Rebody Z3 Donor - Options and other rebody questions

[Jezza]

Fake, homage, replica? Fake of a fake?

Maybe the real Fake is the car that is really, really, really trying to look like the original. Look at me I'm a genuine . . . . . . . . . . (Insert favorite car here). A bit like the loud talking guy in the red braces lifting his arm a bit more than necessary so everyone can see the fake rolex.

On the other hand somebody building a car with some similarity to some other car but not even attempting to make a close copy. That's not a fake. It's not trying to fool anyone. It's just a piece of tongue in cheek fun.

I'm with Pond in this one. I too fell in love with the beautiful shape of the 250 California when I was looking for my next car build in 2016. As such I went the whole hog, and tried to build the best replica I could. Yes it was adorned with all the badges and logos, and to 99% of people it seemed to be a genuine 250 California, but not once did I ever say that it was, and actually made it very clear that it was a replica whenever I was talking about it. I was just very proud of what I had built, and you cannot quantify the pleasure you get when driving a 60's style classic with a modern chassis and handling.

 

[Pond]

It's not trying to fool anyone.

I am not trying to fool anyone, either. I am not trying to impress anyone, either. Not interested (and too old to care) what anybody else thinks TBH.
I just want to do the original car justice, as far as is possible. For my own satisfaction.

I have always been the type to 'do it properly or not at all' with everything I do. If others comment and congratulate; that is an added bonus, but not the reasons for doing anything. A sense of achievement is the most important thing to me.

 

[Duncodin]

I'm with Pond in this one. I too fell in love with the beautiful shape of the 250 California when I was looking for my next car build in 2016. As such I went the whole hog, and tried to build the best replica I could. Yes it was adorned with all the badges and logos, and to 99% of people it seemed to be a genuine 250 California, but not once did I ever say that it was, and actually made it very clear that it was a replica whenever I was talking about it. I was just very proud of what I had built, and you cannot quantify the pleasure you get when driving a 60's style classic with a modern chassis and handling.

Please don't misunderstand me. I applaud your dedication and I can really appreciate the skill involved in making a close replica. I look with envy at many of the near identical deplicas seen at shows.

But some replica builders do seem to look down on those of us who don't want to build their cars to that level.

 

[Jam03]

You can put whatever badges you like on it. You can splash Maserati badges all over it and no-one can touch you. UK law is only interested if you try to make a living from those badges; ie exploiting someone else's brand for financial gain.

So do you potentially get into trouble when you sell your replica one day? I guess up to that point you’ve not had any financial gain. Anyway, who cares…you guys are all very skilled and brave to be building these cars!

 

[Pond]

So do you potentially get into trouble when you sell your replica one day? I guess up to that point you’ve not had any financial gain. Anyway, who cares…you guys are all very skilled and brave to be building these cars!

No, you shouldn't. Potentially making money from selling a car privately is not the same as doing it for 'financial gain', or commercial reasons. If you did it regularly and was considered a business, then potentially yes.

There was a story a few years ago about a chap who had a 'replica' all badged up (can't remember what car it was but it had Ferrari badges). He started renting it out to people for special occasions. He was chased by lawyers, and/or Trading Standards and forced to remove all badges as it was deemed he was exploiting the brand to make money.

 

[IanA]

There must be 100s made. So the question is; where are they all !

National Kit Car Show , Three Counties Showground, Malvern. 1-2 June 2024.

Presumably this is all over Facebook (which I don't do) so yes- where are they all?

 

[ruan]

This one was being shown on the CCW stand today at Basingstoke, but no 507s

 

[Pond]

This one was being shown on the CCW stand today at Basingstoke, but no 507s

That looks to be a Tribute 'Isabella'. I think.

 

[ruan]

Yes it is, the red isabella was also there but this one looks better, I would prefer it with a full front bumper, need to decide between this and 507.

 

[Pond]

Yes it is, the red isabella was also there but this one looks better, I would prefer it with a full front bumper, need to decide between this and 507.

Depends on what you want to achieve, I suppose (going back over old ground again).
The 507 is a 'fairly' good representation of a BMW 507.
That Isabella thing is a mish-mash of 250GT front end, a bit of California, and a lot of 'no car ever made'.

At least the 507 was a BMW, so if your budget doesn't stretch to a full interior, then the Z3 interior is not completely out of place. It would be with the other one IMO.

The other major plus for the 507 is that there are a few being built by people on this forum which will give you a huge knowledge database. Believe me, that is worth an awful lot when it comes to these 'rebodies'.

Your money, your choice, though.

 

[ruan]

The other major plus for the 507 is that there are a few being built by people on this forum which will give you a huge knowledge database. Believe me, that is worth an awful lot when it comes to these 'rebodies'.

I agree that this can't be underestimated and will be a big factor.

 

[ruan]

Got my donor, 2.8, 70k miles, minimal rust, I'll post more info when I have had discovered more!

 

[Pond]

Excellent!
Have you decided on a kit yet? 507?

 

[ruan]

Excellent!
Have you decided on a kit yet? 507?

Probably the 507.

 

[Pond]

If the car bodywork is in good shape, you can get good money for anything you don't need, especially outer sills and headlights, etc. Just don't do what I did and sell some bits that you need! I had to buy two rear wings back!

 

[Argyll Andy]

If the car bodywork is in good shape, you can get good money for anything you don't need, especially outer sills and headlights, etc. Just don't do what I did and sell some bits that you need! I had to buy two rear wings back!

Is that maybe something to update your “Dummies” thread with, the bits NOT to sell?

 

[Pond]

Is that maybe something to update your “Dummies” thread with, the bits NOT to sell?

Different kits need different bits keeping or ditching. There are also a million and one ways to do everything with these things, so there is no 'one size fits all'. Or, in my case, 'no size fits anything'

 

[ruan]

“Dummies” thread

That will be my new go to place
Just had my first detailed look at the rear of the car "Caveat emptor" , good job I wanted a project ! Initial todo list:
Break pads and disks, disk guards, rear springs, rear shocks, rebuild callipers, replace bushes ! That will keep me quiet for a while, good job this forum has so many great how to guides.

 

[Duncodin]

That will be my new go to place
Just had my first detailed look at the rear of the car "Caveat emptor" , good job I wanted a project ! Initial todo list:
Break pads and disks, disk guards, rear springs, rear shocks, rebuild callipers, replace bushes ! That will keep me quiet for a while, good job this forum has so many great how to guides.

Have you decided what kit you're going with?

 

[ruan]

I am planning on going with the 507, however it will be 12+ weeks for delivery. I still like the idea of a working bonnet, but I know you have all looked into this option, so the fallback would be the wing/side modification.