Two40MuscleZ

RacerX: As always your information is invaluable. I appreciate the tip information as that definately narrows things down to a fine science. I am anxious to use the gravity fed system, as I am only familiar with the old siphon feed guns. When the first HVLPs' came out I did a few trial passes, and the fan spray seemed a bit gritty as I was laying it down. The material had been pre-mixed by the sales person, so I had no control over that. However, if I practice a bit and mess with the settings I am certain that it will all come together. Thanks again for the information. Look forward to meeting you the next time I am in the Bay Area. DC was an old stomping ground in my younger years. Every Fri and Sat night from the top of Mission St on the ECR. down through So. City and all the way to SJ. Street racing and crusing for chicks...now that was a cruise! That doesn't happen very much anymore I would imagine. Compliments, VAN

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feed back. All good information. VAN

mkokimoto: I am sure Bang will appreciate that. Thank you. VAN

True School: Welcome aboard. Hope you can make it to the Hybrid gatherings. Comps, VAN

Hey Tim: Has any body heard from BANG, or how about Big Phil? Maybe they'd be interested also?

Has anyone used or familiar with the newer type of higher end Automotive HVLP guns? I am looking at purchasing two guns...one for primer application(s) and a second for top coat finishes. Have always used the "Old School" quart pot type; but, it's time to upgrade! RacerX...if you run across this post maybe you can advise on the new technology. Thanks VAN

Tim: Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. No word from Grumpy yet...Hope he knows how much us "Old Farts" appreciate his help! Just received my "Shot Gun" air scoop. Changes the looks for the car all-together. Body work under construction...trying to get it finished and primed out for MSA. Will post some shots next week. Thanks again. Van

Just a quick question I thought I'd through out to the group. I'm setting up to install a 7110 Edelbrock Tunnel Ram on my 383 stroker. Have never messed with multi carburation before. Can I get some tips on the easiest way to tune and set these things. Grumpy...if you run across this post, I sure would appreciate your expertise in this matter. Thanks guys, appreciate your help. Comps, VAN

I ordered a silver 72 240Z from the dealer in Nov. 1971. Back then you had a waiting list of anywhere from 3-6 months. Since I was in the military it didn't much really matter. When I went home for Christmas leave the dealer still hadn't recieved the backordered cars. I waited another month and just by chance one afternoon I stopped by the dealer. No silver Z's...however, there was a metallic Brown one that had been shipped in its place. I took it for a quick spin and then went back to the salesman to finish the purchase. At that time I had just turned 21 and the salesman fell over when I paid off the balance in cash! You have to remember though, back then Z cars were only $3,500 with all the extras. I still have it to this day...It's my show car "The240MuscleZ" Still has less than 60,000 original miles, but it doesn't quiet look like a stock Z. I've put together a sweet little small block, (686 hp) flaired out the both the front and rear fenders (rears measure 76.5" outer flair to outer flair), back halfed the car, tubbed and added a triangulated 4 link. Tires are Mickey T's 18.5" wide mounted on 15" wide Convo Pro rims. Still a ways to go until its ready to show. In the mean time I've been working on my second '72 240 "The Orange Crate" I originally purchased it from a prior club member. During the past year I have completely gone through and rebuilt from ground up, including the engine which is now a 383 stroker. It's been in a few local shows, and I have managed to take several awards for the engine. Just Lucky! But, thats my daily driver, and she's very dependable...just like I like my women! Z's are great...wish every one could experience the thrill of having one...especially after you do the conversion! Laterz, VAN

Tim: Pierre was nice enough to let me park with his crew last year. However, on Sunday I'll be there...right between you and Owen. So save me a space! VAN P.S. Are we going to make Firday eve the 2nd annual "Hybrid Hooters Cruise", and/or Sunday meet for breakfast close by MSA before hand and all cruise in together??? Uncorked?

