Fender spats

[Merv and Sharon]

For those of you interested in removable 'spats' instead of the usual chrome/metal fender guards ... these are interesting. The first, courtesy of Craig White. They could obviously be in any colour.





Both are attached under the edge of the guard by velcro and at top an bottom by "lift-a-dot" or similar means, and this site gives a good description of the attachment process (plus some high quality pics of all kinds of build processes if you want to explore):

http://www.worldisround.com/articles...hotosize=small


Merv

[Rebel1]

That first one looks like Craig's beachwear.

[convincor]

Those are very similar to what ERA sells.

[Merv and Sharon]

They do look similar - but wonder if they would fit our Cobras? I am ignoring Rebel 1's tasteless comment about Craig's taste in swimwear....

Merv

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

I am ignoring Rebel 1's tasteless comment about Craig's taste in swimwear....

Merv

Hehehehehe

[sambo]

Merv, I'm going to look into clear adhesive materials. Duco Scratch (terrible name!) make clear car bras to fit factory cars and they also supply DIY kits so it shouldn't be hard to make up spats. http://www.ducoscratch.com.au/clear_car_bra.asp

They also have a spray on product called "liquid glass": http://www.ducoscratch.com.au/paint_protection.asp

Photo of the clear car bra:

[Aussie Mike]

Originally Posted by sambo

Merv, I'm going to look into clear adhesive materials. Duco Scratch (terrible name!) make clear car bras to fit factory cars.

I'm a big fan of the idea of a clear bra. There should be more of them.

The leather spats look OK but I reckon the clear film on there would be the go.

Is it just me or with those leather spats on you kind of expect the rear of the car to be wearing a fish net stocking rear end protector?

Cheers

[spookypt]

I'm having some leather SPATS made up as we speak! I've used the 3m clear product and it's a so so... Too many curves and concaves for it to really work nicely in my case!

[stephen low]

Paul

If you find a clear product that will do the complex curves on the front of the rear wheel arch, do let us know as that's my preference too.

Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

I also have the 3M product and find that it will fit OK but not do the edges well and will not fold over the edge of the guard as it needs to do. Also, it still does show chips and marks and needs to be replaced periodically. I found a guy here near Brisbane who supplies and fits full kits of the plastic product for Cobras if any are interested in that.

I was thinking of a vinyl spat that was padded and fitted like the ones above. It would be matched closely to the paint colour (dark grey).

Merv

[Merv and Sharon]

Just spoke with my motor trimmer guy and he is going to make up some spats in a tough but flexible vinyl that is matched to the car body colour. Low key appearance wanted. Also, he suggested that it can use the same fitting points (i.e., 'lift-a-dot' fasteners) as the tonneau and hood (if fitted). As it is likely that the spat and tonneau are fitted at the same time, the corner 'lift-a-dot's ' can be the double (height) ones to take both. The spats will protect a greater area of the fender than most of the chrome/SS plates as far as I can see. I plan on using the 3M adhesive material (polycarbonate?) along the bottom sills where they are easier to fit.

Merv

[400TT]

I was really pleased with the leather splats. If you are going for a classic/vintage look, then they are a great alternative.

I would highly recommend getting them custom made so that they fit your guard shape and soft top mount location perfectly.

Mine had a thin foam backing and edged. Attached to soft top mount at the top, used a short strap with press stud to attach bottom to the chassis. Then just velcro to attach inside the wheel arch.

They are also really suitable if you want to retrofit as they are great for covering up existing stone chips & marks.

Just pop them off when you are washing the Cobra.

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Craig. Yours were so good and practical that I decided to go for a similar pattern. They are being custom made in a close-to-body-colour backed vinyl and fitted as yours have been using 3M industrial type velcro. They should be easy to remove for washing and still be 'old school'.

Thanks for all your help.

Merv

PS Still ignoring Les

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

PS Still ignoring Les

I'm with Uncle Mike .... fishnet stockings will complete the image.

[400TT]

How did you guys know?

[Merv and Sharon]

No appreciation for fine leather....

Merv

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

No appreciation for fine leather....

Merv

Last time I saw leather similar to that was during television coverage of the Sydney Mardi Gras. Similar shaped garments too.

[Merv and Sharon]

Ha! Fast men?

Merv

[ollie2906]

I have the front and any other points on my Cobra that need protection from stones bugs etc covered with a 3M product called invisi shield. You can't see it, it can be used where there are curves on curves. Very difficult to apply on the Cobra but can be done to good effect. Rob

[stephen low]

Rob

Did you apply the 3M product yourself?

The suggestion earlier was that it is difficult on curves as you suggest but is there a technique that you can describe and pass on for some of us to have a go if desired?

Steve