Rebody After a lot of thinking

[Pond]

I am warching both your threads. You seem to be more laid back and @Pond is the perfectionist that will never achieve perfection.
Maybe you both reach what you are after but one will walk a longer distance imho.

That seems to sum it up perfectly IMO.

I don't think I am a perfectionist (that is a road to ruin IMO), I just have a 'vision' that all my hard work (I don't like working for nothing) and expense needs to achieve.
If it doesn't achieve my expectations then I will be forever frustrated and will sell it immediately, as I would hate to look at my failure. My expectations are high, admittedly, but so they should be. This is not a cheap business and the hard work needs to be worth it.

My car build has taken over my life, literally. It may be to do with me having an 'obsessive personality'.
It has affected my marriage, as my wife has no interest in what I am doing at all.
I either do something 100% or not at all. I can't do multiple things at once.

 

[Pond]

This leads me to other options that I never wanted to face again, importing an MGB and start restoring, but I really do not want to get intimate with ignition points, carburators, jetting etc. not any more. I just want to build something that will be done and just drive it.

There are many other options. Remember we are now in 2025. Reliable, fuel injected cars have been around for over 40 years now.
An MGB is now over 50. There is a wealth of options in between.

I would say unless you REALLY want to do a rebody for whatever reason; then don't. If you want something to pass the time and to get involved in, there are a myriad of options.

Also...you can get any part for a 1960s, 70s or 80s British 'classic' car from multiple suppliers, yet you can't get any part for a Z3 anymore. The market for old British crap is massive.

I would still go with the boat TBH.

 

[Zephyr]

Most of my friends suggest a 356 beetle/Porsche that is as easy as can be.
Shorten the chassis, drop the shell, primer, paint, do whatever you like in the interior (as long as you keep the seatbelts MOT would be a breeze) and take it to the road.
But no A/C no hydraulic steering, no power, no brakes and no fun on the road.
And on top of that you have to deal with an engine that dates back to 1940.

Shipping a kit from UK to Greece would cost me about 1.000 for transport and from 1.600 to 2.300 in taxes.
So deciding to commit on this is tough. I am starting with 3.000 overhead over a 356 local shell.
its a tough deal.

 

[Duncodin]

Yep. I can understand the 356. That might have been my second choice. Although I may have gone out and bought the worst real one I could find.

But a 356 isn't going to give you the kind of 'fun' I think you're talking about. It is, after all, just a beetle. For the kind of fun you need a lotus7

 

[Synclare]

You're going to live on an island? What do you want a car for? Build a boat, you'll have great fun steaming timbers and when done will have more 'road' to 'drive' on than you can imagine. Will keep the missus happy too.

Also buy a cheap classic car of your choice that is intact and runs, but can be fettled to whatever level takes your fancy and keep it on the mainland. Then you can sail back and forth in your boat to fettle with car - win, win!

 

[Synclare]

Now there's an idea from Duncodin, you used to be able to buy a Robin Hood kit that looked like a Lotus 7. Think Westfield made them too. You'd have great fun building one using proprietory components and simply be a 'bolt it together' job, no faffing around trying to get things to fit. Be a great 'crumpet catcher' too parked by your boat in the marina (obviously leave the missus on the island!)

Yep. For the kind of fun you need a lotus7

 

[Pond]

Now there's an idea from Duncodin, you used to be able to buy a Robin Hood kit that looked like a Lotus 7. Think Westfield made them too. You'd have great fun building one using proprietory components and simply be a 'bolt it together' job, no faffing around trying to get things to fit. Be a great 'crumpet catcher' too parked by your boat in the marina (obviously leave the missus on the island!)

The only problem with those 'lotus 7' type cars is that they are horrible to drive. I seriously looked at buying a built one (Tiger) a few years ago.
I ditched the idea when I realised just how 'agricultural' they are. Uncomfortable, noisy, rattly with the quality feel of a soapbox. You need real dedication to get on with owning one IMO.

 

[ruan]

Can I suggest you find out if there are any being built in your area, go and have a look at them. Find out what you like and don't like. If you are in the UK , go to the UK national kit car show in Malvern. We all have different reasons for the builds that we are creating and they will all be different.

 

[Zephyr]

Can I suggest you find out if there are any being built in your area, go and have a look at them. Find out what you like and don't like. If you are in the UK , go to the UK national kit car show in Malvern. We all have different reasons for the builds that we are creating and they will all be different.

That would be a great idea but I live in Greece.
Over here we have VW kits, like the dune buggy, beach buggy and 356.
I have seen only on "california" Z3 and tried to communicate with the owner but he seemed he could not hear me over the rumbling noise of his ego.
Even if the car was a total piece of crap he would never say it.
Anyway, I am doing my homework, making contacts and as soon as I settle for good at the island I will start whatever project I pick.
The wife will be the local doctor, so I will have plenty of time to myself for any build and mostly swimming and relaxing.

 

[mittaw]

Hi @Zephyr . Do a rebody for sure but start it with your eyes wide open to whats involved and how much you want to do, and how much to palm off to mechanics or a body shop .... but you're asking the right questions.

