Rebody Z3 to Kobra build thread

[DaveP]

For those who wonder how do we get the lights working on the bonnet when the wiring to the headlamps and indicators are on the front slam panel. In my case I used the correct ampage 7 core trailer wire and ran that extension from the existing connections. Along the side of the wings/engine bay and then under the bonnet. It is fixed up with square cable-tie holders.

Washer jets done in much the same way with the exception of changing the jets to something more chrome than standard.

 

[DaveP]

Inner arches next. The rears can either be done by making a template and making a piece of 2mm polypropylene to fit. Or adjust the old rear arches to fit. This is the option I chose.

Front inner arch is a templates sheet of black 2mm that runs over the top of the wheel and drilled riveted in place. Bit of a faff if you don’t have the template.

 

[DaveP]

Last post today. Fitted the front number plate smack in the middle of the opening. It does four things:

Sits in a good place and is vertical. Stops me needing to figure out what grill suits it best while I enjoy the car in the summer lets me get the MOT to enable this. Allows me time to wait for my new registration bought at the weekend to be transferred and then decide where the shorter plate fits.

No show plates !

Dave

 

[Markyb1964]

H i Dave,

Just came across this thread searching the internet for Kobra and joined up.
I am currently building one 2. I see you are building yours at Richards.
I saw your car when I picked my kit up .
Heres mine


Mark

 

[5harp3y]

Last post today. Fitted the front number plate smack in the middle of the opening. It does four things:

Sits in a good place and is vertical. Stops me needing to figure out what grill suits it best while I enjoy the car in the summer lets me get the MOT to enable this. Allows me time to wait for my new registration bought at the weekend to be transferred and then decide where the shorter plate fits.

No show plates !

Dave

View attachment 80549View attachment 80550

Needs a stick on plate!

 

[Sean d]

Needs a stick on plate!

View attachment 80633

Needs an aweful lot more then a stick on plate to look like that,

 

[DaveP]

I’m not sure whether to think Sean’s comment is funny or offensive.

There is a big difference between my build standard and that pic ? .... really ?

 

[DaveP]

H i Dave,

Just came across this thread searching the internet for Kobra and joined up.
I am currently building one 2. I see you are building yours at Richards.
I saw your car when I picked my kit up .
Heres mine
View attachment 80618 View attachment 80619 View attachment 80620

Mark

Hi Mark,
Good luck with the build. Although looks like you don’t need it. Was I there or was it one of the days when I was doing my day job ?
Looking forward to your pics. Where are you ?
Dave

 

[Sean d]

I’m not sure whether to think Sean’s comment is funny or offensive.

There is a big difference between my build standard and that pic ? .... really ?

No offense meant pal, but a Z3 Cobra will never look like the cobra in the pic, no matter how much money is thrown at it

 

[DaveP]

I agree Sean. No offence taken in any way. Mine is a Kobra not Cobra.

That said I’d rather have mine than a replica with a 2.1 Pinto running on Sierra running gear. I have a decent hood oh and it will (probably) pass emissions.

On the subject of stick plates. They are bordering on illegal I think so wouldn’t have them. White on black for a post ‘73 Car is definitely asking for a pull by the boys in blue too I expect.

Mine is down and dirty and basic. It will do ....

 

[DaveP]

That sounded like I was picking on pilgrim kit owners. Not my intention.

Dave

 

[Sean d]

I agree Sean. No offence taken in any way. Mine is a Kobra not Cobra.

That said I’d rather have mine than a replica with a 2.1 Pinto running on Sierra running gear. I have a decent hood oh and it will (probably) pass emissions.

On the subject of stick plates. They are bordering on illegal I think so wouldn’t have them. White on black for a post ‘73 Car is definitely asking for a pull by the boys in blue too I expect.

Mine is down and dirty and basic. It will do ....

Each to their own pal, I don't know what the crack is with the one in the pic but it looks the dogs and if it has 2.1 Pinto I would be happy with that, its a cracking engine and still used today amonst clubman rally guys, it is far lighter then a 6 pot and can develope in excess of 160 bhp

 

[gookah]

View attachment 80549

Is yours the same kit as MarkyB's but with the front bumper lower spoiler cut off..?

 

[DaveP]

Each to their own pal, I don't know what the crack is with the one in the pic but it looks the dogs and if it has 2.1 Pinto I would be happy with that, its a cracking engine and still used today amonst clubman rally guys, it is far lighter then a 6 pot and can develope in excess of 160 bhp

Looks like we got off on a wrong footing Sean. It is exactly that with each to their own. I just feel if I had a ‘proper’ Cobra kit and not my imitation I’d want a V8. The pinto is a wicked engine - but would feel wrong in that type of car.

Mine is what it is - a cheap imitation of a more expensive copy of a classic (and now flipping expensive) iconic car.

I love the look of that car. If I could afford one I’d have one (for the summer months)

Dave

 

[DaveP]

Is yours the same kit as MarkyB's but with the front bumper lower spoiler cut off..?

It is. Mine has no front spoiler, front brake vents or bonnet hood. Mark’s is as you would buy it normally. I had the idea to be a bit different. Time will tell if mine is an error in judgment

 

[gookah]

It is. Mine has no front spoiler, front brake vents or bonnet hood. Mark’s is as you would buy it normally. I had the idea to be a bit different. Time will tell if mine is an error in judgment

the removal of that bottom edge gets a big thumbs up from me...

 

[DaveP]

the removal of that bottom edge gets a big thumbs up from me...

Cheers,

You do have to drop the front quite a bit to make sure it works though. The kit is very different to a Cobra due to the the strut tops so the spoiler is there to offset that aspect when looking from the side.

They are fun to build. Can’t wait to get out in mine next month

 

[5harp3y]

As long as the stick on plates are reflective and postcoded they are perfectly legal

 

[Markyb1964]

Hi Mark,
Good luck with the build. Although looks like you don’t need it. Was I there or was it one of the days when I was doing my day job ?
Looking forward to your pics. Where are you ?
Dave

Cheers bud and to you. I picked the kit up on Saturday 31st March. I am down in Brighton
Being shown the bonnet attachment on your car and being told do NOTTTTTTT do the catch up tight before getting it in right position or it will never open

 

[Ianmc]

As long as the stick on plates are reflective and postcoded they are perfectly legal

That's good to know, I like the stick on plate, it opens up the grill area. Anyone tried this on a Z3?