Two40MuscleZ

I know....but, it's too much fun watch'n everyone try and second guess. Secrets safe with me Tim... VAN

If it makes you feel any better...yours probably looks a hell of a lot better that mine at this point. LOL. Check out Owens MSA pics in the Events forum. Take care. VAN

I have to laugh, I'm sorry. But, if your talking a truly custom paint job your looking in the neighborhood of $6,500 or better. And that's no joke! RacerX can back me up on that one. Every paint job has its place. Money usually dictates what you wind up with. Auto paint shops like Earl's sometimes depending on the painter, can shoot a decent coat. However, 90+% of the work is in body prep. Once the car has been roughed out, then primed/blocked out a minimum of 3 times by hand, and you have that gloss smooth finish; that is when you begin to consider putting on the base, top and finally coats of finsih. When you begin looking at paint colors that have a material cost of $1000.00 per gallon, then you might want to stop and think how you are going to use the car. Is it a daily driver? In which case forget the pristine perfect non chipped version, cause it will be less than a week before it is christened. And then you have the idiots who don't care about damaging your property, or intentionally keying it because they are gealous that you have and they don't. Everything comes into play. So, inless you are planning on keeping it covered all the time, or going out on a date and spending more time getting up and going to check on the condition of your car, than paying attention to your date, then you just might be a....canidate for primer. Tim240Z just went through the ringer, and managed to keep his sanity. But, I am sure he had his moments. That is the nature of the beast. Dan Juday also knows and has paid his dues in blood, swet and tears. Street driving holds many pit falls. Unfortunately, daily usage is one of them. So, take heart in what you have. Primer is not a bad thing if it is a catalized 2 part. It will hold up to a good beating. Give you the adhesion you need, relatively easy to keep clean and maintain. Why do you think so many of the early "Hot Rodders" used mat finish black primer? Good luck with your project. ATB, VAN P.S. Denny411: FYI - Can't shoot "Imron" in California anymore! Damn AQMD!

Aaaa Scott: Sorry we missed you at the MSA. Maybe next year. Be looking for ya. ATB, VAN

Body work looks good. Silver can be a tricky color sometimes to shoot. But, it looks like you've got a winner. Hope to see your car at one of our gatherings. ATB, VAN

Additional information...Next Saturday May 1st and 2nd in Riverside, the "Show and Go. Sat show n shine, coupled with open header cruise, header comp, featuring lots of customs, vendors, and of course the Bud girls. Sunday as part of the package, run what ya brung, drags at the Muni airport. A great weekend filled with just about everything a car person could want! Any questions, E-mail me or add on to the posts. Thanks, VAN

True, the show had a ton of Z's. People everywhere, and it seemed rather organized for a change. This years HybridZ made a good showing. Seeing members from NorCal to San Diego. We experienced no real problem with anything this year, and even managed to do a little "Road Kill Cusine" on the Barbie. Cudos go to John for fabrication techniques, to Owen for keeping the drinks flowing, and our newest celebrated Television CelibrityPersonality...Tim 240Z! Who also side lines as a pretty good short order cook! It was good to see both old and new faces. All-in-all, the weather was great, the people were not overbearing, at least where where we were stationed, and it was a nice gathering. The HybridZ cars all looked good, sporting only that which they can do. Lots of looks, lots of good comments, and lots of PICS were shot. That alone is a big tribute to our group. I met "Hans" who lives in Murrietta and ownes a '72 240 V-8 solid rear axle Pro Street beauty. During last Oct at the Old Town Temecula Show, I invited him to join us this year at MSA. It was great to see him there and have him as part of our group. Owens car sported some really cool custom interior mods. Dash and door panels...in a word sharp! Really give it that custom look. Tim's Mongoose was a stand out! Very clean and nicely done. It speaks very well of him, as did his TV interview. The Orange Crate 2/3rds body work completed and primed out, featured an exposed engine bay with a Custom Double Barrel Shotgun Air Scoop on a 6" induction riser. While checking out the other rides, Owen and I ran into several other HybridZster from Salinas, San Jose and Petiluma. Good show, lots to see, and we were there!. Glad to see the good representation for Hybrid. Next year will see an even bigger change and growth for HybridZ. Thanks to everyone who participated. VAN

