markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted February 19, 2017 I'm surprised you didn't go with a composite door shell. Car looks good though. I like that it isn't too extreme looking, even though it is very extreme in every other way. composite doors are an easy way to get killed on the track without a ton of engineering in the CF structure. That's not something I can do. The car has steel where it's most needed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EF Ian 10 Posted February 27, 2017 Epic build, look forward to some more photos and definitely a video hen you get a chance. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted April 24, 2017 FYI. I'm bringing the car, along with my RBZ, to the San Antonio Nismo Fiesta this coming Sunday, April 30th. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted August 18, 2017 small update. big news. Car went to paint a few weeks ago. Starting the process of getting painted. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tim.d 2 Posted August 18, 2017 (edited) I'm kind of upset you're painting it, but more glad it's still alive! Edited August 18, 2017 by tim.d Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted August 22, 2017 I'm kind of upset you're painting it, but more glad it's still alive! You're not the first to react that way. There's always the "you're painting over the carbon fiber??" reaction. So here's the logic: First, the CF work is ok, but we made no effort to ensure the weave ran consistently across the body. it's all over the place. And the molds have all kinds of small errors that reflect my original Z's body errors. It doesn't survive close inspection. It also seams against the few remaining steel elements like the doors and roof (safety!) And I wasn't into the idea of building some kind of raw naked-tech racer. The vision for the car is as a refined material and mechanical platform that reveals itself only upon close inspection. At first read it's just an old 1970s Z car, albeit shiny paint with flares. The magic will be in how all the materials and technology reveal themselves as you open the doors, lift the hood, etc. For example the hood is painted on the outside...relatively normal looking right?... but lift the hood and ...omfg... underneath is a custom chassis, motor, and naked carbon inner hood surface. I think it'll work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1969honda 2 Posted August 23, 2017 I like your thought process and vision of "it's just an old 1970s Z car, albeit shiny paint with flares" and all the surprise and magic under the deceivingly normal skin, it will definitely be a sleeper until messed with! I'm really toying with the idea of leaving the exterior of mine just the way it is, faded stock butterscotch colored paint and white accents along the rockers with 240z script and then making sure the engine bay and interior is all new and glossy with an updated interior. Why? sleeper, race car, camaro killer, etc... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jpndave 2 Posted August 23, 2017 Sounds like you are headed in the right direction. All the hidden carbon wouldn't be anywhere near as affected by UV light on the resins. Painted with all the WOW still seen when you open her up sounds super cool to me! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zetsaz 6 Posted August 23, 2017 I like your thought process and vision of "it's just an old 1970s Z car, albeit shiny paint with flares" and all the surprise and magic under the deceivingly normal skin, it will definitely be a sleeper until messed with! I'm really toying with the idea of leaving the exterior of mine just the way it is, faded stock butterscotch colored paint and white accents along the rockers with 240z script and then making sure the engine bay and interior is all new and glossy with an updated interior. Why? sleeper, race car, camaro killer, etc... You should definitely do this. Faded butterscotch just screams "old used sports car" Mark, I'm with you on the idea. I've always been a huge fan of understated style. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted October 23, 2017 The body prep for paint is coming along. It's taken a lot of work to take the subtle waves and kinks out of the CF body. But it's close and looking perfect. It will hopefully get painted next week. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seattlejester 20 Posted October 23, 2017 Damn you and your single teaser pic. Can't wait to see how it turns out. I think that will be a very cool take. Looks like a flared cool z car, then open up the bonnet and find the insanity. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ryan95i4 1 Posted October 24, 2017 Thanks for the updates! Even if they are just teasers ha. Good luck with the rest of prep! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted December 17, 2017 The car is still at the paint shop. The body is almost prepped for paint. They did a fantastic job making everything fit nicely and straightening out all of the surfaces. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted March 13 The car is very nearly finished. After nearly 10 years of work it's finally painted. The red is beautiful and is striking when you see the contrast between the painted parts and the naked carbon underneath. I plan to show the car for the first time at Nismo Fiesta in San Antonio in Mid April. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
G-Tech 4 Posted March 13 amazing car in every part of it!!! what color is that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted March 13 3 hours ago, G-Tech said: amazing car in every part of it!!! what color is that? It's Audi's Masano Red- the color they use on the 2008/9 RS4, among others. It's a brilliant 5-layer red that has white underneath it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rturbo 930 28 Posted March 13 That red looks great! The stripes are cool too. Can't wait to see it assembled in the sun. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seattlejester 20 Posted March 14 Kudos, can't wait to see the contrast! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markrolston@mac.com 20 Posted March 24 The paint has been sanded, cleared, sanded and polished. It looks beautiful. Next week we will clear the carbon parts and put the car back together. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EF Ian 10 Posted March 24 Thats fantastic, it looks great, a true work of engineering art. Plus the passion and patience to keep the build going for ten years. Make sure to take plenty of videos when you get her out on track. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arif 4 Posted March 25 I've seen this car develop over the years at each Nismo Fiesta and all I can say is it is even more awesome in person. I can't wait to see it next month. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
