Two40MuscleZ

If you want American Muscle depending on the make and model, you are going to empty your wallet rather quickly. Speaking of building up a show car: $15-20k will get you the basic rolling stock + a few upgrades. Engine and tranny, another $12-15. Paint $10k basic $20-35 for a killer job. Interior $6-8k, misc. $5k...Yeah, somewhere in the neighborhood of $55-65k. Labor = your time. Now if your talking Mopar, just add another 35-40%. Alternative: Build a MuscleZ like I have. Everything that would go into an American Built Muscle, has gone into my two 240Z's. Basically, its a Datsun with a twist...a big one! Old School 409 Muscle to the max. 650+ hp, with a license to kill. Show clean and street legal...well, sorta! These are my first Import Muscle Cars. All my others have been Detroit Iron. I still have one left to build...that being a '41 Willis Coupe. But, make no mistake...most of the car shows enter, I compete directly against the Detroit Iron. Being an Import offers some stigma challenges, but once I fire over the engine, that confirms any doubts. So, build your dream car and enjoy the opportunities as they come along.

Hopefully, what goes on in Japan will stay in Japan. However, those American made models remind me of Boodlefoof and his Mickey D's photo!

For Ernie: Reading over the posts; you might recall the "Dust" V8 mentioned. That is what we called "Moon Dust" back in the 70's. Not as big as flake but coarser than metallic. The trick is to shoot it on the dry side, similar to the Imron technique. For Drew: Can't understand what PC you had to bring about your unprovoked verbal assault on two other members of this forum. Perhaps you misunderstood something? The funny thing about this...your listed as a Junior Member, so there are "scales" all over the floor, so watch where you step! Secondly, your Profile says your Profession is Law Enforcement...Here's a little side bar for ya. You need to be here a while and make your "bones" before spouting off. Secondly, your outburst neither credits you nor that of your Department...don't ya know, A!

I still think the best solution is a 1/4 stick of C4 with a 30 Sec. time delay!

They really do not vent very much and molding them off does not create any problems. Many of us with the early Z's have eliminated them without consiquence. I've done that on both of my '72 's and have never encountered any problem. In fact it smooths out the look of the car, especially if you decide to shave the drip rails. N Good luck, VAN

The perfect theft deturrent for cars with worn out key tumbler assemblies... a 1/4 stick of C4 with a 30 Second time delay! Aren't paybacks fun!!!

FYI - Here is some interesting facts you might want to consider before you think these two will be skating through their current problem. I am posting this after reading a few of the last posts. Unless your involved with the Criminal Justice System and/or are fimiliar with Prison Inmates and how things really are, you have "NO" clue as to what these two "young men" are about to face. Yeah, they are alive, but not in the sense most people know and understand. Contrary to what most invision, the Prison setting is nothing like you would ever imagine. I'm not talking County Jail, which is nothing compared to the State level, and which only deals with Felons. These two are "fresh meat" in the grand scope of things. They are about to discover a whole new set of rules to live and die by, set upon them by the "Inmates Code of Ethics and Conduct"! Case in point...if these two were not affiliated with a gang on the streets before going to Prison, now they will be forced into one. No choices given...you will be in one, period end of sentence. They will do exactly what the shot callers tell them to do. If the caller wants someone shanked, be it this kids life long friend...the kid better do it by the next day or its simple...he will be killed instead by another of his own group! He can be bought and sold for a few cigarettes, used, abused and then turned out to whomever wants him next. The cycle repeats without change or question. No one ever really sleeps in Prison, its your weakest time. Lots of things happen during those hours of darkness. Due to the severity of their offences, I'm projecting some where around their 50th birthday...something like 30 years with at least 85%, By that time their lives will have been reduced to nothing more than a stubbled waste. Once out they face society and all of its uglyness. Job...forget anything substantial...they will be fighting age, health problems (perhaps Hep, Aids and a host of others), and having to be labled a Felon when and wherever they apply of employment. So, with respect to looking more at the overall picture, these two really don't have lives anymore. They are just grouped in with a whole sea of Preditors, perverts, sadists, rapests, addicts, and assorted other lost souls. No, her death was not right, fair, just or anything else other than unnecessary. Nothing can right the wrong caused, in any measure. But, don't think that these two will not escape the laws of reality. They are just beginning a very long and hard journey. 'nough said! VAN

I think Max is right!

