Does this area near the VIN need to be painted black? I know there’s a cover over most of this but since there is some black paint on it (worn though) and it’s the only part of the frame that has paint, I wondered if I should paint it before putting the new dash on the frame. Thanks in advance!

It won't hurt, depending on the car sometimes a bit of that area is visible.  Besides, if you don't paint, it will show and you'll be kicking yourself.

^^^^ wot he said ^^^^

 

 

Not withstanding protecting against a weepy windscreen rubber in the future and rust! Rule of thumb: if you can’t see it, it’s rusting in silence! ;)

 

Give it the best possible start in life especially given that you can now and not later!

Working on your Z in the kitchen. You must have a very understanding spouse. 

Agreed, I’ll give it a coat of paint. Well, my wife was out of town for the weekend and it was too hot in the shop. I just had to have it all cleaned up before she made it back. I think I could get used to A/C in my shop, but guessing that will be a tougher sell than working a few hours in the house!

I stuck a motorcycle engine in the freezer once to chill the crank for bearing install. funny what you can get away when left alone for a weekend.

I once "borrowed" a box of black hair dye to freshen up a set of cargo straps for a 240z, never heard a word about it, couldn't be me my hair hasn't been black for years.  The cargo straps looked fantastic.