Mdantonio Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Been awhile since I have posted here but its great to be back! In 2004 I purchased a purported rust free 260z touted as the last Scarab out of California and while some of the markings were there I believe it was a scarb kit zcar. It was certainly anything but rust free and needed tons-o-work with many improvements such as setting back the engine, Mustang II steering etc etc. Should be wrapping up this summer and as we all know these cars are certainly not going to bring big dollars but are absolutely fun vehicles and most significantly personalized vehicles. That said, so what of the V8 conversions out there that were kits from Scarab, or JTR, or any other V8 converted zcar? An undeniable fact is whether they carry a number and logo from the now defunct "Scarab" manufacturing facility in California the term Scarab has become synonomous with zcar V8 conversions. While putting the final touches to my car and looking at the logos I just cannot bring myself to class the car as a 260z Datsun, while it carries the Datsun body style, its something else in terms of the engine, performance, etcetera....a v8 conversion with all the modern upgrades and technology to a v8 conversion not avaialble in the 1970s. And, quite frankly, I have to believe if Morrow were still building Scarabs he would be using things like the Vintage Air Front Runner Drive Kit etcetera etcetera etcetera.... So for all of us V8 Zcar converts how do we mark the unique vehicle that is the zcar v8? It certainly wouldn't be fair to simply replicate Morrows logos/emblems. Therefore, I am having custom logos made for my 260z from billet aluminum that will be chromed with a 2012 flair. While I am using the scarab in the logo there will be no mistaking this modern logo in its sleek nature, finish, or design with that of Morrows. As I was having these logos prepped it occurred to me that other V8 Converts may want to document their unique vehicle in both logo but also a registry highlighting the modifications to their zcar? My suggestion/question is this: Is anyone interested in the emblems I am having machined (All emblems)? If so, when they come back from Graphics I will post them here for all to comment. And, if yes, would anyone be interested in starting (or does one exist) a numbered registry of current v8 conversions (We define whats required to register etcetera) wherein we could carry our own unique number for our conversions? Thoughts and/or comments? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOTHALOSISM Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 I like the idea, I'm working on designing some custom lt1 fuel rail covers that might have the scarab emblem in it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 27, 2012 Author Share Posted January 27, 2012 I like the idea, I'm working on designing some custom lt1 fuel rail covers that might have the scarab emblem in it as well. Great! Let's start by coming up with a standard v8 conversion set of emblems to share with everyone and a registration database. We should start with the emblems, I'll have samples in two weeks! Anyone else interested in participating? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rags Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Sure I'm game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOTHALOSISM Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 CJc I'll show you what I have so far. Do you have photoshop so I could send you the psd file. If not I can send you just a jpg. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarab 155 Posted January 27, 2012 Share Posted January 27, 2012 Great idea to honor these Scarab kits and cars. I maintain the Scarab Registry for both Factory VIN and factory conversion (e.g customer cars) Scarabs. There are less than 200 cars that were produced by Scarab Engineering including "customer cars". However, more than 1,000 kits were sold during the 5 years of the company's existance. If anyone has a factory VIN Scarab or believes they have a factory car, PM me and we'll see about the authentication and listing in the Registry. We are in the process of scanning and placing in the tech library of Wild About Cars (www.wildaboutcars.com) a lot of original Scarab factory materials. Enjoy your Scarab whether it's a Factory VIN, customer car or a nicely done kit. Scarab VIN # 155 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 CJc I'll show you what I have so far. Do you have photoshop so I could send you the psd file. If not I can send you just a jpg. Sounds great and of course I'll post the designers images within the next two weeks. Lets put together a complete emblem set! What was important to me was making sure the materials are high quality. Billet aluminum and chrome is good for what I'm doing but we will have options to powder coat, leave billet aluminum, or chrome. Send in jpg for now if that's okay? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 Great idea to honor these Scarab kits and cars. I maintain the Scarab Registry for both Factory VIN and factory conversion (e.g customer cars) Scarabs. There are less than 200 cars that were produced by Scarab Engineering including "customer cars". However, more than 1,000 kits were sold during the 5 years of the company's existance. If anyone has a factory VIN Scarab or believes they have a factory car, PM me and we'll see about the authentication and listing in the Registry. We are in the process of scanning and placing in the tech library of Wild About Cars (www.wildaboutcars.com) a lot of original Scarab factory materials. Enjoy your Scarab whether it's a Factory VIN, customer car or a nicely done kit. Scarab VIN # 155 Thanks and while we wanted to continue the scarab concepts for conversions (v8) we didn't want to create confusion with the factory scarabs. I'll send pics of mine when it's done and there are holes drilled where a factory plate would have been, then engine was in the right place to be a factory scarab, it has quarter window scarab labels, there was a dash scarab label I found in the car when the interior was removed, it had a blue velour interior, metallic blue paint, suspension, but no exterior scarab emblems although the z car exterior emblems were brand new and the guy sold it o me was a weasel. It was originally owned by a purported collector out of Canada who was the original owner of the car. it is a 383 stroker v8 engine that was in the position of the original factory scarabs. I just suspect it was a clever conversion by someone who had enough information to match the factory scarab. The most odd thing about this car was a reverse gear box in the steering column that allowed the use of the original data in steering rack, truly bizarre if that helps. It's now a mustang II steering rack in the car but that was odd. The reverse get box was mounted on the driver side wheel well under the hood. If someone is talking to morrow ask him about that and see if it rings a bell? I can tell you after driving the car with the engine more forward and having had the engine moved back toward the firewall (professionally) the car is WAY more balanced and handling is incredibly improved. Thanks for your support and I am confident all of us wanting the emblems would be very interested in your input on the designs. Kind Regards, Charles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 Typing on an iPhone so please excuse grammar and spelling... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 28, 2012 Author Share Posted January 28, 2012 Thanks and while we wanted to continue the scarab concepts for conversions (v8) we didn't want to create confusion with the factory scarabs. I'll send pics of mine when it's done and there are holes drilled where a factory plate would have been, then engine was in the right place to be a factory scarab, it has quarter window scarab labels, there was a dash scarab label I found in the car when the interior was removed, it had a blue velour interior, metallic blue paint, suspension, but no exterior scarab emblems although the z car exterior emblems were brand new and the guy sold it o me was a weasel. It was originally owned by a purported collector out of Canada who was the original owner of the car. it is a 383 stroker v8 engine that was in the position of the original factory scarabs. I just suspect it was a clever conversion by someone who had enough information to match the factory scarab. The most odd thing about this car was a reverse gear box in the steering column that allowed the use of the original data in steering rack, truly bizarre if that helps. It's now a mustang II steering rack in the car but that was odd. The reverse get box was mounted on the driver side wheel well under the hood. If someone is talking to morrow ask him about that and see if it rings a bell? I can tell you after driving the car with the engine more forward and having had the engine moved back toward the firewall (professionally) the car is WAY more balanced and handling is incredibly improved. Thanks for your support and I am confident all of us wanting the emblems would be very interested in your input on the designs. Kind Regards, Charles I meant Datsun steering rack not data in....typing on iphone sorry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 Update: going with chrime plated billet aluminum so top shelf stuff and will share the cad designs next week. I am planning on producing 20 sets on the first run. I can do other finishes so if your interested and want another finish let me know and it's first come first serve obviously on the first run. I have preorders for about eight or nine sets and a restoration company calling about exclusivity. I won't do exclusivity and will make sure the dealer gives all of you the same price im charged.....will be back with cad drawings soon! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 tuff z Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Any updates or is this dead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GOTHALOSISM Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Don't know, my covers have take a side seat to get the wiring and fuel system re-done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted August 8, 2012 Author Share Posted August 8, 2012 Not dead at all, have machinist on several customizations that took precedence. Will update within weeks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skyking Posted September 6, 2012 Share Posted September 6, 2012 I like the idea! Any more on what the logos will look like? Would like to help on this as it is a way to understand that there is history out there that shouldn't be lost. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted September 11, 2012 Author Share Posted September 11, 2012 I like the idea! Any more on what the logos will look like? Would like to help on this as it is a way to understand that there is history out there that shouldn't be lost. I have a completed prototype of one option. I can't seem to upload the image, send email address for pic and perhaps one of you can upload? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvincent Posted October 31, 2012 Share Posted October 31, 2012 (edited) I would be interested in the SCARAB badges etc and I think the V8 registry is a great idea, It add a bit of "officiality" to our v8 hybrids. It would be nice to have this in place for ZCON 2013 in New England next summer. I just had 2 Silver vinyl SCARAB decals custom made that are very similar to the SCARAB boat manufacturer lettering, I had a mirror pair made for the left and right side. After getting the decals I thought about changing them to SCARAB II like the Avanti II cars???? Thoughts??? That way we are not stepping on the Pure Scarab car or kit owners. I read somewhere recently that there are only 18 original SCARAB cars left. I will mount them this upcoming weekend and take some pictures. I would of had it done this weekend but the hurricane weather was not cooperating. Send the pic and I will upload if I still can, I might have to "Donate" to get posting privileges back? gregory.vincent@comcast.net Edited October 31, 2012 by gvincent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvincent Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Finally got around to mounting the SCARAB decals on the left and right front fenders, I removed the 280Z emblem and put the SCARAB decal where the emblem was. I got around to donating again so I am uploading4 pictures. Cjc send me the prototype pictures and I will upload them for you. I would really like to see this Idea move forward and think it is a great idea. ZCON 2013 is in New England this August and I will be there showing and working the convention as a member of the ZCCNE Please try and make the Z car National convention this year in beautiful New England. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gvincent Posted December 28, 2012 Share Posted December 28, 2012 Finally got around to mounting the SCARAB decals on the left and right front fenders, I removed the 280Z emblem and put the SCARAB decal where the emblem was. I got around to donating again so I am uploading4 pictures. Cjc send me the prototype pictures and I will upload them for you. I would really like to see this Idea move forward and think it is a great idea. ZCON 2013 is in New England this August and I will be there showing and working the convention as a member of the ZCCNE Please try and make the Z car National convention this year in beautiful New England. Greg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mdantonio Posted January 8, 2013 Author Share Posted January 8, 2013 To All: Cjc here, Had some login issues and with the help of John Coffey was able to create a new one...took some time but back! I have created a registration database, standard logos (quarter emblems and front fender emblems) and allow for customization in the registering. I'll release the beta mode aometime this month. Sorry for the delay....I'm sending the quarter emblem to be posted here for review/comment. You'll notice it's placed on a black backdrop. There is a stainless steel backing mesh that's not on the emblem yet. Should be there shortly...the emblems will mount up where the oem quarter emblems go without modification. Look for a post to follow with that image... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.