I'm now getting worried I'm in some kind of mirror universe!Tom... flipping the video would not put your left arm closer to the door and would not show you starting the car with your left hand, cmon tell all , love your project
Z3(00S) - EV project
- Thread starter Tom Cheesewright
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johnc46
Dedicated Member
Ye gods I had to watch it again using a mirror, my ancient 75 year old brain could not cope with the concept, my apologies for doubting you. nhoJ sorry John
New video update on the plans for the car in 2022. Getting quite into this video malarkey. Takes a hell of a lot longer than writing a blog post but it's fun.
View: https://youtu.be/O8lYWLutV_E
More video action! I'm getting quite into this now, if you couldn't tell...
First there's one on the first steps in building my new battery box:
View: https://youtu.be/3wOveVwDzGY
I've started a new podcast/video series called 'DIY EV Chat' where I speak to other people who've built their own EV:
View: https://youtu.be/mb_gQVFWFbg
And then today I've just shared a video about redoing the wiring - just an explainer really:
View: https://youtu.be/vN5vUT_WqEs
First there's one on the first steps in building my new battery box:
I've started a new podcast/video series called 'DIY EV Chat' where I speak to other people who've built their own EV:
And then today I've just shared a video about redoing the wiring - just an explainer really:
I've been busy on the videos again. Two more videos on the rewiring project over on my YouTube channel now:
View: https://youtu.be/dYSe1KwHdoo
View: https://youtu.be/ycHZedvJXlw
Bit of news for the Z crowd: I think I finally found a garage today. Should close the deal on Monday. So of course with my boundless optimism I jumped straight in and ordered the Z300S kit from Tribute Automotive just now.
That's the one! Was always the plan for this one - deliberately bought one with a shot body to save.
Bit more of a complete update from my blog:
"Since we started the EV project, the plan has always been to do a body swap. But we've been held back by the lack of a dry space in which to do it. Though the kit we plan to use is largely a bolt-on swap for the existing Z3 panels, there is a lot of fettling required, for example fitting the rear lights (which don't come with the kit and require the body to be modified), installing a charge port, and mounting number plates etc. All this means the car might be body-less for a few days.
But, after over a year of searching, I have now found a garage to rent about 15 minutes drive from my house. And it has space for some friends to come in with their projects too. So I've taken the plunge and put the deposit down on the Tribute Automotive Z300S kit.
This has about a six week lead time. So that means for the next six weeks I will be thinking about all sorts of aspects of the looks of the car, as well as trying to get the garage in order for the work. I'll save information about the garage for an upcoming video - and for when I've actually put pen to paper on the contract (this all might yet be a bit premature...). But I am starting to plan some bits for the car.
Lights
One of the big decisions to make is about what lights to use. I confess I've found choosing these pretty confusing. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of clear guidance in terms of what is allowed with regards to LEDs etc. Since we're going for a real resto-mod look, I want to have quite modern features on the car, including LED lights all round. These should also save on energy consumption a bit - every little helps.
So the question is, what lights do I need?
At the front, you clearly need headlights, dipped and full beam, as well as indicators. Fog lamps are optional (there are none on the original car) and I could choose to add those later.
I really like these all-in-one units for this. They are certified for E9 (Spain) but from what I can gather this should also be fine for the UK (E11), though this may come down to the judgement of the MOT station. (All advice welcome).
At the rear I need brake lights, position lights (that come on with the front lights), indicators and reversing lamps. And lights for the number plate. I like the multi-function nature of these Fristom FT-230s but not totally sold on the design yet. Bit too 'back of a truck trailer'. Something like that would be good though.
Again, fog lights are optional, though these are integrated into some units.
Then there's just the sides where I will need repeaters for the indicators.
The confusion comes with the regulations. It's not entirely clear what the legalities are here of installing LED lights on a car that didn't originally have them, when I'm completely changing the body shape. I'm hoping that as long as the lights are appropriately marked up with 'ECE' certification, I should be fine.
Wheels
My daughter wants wire wheels. I don't. Not only do they not go with the resto-mod theme, they would be a ball ache to clean.
Our compromise so far is BMW Style 42 wheels which we both like.
I've been looking at a 17in set with an 8J profile from a 5-Series. The problem with these is that I want something with enough width or offset to really fill out the rear arches and I don't think these will. As I understand it the 20 or 47mm offset these wheels come with (ET20/ET47) mean that they very much tuck under the car. Instead I want wheels that go the other way from the centreline of the wheels and perhaps have a bit of a dish.
More research required.
