Two40MuscleZ

Ernie: FYI this past year at the MSA Show there was a Met. Blue Z that had that exact Pantera Piece molded into it. The car belonged to a Japanese guy out of the Los Angles area. Looked pretty trick. In the early '70's there was an article written about a "Z" owned by Evil Kenevil, who had that same Pantera look, but it was also chopped and channeled. Thought you might get a chuckle out of hearing that. I will look for the magazine. I've got it archieved somewhere. All the best. VAN

Ron: There are several factors to consider here: If you have a smaller compressor you are limited from the get. However, you can overcome most of your problems by doing it in pieces and stages. Obviously, your usage time is very limited. Adding an auxiliary tank will certainly help. But, your small compresser will work twice as hard. You can change the orphis on your gun, use an HVLP gravity feed type gun, which will not suck as much air as a conventional quart pot siphon gun. By working will smaller areas or pieces, yes there is more dis and reassembly, but you benifit by concentrating on one piece at a time. Your working time is limited but so is the area you are painting. Just take your time and don't rush. Allow your compressor to work for you not against you. Another problem with using a smaller compressor is the amout of moisture it produces. You will definately need to use a water trap and drain it periodically. Also, an inline air filter just prior to your gun is a good idea also. It's considerably more work and time with a smaller compressor...but, it can be done. Remember, before you start a large area like your hood, or quarters, to start off with a full tank of air. Alternative is to check out your local automotive paint dealer, or body shops, as sometimes you can rent their booth, which accomplishes several things. You now have a relative clean place to shoot, with the proper air and filter supply, and they might even give you some tips on shooting it. Its worth a try. Good luck. VAN

Ernie: Just a thought. If the car can be towed by the front wheels, then you really don't need to rent a flat bed trailer. Instead use the front tow type trailer that attaches to the front axle and tires. There shouldn't be a milage limitation on something like that. As far as the truck, I can't help you there. I know the owners of the local U-haul in my city. I will check with him tomorrow for suggestions and then post for you or you can give me a call late tomorrow afternoon. You have my number. Hope that helps. Best to you and your family. Tell "Pops" I said hello! VAN

Miles: Haven't talked in a while, but your car sure looks good. Nice job on the paint. I thought your car was a deep purple with ghost flames??? I might be mistaken. However, the new color and flair work really sets the car off. Thanks for sharing. Give me a shout when your up in the Riverside area. They've got a new Hooters that just opened. Remember the last time we were there with Owen, Tim240Z and ZRated. What a blast! Stay in touch. VAN

You've really done a great job on planning out and building your dash. I am working on a different dash, real old school. I got the idea while looking at my sons dash after I shot the paint on it a few months ago. It comes out of his '55 Chevy P/U. I like the clean smooth lines of the long dash, accented by the "V" Billet gauge cluster in front of the sterring wheel. I needed to narrow the width by 5" but the depth and overall diamensions work well. Can't wait to see yours when its completed. Thanks for sharing. VAN http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e353/kanehoku/55%20chevy%20pickup/CIMG1714.jpg http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e353/kanehoku/55%20chevy%20pickup/gaugeandcolumn.jpg

Here's my contribution:

I like 'em! Thinking out of the box is always good. VAN

The Muscle Z will recommence once I have painted the Orange Crate. Building two Z's simaltaniously is a bit costly. Building costs range in average between $5 to $6000 a month for the past 3 months running! With winter setting in the painting aspect of the OC build is exacerbated but however not yet compromised. Therefore, it is imperative I finish the paint process ASAP! I am gearing up so that I can allow the MZ to consume most of my winter build time and with any luck have it finished and back on the ground by April '07. As the MZ build progresses I will certainly continue to furnish press releases and Photo updates. It all comes with time and patience. The latter of the two I am running out of...LOL. Thanks for asking... VAN

Joey: If I know Ernie, he won't mind and if he does then you can refer your questions to me! But asking for genuine information is not bugging someone. Most of the people on HZ are more than willing to help someone with a question or problem they are encountering. VAN

I concur great site. However, if you want pretty much the same information get with RacerX in the HZ Forum(s). He can field your individual questions directled related toward your specific application needs; i.e. he brings with him, a wealth of knowledge from the automotive restoration/paint field. VAN

Good seeing you and your daughter at the JCCShow. Weather could have been better, however, it was a good day. Engine was very clean...lots of hard work there. Paint and body, yep, you need to address that, but that only comes with time (and money). Don't rush it, enjoy the build. Old Hot Rodders saying, "building a Hot Rod brings on challanges, that's the fun of Hot Rodding". Somehow patience finds its way into that equation! Anticipation, anxiety, frustration...yeah, that's where the funs at...LOL! By next HCCShow you'll be right up there, so don't worry - it's all good. Side note/Observation; if you noticed the trophy winners belonged to the larger Clubs. Only registered drivers cast ballots, so it actually was NOT a peoples choice. That being said, it was an "I'll vote for you and you vote for me", enough club members = a winner! Like the car commercial for VW says: I'm not saying their cheating, I'm just saying!!!", LOL. But, when you go to a car show, at least for me its not the trophy, it's spending quality and relaxation time with friends/family. That's really the fun part. See ya next year! VAN