Tim: I really wish that I could. Perhaps next year. I kinda feel like Terry! But, my thoughts will be with you Owen, Dan and the rest of the guys. Did you want to gather for breakfast after we get settled? Just a thought. But, we might all be too excited to eat. Nah, I'll be ready to eat...lol. See you Sunday! ATB, VAN

The automotive spray paint usually found at the local parts stores work ok, depending on the color you are looking for. However, if you are looking at somehing that will cover the engine in a gloss black, Vista Paint Company carries a product that is unusually strong and is quiet compatible with a hot motor. It is their Oil based "ProTec" series paint. Yep, oil based house paint! Sounds strange, but I have used it on my engine and other parts and it is extremely durable, easy to brush or spray, and one application (after curing overnight) lasts for more than 6 months before the shine begins to fade. Its much less expensive than using spray cans. On average I detail my engine every other week, a bit more during the show season. Using engine washes and cleaning products usually take their tole on paint and finishes. But this stuff has held in there. Tim, Owen, Dan, along with a host of other SoCal members have seen my engine. Just ask them? Good luck with your painting project. VAN

Tim: Looks like I will have to work Sat the 24th. I go in at 10 am and won't get off until after midnight. That kinda shoots out the Hooters gathering for me. But Sunday I will be there for certain. Hoist a few brews for me, and I'll be thinking of everyone while I'm out there dispensing justice! Maybe Sunday after the show we can do something similar to last year and have a debriefing somewhere! KMA, VAN

IFLY: 2 years ago I bought Lone's old '72 240Z. He had AC in it. Because of the way I reset up the engine, I took it off. It needs to be recharged, but I have all the parts. I would be willing to part with it. Let me know if you are interested. VAN

Hey Tim: You can park between Owen and me! Hows that for confidence! See ya there. ATB, VAN

Terry: Hell, you already know what I think about your talents. Isn't the Automotive Concept & Design Department at Ford looking for you! Either that or you should be going to MIT or something! 8 word summary; "Labor of love, design by inspiration"...Great ride! BW, VAN

Tim: He doesn't have a quota, only a "one site per patrol hour" minimum...just like the CHP! (Now how would I know about that. LOL.) The real reason he cited you was not the missing plate, but rather the generation of City/County funding. He probably was a "Fish" and after you've been on the Department for a while, the "Letter of the Law" is usually superseded by the "Spirit of the Law", eleminating all kinds of time and unnecessary paperwork. A verbal usually will suffice. But, it sounds like he definately was a "Fish"...aka "Rookie." Sorry to hear about that Tim. VAN

Hey Terry: This year you've got a legit excuse! But I tell ya what...next year, I'll pop for the trip out, give you a place to stay and even give you a hot meal or two! Now by my estimation, that should give you about 11 1/2 months to make plans... (No pressure Bro!) Your just welcome whenever you can make it out. ATB, VAN

Tim: GDMFCSSOB! We've all watched the progression of project "Mongoose". Your triumphs and challenges. It's a difficult thing to watch your energies and aspirations pressed to the point of discust. However, I would have rather the car simply roll down the drive into a parked vehicle, than have had you stopped at an intersection and someone redefining the shape of the car with you and/or yours in it! Let me know what I can do to help. Also, let me know how and when I can get your HVLP back to you. Looks like you may be using it before me. Sorry about your car. If I know you, the Goose will be back together in short order, and it would'nt suprise me to see you make the MSA. Call me! VAN