Interior
This is a consideration for down the line really, but I have already started working on some custom parts for the interior. Notably, customising the heater controls for my electric heating system, and adapting the centre console for a double-din touchscreen head unit. Videos to follow over on the YouTube channel. I also want to change the seats in the car or have the current ones re-upholstered - not sure which is the more cost-effective option at the moment. And fresh carpets and door cards are also a must.
Next steps
The plan now is to get the second Z3 (the basis for my future electric GT car) into the workshop and get it stripped down. Then I can use its gearbox to make up the adaptor plate for the new motor for the cabrio, without having to take the cabrio off the road. I can also make up the engine mounts and the beginnings of the frame for the ancillaries, before taking the cabrio off the road for a week or so to complete the swap.
While the second Z3 is in pieces, I can also use it to mock up the new body panels for the cabrio and install things like the lights and number plate, before again taking the cabrio off the road for a few days and swapping all the pieces over. Then the cabrio will have to go off for paint before it can be finished. Maybe I need another car while both cars are off the road...
Anyway, day dreaming aside, once all that is done I will get the GT/second Z3 completely stripped down and start to properly fix any rust and recondition any parts while simultaneously beginning to put together the new drive train. I want this to be a really first class build, like some of the others on here. "
"Since we started the EV project, the plan has always been to do a body swap. But we've been held back by the lack of a dry space in which to do it. Though the kit we plan to use is largely a bolt-on swap for the existing Z3 panels, there is a lot of fettling required, for example fitting the rear lights (which don't come with the kit and require the body to be modified), installing a charge port, and mounting number plates etc. All this means the car might be body-less for a few days.
But, after over a year of searching, I have now found a garage to rent about 15 minutes drive from my house. And it has space for some friends to come in with their projects too. So I've taken the plunge and put the deposit down on the Tribute Automotive Z300S kit.
This has about a six week lead time. So that means for the next six weeks I will be thinking about all sorts of aspects of the looks of the car, as well as trying to get the garage in order for the work. I'll save information about the garage for an upcoming video - and for when I've actually put pen to paper on the contract (this all might yet be a bit premature...). But I am starting to plan some bits for the car.
Lights
One of the big decisions to make is about what lights to use. I confess I've found choosing these pretty confusing. There doesn't seem to be much in the way of clear guidance in terms of what is allowed with regards to LEDs etc. Since we're going for a real resto-mod look, I want to have quite modern features on the car, including LED lights all round. These should also save on energy consumption a bit - every little helps.
So the question is, what lights do I need?
At the front, you clearly need headlights, dipped and full beam, as well as indicators. Fog lamps are optional (there are none on the original car) and I could choose to add those later.
I really like these all-in-one units for this. They are certified for E9 (Spain) but from what I can gather this should also be fine for the UK (E11), though this may come down to the judgement of the MOT station. (All advice welcome).
At the rear I need brake lights, position lights (that come on with the front lights), indicators and reversing lamps. And lights for the number plate. I like the multi-function nature of these Fristom FT-230s but not totally sold on the design yet. Bit too 'back of a truck trailer'. Something like that would be good though.
Again, fog lights are optional, though these are integrated into some units.
Then there's just the sides where I will need repeaters for the indicators.
The confusion comes with the regulations. It's not entirely clear what the legalities are here of installing LED lights on a car that didn't originally have them, when I'm completely changing the body shape. I'm hoping that as long as the lights are appropriately marked up with 'ECE' certification, I should be fine.
Wheels
My daughter wants wire wheels. I don't. Not only do they not go with the resto-mod theme, they would be a ball ache to clean.
Our compromise so far is BMW Style 42 wheels which we both like.
I've been looking at a 17in set with an 8J profile from a 5-Series. The problem with these is that I want something with enough width or offset to really fill out the rear arches and I don't think these will. As I understand it the 20 or 47mm offset these wheels come with (ET20/ET47) mean that they very much tuck under the car. Instead I want wheels that go the other way from the centreline of the wheels and perhaps have a bit of a dish.
More research required.
Interior
This is a consideration for down the line really, but I have already started working on some custom parts for the interior. Notably, customising the heater controls for my electric heating system, and adapting the centre console for a double-din touchscreen head unit. Videos to follow over on the YouTube channel. I also want to change the seats in the car or have the current ones re-upholstered - not sure which is the more cost-effective option at the moment. And fresh carpets and door cards are also a must.
Next steps
The plan now is to get the second Z3 (the basis for my future electric GT car) into the workshop and get it stripped down. Then I can use its gearbox to make up the adaptor plate for the new motor for the cabrio, without having to take the cabrio off the road. I can also make up the engine mounts and the beginnings of the frame for the ancillaries, before taking the cabrio off the road for a week or so to complete the swap.