In my opinion it comes down to this

1. What do you want...a replica or a car you want to build in you're own style. A replica ia good...if the build is good. If youre building your own car style that draws influence from other cars then you have mire freedom in my view. Thats what I'm doing. I dont want people to see mine as a replica or homage to anything....its just my car in my style and im very happy about that. If you want a replica so be it but be prepare for comments of comparison
2. Approvals.. rebody in uk is needs not IVA check...something like a 356 with shortened chassis will need .ore approval/iva etc
3. The kits vary in quality and youll end up working the kits to your body. The Tribute ones need a lot of work but if you buy knowing that its fine. I did and i like the bodyworks side of things. So its a lot of hours but it depends on the finish you want. Be your own critic.
4. If attached to the body correctly then should be no rattle. Ive only driven mine a short distance so far but no issues whatsoever.
5. The rebody bmw drives great and with solod bmw base chassis its great. Ive built lots of beetles in the past and while they are fun they are not to bmw standard or handling. I looked at 356nl kit butbwent bmw tribute
6. Prepare for a lot of work, but nothings rocket science.
7. Enjoy it , and enjoy building it. I really enjoy seeing it come together

You'll get a lot out of doing it...more than a boat (and I like sailing too) in my opinion. It will frustrate you, obsess you, spend your money for you...but that's all.part of the fun.

Set put a plan and go for it I'd say..I speng a year researching mine and read loads of forums etc and then went for it

What have I learnt.....things don't happen unless you make them happen, and so what if you make a mistake on the way...it just takes time and energy, and if you have that then go for it.

I got mine home this week and it's great fun but I agree with Duncodin ...enjoy it while you build it

I look forward to seeing your build if you do it.

 

[DaveP]

I agree with most of the points made on here. If you want a Z3 kit then you are limited to either the 250swb or 507.

The elephant in the room is the much much simpler kobra. Not to everyone's taste but so much easier a build. If you make it as a '1960s' car then you have that option. I drive my kobra and it's no more shakier than the donor car.

You get these from Tribute Automotive or Classic Coach Works (their build agent that can provide basic kit up to full build).

The kits need a lot of fettling ! But are priced accordingly when you look at labour charges and cost of materials.

Another option is another south of England kit maker who makes Rebody kits based upon spitfire, herald or scimitar chassis. They are more 1950s and called Formosa cars. More involved but very unique.

Looking at your situation I would build a long wheelbase 356 or buggy.

 

[Zephyr]

I am trying to make ends meet with taxes and shipping. I have to figure a way to export the shell and all bits and pieces to France and then send to Greece, because direct shipping to me would wreck my budget in import taxes.
Maybe I find someone to pick up from UK take to France (nothing to declare officer, just some scrap parts I usually carry with me when I travel)...

 

[MisterP007]

Nobody says anything about how the car feels on the road.
when over a bump, how does it feel?
Like falling appart? Doind noises like an empty shell? Ok-ish? Perfect?
I once had a fiberglass hood on a car and got rid of it because it was always making funny noises over bumps. Creeked, thudded, squeeked...

Mine is as solid as a rock on the road, no rattles or squeaks. Having said that, I am fanatical about things fitting properly and have a tendency to over-engineer. Rattles and weird noises are a big no-no for me (think people clicking pens - I want to break their fingers).

Go for the build.

 

[Duncodin]

I am trying to make ends meet with taxes and shipping. I have to figure a way to export the shell and all bits and pieces to France and then send to Greece, because direct shipping to me would wreck my budget in import taxes.
Maybe I find someone to pick up from UK take to France (nothing to declare officer, just some scrap parts I usually carry with me when I travel)...

What you want is somebody in the UK to buy the kit at the full price - then, a month later, sell it to you via ebay for £3.50 as a second hand, abandoned project, trailer full of miscellaneous stuff.

But don't look at me.

 

[Zephyr]

I am already trying to convince that someone but still calculating on the total amount of stuff I need. And it seems I am on a roll! Putting this kit together and having found a walkaround rule for the interior, I now add switches, tachos, and various stuff.
The total amount is scary so I need to either commit and build or get a real modern Ferrari for the same money...

 

[Jezza]

I am already trying to convince that someone but still calculating on the total amount of stuff I need. And it seems I am on a roll! Putting this kit together and having found a walkaround rule for the interior, I now add switches, tachos, and various stuff.
The total amount is scary so I need to either commit and build or get a real modern Ferrari for the same money...

If you want to build a 250 California to a high standard, expect it to cost you in excess of £30k and that's without any shipping or taxes. It might even be a lot more because a LHD Z3 donor is not cheap in Europe like they are here.

 

[Zephyr]

I am north of 45€ includung a 97/2.8 so far. Under the assumption that I will collect all the stuff from France and somehow they will "appear" there under the radar.

 

[Pond]

I am north of 45€ includung a 97/2.8 so far. Under the assumption that I will collect all the stuff from France and somehow they will "appear" there under the radar.

Mine is going to cost me £45k by the time it's on the road! Partly due to me buying an expensive 3 litre Z3, but mainly due to me buying a terrible kit which has cost a lot more than it should have to get acceptable. I bought an interior 'kit' aswell and have had to buy many parts twice as a lot were no good. My bodyshop costs alone are probably £4k more than anyone else's with a decent kit.

All my costs are without any duties or taxes, as it was all bought from the UK.

Build a boat!!

 

[Zephyr]

Seriously, with half that I can build a 17' Runabout with a 140/150 inboard motor and totally complete it in a year. Plus I can always sell it with a snap of my fingers.
never imagined that a rebody would cost that much.
still considering it though.

 

[Duncodin]

My rebody owes me maybe 6K. Not included the cost of buying a donor because I already had that.

I've been driving it pretty much continuously.

Still need wheels and paint so still more money to spend but seriously I can not imagine me ever getting to 20K