Only in Aliso Viejo! News at 11...LOL

Tim: Lets get together and try and recoordinate this MSA thing. Thanks VAN

Tim...I thought that I would save you the trouble and post this for you. Well guys, this little post I was hoping would have turned out better than it has. Nevertheless, here goes. I was talking with Tim240Z about parking areas at this years MSA. It seems that in prior years, MSA has managed to plop our little "arses" out in the middle of nowhere, away from the action and where all the "happenings" are going on. A suggestion was made, and I tried to persue it. My good friend Pierre Perrot each year has a front row position for this event. He brings a lot of notoriety to this event. The question was posed to me if perhaps "HybridZ" cars could park with him in his reserved spaces. Over the past weekend I approached him with the idea. He was very receptive to it and asked the projected number of HZ cars, so he could request additional spaces. However, MSA was not receptive to his request. Particularly after hearing the name HybridZ! They just passed it off and said they could not give him any additional spaces, eventhough, he mentioned that we had already paid for space. I met with Pierre this evening and he apologized again, and said he could not understand it either. Anyway, I will be placing one of his stickers on my car, and if anyone else would like to have one please let me know. The other thing about this is, had MSA been less political about this, the stickers would have allowed us to enter immediately without having to wait in that long Disney "E" ticket ride line! So, here again MSA is being less than fair to us. I'm getting a little tired of all their politics. Sorry guys...but I tried! Secondly, the 2nd Annual Hybrid Hooters Rendezvous...instead of the event Friday, Tim240Z suggested that it be moved to Saturday. That would allow for two things. 1st it would allow us a one time trip there, eleminating the multi-trips from home. We could all chip in on a room and go out party then go and crash. Still get up and make it to the line without the additional driving time. 2ndly, by moving the time to Saturday it eleminates Friday rush traffic, potential accidents, and in general just being rushed. These are all thoughts, but we need your feed back if we are going to make them work. Thanks, VAN

Glen, your situation is indeed unfortunate. It's not just where you live. That kind of problem surfaces even the the most up scale neighborhoods. There are several things you and your neighbors can do. Start a neighborhood watch. Many times you help us with tips and what might seem to be unconsiquential information. Small items sometimes go unnoticed to the untrained eye. Talk with your local Police Agencies and see what other high profile problems might have surfaced in your particular area. Is there a pattern forming? Note any unusual, suspecious, individuals, vehicles or recent activities in your area. Write down the descriptions, license numbers, etc., and give it to the authorities. Depending on your childs age(s) talk with them and set communication standards, so you are both on the same page. Give them a set time to be off the streets at night, or what to watch out for when they are away from home or alone. There is a lot you can to to help ease any tension or anxieties that they may have over this or similar incidents that they may have been exposed to. Also, the school(s) sometimes have interdiction classes for kids. That may be something worth looking into. As a Law Enforcement Ofcr., I deal with this kind of crap every day! The scum of the earth seems to love to be in groups. Kind of a safety in numbers thing! Be aware of your options, don't be intimidated by any of them. And if you just think before you act (especially when using a firearm). Trying to solve something all by yourself, can sometimes create a whole can of worms for you before you know it. Stay safe. VAN aka Gld7PtStar

Tim's exactly right. Body work is 90% of a good paint job. Knowing how to shoot helps! But, the more you put into the prep, the better the finish will be. If your doing an Earl Schieb job then do the minimum. If you are planning to get the ooos and aaaws, then more effort and time needs to happen. Strip and sand to bare metal always for the best job. Straignten out the metal as much as possible and then add a complete skim coat of body filler over the entire surface. Block sand to relieve the highs and lows, then shoot several coats of catalyzed primer, and block a minimum of three more times. After working the surface straignt, then prep for your first stages of paint. Paint is a whole other dimension in finishes. That will take a whole nother post to explain, and that depends on the type of paint and finish your trying to attain. Correct prep is long and arduous, but well worth the effort when all is said and done. Good luck on your project. VAN

John: What a great day! Thanks for hosting Saturdays gathering. The welding information and techniques you demonstrated benefited all of us. The added bonus of allowing us "hands on" use of your Mig and Tig welders for familarization was a real plus. And the food, what can I say..."the eats were great"! Also, having Rick as a guest speaker; taking time from his busy schedule to share his knowledge and talents in his field of automotive expertise, certainly enhanced the afternoons activities. I am certain all who attended walked away with a greater understanding of some areas not always available to us. That's what makes HybridZ such a great Organization. A great bunch of guys, helping each other! THANKS! Compliments, VAN

RacerX: A name out of the past! Does the "Brotherhood" still empty into the lake at the bottom of the hill??? LOL Will definately hook up with you when I get up that way. Thanks for the memories...VAN

Pete: You will be missed! Maybe the MSA? VAN

Thanks Tim, thats really nice of you. If you wouldn't mind bringing it so I could look at it and ask you a few questions, that would be great. I think my oldest will be coming with me to JCs'. Looking forward to seeing everyone, and planning for the MSA event. BTW, any word from MSA about HybridZs' plans on attending in mass? Boy are they in for a big surprise this year! :malebitchslap: LOL Thanks again Tim. All the best, VAN