Grumpy: I can't believe what I've been reading! For all the "Pearls of Wisdom" that you unselfishly cast to the masses; offering insight and technical expertise far beyond the grasp of most; you have always been warmly received by all those individual(s) who have asked for truth and knowledge. Whereas, your unyealding dedication to maintaining a professional repore with your constituents more than exemplify you and your position with respect to HybridZ. To entertain or even suggest the notion, in any fashion, regarding the implication of Moderator favoritism is absurd. Granted, the post may have been better placed in an alternate forum, but truth be known...we all know that most of the membership opens to the first forum on the hit parade. Furthermore, regarding the open retraction...that's for you to take under advisement. Personally, I highly respect your understanding and talents in the areas of automotive expertise. Without your consideration, this forum... NO, this "Organization" would feel it's impact. Thank you for your unselfish participation...as I hope you will continue. With Compliments, VAN

Dan: Hard to beat...outstanding job. What can I say, it takes my breath away! Look forward to seeing you again at next years 2nd Annual Hooters Pre MSA HybridZ gathering. I guess thats a nice way of putting it...what do you think Tim??? Best Wishes, VAN

Thanks Davy for the kind words. Been away much too long from the site. Look forward to getting back up to speed. Up dates briefly as follows: Two40MuscleZ finally restarting the project after a year of putting Lones' old Z back together and fixing some major problems. Currently, after back halving, tubbing and flairing, it is now being refitted for the triangulated rear 4 link and sub-frame connectors. After that comes the cut down Ford 9". The 15"x15" Centerline ConvoPro rims are waiting to be mounted to the 29"x18.5"x15" Micky T's. Outside rear measurement flair to flair is 76.5" OA. I also have a local paint source instead of using House of Kolor. Still much to complete including cutting out and raising the floor pan approx 4." This will allow sufficient ground clearence for the Dual FlowMasters. List goes on...I know how Pete must have felt! The Orange Crate (AKA Lones' old Z) during the past year has undergone some remarkable changes; only the Orange paint remains! One week after I picked it up I began its transformation. Everything was gutted, changed, rebuilt, refitted and/or modified. The only thing that remains is the fact the at one time it belonged to him. The engine has been completely gone through, and is now a 383 Stroker. Heads have been changed, to include new roller rockers/lifters, Xtreme Comp Cam, bored 30 0ver, forged 400 Scat Crank, KB Pistons, balanced/blueprinted and topped off with a new Holley 780 mounted to a port matched Vic Jr. intake. The "shorty" L-88 cowl hood scoop has been molded in and the body work is about 40% completed. Hopefully this winter will allow me to duplicate what I did to the MuscleZ with the exception that I will not flair out the fenders. Keep the body stock, but 14.0" wide tires tucked up under the fenders. After all it is a "daily driver". Although, the engine is really just about the only finished looking part of the car, this past summer, of the 5 local area shows entered, I have been fortunate to be recognized with 3 awards for best engine. My newest addition is on its way, engine out, turbo 400 tranny just waiting for a mate to be found. Car is straight and the price was right. Just happen to be in the right place at the right time. This one is going to be my last long term Z Project (yeah, right). Not sure which direction I will head with it, but in any case it will be a Hybrid never-the-less! Apologize for being so lengthy, will try and post photos in a few weeks. Thanks to all the Hybrid guys for all your support...especially, Terry, Tim, & Owen. Comps, VAN

Tim: The proof is in the pudding and from what I know about you...you love to cook! Looks good Dog... VAN

Kid: You know the old saying "patience is a virtue"...it also applies here. What you are getting into is nothing different than anyother one of us, as we have all been through it...some several times! Think of what you want to build. Plan it out. Save your money and keep looking. I just picked up my 3rd 240, a '71 in excel. cond. for $100. No engine or trans, but who cares...it will shortly become another V8 added to my stable. Good early Z's still exhist. You just have to be patient and scout them out. Easier said than done...true. But, by the time you finish your search, you will be well versed in all aspects of the Z car. It will allow you the pleasure of driving something sought after and unique, and give you the satisfaction of doing it yourself. Plus it becomes a "one-of" and that in itself should give you the encourgement to embark on your project. The biggest plus factor is: "whatever you need, from parts, to hands on assistance...HybridZ is the place! I would venture to say that it is the most unique opportunity offered to any one who ventures into the realm of the Z car persona. These guys are a collective cohesion of beginners to experts, from young to old (and then some...like me) and are more than willing to share their experiences, wealth of knowledge and even their pitfalls. So, your ahead of the game before you even get started with your project. If a Z is what you truly want...then go for it. Heck, I have three early Z's and I still am planning on building up a '41 Willys "Gasser Style" Coupe with a blown 454 one of these days!!! Best of luck! Comps, VAN

Mike: Love the name "Old School." My plates read "Old Rice"! VAN

I will go ahead and take a few of them and send them to you. VAN

Mike: Can't really tell you other than late model. I Bought them from a friend who no longer lives in the area! Sorry about that. VAN

BD: I have a pair of Miata cloth seats with two (2) speakers in each headrest that fit nicely into my 2nd '72 240Z. Seats are very similar to fit, feel and comfort to the stock Z seats. They mount up easily to the stock position. As for the quality of speakers...so/so. Not a lot of power, but if listening to soft music while crusing, the stock ones are fine. You can replace them and enlarge the cutouts if you desire. They come prewired and the harness comes out under the seat for easy install. For the most part they are addiquite.

