Two40MuscleZ

Trevor: You have good taste my-man. True "Southern Bells" definately enjoy a more "Gentealier" way of living, and are a rare commidity in this day and age. God-I-luv-em! Enjoy the view! LOL VAN

Icesky: Regarding the windshield, you might want to talk with Mike at PierreZ in Hawthorne, CA. He is the owner of the pristine Metallic British Racing Green Convertable that is always featured at the MSA Show. His windshield was shortened using a high pressure water jet cutter. It came out very clean, but, again was a bit pricy. He could also give you more insight into some of the other questions you may have regarding a convertable conversion. VAN

Ernie: I have (as I am sure you have) used most of the item(s) available on the market today, from the old slide hammer technique, brazing, heating and shrinking with a torch, to the dolly and hammer, and finally stud gun. All have their merits, and short commings. I have also seen a system that uses discs to grind heat and reshape (massage) the area(s) into correct form. I have also heard conflicting reports regarding the success rate with the glue dent removal application. I myself work the dollies and hammer, combined with the stud gun. Have had a very high success rate with them. The one draw back is that you naturally have to do the surface prep and refinish, whereas, with the glue you may not have to ( but you also may not get the complete dent out, especially small dings.) Along with the glue type vs the other applications I mentioned, the glue kit is just too damn expensive for what you get. I would much rather use an item that is tired and true and has stood the test of time for 1/2 the price. Just my experiences. Van

PRICELESS! Thank you for sharing that...it made my day....LMAO! VAN

Gollum: That is exactly what they are trying to do. Discourage you from using your own vehicle and renting one from them. They are famous for their "bait and swithch" policies. Unless your in a position to buy a trailer, try and barrow one. But stay away from uhaul. Or, if you need towing, AAA for 100 miles if your a premium member. I've used them several times and the flatbed sure is nice. Takes all the hastle out of it. Just a thought. Good luck...VAN

I wouldn't have been so patient. I would have called 911 dispatch, ID myself, given my 20 and requested back up. After exiting my vehicle, and only after the bat was pulled would I have ID myself as off duty, drawn down and proned them out. The girl would have stayed on the phone with dispatch until back up arrived. They would have been taken into custody and the vehicle impounded. The camera is evidence which is a given. All in all it chalks up to only a minor inconvenience for me, some money and detention for them. Just like 2 big kids...LMAO

Atta boy Mike...you tell um! And your right...it's not a MK Rant! But, I tried to do it nicely anyway! LMAO

It seems that quality control and after sales service isn't their strong suit! Guy: Call and advise them of the problem you are experiencing. Return the item and tell them that you are back charging them for the return shipping. Then you can voice your dissatisfaction with their lack of after sales service if you are not satisfied with how they plan to resolve the issue. In all actuallity, nothing will probably happen. But, hopefully they will rectify your complaint to your satisfaction however you would like it handled. In any event, they should do everything they can to resolve your problem in a timely fashion, without causing you further discomfort. At least thats how the big companies handle their business. Hope it all works out for you.

Welcome Katie to the World of Hybrid and Z's in general. It's refreshing to have a female join this male dominated site. We need more of the female persuasion. Enjoy your new found wheels. I am certain that should you need any help, there is a multitude of individuals that can offer suggestions on any problems that you encounter with your car. Again, welcome to the group. Compliments, VAN

JohnC: You know my stand on this issue! LOL...It's either you gotta catch me first or catch me if you can!

RacerX might be the one to contact. He has a pretty good handle on body and paint in the Bay Area. Good luck with your project. VAN

BP: Between you and Mikelly, your both a pair to draw to! Hope your toe is better. Take care. VAN

Michael! When we get older; we're suppose to "RIDE" other things! LOL Sorry to hear about your mishap. Hopefully, you won't be detained for too long a period. Knowing you though, you'll be back up in the game in short order. Take (better) care and talk with ya soon. Let me know if ya need anything...almost anything!!! VAN

Its the same old problem, old vs new, Detroit steel vs Import. I run into this all the time with the old school die hards. The PIC of the Z was clean. And as for timing...hell, don't let it bother you. If I rolled up in the MuscleZ no doubt it would turn a few heads, and spark a few comments. And when I first entered the Muscle type shows I got a certain amount of flack from the purists. However, they have to understand I have the best of both worlds. The last year of the Muscle car was 1972. After that it all went south. But, that is what I have, actually two Z's. The MuscleZ and the Orange Crate. Both running Chevy muscle motors. The stock Z has great lines, spawn from Corvette, Jaguar and Farrari, coupled to a sweet slant 6 which was the Japanese copy of the Mercedes engine. So from the get, the Z is ahead of its time and comes from an International stage. So, the next time there is a Muscle car show and you want to enter your Z, get ready for a little ribbing, but knowing the roots of your car, Detroit iron is pasae. Hope that helps! These are two Z projects that lend itself well to the words Muscle Car! The Orange Crate: Stock Evinrude/400+hp http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Orange%20Crate/Picture017.jpg OC is my daily driver...love the looks going to work! http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Orange%20Crate/CIMG1687.jpg Two40MuscleZ: 409cid/650+hp/Pro Street http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture009.jpg MZs' rear Meats: M/T 29"x18.5"x15 http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture006-1.jpg MZ: Morrison rear clip/four link/Currie 9+ 4:11 3rd Member with 31 spiline axles: http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/im000098.jpg Face it...these people are out of touch...Go have fun and tear it up! -VAN

