MX5 MK1 body conversion project
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Reminds me of the old Midget/Sprite aftermrket conversions from the likes of Lenham and Ashley.
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.Reminds me of the old Midget/Sprite aftermrket conversions from the likes of Lenham and Ashley.
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.
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.
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