While the second Z3 is in pieces, I can also use it to mock up the new body panels for the cabrio and install things like the lights and number plate, before again taking the cabrio off the road for a few days and swapping all the pieces over. Then the cabrio will have to go off for paint before it can be finished. Maybe I need another car while both cars are off the road...
Anyway, day dreaming aside, once all that is done I will get the GT/second Z3 completely stripped down and start to properly fix any rust and recondition any parts while simultaneously beginning to put together the new drive train. I want this to be a really first class build, like some of the others on here. "
From reading Construction and Use regs and an update from Vosa.
in short
If the light used is intended for led’s it’s Mot legal. Lots of Mot testers don’t know that.
It the light is intended for incandescent/halogen bulbs, Led or Hid bulbs are an Mot fail. If stopped by the Police, because of colour/dazzle/incident it’s 1-3 points.
So the headlights you linked to are Mot legal. Doesn’t matter the age of the car they’re fitted to.
Have you seen the rear ‘ring’ led lights? Not the Ring company. Kind of like an led version of the old round Ferrari lights.
Those can be linked in various ways.
Outer ring marker, inner brake.
Outer marker/brake, inner indicator, fog, reverse, or reflector.
Ill try and post links when I get home, I’m on a bus, trying to type whilst bumping about is hilarious.
in short
If the light used is intended for led’s it’s Mot legal. Lots of Mot testers don’t know that.
It the light is intended for incandescent/halogen bulbs, Led or Hid bulbs are an Mot fail. If stopped by the Police, because of colour/dazzle/incident it’s 1-3 points.
So the headlights you linked to are Mot legal. Doesn’t matter the age of the car they’re fitted to.
Have you seen the rear ‘ring’ led lights? Not the Ring company. Kind of like an led version of the old round Ferrari lights.
Those can be linked in various ways.
Outer ring marker, inner brake.
Outer marker/brake, inner indicator, fog, reverse, or reflector.
Ill try and post links when I get home, I’m on a bus, trying to type whilst bumping about is hilarious.
Those sound good. I like the idea of a bit of symmetry between back and front with the rings.
And thanks for the info. That's kind of where I was leaning but nice to have it confirmed. Just need to check dimensions with Tribute then I'll at least get the headlights ordered.
While it's cold and dark and I'm waiting for access to the garage I've been working on some interior bits, starting with creating space for a double din head unit and hence relocating the heater controls. I also need to convert these to drive my electric heater but that's a job for another day.
Getting close to printing it in plastic so thought I'd share some progress pics. Plan is to split the fascia into two parts as you can see from this early attempt here (where I got the angles all wrong - didn't realise it wasn't symmetrical at first). Hell of a lot easier to print this way. The parts will be 3D printed in PETG or ASA then prepped with filler, primer, and paint (colours below for illustration only!).
After a couple of revisions though, assisted by some paper print outs, this is where I'm at:
It's looking pretty close to fitting. Still got to do the heater panel and I won't be able to test it until I get the second Z3 stripped down OR buy a spare centre console for testing (tempting). But pleased with the progress.
Plan is to add some reinforcement and then bond a ready-made double din mount to the back of it. Not looked at how the existing stereo is mounted yet - sure there will be some good pics somewhere on the forum. if it all works, I'll post all the files in case anyone else wants to do the same.
Getting close to printing it in plastic so thought I'd share some progress pics. Plan is to split the fascia into two parts as you can see from this early attempt here (where I got the angles all wrong - didn't realise it wasn't symmetrical at first). Hell of a lot easier to print this way. The parts will be 3D printed in PETG or ASA then prepped with filler, primer, and paint (colours below for illustration only!).
After a couple of revisions though, assisted by some paper print outs, this is where I'm at:
It's looking pretty close to fitting. Still got to do the heater panel and I won't be able to test it until I get the second Z3 stripped down OR buy a spare centre console for testing (tempting). But pleased with the progress.
Plan is to add some reinforcement and then bond a ready-made double din mount to the back of it. Not looked at how the existing stereo is mounted yet - sure there will be some good pics somewhere on the forum. if it all works, I'll post all the files in case anyone else wants to do the same.
I have a spare center console I bought for exactly that if it’s any help Tom.
Rear lights, I can’t find the company I bought mine from. They ended up on a trailer as they just didn’t look right on the back of my Pontiac.
Similar to these, but 12v:
Mine were clear until illuminated. Copies of the Hella units, which may be why I now can’t find them, but 1/4 of the cost. I think the guy who bought the trailer was more taken with the lights than the trailer.
Can be flush or surface mounted.
I was sure I had a spare ring and Center, but I can’t find them to see if there’s a name or part no on the back.