Law Enforcement has changed quiet a bit in the past 12 years. Street cops for the most part do make a good wage. However, everything that you are constantly faced with can sometimes be overwhelming. The training costs required to place an Ofcr., Dep, etc. in the field costs around $100k. Most cities do not want to pay that price per candidate just to loose them to another department within the first several years. That is why cities like Los Angeles PD have a 5 year minimum contract. The penality for early transfer is costly to the Ofcr. However, some decide to leave after only a short term. Being in Law Enforcement is not for everyone. Stress is the major down side. You are really never off duty, although the clock may say so. Ever vigilant and always on the ready to "Protect and Serve" when called upon. Case in point; your heading home and come upon a TC on the freeway. You are required by law and your oath to stop and render assistance. If you don't and someone recognizes that you failed to yield and offer assistance, it can lead to adverse action against you...yes, even off duty. Or, your at the local "Stop and Rob" picking up something, when in walks some idiot and starts trouble or worse tries to strong arm the employee. Your stuck in the middle again. Your always on the alert, whether it's out to dinner or off on a trip...even out of town in another state...damn that mutual aid sometimes!!! But, that's what we do. Our families suffer especially the kids. If they happen to catch a breaking news story; car chase, Ofcr. involved etc., and you happen to be a few minutes late, they assume the worst. However, there are those moments of excitement and joy for example when you reunite a lost child with their frantic parents, or during your shift you get to bring a new life into the world (instead of taking one out). Pros and cons...being a Peace Ofcr. is not about the money, and true overtime puts you over the $100k mark. But its about self satisfaction in knowing that perhaps you made a difference in someones life, or used your training to better a potential deadly encounter. I guess when everything is said and done, the bottom line is being able to get up in the morning, go out and face the world in all its confusion and madness, feel good about your days accomplishment and then return home safely. Notwithstanding, those days that go completely SNAFU, and you find yourself wondering will I make it out ok, or will I see my wife and kids again, and if not will they be taken care of, are all reality questions we'd all rather not think about. Therefore, to all of my brother Ofcrs behind the badge, SO, PD, DOC, Fire, Rescue, Park Svs., etc., make it the best Watch you can and go home safe. Respectfully, VAN

In response to your questions regarding the rear end; I contracted Art Morrison Ent., in Fife, Washington to build a custom rear clip with a narrowed Ford 9" rear pumpkin, Strange Coil Over shocks, Roll cage and tin kit. I ordered a new Currie 9+ 3rd member from J&S Gear in Huntington Beach, CA. After some discussion with "OX" (BlueOvalZ), a 4:11 geared Detroit Locker style, with Currie 31 spline axles was the final choice. The fender flairs are fiberglass custom one offs' that I fabricated. The overall width of the rear flairs measure 76.5" outside to outside. The tires just fit in snugly with enough clearence not to worry about rubbing or bottoming out. I did follow the same stock fender flair silloette to keep the basic lines. Cost for the above, approx $8,000.

Boodlefoof...you look good driving in your "Clown Car" and is that your doll too, or just your date? LMAOAU

Ernie: Davy said it right. It is you we should be thanking. After joining HZ in 2001, I destinctly remember you being one of the special individuals that make up the HybridZ core. Special individuals such as Ox, Pete and Austin certainly add great incentive to all our projects. But, lets not forget all that you have contributed. Your field of expertise in the areas of paint and finishing is first rate. My Old School training has be enhanced considerably by reading the information contained within your posts. I am certain we have all come away with a better understanding and appreciation for what you have emparted to us. Thanks again Ernie. VAN

The initial persuit Ofcr. should have chosen his commintary a bit more carefully. He incriminated himself more than once! But, the result was successful. 11 lifetimes...drastic, na...should have saved the tax payers money and offed em! OOps, did I say that!

I would like to think that I am the only one to ever run this big a tire on a Z. DMSV8 ran a similar tire, but his was 29"x15.5"x15" which is the next size down. I don't doubt that somewhere someone else is running one!

Here are some pics of the new rims and tires on the MuscleZ: http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture007-1.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture006-1.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture009-1.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture011-1.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture010-1.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture017.jpg http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/Picture012.jpg The final ride height is yet to be established. The rear flair will drop down over the tire approx 4" from the current pic. Car will have a slight rake like the funny cars do...Enjoy!

Miles: Initially, the smog law stated that a "30 year rolling exemption" was in effect; after 30 years of road service the car was exempt. Also, you can put any engine in any vehicle, but the year of the motor being installed must meet the required EQMD standards for that year motor if it is newer than 1976. Our newest law states that vehicles 1976 and newer smog for the life of the vehicle. Being yours is older then 1976 you are relatively safe in that area. Hope that helps. VAN

Austin: Very clean and well defined Z. Great representation of what can be accomplished through a lot of hard work and dedication to detail. Thanks for sharing your PICS. VAN

California is definately running the Hot end of the envelope these past several weeks. I compromised on a solution to the problem. I decided one day in a fit of heat and confusion to tear down my engine and do a weekend rebuild. As luck would have it the temps had already started to rise and 104 plus was not something that I wanted to work in. So, I start early about 5 am and worked until around 10 am when the temps were beginning to hit the 90's. Knocked off until later that night and started up around 9am when the temps were back in the high 70's. Pulled an all nighter and finished up both the top and bottom ends by 8 the next morning. If you don't mind working throught the night its quiet and the temps were mild. Actually, sometimes I find that to be the best time to work on my car. I guess I'm a bit of a Night Owl. Anyway, thats the way I work around the heat problem. VAN

Tim, If your good it can be done in a weekend. If your real good within 24 hours! However, if you are enjoying wrenching and are building up a car because its fun, then you really can't put a time on it. You should savor your build and screw the rushing around and fighting time. When you rush it takes all the fun out of it! Enjoy your build. VAN