Remember you just played your one free "Get out of Jail Card"... Also, there is a great difference between State, Local PD's and SO's. I especially love to watch the "Rookie Fish" when they are doing a traffic stop! You are correct in your assumption that there are just and unfortunately unjust ones as well. But, after pounding the pavement all day, to have some dip S**t kid get or do something stupid, especially just prior to the end of his shift...well, the individual is just asking to be stopped and counseled. Hopefully, you know better now.

I am so sorry to hear of your friends untimely passing. I had just finished my Watch and was heading home on the 60. I had passed that stretch of road not more than 20 minutes prior to the time of the accident. Otherwise, more than likely I could have been one of the initial Code Responders on scene. Almost nightly somewhere on that stretch of highway, I have "Ricers" wiz by me in and out of lanes, cutting of individuals and causing a lot of problems in general. Since that incident, the Perma Facia has been dropped to 55 MPH. There have been several more CHP's patroling that stretch of road. Nevertheless, it is tragic that your friend had to suffer at the hands of a couple of Idiots! Because of her death, these two young men will spend pretty much the rest of their natural lives in State Prison. Basically, they snuffed out their own lives, when she passed. Again, my deepest sympathy to this young ladies family and friends. VAN

Darker colors especially black shows everything! To achieve that pristine perfect finish, you may wind up guide coating and blocking out the entire primered car, 3-5 times. Each time changing up to a higher grit of sand paper. Then again after the car is base coated/clear coated you get to wet block it several more times until the refraction properties in the clear are a perfect 45 degree angle in and out. You'd have to be into painting to fully understand the principle behind that statement. Then buff out the clear to eliminate sanding scratches and wheel polishing/buffing marks. Then you get to wax it a few times. It's a long and argeous task. But done correctly, its a whole different dimension to look at.

The pricing structure varies depending on your geographic location. The SFO bay area cost of living index is slightly higher than here in SoCal. My cost index for supplies and materials is lower than many because I have been in the business painting custom cars for 37 years; and have delt with the same paint dist. the entire time. So, they graciously give me a break on materials and tools purchased from them. In any event, purchase quality materials and equipment and the end results will be just that...quality! Van

1st loves always manage to find there way back to ya! Great story. Congrats. VAN

Use 36 Grit and work up to your 220 grade. Slow and mythotical! Wear resporator, eyes, long sleeve shirt, spray sock and latex gloves. Having a fan blowing at your back helps to keep the sanding dust away from you. On large flat areas use a sanding board, neumatic is best. You can buy board paper in those grits also. After sanding the fiberglass to the basic shape fill in the remaining sanding scratches with a THIN skim coat of body filler. Next use a self leveling cat/poly Urethane primer. Final color sand and your ready for color! VAN

