OMG...it's really going to happen!!!

[71ZZZZZ]

Greetingzzz,

Hope your new year is off to a good start...been a while since I've posted...

Today I went to the body shop that's doing the work on my Z and about fell down. I have found a gem of a craftsman, I can't believe the transformation that my man Tony has performed...

(back story) I purchased my Z from a co-worker in the mid 80s...first effort was a hack 1 Day Paint & Body job over the original silver..if you ever use those guys, strip your car of EVERY thing you don't want oversprayed, not happy but it held up mostly...fast forward slightly...360'd into a median less than 1/4 mile from home, bent the body, broke the right rear suspension arm, and two rims...thank God for Gail Betz and Premier Products...a few more years later, a cinder block wall fell on it during the Northridge EQ ravaging the driver's side and hood, you can see that damage in my gallery....sometime later I had the body straightened...

Several times over the years, I felt that I should just give it up but somehow kept the faith that one day I would get 'er put back together. Today that faith was realized and it is exciting to see that this part of the project is nearing completion and my Z will enjoy a revitalized life on the road. Last time I saw my car it was stripped to the bare metal...I was fatigued from the cash outlay and the time (you can see the recent suspension work in my gallery)...today it's all blocked out with primer...all the dents have been hammered out...yes Tony took off all the old bondo, and hammered out the dents and then applied skim coats of filler only for final smoothing, all misc holes filled with metal/lead, rusted qtr panels cut out and replacements welded in. We should be pulling the fenders next week and dealing with what's under there including those seals as escanlon so articulately described...he'll also replace the rusted portions of the hatch...

I had been struggling with color options so Tony whipped up some samples with the various treatments of pearl and candy flake we had discussed, this is something a color chip can not communicate. We want to wait until it's painted to show the result but it really pays to work with someone who knows what they're doing...it's going to be fun rolling up to valet parking (or maybe not...)

I hope to make it to the West Coast Nationals in April not to compete or anything but to share the completed project with this amazing Z community that has grown over the years. I would have made some better choices if this site was around back then. I'll be posting the wip pics to my gallery shortly...I still have interior work to do, seats, carpet, soundproofing etc. but that'll be fun, I can do that stuff...sorry for the long post but I thought this group would understand. Thanks for the support, keep up the good work and don't forget to buckle up...

Z you out there

[ricksaia]

What ever happened to Gail? I used to get parts from her in the early to mid eighties from Premier Products. She is/was a great lady. Great story by the way. I am from Northridge and the earthquake did some damage to our house as well. Cannot wait to see pics of the car. Rick.

[zhead240]

a lesser man would have given up on her a long time ago. great resto story. i hope tony give u a break on the labor.can't wait for before and after pics.

[theianmonster]

Congrats; I can't wait to see it. Post some pictures when you get the chance.

[jmortensen]

What ever happened to Gail? I used to get parts from her in the early to mid eighties from Premier Products. She is/was a great lady. Great story by the way. I am from Northridge and the earthquake did some damage to our house as well. Cannot wait to see pics of the car. Rick.

Gail sold out to a guy named Dave. Dave was a nice enough guy, but I guess he wasn't such a good businessman. I made one order with Dave for coilovers, springs, struts, camber plates, bushings, the whole suspension thing. Took about 10 weeks for him to round up all the stuff. It was pretty ridiculous. The shop kept the same location on Deering but soon became IPS (Import Performance Specialists) IIRC, and they were doing a lot of 1st gen RX7 stuff, he was big into drag racing and had some monster turbo rotary project. IPS folded after a year or two more.

[v12horse]

I am glad to hear that your car is going to be on the road and it really sounds like its going to be a beauty. After all the car has been through, I am sure that it is even more special for you to see it come together so nicely. Congrats. I look forward to seeing pictures of your car soon.

Take care,

Ben

[71ZZZZZ]

a lesser man would have given up on her a long time ago. great resto story. i hope tony give u a break on the labor.can't wait for before and after pics.

Thanks guys...believe me, I've had my share of domestic strife over it "...but baby don't make me make a choice..." Tony is awesome...since this is a Cali car it didn't have some of the serious rust issues some of you are dealing with...he really loves what he does...he was joking that he should specialize in Zs...I think he's diggin' my enthusiasm as well, crafts people appreciate being appreciated...stay tuned

[71ZZZZZ]

What ever happened to Gail? I used to get parts from her in the early to mid eighties from Premier Products. She is/was a great lady. Great story by the way. I am from Northridge and the earthquake did some damage to our house as well. Cannot wait to see pics of the car. Rick.

There was a cover story in either Road and Track or Car and Driver on her when the new Z body first came out...it had her orange 240 in the background with the new body style in front...I think she moved to AZ, maybe Phoenix area and was raising horses...I too purchased some stuff from the new outfit, but it wasn't the same vibe...glad to see some "old school" zed heads who still remember Gail, she was really great and knew her Z s***...hope to meet you guys sometime...

:beard:

[ricksaia]

So thats what happened to Gail. It is good to finally know. 71ZZZZZ, I will be at the MSA show in April showing off my recently restored 1970, would love to hook up with any Classic Zcar Club members. Good luck on your paint. Rick.

[Ed]

Great to hear another Z has survived. The longer the work the greater the satisfaction.

[71ZZZZZ]

So thats what happened to Gail. It is good to finally know. 71ZZZZZ, I will be at the MSA show in April showing off my recently restored 1970, would love to hook up with any Classic Zcar Club members. Good luck on your paint. Rick.

Yup...would like to do the same...there may be an outside possibility of a family vacation conflict, but we're relatively "local" so it's just a matter of time ... it would be great if someone could locate that back edition of the magazine...got pics of your '70 in your gallery? I gotta hustle now and get some parts lined up...thanks for the good vibes Rick...

[ricksaia]

Check out my gallery. The pics look great, I would download more, but it takes too long for me to wait. I am probably doing something wrong. Good luck finding a powdercoater. Rick.