nullbound

Not much to report lately... I've been working on my 260. I did, however, recently mount my re-chromed bumpers, but need to pull them back off to paint the back side. I still want to get the brackets powdercoated, too. Here's a pic with the bumpers mounted: The wagon has come in handy for the 260 project. Yesterday, I hauled a new set of fenders, front spoiler, rear valence, headlight extensions, and several other parts down to my friend's shop where we're prepping the 260 to be painted. With the rear seat folded down, everything fit inside the wagon quite easily. I also had five people honk and give thumbs-up while driving on the expressway to my friend's place. The goon brings happiness to many.

Glad I saw this. I'm needing a pair, as well.

This wasn't on my list above, but that's to be expected. I took the goon's front chrome pieces off, as well as the rear bumper. I removed the front and rear bumper brackets, too. The brackets will be powdercoated and the chrome pieces will get restored/rechromed. I also have some clear marker and front turn signal lenses, but didn't get around to putting them on yet. Whoever put the front end pieces on after the car was painted last used all different kinds of screws to hold the pieces on. There's so many different types that I don't know what was original. Most of the screws were rusting, though, and will be replaced anyway with stainless steel screws that match and hold the pieces on correctly. I need to get the bumpers and other pieces packaged and shipped. I'll take better pics of them before I pack them. It started to rain just as I was taking the rear bumper off.

I got one, as well.

No prob. The air dam is a kaminari. MSA sells them, or used to...

They were block huggers for angled-plug heads. The collector on the driver's side was cut off and a small section of pipe bent and welded on to clear the steering arm. Any exhaust shop can do this easily.

Scratch item one from the above list. I finished bastardizing my rear panels during the week in order to install my rear speakers. This was a simple job, other than running the wires under the car, under the carpet next to the transmission tunnel, etc. The stereo sounds much better with the rear speakers, but the highs are pretty... bright. I'm getting some vibration in the rear at higher volume. I know the license plate is part of it, but will try to figure out the rest.

Here's what I did when I was running the hooker/scarab kit: I've since changed to the JTR setup and s&s longtubes.

While I loved having tunes in the goon this week, I got a little annoyed at the legroom left by my speaker install. I like the looks and the placement, but then I didn't really have anywhere to put my left foot. When a passenger decided to use the passenger side speaker panel as a foot rest, I knew I needed to do something else. So, I decided to flip the speaker panels upside down (and swapping sides) in order to mount them higher up on the kick panels. Still need to relocate the hood latch release cable (sitting behind the speaker panel): I was immediately happier with this placement for this reason alone: During the week I had to cross my left leg under my right, resting my foot just in front of the seat. This wasn't ideal for driving and felt a little awkward. Besides the leg room, this placement also makes the carpet easier to move around for whenever I get around to vacuuming and/or replacing the carpet. If I had to do this over again, I'd probably use 5.25" midrange speakers and kick panel enclosures like the ones in my 240Z. I may even swap speakers and panels between cars at some point, but this will work for now. Upcoming things to do to the Goon before the 260Z takes up my car time (260 is still at my friend's place for the time being): Install rear speakers (decided on 6x9's and rear panel carnage) - Hopefully during the week Get rid of points distributor, replace with 200sx EI dizzy (parts sitting in box in garage) Finish disassembling the 280zx struts and ready them for coilovers Purchase 280zx brake bits, coilover bits, and other parts needed for lowering Lower car Enjoy car and try to stop reading RTz's sr20det swap thread.. It makes the goon feel inadequate.