There are a lot of considerations; even when it comes to primering! Depending on what you are using the car for i.e. daily driver or show constitutes your final finish. A self leveling Catalized Poly Urathane primer is by far the best. Depending on the amount of body repairs completed and how good it is will regulate the amount of primer required. Usually for a daily driver a gallon should be enough. However, if extensive work has been applied then as much as 2 gallons or more can be necessary. If you are building it up for show, plan on minimum 2, if its black then your looking at 3 gals. In SoCal, you can pick a gallon up for $55 - $85 which includes the catalyst. Guns are another story. Just remember you get what you pay for. And the quality of the finish goes hand and hand with that. Unless you are going to do a considerable amount of painting and your not shooting Candys, Pearls or Flake, then your "Primer" gun range should be somewhere around $85 -$135. You can find cheeper guns but the finish will not be the same. Your color and top coat guns again depends on the type of finish paint you'll be shooting. You can pick up a decent color gun for $150 and up. Good finish guns are $400 - $800. There are other posts in the Hybrid archieves regarding spray guns and various types. The compressor...the bigger the better as far as continual air usage and convenience of use. A small compressor will be slow to rebuild the pressure, and not hold a constant fan pattern. Also, a smaller compressor will continually run trying to rebuild the expended air. Water build up in the smaller compressors are a real problem, and you will have to buy a water trap/pressure regulator. Lots of little Gremlins to mess with. Its not just pouring some paint you picked up in a gun and start shooting. Do your research, do some practice areas and then try your hand at repainting your ride. Don't even mess with the Candies and/or Pearls until you have practiced abit with solid colors. Some of those cool Candy and Pearl colors can run as high as, $1,100.00+ a gallon. Camelion Colors are minimum $500 a quart! Good luck with your project. VAN

Caszboy: Theres several things you need to understand. By asking the question you left the barn door open! Secondly, "Ox" has a very good eye for fabricating and balance. God knows he's done enough of it! A few minor adjustments and it will look fine. VAN

Very nice! Look forward to seeing your finished design. VAN

Bart: The opinions seem to be on the negative side. Remember Bro..."think outside the box". If your thinking full on custom, then your on the right track. Most can't paint a decent fade or blend. They don't even know how to begin. If the application appeals to you then you should do it. Your building this for you...not everyone else. The Mako was a precurser to the vette design, and the designer chose to do the fade. If it's done right you'll have one hell of a paint job! If you need some pointers or help on custom painting give me a call. Ernie (RacerX) is also another great source for CP questions. VAN

California Law regarding Smog exemptions: 1976 and newer cars smog for the life of the vehicle as per the Govs decision of 2 years ago. The old 30 year rolling exemption is no longer in effect. Basically, when this decision was made there was a heated debate regarding the "Hot Rod" enthusists. Arnold was pressured to eliminate the rolling exemption. His compromise was, last year of the muscle car was '72; ergo extend 2 years til '75 vintage vehicle(s) and reintroduce a constant renewal. He gives a little to the hot rod lobbists to keep in their good graces, and yet gets the revenue back on the other end, by ending the rolling exemptions. There is however a small regulation that states any car is subject to inspection and citable when deemed necessary by law enforcement. Hope that helps, VAN

Guy: The kit I purchased from him must be for the early 240's only. Hope you find what your looking for. VAN

Owen...Your car always looks so clean. The Pics out by the QM really turned out nice. Good close up shots. Thanks for sharing. VAN

Hey Mike...I'm up for that. I can fit about three. How about an M16A1 with back to back Bannana clips, 670 Remington with sluggos, and an M79 Grenade launcher with WillyPete, just to practice windage and elevation! Then again if you went verticle...Maybe 8 LAWS would do the trick! LOL

I agree Davy, and yes it can be a problem. Here in SoCal you see these shrines pop up, mainly Hispanic...candles, flowers, toys, crosses, pictures etc. However, after a certain amount of time the City's Maintenance Crews remove them. If it is "reestablished" then Code Enforcement gets involved. And that usually is the end of that. There are exceptions i.e. if the City Fathers want to errect a memorial for some specific reason or purpose.

Carrying off duty can be challenging, and people are stupid. I've seen it, I've been there, and unless they are really up to pushing the issue, I just look at them and laugh...hard! Don't put yourself in a compromising position, or that of your family. You need to pick your fights, on your terms. Better said, "just consider the source and shine them on!"

Hey "Ox"...I think their on to you...lol Thanks for the call earlier in the week. Always great hearing from you. Now we need to discuss bringing that beast out for a visit...member; you member! Tell the girls I said hi. Buds, VAN