Blonde's like spanners too.. Or, Leaky pipes and sneaky spikey little mug dwelling creatures.
/Blonde's like spanners too.. Or, Leaky pipes and sneaky spikey little mug dwelling creatures.
07 July 2023
11:21am
Blondie's blog 4…
Morning all..... And I say all as my little head is amazed once again at my little scrawled typing's gaining so much momentum.... 4 percent of the website traffic. Ok, so it's not going to change the world but, we do get a fairly health wodge of views each month so I'm secretly smug with myself. Maybe we will get more girlies and somewhat broken but determined people into this industry after all.... Here's hoping.
This week we've been planning our spot at the British Motor show, along with the usual workshop stuff and animal rescues...no more budgies but now have 4 baby hedgehog foundlings at various stages of weaning that are very entertaining... And cleaning out bits of the workshop that haven't seen daylight since we moved in. Handy really that i quite like spiders, we seem to have a breeding programme.
The british motor show takes place at farnborough international centre (gu14 6fd) in hampshire between the 17 and 20th august and tickets are available from their website or through their facebook page links. the team at automotion are working so hard to build it bigger and better each year! there are some amazing displays, static and stunt, many vehicle based celebrities and families bringing picnics are positively encouraged.. a rarity these days as many events seem very capitalised with bag checks for “own food” and drinks. they certainly are a brilliant team. we hope to see some of you there supporting this wonderful family focused event.
tickets are available at their website, search under thebritshmotorshow.live grab them before the day and you’ll save some money too!
I'm pretty stoked about the motor show. We've been making fibre glass copies of "Amco" the metal stuff that is used as a road barrier. It is the foundation for our vintage race track style display for the indoor portion of the exhibition, along with some amazing tool shelves from Draper that i will find a way to tie in with a whole pile of cool vintage motor memory junk and memorabilia.
Plenty to choose from as I have containers and garages full of all things old and smelly, you would be amazed what is still there from when I was a reseller and house clearance bird!
Ian's been happily ordering banners from various brands to decorate said Amco with and is generally in his element planning away!
It is going to be a hard slog for the 4 days but, will be amazing to be there amongst the big guns with our little cars.
We are very lucky to have customers that tolerate us enough to become friends. They often tag along to shows and let us borrow the cars we've built for them. I think I am going to owe many people alcohol and chocolates after this one as we are borrowing a few, not least one of our favourites,Gaz’s Carpathian Grey Cobra that we built a couple of years ago. Gaz is always a total legend coming to shows and chatting away eagerly to customers. It’s fair to say he bloody loves that car and we are really lucky to have him not just as a customer but also a friend.
Gaz.. he’s a bit of a legend and really helps us out. this car has remained a firm favourite and best of all, gaz drives it every day which is the beauty of our little creATIONS, THEY REALLY CAN BE DRIVEN DAILY WITHOUT TOO MANY ISSUES AS THE BMW Z3 DOES TEND TO BE VERY RELIABLE IF LOOKED AFTER COMPARED TO MANY MODERN CARS. I LOVE THE HANDLING OF THESE LITTLE BUZZ BOMBS! THEY ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON FACES.
In the workshop.... Apart from the buzz of excitement ref the BMS we've been putting the very finishing touches to Simon's cobra interior with our customer 3 piece dash, centre console tunnels, stainless metal trim, hand made British dials and lots of blood sweat and tears. She really is looking lovely. Add to that the custom made twin split exhaust and dummy side pipes with covers and she does look the part.
sIMON’S COBRA LOOKS A LOT LIKE gAZ’S… gAZ STARTED A TREND WITH THE cARPATHIAN GREY, WE’RE ON NUMBER 4 NOW! THEY DO LOOK AMAZING IN THIS COLOUR.
THERE ARE A LOT OF INTERIOR OPTIONS. SOME LIKE THE Z3 INTERIOR AND LEAVE THE DOOR CARDS AND SEATS AS SIMON HAS, AND SIMPLY GO FOR THE CENTRE TUNNEL IN LEATHER OR CARPET AND THE THREE PIECE CUSTOM DASH IN VARYING STYLES. OFTEN WE FIND PEOPLE COME BACK LATER FOR THE DOOR CARDS AND SEATS TO BE MORE RETRO STYLE BUT, I THINK THE Z3 SEATS SUIT THIS WELL. CAR NOT CLEANED YET SO NOT THE BEST PICS!
