A to Z

this has been on my mind.....the blue color is the same.......

?????????

Ok, I posted about this earlier.....but now I have put together the pics that I have been using for inspiration on painting my 260Z the last is a drawing where everything X'd out is black with the highlighted being blue from the top......the sides being blue and the flares either black or blue. I am asking for any and all opinions of idea to think about. there the car is red int he pics, on mine it will be light metallic blue like me engine compartment. Thanks

12-16-2025. Picked up some more items from the powdercoaters....headlight buckets, inspection doors, dash plate and gutter trim....all gloss black

12-16-2025. Drum Sander. I have been advised to use a drum sander, as it is easier on the sheet metal than a flap disc on an angle grinder. Well, yes it is! However, even at 40 grit, I finished the roof, started on a rocker and a few other spots and wore that drum half way out! Pics follow, you can see the difference comparing both methods side to side. I also took a couple pics to show how it will look ran over with a DA on 80 grit to prep it for filler. DUSTY! closer to starting the blocking.

12-13-2025. I installed my new water pump, repainted pulley and new hardware, and then re-installed the tensioner bracket and the aluminum plate needed for the additional of an idler pulley to make it all work right. I was able to use a drill bit to hold the pulley in place and measure for the spacers needed and the length of the longer bolt needed. I went to install the alternator, but the kit I got sticks out just a tad too far, and thus the alternator hits the rail.....so I will have to grind down the bracket to bring it in closer to the engine and then it will be fine....also found that my new drive by wire throttle body does not clear in standard configuration, So I was able to get it to work by turning it 90 degrees. Here's to hoping that will work. Then I quickly installed my new 4 core radiator and dual fans to check the fit. because my engine has the radiator spigots on opposite sides, I will be taking my radiator to my fab guy to cut the hose ports and welding on tight 90's with a length of pipe to the other side and then another 90 to make it a nice-looking remedy. I will make some nice aluminum brackets to hold the piping stationary. At any rate, I was able to verify that my radiator height is sufficient to maintain its place as the highest point in the system. After this, I cleaned out the garage, and went through a lot of boxes and prepped the car by covering the engine and front end to begin the sanding and block sanding, to get the rest in paint. I pulled the windshield, but after 51 years, it just didn't want to let the windshield go, and so it came out broken and in pieces. Not a crisis, as I wanted a new windshield anyway....just thank good ness the rear hatch glass came out just fine. I pulled the old hatch off, gutted it and to the dumpster with that rotten thing. I was also able to get a bit closer on the front blinker restoration, getting the housings painted white with rustoleum white. spray paint Only thing left is to lengthen the wires. I tri4d to wire wheel the headlight buckets, but decided they really just need to be sandblasted out. My mobile welder didn't make it today, so welding the clothes hangers in pieces to the front edge of the doors to close up a big gap will have to wait. Here comes sanding and blocking.

I was talking about the dashboard frame, that the dash pad attaches also to. It's HEAVY. 12-11-2025. I got a nut and bolt run in today, got some painting going, ended up with a run on one side of the cowl, so once dry I will sand it out and repaint that side. I also started on a restoration of my front turn signals. PICS:

I picked up my bellhousing and serpentine bracket for the 4200 engine today from the powdercoaters. The finish is called "polished aluminum". I had them done because frankly both pieces were ROUGH....really rough. R&S Powdercoating in Colorado Springs came through for me again. Sandblasted it out, masked off the gasket surfaces and did their thing.

thanks. I just picked up that drum sander they sell. It comes with a 40 grit drum but I also grabbed a 120 grit drum for it also. I got a good deal on this. 4 core with dual fans made to fit the 260Z I am building. It's an eBay buy. Read up on and decided to try the sanding blocks and tape sold by Eastwood that connects you your shop vac and is supposed to eliminate most of the dust from blocking. Here's to hoping THAT works!

12-06-2025. I have boxes and boxes of stuff I have bought for the car, and today was the day to start throwing all the stuff on and make some room back! First, I had the mobile welder stop by and weld my radiator support back in, and while here, I had a thick steel plate welded on to the top. It is stronger now than it ever was. Then it was time to start installing parts on the engine, getting the hood on, rear suspension back in and all 4 new wheels. I took the dash down from the rafters so I could start on it on very cold days indoors, and it is a lot heavier than I remember......I am going to swiss cheese the frame and lighten it up a bit......I don't need that weight! Pics:

thanks. It's a very expensive hobby I have.

ready for installation:

On the hood for my 260Z project. I will give some clarification. It is meant to be a picture frame. I want an open engine compartment. no hood at all looks unfinished. this is mean to close off the stuff that is mundane and let the engine shine through. black but blue underneath and a fully polished out engine. So, maybe once done you will understand what I am going for. The Behemoth at Z Car Garage has the same deal.....but the blue engine compartment, shaved, will really contrast with the black picture frame.

12-04-2025. Today I picked up the hood from the powder coaters. R&S Powder Coating in Colorado Springs

Wow....that is GREAT! NOW is the time for you change things you want to before it is painted! Thanks.