Dry Ice, the good and the bad

[MEZZZ]

You bet! I was spraying and a breeze blew just a little misted chemical back on my forearms and in less than a minute I was like, "DANG!" Then I thought, what if this had gotten in my eyes?

So yes I like this stuff, but because it's spray on, cover your skin and WEAR EYE PROTECTION!

I used some spray on stuff on my (now sold) Harley. I too sprayed it in a slight breeze and damn does that stuff have a bite!

[het976]

Back to the welder issue. You can rent wire feed welders at most tool rental places. The True Value down the street has them. When I did the floor pans and frame rails in my Z, I rented a 220 volt for a weekend and it was about $125.00.

I flew my son (pro welder) in for the weekend and we knocked it out, but it took 2-12 hour days with both of us working, but we also fabricated new mounts for the BMW seats.

Since then I bought a 110 volt Miller wire feed that does everything I need. Good investment. I would stay away from the Harbor Freight ones, rent one or buy a name brand.

Depending on how you do the patch - edge butt (hard for a beginner) or overlapping (a lot easier), make sure you seam seal any openings or overlaps.

[MEZZZ]

Back to the welder issue. You can rent wire feed welders at most tool rental places. The True Value down the street has them. When I did the floor pans and frame rails in my Z, I rented a 220 volt for a weekend and it was about $125.00.

I flew my son (pro welder) in for the weekend and we knocked it out, but it took 2-12 hour days with both of us working, but we also fabricated new mounts for the BMW seats.

Since then I bought a 110 volt Miller wire feed that does everything I need. Good investment. I would stay away from the Harbor Freight ones, rent one or buy a name brand.

Depending on how you do the patch - edge butt (hard for a beginner) or overlapping (a lot easier), make sure you seam seal any openings or overlaps.

Thanks Doug, I appreciate the comments. Like anything I guess, you get what you pay for. This car is the exception, I overpaid

I guess I will take it slow and attempt to do it right the first time. I am trying to learn patience. I had thoughts of knocking out the interior this week but dont think that is going to happen

[DatsunZsRule]

Did you use the Dupli-color spray on liner? I've seen it at my local Auto Zone before when I was pondering what to do with the floors before actually starting.

BTW...I am jealous you have Dave to help you out. I WISH he was my neighbor! I'd love to have Dave, Escanlon and Sblake over for a weekend marathon! I was hoping to find someone local on here that felt sorry for me and offered to lend a hand from time to time :) Guess I'll have to go it alone...except for all the great help I have received from everyone on here.

Hey MEZZZ,

Anyone that has restored a car knows it's really hard back breaking work. Don't get discouraged and keep up the hard work that your doing. The key is not to feel rushed and be patient and take your time. It will pay off in the long run Also remember that as long as you have your computer and this site, Your not alone Your being smart also by taking breaks when you feel like your getting pissed

Take care and keep up the hard work.

[het976]

I can relate to Overpaid...

As for Patience -and skills and tools and money...I got my Z back after being gone for 10 years and as I started rebuilding it, I was embarrassed about what passed for Craftsmanship when I was 25. That is how I know fiberglassing rust repair is not a good idea.

I bought a used Harbor Freight (with out gas) wire feed...that is how I know name brand stuff is the way to go (can't get parts). Now I wait until I can afford the right tool, pay to have it done (very rare) or find someone who knows how and will teach me. And of course use this site to learn how real craftsman work.

[kenz240z]

Hi MEZZZ, one thing you could try to help the Kleen Strip work better...after you have applied it over the paint, cover it with plastic (cut up garbage sack, plastic sheeting, etc...). That will keep the Kleen Strip from drying out and allow it to remove the paint.

[MEZZZ]

Jared, thanks for the words of encouragement. I bought this car as a "mild" project, refreshening the interior, paint job. I get discouraged thinking I bit off more than I can chew, but am determined to do it and do it correctly the first time. Hell, its been around 30 years, it will be here for awhile longer, no need to rush it. And yes, seems I've been taking ALOT of breaks lately!

Doug, I read your post on the car..I will ahve to say that your craftsmanship has grown considerably. I will keep plugging away, teaching myself as I go, with help from all the great people on here.

Ken, thanks for the tip on the plastic bag, I will give that a shot when I get into the little nooks that the stripper wheel wont go.

[justinr54321]

Look me up when you get back to Ohio, at this rate my Z will be back on the road in....2028

I def will, for I will be posting around the time I'll move. Yes, my family will be moving in with my mom, but she has a 4 bedroom home by herself, and she's not as young as she use to be. And, not sure if I mentioned this before or not, but I have a great uncle that has his own auto body shop/auto repair bussiness, and I plan on using him, errr, his garage a lot, especially when I repaint the car to the color I want. And I don't mind helping you at all when I get there, after all, these cars are worth restoring in a car for you in my opinion.

Justin

[MEZZZ]

I def will, for I will be posting around the time I'll move. Yes, my family will be moving in with my mom, but she has a 4 bedroom home by herself, and she's not as young as she use to be. And, not sure if I mentioned this before or not, but I have a great uncle that has his own auto body shop/auto repair bussiness, and I plan on using him, errr, his garage a lot, especially when I repaint the car to the color I want. And I don't mind helping you at all when I get there, after all, these cars are worth restoring in a car for you in my opinion.

Justin

Sounds great to me Justin. All the beer and pizza you want!

Where in Ohio are you relocating too? Bring alot of the "Dave" knowledge back to Ohio with you!

[het976]

Mezzz thanks for the kind words. I have worked on my patience factor. (and having my own powder coating system helps too). It is a labor of love.

[justinr54321]

Hey, I'm jealous, for there will be parts of the engine that I'm going to want powder coated when I'm ready to rebuild it. In the mean time, the turbo intake I have I need to clean up, then going to have it powder coated blue, or have it chromed, not sure yet...

[het976]

Justinr54321...If you are still in the area when you get to that part, you are welcome to come down and use the powder coater. I can do parts up that will fit in a standard kitchen oven, but I am working on a system to double that so I can do L6 cam covers.