Finally some progress!

[Zak's Z]

After about 2 weeks of working on the Z, I finally made enough progress to show off. I made (another) blasting booth in my garage and rented a blasting pot and a trailed air comressor and went to work on the body. Then I literally spent 7 days stripping bondo and paint off with heat, stripper, sanding disks, putty knives, etc.

I'm really glad I got all the paint off before I send it away to the body shop, I found a few areas that need some torch work. My new neighbor has volunteered for about 3 whole days so far, and hes willing to show me how to weld for the next steps.

I figure the car has been original 918 orange, then a black top - blue bottom combo (the black paint on top was totally shiny and untouched after the paint stripper?? - heat and scraper took that off), then red, then another really thick red.

After sanding all the metal down, I used metal ready, then wiped it down with paint thinner then used rattle-can primer just to get some protection on it while I moved to the next part. Turns out both my rear quarters were replaced. Heres some pics, I'll post more as I move along...Im determined to get it done!

[Arne]

Hmm, looks like the rear bumper recesses on the sides have been welded up and shaved.

[Zak's Z]

Hmm, looks like the rear bumper recesses on the sides have been welded up and shaved.

I borrowed this pic from PANAMARED to compare. Arne can you suggest if anything needs to be done to them while Im at it? The obvious is I have to straighten it out a bit and the muffler tip area was cut out wider at one point..

[Panamared]

Looking good Zak. There´s a long way to go. The good thing is the fun behind the project.

Keep the good work man.

[Arne]

I borrowed this pic from PANAMARED to compare. Arne can you suggest if anything needs to be done to them while Im at it? The obvious is I have to straighten it out a bit and the muffler tip area was cut out wider at one point..

No, I meant on the sides. As shown in the attached pictures.

[Zak's Z]

Damn. I didnt even notice that. The car had a huge rear bumper on it when I got it. Well...now what can do to make sure my '72 bumper will fit? I assume just drilling a hole isn't gonna cut it because it needs some clearance in there?

[geezer]

Hey Zak, Glad to see you moving ahead. You are about to learn how difficult it is to work/weld thin perforated sheet metal. It can be done though and you are lucky to have a neighbor to help you out with this. It looks like there will be some delicate surgery involved. I circled the area in your pic, to point out the filled indents Arne mentioned. If you are planning on using the stock bumper, this will have to be changed back, or the bumper won't fit properly. I'd see if I could dig up a better rear roll panel that hasn't been chewed up as much, if I were you. It would be better than trying to salvage that one.