Two40MuscleZ

There's much to be said regarding both sides of the "PINKS" Program, and unfortunately for me being a Z person, yes I have my preferences. However, that particular program doesn't ring true for me. Old school street type drag racing never is put together like that. The host leaves much to be desired. Pitting your car against someone elses...you just don't throw your pink down and say go for it! Your going to choose your match; and when you do, it's all or nothing. This crap about 2, 10, 15 car lengths is Bull. You run straight heads up, or from a roll of 15 (consideration for parts breakage). And you don't bring something to the gathering unless your out for blood. It's fruitless to exchange any type of decent challange when its not all out war. To those who participated I commend your efforts. Perhaps the future holds other possibilities for HybridZ.

To all of you who were kind enough to post your comments and encouragement, I say thanks. '72 was the year of the Z. '82 it was up on storage blocks. 2001 I found HybridZ and the V8 Muscle was becoming a reality. Long hours of researching, networking and making great friendships all led to where the car is today! Although far from complete, many thanks go out to all those who so graciously offered their help and suggestions. "Ox" aka BlueOvalZ, my long distance brother, who was my mentor in fiberglassing flares and a whole bunch more. Owen, great friend and confidant. Tim240Z, encouragement to the max. Dan Juday, Hans, Mikelly, Pete; continuing sources of information and inspiration. Plus a whole slew of others involved in the build...thank you again. Build updates: It's only money! Big dollar day...fuel cell, filter, pump, misc. engine parts. Today, I also ordered a complete Currie 4:11 Detroit Locker rear end with Narrowed 31 spline axles and 4 caliper Wilwood rear disc brake system. BTW info requested: Sparks 280Z: Centerline Convo Pro rims 15"x15" on MT ProSport 29x18.5x15 tires...Injdragracing: 43.5" axle width flange to flange. In addition my son aka Camshaft115 and I are replacing our other '72 Z's with Q-45 units and all the Billet goodies from Arizona Z Car, i.e. Mustache bar, brace kit, dog legs, caps and cross braces. Thank God for overtime!!! Pics to follow later in the week. Everyone have a great and safe 4th of July holiday weekend. VAN

First time posting PICS of my build....enjoy! http://s77.photobucket.com/albums/j59/Two40musclez/Two40MuscleZ/

Happy Birthday...good to chat with you at this years ZCCIV gathering. See you at the AJCS in Sept. Make it a great day... VAN

Bartman: Oooh Yeah! 13 secs...no problem. If you enter the show and need a place to park, let me know. American Muscle Car Club is one of 4 clubs I belong to. Each year we block off approx. 1/3 of the street directly in front of White Park, located at 9th St. & Market in the downtown area. That is where you will find my Z, parked between the Lt. met. blue '55 chevy featured in the TV clip and the Turquoise '62 Vette convertable that took best overall show there last year. Or if you just want to come, see the sights, and have a great time, thats what its all about. There is NO charge to come and see the show. Only fee is if you want to participate in the show and drags. They are a great bunch to be around. In fact, last year one of the guys even blocked off a side street and catered lunch for everyone...food was awsome. Let me know what you decide. It would be nice to get the SoCal HybridZ guys involved. I think it could turn into something everyone would enjoy. All the best, VAN

OK guys, simply put "now this event is the S**T"... Just feast your eyes on this TV spot -> http://www.showandgo.us FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION; or call 951-780-4055 This event is always a spectular 2 1/2 day happening rain or shine. Look forward to seeing you there. VAN __________________ "Build your passion and enjoy the ride" >>> http://www.Two40MuscleZ.com

Interesting choice for body design/concept. Disney used a catch phrase "Imagineering". This is a concept car. Most of us will not or cannot delve into such a project, for lack of imagination and the ability to bring it to life. Each of us strive to prepare our rides the way we think best and in many cases to impress others and get the kudos that come along with it. Its not fair or right to knock anothers vision. I am sure terry (BlueOvalZ) will agree with me on this fact; unless you have enough foresignt, imagination, and body working skills, don't even begin to voice a negative opinion. It may not be to your taste, but then again, you didn't design and build it! Just hate to see anyone get bruised up for pouring their heart and soul into a project, regardless of how you may think it appears. Small minds don't make things happen; it's the ones who think outside the box! VAN

It's been a while since I last posted on the Hybrid site but, my thoughts haven't been totally remiss. I have just finished the first of two Z related projects. After years of rolling around on the floor of my garage, I finally designed and built a vertical vehicle lift specifically designed for the Z. When compaired to the commercially manufactured Hydro lifts ranging in price of $2,400 or better, and then having to adapt it around a max ceiling height to 8', I knew there had to be a better solution. After some careful planning, $550 cash and a spare weekend, the project was finished. It's built out of 6"x 6" posts and cross beams, using two individual 2Ton chain hoists located in the front and rear. Simple design, easy to operate, infinitely adjustable, extremely safe to work under and around. The best part was the finished price. Now for the down side! The money I saved on the lift project went directly into the new 409 engine that I am building up as part of the Orange Crates renovation. The old motor is fine, runs strong and is dependable. However, you know your always looking for a bit more power. With the new transplant I will be looking at a minimum of 550 HP. Along with this little renovation will come a new fuel cell, twin Flowmaster exhausts, and a host of other inovations. Estimated project completion (less body and paint), just prior to 2006 MSA. Look forward to seeing everyone there. Best to all, VAN

Hey Aux: Here's your opportunity...maybe you and Dan should get together and start a HybridZ NorCal Chapter. It would be great; knowing you two? Just a thought. All the best...VAN

Hey Aux: Just remember to keep your "Buccaneers under your Buccanhat! LOL

Larry: My deepest regards to you and you family. Please let us at Hybrid know if there is anything we can do. God Bless. VAN

You really don't have to worry....until she starts asking for the keys to the Z! Congratulations, glad all is doing well. Compliments, VAN

In California "Yes you do" as per CVC 28071. However, if the car is clean and looks custom they usually won't bother you unless "the Cops a fish", aka: Newbee! Even then there are ways around it.