I’m always aware they’re not real Cobra’s or indeed, replica Cobra’s. More of a nod to them as we are somewhat limited by the “rebody” rules. They keep the original Z3 doors (unlike many of our other kits that have an overlay and convoluted door opening system to still use the original z3 mechanism, which I will go into another time) Despite not being a true replica, they’re great entry level cars and at anything from 13k to 20k ( if you really want to go for the interior and have custom covered leather seats and wire wheels look to the upper price!) they’re really popular and cheap to insure for younger people as they come under the grey area of “modern classic” as well as a “kit or rebody” insurance wise. Can’t go wrong really for that money! great fun!
We've also carried on with the interior of the beautiful red Le mans that came ot us for an interior. The dash is looking stunning, just waiting for leatherwork, dials then will put it all together...secretly hoping we will still have her for the BMS in august as if the lovely customer allows, she would be stunning addition ( along with Ian's No 7 Stirling Moss tribute) to our racing pit stop area! Fingers crossed!
We've got a few builds on right now, and a waiting list, which is a hell of a lot of pressure for the three of us but, also is proof we're doing something right.
We usually see a lot of Kobra Z3 based rebody kit orders this time of year, as people look for a winter project. They're certainly our easiest build and other than the interior ( which you really don’t need to change if you don’t want to ) they’re relatively simple. The toughest thing you’ll do is fit the fuel pipe. Its an inertia fit and very tough but, it does keep the swear box biscuit fund nicely topped up :@)
Speaking of fuel pipe... We had a car in recently that was only built a year or so ago, using usual suppliers for pipe and the pipe had partially ROTTED at the very top. Never seen this before but perhaps proof that the problems we all saw during the pandemic with cheaper items produced to make up the shortfall across the world and panic buying compounding some manufacturers cutting corners/buying in from elsewhere is still having repercussions. Thankfully a days work ( as they're a bugger to access after the bodykit fitted) some new pipe and all good. No fuel grade, correctly marked pipe should perish like that but, the last 3 years nothing surprises me!
It is being strongly investigated by the (brilliant) seller with the manufacturer so hopefully we will get an answer soon as will the customer! We changed for free but, still be nice to know why!
We do always have to tell our customer not to completely fill the pipe, as the access to the fuel tank is now higher than the traditional BMW Z3 would be.
The BMW Z3 has a hole in the side on flat part before the rear haunches whereas, for most of our kits they become top mounted. This has never been a problem in cars of this type historically as the top grade hose is used, along with elbow joints and metal pipe where needed to avoid any issues but, me being me, I always tell people not to "fill till it clicks" as they're effectively filling the extraneous pipe, as well as the tank! Fiver less than usual is a good guide with all cars where the fuel cap has been modified to sit higher than original, as many rebodies of the 60's style are, Z3 based or otherwise.
Moving forward, if you're not bored yet....
Next couple weeks is all go...or at least some to go and more to come in....
Simon's Cobra leaves us after the above then tyres and an MOT (fingers crossed for him on that!) before going back to Switzerland to be enjoyed!
Red Le Mans... Hopefully leather back and dials arrived so we can get the dash wiring started. Its a convoluted process and certainly not plug and play but with the dials being expertly hand built in England, specifically for the Z3 (even down the the printed circuit boards or PCB's) we always know they will be reliable.
Mx250 that has been with one of our painters through a very unexpected business address move will be back soon for a retrofit and back to customer. This ones taken longer than usual but, once back it's lights etc back on, paperwork done then its back to the customer who started the build a few years ago before stalling due to time commitments and passing it to us to finish. This is not like our usual kits as it's based on an Mx5 and kit has been discontinued for some years so its quite rare! A very low profile version of a 60's style rebody that the customer will surely drive with a huge smile once completed.
We have 3 cars due to come in for builds once those are gone, which we are running alongide our own builds for private sale so plenty to keep us busy.
Plus, in-between all this, having a massive clearout of BMW Z3 parts as we have containers full and very little free space.
Thankfully, no accident of the week to report this time apart from the usual donking my head on the wheels of the top car on ramp and seeing stars at least twice a week (got to be the top injury in ALL workshops that one!) and Ian doing exactly the same as he’s also a little bit special..... We really need more space but, workshops in our area are extremely hard to come by and very expensive. We stay where we are at the moment mainly so that we do not have to put prices up for customers. It’s a compromise but, I’m sure with more space we would still fall over things!
In other news... As you may know we take in all kinds of waifs and strays. You'll probably be wondering how the hedge pigs / ouch mouse's are doing. Well, we have 4 of the sneaky little fellas now and they're all at different stages of weaning, which is fun..
adorable but stinky…. i cannot begin to tell you how cute 6 baby hedghogs of various ages all cuddled together in a hutch is. although they chuffing stink they’re still amazing little things and terribly good for the garden as they eat creepy crawlies and keep the balance nicely.
