T stands for Tamora anyway, and the car has been converted to 350, easy one would be T350c for convertible, or if I can get one made, T350s- s for spider.
not sure about the badge. For the front I want to use the TVR letters like off the older cars rather than the ford oval.
On the back I was thinking I would either use a TVR badge from the front, or as the T stands for Tamora anyway, and the car has been converted to 350, easy one would be T350c for convertible, or if I can get one made, T350s- s for spider.
Gassing Station | Tamora, T350 & Sagaris | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff