HoustonZ Posted August 26, 2006 Author Share Posted August 26, 2006 I promise, I'll have something really really interesting to show on Monday. How well this idea will turn out, I have no idea.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted August 28, 2006 Author Share Posted August 28, 2006 I got my dash back from Star Auto today, who did the bedliner coating. They said they've never done anything like this before It hid all the imperfections pefectly, and it was a heck of a lot cheaper then a new 280z dashboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rustorbust Posted August 28, 2006 Share Posted August 28, 2006 ohh man that looks good. how much was it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted August 28, 2006 Author Share Posted August 28, 2006 $150, including sanding and prep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 I promise, I'll have something really really interesting to show on Monday. How well this idea will turn out, I have no idea.... Wow, you didn't disappoint either! The dash looks great! Strange idea turns out to be one that absolutely rocks; go figure. I think you got your money's worth, friend! Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted August 29, 2006 Author Share Posted August 29, 2006 Thanks Davy! Maybe it'll start a new trend in dashboard repair Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OlderThanMe Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 that is really cool! I would be doing that if I was still using a stock dash...I am doing this light weight aluminium thing though. No more cracks ever! and you can now use your dash as a drum... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustinOlson Posted August 29, 2006 Share Posted August 29, 2006 How is the glare with that coating? Could you weigh the dash like that before putting it back in? Regards, Justin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted September 4, 2006 Author Share Posted September 4, 2006 The glare was bad the first day, but as time goes by it's loosing it's sheen. I didn't get a chance to weigh it, but I would say it's about 4lb-5lb heavier. Today was the first time I actually got to drive the car! It was also the first time I had ever attempted to drive a stick. Despite being yelled at by my dad, I think it went quite well. Also importantly, the engine seems to be running great. From a couple missed shifts, I found that it revs quite nicely to 6k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted September 18, 2006 Author Share Posted September 18, 2006 So between school, the cnc projects, and work I haven't had much time to work on the Z. The little that I have done is mostly on the interior, installing new panels and such. Tom gave me almost a whole new 2nd interior in perfect condition. Now if only the outside was as good..... I'm stuck on what color to paint it. Of course it would be easiest to go with the existing copper/orange color. I'm tempted to go with a dark red or deep blue though. Problem is, I have the butterscotch interior which does not match either of those well. What's a guy to do? Over the next month, I'm hoping to buy a Mercedes supercharger off ebay and work on a custom intake. One of the big points is that electromagnetic clutch, which will allow me to disengage the whole system at the flick of a switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted September 24, 2006 Author Share Posted September 24, 2006 http://www.coldfusionracing.com/280z/ Now the damage to the clear coat can be seen quite clearly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetleaf Posted September 24, 2006 Share Posted September 24, 2006 Yeah I did my dash about a year and a half ago w/herculiner. Looks almost just like yours and it's holding up great. I had patched / repainted it before but it never held up for a long period of time. The herc. is strong/flexible enough that it should last basicly forever.. And you can't beat the price.. If anybody else dose this.. Dont use the cheap duplicolor or other bedliner. The Herc is good and cheap at about $20 quart. I put on 3 thick coats and still have over half left. You can reduce the glare by controling the xylene cut or just brushing it when it's almost cured. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 It's finally insured, so I can take it beyound the street in front of my house! Of course I'm already wanting more power. Things on my shipping list. Garrett T3/T4 Turbocharger (?) Shaved No EGR Intake Manifold from a ZX 60mm Throttle Body 280zx turbo exhaust manifold 360cc injectors Billet fuel injector rail 2.5" mandrel bent exhaust Undecided brand of intercooler Megasquirt I'm still looking for a good shop in Houston for my paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted October 2, 2006 Author Share Posted October 2, 2006 I've decided to paint it myself, time to read every single word on the net about garage painting... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 I've decided to paint it myself, time to read every single word on the net about garage painting... You know, the butterscotch interior is in such good shape that I hope you keep it. The interior WILL match the blue and the red you spoke of IMO, but you can always put a color chip next to the interior to get a feel for it. I think you'll be fine though. Painting the car the original color is usually the wisest thing to do because you can leave all the jams and interior alone, but that is your choice. I love the supercharger idea with the magnetic clutch---that's just wild. I hope you can get that to work out in the car! You might get magazine coverage for that. Take a lot of notes and high quality pictures. As many of our painting experts have said: prep is key to a good paint job. Use their advice and it'll go a long way to helping you be successful in this undertaking. Davy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted October 2, 2006 Author Share Posted October 2, 2006 Thanks Davy. I definitely plan on keeping the butterscotch interior. I don't think I'll find brand new pieces like I have again in this lifetime, so it would be a sin to change it just for paint color. I am tempted by the ease of a turbo, but the supercharger idea still appears to me. The manifold will be the trickiest part. I've managed to con a few friends into helping with the prep. Orbital sanders for everyone! The car is relatively rust free, except for the one spot under the battery. I'm also putting on a new 240z hood, which will eliminate a little bit of work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted October 17, 2006 Author Share Posted October 17, 2006 The paint process is very much like jail... Stripping and smoothing the panels. Soon enough I'll get the Mig welder from Tom so I can fix up the rusted out section under the battery. Hopefully I'll be ready to prime in a few weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tomindallas Posted October 17, 2006 Share Posted October 17, 2006 Ack! My Car!! Seriously, now's the time to think about replacing the valence by the windshield and adding an air dam, etc. The valence was pretty nasty with too much paint if I recall. I can't wait to buy it back when you're all done Tom in Dallas Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonZ Posted October 18, 2006 Author Share Posted October 18, 2006 Actually I cleaned up the valence very nicely with a wire wheel. I'm definitely wanting to add an air dam, it's just that one hasn't come up on ebay yet. We'll talk after I get out of college Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kuntry Posted October 19, 2006 Share Posted October 19, 2006 Got a chance to see this car in person tonight. The dash is AWESOME!! Definately going that way with my dash. His bodywork is coming along great, just enough filler to do the job. Going to be a SWEET ride when he's finished..... NOW, about that V8 swap...lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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