Ox: It's about time you joined me! LOL Happy Happy. Buds for life. Give my best to Deb. VAN

I had an opportunity to visit an old friend of 30+ years, Stan Betz of "Betz Speed and Color" in Orange Co. CA today. Stan is an Old School Icon in the Custom Painting World of Show Cars. He has had countless awards and is riviled by few in his field. On any painting project I have been involved with, he has never failed to come up with the perfect custom color. So, today I approached him with a color off of the '56 chevy pictured in this post, asked him to duplicate the color and trick it up a bit. 20 minutes later the basecoat was finished and now he started to do his magic. Needless to say, after I saw him add the third bottle of Pearl, I stopped counting. The color is basic to the color shown, however, with the addition of the Pearl and a few more painting tricks I will add later; it will seem that when you touch the surface of the paint, your finger feels like it needs to go deeper. Love that wet look! I have a few details to tighten up bodywise before starting my magic. Weather pending it will be completed within a few weeks. In any event, it was a great day, I'm very pleased with the color, and I will post updates as time progresses. For anyone residing in the SoCal area, Stan's shop is located at Katella and Main, just off of the 57 Frwy in Orange Co, CA. If it's a custom color your considering, that should be your first and last stop. Enjoy the PICS, VAN http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/StanBetzmixing1ofcolorforOC002.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/StanBetzmixing1ofcolorforOC003.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/StanBetzmixing1ofcolorforOC007.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/StanBetzmixing1ofcolorforOC008.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/StanBetzmixing1ofcolorforOC004.jpg

Check out Pete Paraska's site...altered Z.com; there you'll find all the information needed to fabricate a multitude of things for your car including measured drawings of sub-frame connectors. Side note, if you are running a V-8 its almost manditory you run connectors. Being a uni-body vehicle the bitch has a tendency of twisting under high rpms. Which can cause stress cracks and body twist. Also, remember to use your Archieveal Search Engine for this site to retrieve information. VAN

Heres a little something I picked up in my travels for my Z. http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Orange%20Crate/OCBuildBodyPrimer020.jpg

It deeply saddends me to hear of his untimely demise. My sincerest condolences to his wife and family during this trying time. VAN

Here is a PIC of my "daily driver" aka: The Orange Crate. http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/OCBuildBodyPrimer026.jpg Final paint color goes on in 2 weeks. http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Orange%20Crate/im000056.jpg

At the last MSA Show I was talking with the largest company that makes the lambo style doors and at that time no one had done an early 70-73 style Z. Since I had already molded in my fenders and airdam as a one piece unit, I was unable to have the work done. If I were to make some mods to the fenders and redo the body work I could still have it done. The cost ranges from roughly $1500-$2500 or more depending on the options and style of lift you want to incorporate into your design. In the past lots of negative comments had been posted regarding lambo doors...but, those were by individuals who can't think out of the box and have very limited design expertise. I say "if ya like it, then go fer it!" Or "if your going to make a statement then...well you know what my car looks like!"

Davy is right. I suggest you check out in CA at least the CVC. There is a section restricting all chrome cars for street use. i.e., high/blinding glare factor. Show cars however, are listed under a different section. So, before you plunk down all that hard earned cash, do your homework. It will save you in the long run... VAN

And I thought he was on his way to a Tractor Pull! LOL

Talk to Tim240Z. He shaved his doors and added poppers. He should be able to help you with that. Also, you might want to ask RacerX (Ernie). He is pretty knowledgable. VAN

Mike: Now you have a wife and an almost Mistress...LMAO. Your beginning to sound like me. VAN

Hey Mike: Do you think it would be cool to...mount a flame thrower next to your cannon...I like my Chicken X-Crispy!!! LMAO Sidebar: I also enjoyed reading your "Think" post! Yes it does and yes there are! VAN

Hans and I while attending the monthly ZCCIV dinner meeting in Murreita, enjoyed a special treat last Tuesday evening. There were about 25 members in attendance, and we placed a call to Japan, and all sang "Happy Birthday" to him. It was great. His biggest birthday joy was the fact that at age 97, he was able to renew his drivers license for another 3 years! He is spry as ever and seems to be getting along, although there are some health concerns. Was nice listening to him chat about his latest adventures. Just wanted to share that with everyone. Hi Hans!!! VAN

Yes, it's time to ask our resident expert body and fender Guru...ERNIE, aka RacerX! He is DaMan! VAN