240Z Paint Feedback

[BD240Z]

I'd appreciate some feedback. I've finished the welding & grinding and have painted the shell of my 240Z, this includes the wheel-wells per the attached picture.

I realize this is the way it came from the factory but I'm tempted to paint the wheel-wells black. It seems it would make the appearance a little nicer not being able to see all that white. I've searched for pictures trying to see what difference it would make but haven't been able to find many that helps with the decision. Would it look ugly/goofy being all white?

For those that have made this decision or have an opinion? Which way did you go and were you happy with the results of your decision. I'm ready to install the front and rear suspension and don't want to re-paint after everythings on the car. Thanks

[MikeW]

It seems it would make the appearance a little nicer not being able to see all that white.

I think it will look very clean the way you've done it. Keep in mind that once the outer fender is on and a wheel is in place it won't stand out at all.

[nwcubsman]

Since mine has undercoating in the wheel wells, I sprayed them black. My personal taste, but I like it black.

[a7dz]

POR 15 and then chassis black.

[beandip]

I painted mine black. If you leave them white you will see all the dirt and or water spots . If you built a trailer queen then leave them white . My 2cts

[EScanlon]

The area behind the fender support (not mounted in your picture) you can leave white and no one will notice. I wonder why you didn't remove the gasket for the cowl drain tube.

If you're going to leave it white, then you want to make sure that you also paint that fender support. The struts will probably be black, so they'll be very noticeable, unless you paint them white.

If you plan on driving it, and there is ANY possibility of the tire picking up a small pebble or rock and flinging it inside the wheel well, then you'd be better off using some sort of rubberized undercoating in there. Otherwise you can expect to get a rock chip or more, which you won't readily notice, and eventually get rust in there. If it's going to spend it's remaining days on a trailer, then it doesn't matter.

I know you're in Arizona and you don't have a lot of moisture to contend with, so if that's not a concern to you...then don't worry about it and paint it or not as you see fit.

E

[sakijo]

I have never seen a car with the wheel wells body-colored, except maybe a museum piece or a lot of overspray. I would undercoat them. If you plan on leaving it white and driving it, get some wax on the paint before you put back the suspension. That way, it will be easier to keep clean.

[240ZX]

Black..........!

[ggarrard]

BD280Z - Here's a picture with suspension in place of a completely restored 240Z where he painted the fenderwells to match the body panels. Car belonged to Robert Miron of Montreal, Canada. He used to drive to the shows and put it on jackstands as part of his display...

(mine are painted black.....)

GWGarrard

[bpilati]

Hey, you should glue carpet in the wheel wells, I saw it at a car show once.

[BD240Z]

Thanks for the feedback & ggarrard, thanks for the photo. I like the idea of leaving it white but there are several logical reasons for painting it black, I just need to make a decision.

This car will be driven at least weekly so no trailer queen here. My oldest son gets his license this fall, he might get the car.

Scanlon, I didn't notice the drain tube gasket until I was painting over top of it. I was hoping no one would notice! Thanks for pointing that out:laugh:

Good luck with your cars!

[theianmonster]

I have never seen a car with the wheel wells body-colored, except maybe a museum piece or a lot of overspray. I would undercoat them. If you plan on leaving it white and driving it, get some wax on the paint before you put back the suspension. That way, it will be easier to keep clean.

You shouldn't wax paint for three months. It kills your paint job.