Non M gearshift surround

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sun 19 Jun, 2016 08:49

I thought I would post this pic of my non M gearshift surround fitted to a 2.8 based in Holland.... The owner had me chrome plate the aluminium so he wouldn't have to polish it...

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Sun 19 Jun, 2016 13:37

HI DID YOU EVER GET ROUND TO MAKING THESE .I WANT ONE .THANKS.

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sun 19 Jun, 2016 16:20

If you're sure you want one, I'll be making some up shortly. They should be ready in around 4 weeks. I'm only going to make 6 of them. I have 4 other "secured" orders, so looking for a 6th.
I'll be in touch shortly.
Barry

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Sun 19 Jun, 2016 17:35

Yes please thanks

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Wed 22 Jun, 2016 20:47

I am interested,what is the cost please
Geoff

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Wed 22 Jun, 2016 20:50

Hi Geoff
They're £55 incl postage to the UK. Let me know if you're up for one - that'll be the minimum 6 buyers I want before I go ahead and make them up..
Barry

Bonzo · Post by **Bonzo** » Wed 22 Jun, 2016 21:58

Southernboy wrote:I thought I would post this pic of my non M gearshift surround fitted to a 2.8 based in Holland.... The owner had me chrome plate the aluminium so he wouldn't have to polish it...

Lovely interior colour choice, a man (or woman) of great taste!

Bonzo

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Thu 23 Jun, 2016 07:08

It's a stunning car all round - Impala Brown leather... and possible one of the most well maintained 2.8's I've seen photographs of - Man owned, but extensively co-piloted with Mrs too

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sat 25 Jun, 2016 08:59

I now have 6 guys confirmed for the gearshift surround. Anyone else wanting, please let me know before Monday morning when I will be placing the order for parts with the laser cutting people. If you don't get your order in by then, it'll mean I have to pay their "minimum charge" just to get one or two more sets cut, which will make the price higher per unit.
Also, now that you guys have chosen Brexit, your currency may be rated "junk" in a few months time -

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Mon 01 Aug, 2016 16:47

Hi Barry
How are the surrounds going ? any idea when they will be ready ?

Regards

Geoff

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 01 Aug, 2016 17:09

Hi Geoff... I'm about a week away from dropping them off for chrome plating - It's been an uphill battle with the laser guys..I've had to return some parts 4 times, and every time it's another 3 -4 day delay just to get parts which are unusable. They've been struggling with the laser "flashing" and taking chunks out the edge - not that they check them after cutting, which means I go out there (2 hour roound trip) only to find they're no good... I just collected the last 2 parts today, which they have now used a water jet to cut. I haven't checked them against the other part to which they fit yet, but I'll be doing that over the next day or two. Then I can finally shape them and sand them down and finally get them on the buffing machine to polish them so they can go to the chrome plating. So, conservatively, I would say another two - three weeks (chrome guys take around 7 days - and that's if they get it 100% right first time) Aluminium chrome plating is a bit of a process compared to iron... anyhow, I'm hoping sooner vs later...
Regards
Barry

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 01 Aug, 2016 17:15

Here's some pics of where I am now - 6 done and ready for buffing, two more to make up from scratch due to the laser cutting fiasco...
Shaping is slow, since it's done by hand as is the sanding from 120 grit to 400grit.... My hands take a bit of a knock with all the filing and papering -

You can see the two still to be done in the background....

This is what it looks like from the cutters - then it has to be shaped, drilled with a 1.6mm bit, then a recess drilled for the screw head with a 4mm bit, and then the 1.6mm hole bored out to 2mm for the screw to pass through... then shaped, and sanded...

Until it's something like this - then the 4mm holes have to be slightly countersunk at the top and sanded again....

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Tue 02 Aug, 2016 07:53

Hi Barry
Thanks for the great info & pics far more involved than I thought but they are looking good, will await further news as and when.
Regards

Geoff

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 02 Aug, 2016 08:15

Cheers Geoff... It's a lot more work than I recall from the last time I did these, and I'm moving house at the end of August to boot... Everything seems to be conspiring to adding to my load right now...

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Wed 03 Aug, 2016 21:06

Moving can be stressful, in 50 years we have moved 4 times, twice with the children.

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Thu 04 Aug, 2016 07:45

Fortunately I don't have the children issue to contend with...that is a nightmare !!

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Tue 23 Aug, 2016 07:19

Hi Barry
Your move is about due, are you ready ?
Have you got the screws yet ?

Geoff

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 23 Aug, 2016 13:09

Hi Geoff
Yes, I'm busy with the move right now and hopefully will have 99% done by the weekend. Screws have now cleared customs yesterday, so I expect them to be delivered to my local post office in the next 3 days or so. I will be doing the final buff tomorrow and hopefully drop all the parts at the chrome plating people by thursday - depending on other "move" commitments... I'm just pleased to be on the final stretch of making these things - been an uphill climb with work and moving home...
But we'll get there soon...
Barry

Geoff Crispin · Post by **Geoff Crispin** » Wed 24 Aug, 2016 05:41

Hi Barry
Glad that things are dropping into place for you bet your stress levels are high,hope it all works out and your move goes smoothly.
Looking forward very much to getting the gear stick surround as will look good with my walnut trim, a bit more bling.
Got a S/S Long Life silencer to collect from spursfaninacoupe but not moving far from the phone as our second grandchild is due any minute, when we will be off to London.

Geoff

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sat 27 Aug, 2016 05:53

Some good news !!! I finally received the screws yesterday at my local Post Office.... They were actually posted (for the 3rd time) on July 18th from the UK..... and as you see - "AIR MAIL"...