Everyone, if they have the opportunity, should watch the latest Penn & Teller episode of "Bull S--t", on ShowTime TV. They did a big blowout on PETA, putting everything back into their proper perspective; including the female chairperson who started the rouse! Interesting to see both sides of the picture, and how it has been misrepresented. Remember those inspiring words from the U.S. Cattlemans Association motto..."Eat More Beef", or the little old lady named Martha from the 70's Wendy's Hamburger Commercial..."Wheres the Beef". Not to be out done by the latest catch phrase..."Beef...it's what's for dinner". Speaking of which, it's time to go put the stakes on the grill for dinner! Bon Apetite

Hey Dan...I was looking at the time Terry posted his comment...sorry to break it to ya Terry, but you can't blame it on the 2 beers you just drank! LOL...Dan, you your wife and the car all look great. Pleasure seeing you two at the MSA Show. Your car as always is a show stopper. Compliments, VAN

Tim: Cannot fully commit at this point. Work schedules are not posted yet. However, "Blue Flu" outbreaks have been known to strike at any time...especially, during the summer months...on weekends...when the weathers hot...the beer is cold...and the women...well, we'll just leave it a that! LAMO----> VAN

California law requires as per CVC 26709 (a) : Basically, 2 mirrors required; drivers side, interior and/or passanger side, unobstructed view for min. 200 feet to the rear. There you have it...VAN

Tim: After reading Han's second post I just have to laugh. He's right you know...deep down in your heart you know you'll wind up going the extra mile and do those flairs! Face it...it's in your blood. You are a true Hybrider, just like Terry! Spend those big bucks, and get what you really want. Yeah, I know...at this point I am no help either...LOL, but I know you!!! Snowballs, hell...it never stopped you or pretty much any of us before. Whats the difference now. I love teasing you...Your Bud, VAN

I have two particular favorites on me Z's: PROSTZ and OLDRICE The names seem to fit the personality of each vehicle!

Very clean install and impressive...VAN

Tim: Now you know how I felt when I was doing the work on the MuscleZ. The width of my two back flairs measure out to 76.5 inches overall. But, I don't think you'll be running 15x15 Convo Pros on 29.0x18.5x15 Mickey T's either. I've noticed the rage lately for extremely wide flairs. Unless your going to make your own, the widest are like Dan's YZ's. And even his are a good 4.5" narrower than mine. You've seen the MuscleZ in its early stages, and the rear flairs as do the front really make a statement. The Mongooses' body is extremely straight. Doing a double set of flairs will certainly set it off, however, the more understated theme like Han's is the compliment. Body stock with those sweet wide meats tucked in neatly under the cars rear. The only give away is the stance of the vehicle. That way you can keep the integrity of the stock look while compromising the hell out of the drive train. Something else to consider...in the unlikely event that something should happend to the body, your not stuck trying to remake the fenders again. For that reason I am debating whether to pull some glass flair copies off of the MuscleZ before I completely finish my body mods. I know Terry is hot to see my fenders. He and I have had many a conversation regarding them over the course of their construction. Pierre has also asked if I was going to make molds and produce copies. He is interested in selling them as well. But, I'm not ready to start a production process yet. Remember, I built the MuscleZ with the understanding that it was mainly for show. I needed to make a statement and extreme flairs, 18.5" wide tires and deep punched rims achieve exactly that. My advice is to start off by backhalving the car, get the tires/rims you want to run, measure out your tire placement, then ask yourself the question regarding flairs. Either way it's a win win situation. Just the flairs will take a good deal of work to accomplish correctly. Let me know if there is anything I can do and good luck with your new adventure. VAN

Hey Lou: Your opinions are valued on this Hybrid site as are all who have valid issues with vendors products, sales, service(s), etc. MSA by comparison to its contempories; although still building, is limited in their sales, customer service and staff support. Heretofore, this vendors reputation is exacerbated by its inhibited performance. Notwithstanding, they still on occassion manage to pull out a hat trick. The issue of Customer Service and Ordering , really should not be of major concern. For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in SoCal, including David, its nothing more than an hours drive, and an additional hour for them to find the part(s), and it's a done deal. However, unfortunately for you logistics are involved. In summary, consider your experiences, and those expressed by others both pro and con. With respect to Davids comment...he does not have the authority to pass off your concerns, although he may think he does! Anytime an individual is modivated or troubled enough to publically post a concern, it should be important to all of us. Again, thank you for your post. VAN

Interesting...different culture, different ideas. Not all styles for all people. Before throwing your 2 cents into the ring, look at your ride, and all the custom ideas that you put into yours. Then judge! I'm not saying they are all tasteful, just not what we as Westerns are familiar with. If you look at some of the new car designs released this year, you'll see some similarities. If you are privy to a look at current car designs slated for the 10 year future mark, you would be surprised. So, before you call something ugly, think twice. Yours might not be as appealing to others as you may think it is! Your car is an extension of you. Rich, poor or indifferent...you build what you can, however you can and try and think out of the box. Be nice!