Exterior refresh of my red 240Z

[billyjarrell]

I know what your saying zero z. I looked everywhere and went through 3 different Z's before I finally got one that didn't have a sunroof cut into it. Now I'm not letting her go. And also Beautiful car Arne. I wish I could have afforded not to paint mine myself.

[Oiluj]

Arne,

Before reading you post my first impression was: "Why does it need a refresh? The paint is Shiny" (with a capital s)."

Then I read your post. I agree with your choice to remove the sunroof. She will look great!

Or, you could leave the white primer on top and call her a canvasback... (for you duck hunters out there).

[rtaylor]

You car really looks good Arne. The wheels look great on it. Where did you get the center Z decals that fit the Eagle caps?

[Arne]

Randy, the Z decals are not the correct size. The Eagle caps require a 1.75" decal, the only Z decals I have found are 1.5". So I have the smaller decals carefully centered on the cap. Not ideal, but it works for now. I have found 1.75" Datsun decals, but not Z.

I have started looking for one or two more wheels. A couple of mine are in less-than-ideal condition. So if anyone has or knows of one or possibly two vintage Appliance brand Wire Mags like I already have in 14x6, feel free to contact me.

[Arne]

A quick note - larger versions of the above photos are in my Gallery.

[rtaylor]

Did you flatten out the stamped works in the cap or just go over them Arne?

[Arne]

I just stuck them over the embossed logo, Randy. I didn't want to mess with flattening them until I find the correct size emblem someday, if and when.

[mlaw7]

It's home, and it's good. Reassembly has begun. I've called it a night for now, don't want to work on it if I'm not fresh.

The results look to be just what I wanted, not a showroom or concours job, but a very sharp refresh of an original survivor. It's going to look great with all the trim and lights back on it.

Doors are going to be hard to close for a while, damn weatherstripping...

Love that red color! That's exactly what my goal was for my '78 coupe. And with new seals and weatherstripping, I've got the same issue with the doors and hatch.

Any idea how long it generally takes for new seals/weatherstripping to break in? I imagine the climate must have a lot to do with it.

[Arne]

I noticed an improvement after a few months. It still takes a firm shove even now, a year and a half later.

[midnight-z]

Great job on the repaint it did not look that bad

mine was the same color but it turned orange before i bought

only the door jams are shinny

[Zedyone_kenobi]

Great thread Arne, I just found this when I was looking around after lunch. This is essentially what I want to have done to my silver bullet. Only I really wish I could get the engine done as well, but the car needs a good respray on the outside.