The parts are all at the chrome plating people - they tell me 2 - 3 weeks, on account they are very busy. I will keep on to them and perhaps we will be lucky to get them sooner vs later...

Fender2004 · Post by **Fender2004** » Sun 28 Aug, 2016 13:45

Will you have a spare one out of this batch?
If so can I have one?

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sun 28 Aug, 2016 15:45

Sadly not - I made them to order - sorry, all sold mate.

Fender2004 · Post by **Fender2004** » Sun 28 Aug, 2016 16:02

Ok thanks any way

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Thu 08 Sep, 2016 15:42

Update for all concerned - I spoke with the chrome plating people on Monday, and it seems the "big boss" pushed into the queue with the result that our stuff will only be dealt with next week.... I will call them again next Monday to make sure we're actually getting things done.... Now you understand why I really hate making these things... too many fiddly bits, and dependency on other people getting things done... But all being equal, I'm hoping to have them by the end of next week.
I'll post asap I have some positive news...
Cheers - Barry

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Thu 08 Sep, 2016 17:12

Great thanks for your effort.

gookah · Post by **gookah** » Thu 08 Sep, 2016 22:10

Geoff Crispin wrote:Moving can be stressful, in 50 years we have moved 4 times, twice with the children.

is that all?

JJG · Post by **JJG** » Fri 09 Sep, 2016 19:53

Thanks for update

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Thu 15 Sep, 2016 12:13

Chrome plating guys tell me they will be ready for collection tomorrow - Friday!!!....

I will be calling on balances to be paid - pse don't make me pay the PayPal commission - I reckon the exchange rate of the weaker £ has ended up costing me to make these...

JJG · Post by **JJG** » Thu 15 Sep, 2016 23:23

PM sent Bary.

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 20 Sep, 2016 10:37

Parcels have been posted

Here are the parcel numbers, also I have provided a tracking website link below. Please allow at least 3 days before you will see any info on the website. Once it reaches the UK, you can follow it o the Parcelforce website.

J. Graham - # RJ015474625ZA

D. Baker - # RJ015474603ZA

http://www.17track.net/en/

Please let me know when you have received your package - it's in a plastic "lunch box" type container, shrink wrapped and taped up. So quite secure etc but still light for posting - the components are screwed together, so best invest in a T6 screwdriver type tool - you will find it's easier to use than an allen key.

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Wed 28 Sep, 2016 18:23

Quick update. If you guys lose a little black screw - the ones that can be seen fitted when the surround is in place - you can get spares from "Lowrider" on .org. He is holding around 30 spare screws, and will post to anyone who needs. Obviously the cost of postage is all there will be to pay.

For anyone else who may be interested in future, I am looking into simplifying the production process by having most of the "hand work" being done by a CNC machinist. The guy I generally use here has just loaded up new 3d software, which he tells me will make it very easy to do. Over the next few weeks, I will get into it, and do a test to see what the outcome is and also the cost implications. No doubt he will levy a fee for his machine time / labour etc, so it may or may not be viable... I will post a result in a while.

Barry

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 17:19

mine arrived today top job.looks fantastic ,and a free lunch box.how do i fit it lol .thanks southern boy

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 17:32

Great news !! Thanks for letting me know... Pleased that two are confirmed arrived... If you need any help fitting just give me a shout.

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 17:49

Perhaps I'm thick .could you give me a clue how to fit it thanks

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 18:21

Didn't you get an email from me with the fitting instructions?? If not, PM me with your email addy and I'll send it to you now...

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 18:30

dm.baker@live.com

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 18:35

Email being sent immediately...

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 18:38

PS...It's 2.5 MB - lots of pics...

wifevanda · Post by **wifevanda** » Mon 03 Oct, 2016 19:29

Thanks goto it

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sat 29 Oct, 2016 12:40

Well I've decided to make up 10 more "M" style gearshift surrounds - that means ten people who want the chromed / polished or brushed aluminium gearshift surround now have the chance to get one before Xmas...
Basic price is £60 for polished or brushed aluminium
Chromed extra £10
P&P £10 to UK /EU and £12 to N.America,
50% on placement of order balance when I have posted.
All packages sent Registered airmail / signed for with tracking number.

Some pics of recent installs...

Fender2004 · Post by **Fender2004** » Sat 29 Oct, 2016 16:39

Put me down for one please I'd like the chrome one please.

Let me know how much money you want and when.

Cheers

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sat 29 Oct, 2016 17:09

Thanks good man - you're booked for one. I'll PM you next week with all the details.
Cheers
Barry

Fender2004 · Post by **Fender2004** » Sat 29 Oct, 2016 18:53

Southernboy wrote:Thanks good man - you're booked for one. I'll PM you next week with all the details.
Cheers
Barry

Great

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Sun 30 Oct, 2016 14:51

Something new - a request from another Z3 owner to have the finish in "black chrome" to match his handbrake and gear knob... Anyone wanting this "special" finish please let me know...
Pic below is an example of the colour / finish... The Storm knob is actually Titanium coated which is a gas coating procedure (titanium cannot be electroplated onto a substrate in the conventional sense. Any aspiring chemical engineers could become very wealthy if they manage to resolve that issue''...

).

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Tue 15 Nov, 2016 14:40

Collected the parts this morning and started buffing..... Final polish with the Mothers after I've done them all on the buffing wheel... Then tomorrow I'll go see Jeff the plating guy... Who knows, maybe he'll be kind and get them done by friday... may be a bit much to ask, but I certainly will ask...

Southernboy · Post by **Southernboy** » Fri 16 Dec, 2016 09:57

Last chance this year...... I have just 2 of these gearshift surrounds left. £80 Incl postage.

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