#ZedShed Sophie returns. Z3M body overhaul

[spayne1969]

Just wanted to chime in and thank Lee and all the lads that have worked on Sophie since she’s been at the shed. Things are coming together quite nicely now and Lee told me earlier today that I may well be able to pick her up this coming Friday. To say I am excited is an understatement. I cannot tell you how much I have missed this car, especially with all this amazing weather we have been having.

I am happy she’s being looked after and cherished by people who love her as much as I do. If I have to sacrifice a few days of good weather or even more to get Sophie in as best shape as possible then I am absolutely happy to do so. The only agenda I have is getting Sophie as best as possible with the current budget I have.

Apparently 6 guys were working on her yesterday at the shed. Just amazing, so many thanks indeed to all those involved. I love the fact that I found and joined this forum. To meet other people that love your car as much as you do is just magical. To have them then offer and enjoy working on your car for free for you in their own time is even more special. No words to express how grateful I am. THANK YOU.

Without getting too soppy or personal let me just say that I’ve been quite down of late (diagnosed with bipolar so often get low moods) and buying this car, joining this forum, meeting and chatting to Lee and others etc and now all this work going on with Sophie… well, its cheered me up no end and I feel I’ve got a new purpose and new thrill in life, which is Sophie. I get so much excitement looking at her parked, let alone getting in her and going out for a spin. In this weather of course those thrills are amplified even more.

I am just saying a big thanks really on a lot of levels. You guys may think its just about cars but actually, it isn’t, for some of us its about so much more too. Sophie and your passion and love for her has given both her and me a new lease of life. Over and out.

Simon

 

[Lee]

Another little update. Day 1 of the two day detail was completed. It’s now waiting two days for the ceramic coat to set like concrete. I was at work but the guy we always use forward on some photos.

Some end result shots.

Boot

these were the products he used. Two different types of ceramic coat. Body work:

Wheels

Today I picked up the last bits from the painters. I couldn’t really touch the car but quickly fitted the mirrors and finished off the boot.

then mirrors, best finish I’ve seen for a while

Fitted Drivers side.

Passenger side

Also some of the extras Simon requested at the last minute started arriving. Original First aid kit.

When it cools down we’ll hopefully finish the last few bits on Friday.

 

[Bazza]

Wow paint work looks like glass, I’m jealous will have to have Zelda done now

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

That looks like an amazing shine already- nothing like a mint Z3M to drool over

Genuine first aid kit still in wrapper too

 

[BillH]

I've started saving up for that shine - looks like a winter job

 

[Lee]

Just to finish the thread off nicely a few photos showing the finished product.

LED headlights.

 

[spayne1969]

So I wanted to update this thread a little more with recent work carried out on the car.

During the last 3 weeks Sophie has been back to Revive! in Basingstoke who completed the remaining bodywork I wanted done. All panels and areas that had not previously been primed and resprayed are now complete. Any scratches, scuffs, stone chips or damage of any kind anywhere on the car has been fully treated. Both drivers side wheels were refurbished again bringing all 4 wheels and the bodywork back to new or as good as. Full headlight restoration has been carried out and a new BMW badge replaced on the boot along with new door trims fitted. These are the ‘Roadster’ type as BMW no longer sell the ‘M’ trims, which is a shame. I tried to source from other outlets without success but suffice to say I really like these and feel they compliment the car well. I will of course be keeping the original trims in storage. I also had the rubber replaced by the trim of the drivers door as this was ripped.

I extend my sincere thanks to Irmina and the team at Revive! who have done an exceptional job and who I highly recommend. Their attention to detail and workmanship is first class.

Photos from Revive!

Having left Revive! Sophie went to Auto Curators in Hook to have a PPF coating put on the front bumper, door sills and the front and rear side panels above the wheel arches.

Photos from Auto Curators

This final picture is of Matt, one of the company owners who works alongside his business partner Andy on all the cars. As well as PPF treatment, the guys also offer a paint detailing service and have much expertise in both these areas. As with Revive! I can personally highly recommend them to others. The finished job is absolutely fantastic and the car really does look new.

Since owning this car I have spent a fair amount of money on its upkeep with an aim of restoring it back to original condition. It has been worth every penny and to say Sophie brings the biggest smile to my face when I look at her and then drive her is an understatement. I love this car. I hope my efforts will be an investment in terms of longevity of ownership as I have no wish to sell this car at any point.

Thanks for following this thread and I will of course keep it updated as we go on. For the moment, all the work I wanted done has been complete so now its a case of simply driving and enjoying my car. Happy motoring!

 

[Bazza]

Wow love the work great looking set off wheels, and been touched by the Zed shed should last another 20 years, that’s what you call a total refurb

 

[spayne1969]

Thanks Baz. Yes its fair to say that Sophie has pretty much undergone a total refurb both inside, outside and mechanically. Lots of people have worked on her and done an incredible job. There’s not much left to do really other than prop her up a bit higher. I like the look of the car lowered and its obviously great for cornering but I keep catching the underside on speed bumps even at the slowest of speeds manoeuvring over them. I want to get the car put back to its original height if possible and I am looking into this at the moment with Redish Motorsport in Bristol who said they can do it. There’s a few other small fixes too while its there but when that’s done the car will be pretty much standard as it was when first purchased.

 

[MartinJ]

just unbelievably lovely Z. Shows what can be done. got to say the wheels do look amazing. Black wheels with silver looks really smart. Are the rear dampers Konis?

 

[MartinJ]

...also as an aside, never knew there were so many Bristol based Zroadster members , so hello all from Yatton.

 

[Lee]

just unbelievably lovely Z. Shows what can be done. got to say the wheels do look amazing. Black wheels with silver looks really smart. Are the rear dampers Konis?

Koni adjustable shocks with Apex springs.

 

[MartinJ]

Lee can I PM you in the new year regards fitting as I have just bought a set for my 1.9?

 

[Lee]

Lee can I PM you in the new year regards fitting as I have just bought a set for my 1.9?

Sure man. Happy to help.