Rear lights, I can’t find the company I bought mine from. They ended up on a trailer as they just didn’t look right on the back of my Pontiac.
Similar to these, but 12v:
2 X REAR TAIL REVERSE STOP BRAKE WHITE RED SMD LED LIGHTS INNER OUTER RING 24V | eBay
2 SETS 7 LED rear RED WHITE lightS 24V. Functions : Stop Reverse Lights.
www.ebay.co.uk
Mine were clear until illuminated. Copies of the Hella units, which may be why I now can’t find them, but 1/4 of the cost. I think the guy who bought the trailer was more taken with the lights than the trailer.
Can be flush or surface mounted.
I was sure I had a spare ring and Center, but I can’t find them to see if there’s a name or part no on the back.
Hmm - may take you up on that centre console.I have a spare center console I bought for exactly that if it’s any help Tom.
Rear lights, I can’t find the company I bought mine from. They ended up on a trailer as they just didn’t look right on the back of my Pontiac.
Similar to these, but 12v:
2 X REAR TAIL REVERSE STOP BRAKE WHITE RED SMD LED LIGHTS INNER OUTER RING 24V | eBay
2 SETS 7 LED rear RED WHITE lightS 24V. Functions : Stop Reverse Lights.www.ebay.co.uk
Mine were clear until illuminated. Copies of the Hella units, which may be why I now can’t find them, but 1/4 of the cost. I think the guy who bought the trailer was more taken with the lights than the trailer.
Can be flush or surface mounted.
I was sure I had a spare ring and Center, but I can’t find them to see if there’s a name or part no on the back.
Current thinking (very changeable) is that I might go for strips actually. Really like the look of these: https://www.ledautolamps-uk.com/rea...tion-lamps/235-series-combination-strip-lamps
Thinking one progressive indicator and one brake/stop on each side, stacked on top of each other. Then do something different for fog/reverse. Maybe some small round ones. Need to mock it up and see what it will look like but not sure I'll really be able to choose until I have the back end in front of me.
I’m up to my eyes in fibreglass and weldy things at the moment, so relocating the stereo/heater is way back of the list. Happy to send it down.
Strips would certainly give a wider look to the rear end.
Interestingly, Construction and Use specifically bans sequential indicators, and quad dipped headlights, all now routinely used by Audi, BMW, VW and one of those new electric things I saw last night.
Strips would certainly give a wider look to the rear end.
Interestingly, Construction and Use specifically bans sequential indicators, and quad dipped headlights, all now routinely used by Audi, BMW, VW and one of those new electric things I saw last night.
That's weird because all the ones I'm looking at are e-mark approved for the UK. The rules around this do seem to be very confusing. As they are with licensing EV conversions - a bit of pain one of my friends is going through now.
Will drop you a pm about the console. Ta!
I’ll need to have a trawl through C&U again. Currently converting headlights to bi halogen projectors, I drive a lot in the dark on unlit roads, if I can run 4 dipped at times, legally, it would be a huge improvement. Not that I’m putting the switch/wiring in anyway to run them illegally, no, not at all.
I suspect it will be one of those things that’s quietly updated by Vosa because it’s forced on them.
Sidelights we’re white only until the e39 and an Audi I can’t remember came out, then it was changed to “white or, white/amber”.
I came on to mention something else and now I can’t remember what on earth it was
I suspect it will be one of those things that’s quietly updated by Vosa because it’s forced on them.
Sidelights we’re white only until the e39 and an Audi I can’t remember came out, then it was changed to “white or, white/amber”.
I came on to mention something else and now I can’t remember what on earth it was
Fog lights have to be 100mm from a brake light.
Strip led
One of the models of Golf and 2 x 4wd/suv things, I think a Jag and a Skoda, have strip led. The indicator is right along the brake light, but not full length.
When they brake and indicate at the same time in the rain and daylight, you can’t see the indicator at all.
Strip led
One of the models of Golf and 2 x 4wd/suv things, I think a Jag and a Skoda, have strip led. The indicator is right along the brake light, but not full length.
When they brake and indicate at the same time in the rain and daylight, you can’t see the indicator at all.
Yeah saw that when I was digging through the regs. Scuppered my plans to have three 'slashes' in the rear end on each side. Brake/stop / Indicator / fog on one and brake/stop / indicator / reverse on the other. Know fog/brake have to go on specific sides (offside for fog I think) but irrelevant now anyway as I think 100mm spacing between the 'slashes'/strips would be too much to look good. Probably want more like 60mm so they're still grouped but distinct. Hence I'll probably do fog/reverse in a different shape/location. Maybe either side of the numberplate.
Welcome to the Tribute owners on here. Yours will be the 7th in the UK. I believe another went to NZ.