The littlest fella lost a little weight, so "Barry" is back on the syringe with baby food (Aldi "deluxe chicken squidge" in a squeezy tube) mixed with Kitten biscuits and diluted with puppy milk. He has started to bite the syringe so those little teeth are nearly through. He does also have a flat bowl of mush with lumpy bits in (very appetising) but to make sure get plenty down him the syringe is a good option.
It's beyond disgusting as they're not clean creatures. They like to poop as they eat and table manners are not their forte. Last night, all 4 tried to hijack Barry's tea. I ended up on the sofa covered in baby food with little teeth buds nipping my hands trying to get the bits he spat out and Baby Oleg ( our round russian chihuahua who looks suspiciously like a french bulldog) waiting for the slops. It’s very glamorous!
As well as Barry we have,
Mugsy, as he was found in a mug. Sneaky little fella., nearly evaded capture but at 100 gram he had no chance without help and indeed, any teeth!
Mugsy is a bit of a hissing brat but ok when he gets to know your smell. He will do brilliantly in the wild with that balled up anger and spiky asshole attitude, a real fighter.
Bertie who is super gentle and sweet, been with us since before he cut his first teeth and is now double the size he was and eating semi soft food. We will have to slowly wild him as he gets bigger and he will stay in our own garden and Local area with cat biccies sprinkled about as he is not very independent or worldly wise.
Mingy, as we found him with a manky toe and a cut under arm. After some cleaning and scab removal by our wonderful local wildlife surrogate mummy Jane and some "dettol" type baths at home plus wound care hes doing brilliantly and is twice the size of the others.
Despite not being siblings they all cuddle up and sleep together at the moment. They tend to get cold when tiny so its ideal.
They are all boys, sadly our girl died as she was found in a terrible state with a leg akin to the Elephant man but, hoping for more girlies soon to keep the breed multiplying.
They're great little characters, will miss them when they are released but, I'm sure our lovely wildlife rescue lady will provide a steady stream of the little foundlings!
Before I go, there's a lovely lady I should mention. Ann Marie is a facebook friend of mine. We've never actually met, like many FB friends but she has been a great support promoting car shows and also, kindly, us.
She has realised that people can be really grumpy in car circles and that's just not cricket! So, there's a new group from Ann Marie called "Monte's Adventures" that's devoted to any adventures/car shows/car info and even general chat.. Only real rule is be nice and not bitchy! They’ve amassed 200 members very quickly which is testament to Ann Marie’s dedication.
monte’s adventures, definitely worth joining. very positive and informative!
I have found there to be far too many catty people at car shows belittling peoples creations so this ladies can do attitude of getting everyone together to show pics of their cars, create a community, share events is refreshing and much needed.
Please take the time to have a look. Ann Marie owns some lovely vintage cars and goes to so many meets! She really is an inspiration with her huge smile, Cute Kooky style and happy demeanour. I am looking forward to meeting her soon and some of her and her partner Mark’s lovely cars.
I'll sign off now as the hedge trimmer and chainsaw calls, it's like a jungle out front, a very pretty one but, if I leave it much longer we will have to be cut out of the vines whilst fleeing from escaped animals Jumanji style.....
Enjoy the sunshine (albeit possibly only today as it is Silverstone Grand Prix and Wimbledon this week after all) get out in the fresh air, keep smiling and above all, enjoy your automotive adventures!
frankie, the rescue maine coon. i’ll tell you his story one day. he is a walking miracle and testament to believing in rehabilitation. he’s over 12 kilo now but was only 4.2 and looked like a stegosaurus when he was found after being accidentally locked in a container for 3 weeks and 1 day. amazing boy,
baby oleg. he was three this week and is just such a funny little chap. this is him waiting for the leftover pureed baby food the hedgehog was eating! oleg is very much led by food!
although, when he is asleep he has the image of a malevolent being… butter wouldn’t melt.. honest!
z3gt build on a z3 ready for our painter. another coming in as soon as this goes for a local chap that’s been so patiently waiting!
simon’s z3 based cobra from the front. the quick jacks really suit the retro modern look,
ian’s own le mans z3 based car… a tribute to the late great sir stirling moss. we also build these! keeps us busy!
with the wonderful goodwood revival coming up in september we’ve been looking out some vintage clothing. not a fan of pictures of myself if i’m honest but, i do think this is a dapper look for us both! although we did joke at the time that i looked like ian’s gangsters moll!! really hoping to go again this year. not even sorted tickets out yet!