Just a quick Non-Tech Announcement: Terry, Tim and Owen... I know you'll get a kick out of this one. I just finished putting together a deal to pick up another twenty-four ounce Z. It's a clean '71, body in great condition, and already preped for the V-8 conversion. Right place, right time, and totally unexpected..all this, a bag of chips and $100 dollars later! That brings the count now to 3. What in the @^#% am I going to do with 3 of them!!! LMAO VAN

Before you get all pricey, consider this: When detailing out my V-8 (Gloss black) for local car shows I was discusted by the cost of the engine enemal spray type paints found in the auto supply stores. Thought that there should be a better cost effective way. I thought that I would try (not a plug) Vista brand gloss black oil base enamel. The same stuff used on residential home applications. I have had great success with this product. The engine once painted took 24 hours to hard dry. But, after an overnight dry, the engine was ready to be driven. I show the car 1-2 times on weekends. Prior to each show I spend several hours detailing the engine. The use of engine degreaser has never effected the luster of the gloss finish, and the paint has remained fresh looking for the past 6 months. I know there are some sinics out there, but two weekends ago I entered a show and took best engine. Now that has got to say something for the use and durability of that product. All I can say is "try it you'll like it". If nothing else, the cost savings and superior product is what you will benefit from. Three times the material at less than half of what you would pay at the auto store. Hope this helps. Comps, VAN

Hey Guys: I had an opportunity earlier in the month to go through the process of figuring out a personal name plate for my 2nd Z "The Orange Crate". Lots of names, lots of thoughts and it all came down to one unique and simple phrase..."OLD RICE". Nothing fancy, nor striking, just really truthful, well... except for the blower whine coming from under the hood! LOL Everyone have a GREAT Summer, and stay safe on the streets! Comps, VAN aka "the old fart"

For all of those that either didn't or couldn't make this years MSA...there's always next year. However, for the handfull of us that did...a good time was had by all...isn't that right Owen!!! A brief recap; Friday night a handful of us gathered at Anaheim H00ters. For those of you who have never indulged in that relm before, it was great. We all forged many memories that night...you name it we did it. Food, drink and conversations, with good friends, complimented by the uncompromised vistas that abound within. Hell of a way to kick off the weekend. Saturday...well, we will let ZR8TD and ZROC fill in those blanks. Sunday, another classic Southern California weekend, filled with Z's, blue skies, warm weather, great conversation, and women! To end the festivities...as we started in high fashion, we also ended at the same starting point back at Hooters. My personal thanks Tim, Owen, Spencer, Z R8TD, Zroc, John, Dave, Dan, Miles, Chad, and Theresa aka "DaBoom". You all made my weekend. And for those we didn't quiet make it...next year will be even better. VAN

A considerable amount of good information. Carrying a side arm, is a privledge and carries with it a great deal of responsability. Most of the individuals who carry CCW's are issued them (outside of LEO's) because they have a definate need and not just self defense. Carrying and pulling are two different concepts. The legal term is "Imminent Danger" i.e. life threatening to the point that it is directed specifically at you, and that you are in fear of your life! Knowledge of the mere fact that the individual possess a weapon that might be used to hurt you is not sufficient to warrant you using deadly force. There are a whole passle of laws that meander in and out of different situations. The best thing is to understand the laws and how they are interperted and used, don't place yourself in a situation that could develop into a potential problem and don't rush into anything. Lots of possibilities, and thats where those of us who are fortunate to have had AOT (Advanced Officers Tng) can react and respond to unfortunate situations. Don't be the Hero...they usually become casualities. Don't boast or display your weapon...just keep it "under wraps" and you will be just fine. VAN

Last Nov I purchased Lone in AZ's unfinished project Z, who also lives in Mesa. He had added several spacers to the front and rear springs to keep it from bottoming out. Concept marginal...ride stiff. My advice; only use them as a last resort. Mikelly, Pete Paraska and/or BlueOvalZ can most likely direct you in the best direction. Comps, VAN