zbane

I live in Jackson County, North Carolina. As far as I know, there is only one other driven Z car older than mine, and it is an early (mfg. 78) zx. I saw it in the parking lot of Walmart one day, and pulled up right behind it and waited for the owner. She was rather nice, but I think the car is no longer being driven (someone asked me when I wrecked mine, which I haven't...so just guessing as to it's fate...). There are several members here within a couple hours of me, but I haven't come across them personally. A couple weeks ago I came across a Sheriff's License checkpoint, and the Deputy told me "I haven't seen one of these in a long time. They used to be quite the car." Of course I replied "Still is quite the car!" and he let me go without even checking my license... In some ways it's nice to have the only pre Z31 car around; it's easy to find in the parking lot. However, I have to suppress my inclinations to drive as the car wants me to, as it would be far to easy to report me, again because it's the only one in the county...

Regarding 3) Second the thoughts on DAS. I had the M Roady shipped from Taos, NM to Delray Beach, FL for about $800. That was a "door to door" delivery, and took about a week. Since the car in question runs, shipping it shouldn't cost a fortune-last I checked there was a $200 surcharge for shipping a non-op car. It sounds as though the 16yo has a z itch, and the owner would rather not have a minor driving the car, the insurance would be mighty high... Good on you for picking it up, now you just need a larger garage...

double post...

It would be very helpful if you were to post a few photos of the parts in question. Currently I have the steering wheel off of my 79 zx, I'll take photos of the column tonight when I get home and post them later on, if that would be of any assistance.

Here's an example of what may happen... If you are going to do it, you may as well do it right. It may be hard to see, but that red line on the stainless is indeed on the stainless. Very poor masking all around.

Here are a couple poor quality cell phone photos in case you are curious.

here's a random Z photo that I found somewhere...

Slowly, but surely, this project is getting nearer completion. The doors are pretty much done, though when I removed the masking tape, some of the black came off I had intended on covering the speaker area with Good Stuff, in a manner similar to the center speaker location, but as soon as I applied pressure to the honeycomb, it crumbled half away so I cut it all out... I cut out some of the backbone of the dash so that i could get the contoured part closer together. I applied a multi purpose glue that was good for plastic/vinyl and after letting it cure for a day, I applied the Good Stuff. FOR FUTURE REFERENCE: If you are going to apply Good Stuff to the cracks in your dash, be sure to mask off everything else. Wherever the stuff goes, it sticks, and it is very good at staying stuck.

Well, welcome back- you best have some good stories to explain your absence.

Now that's what I call drifting!

Yeah they're pretty cool I think.. The point that Stephen was making is that they are not stock. Period aftermarket, perhaps. Stock, no.

And it's a wagon, nonetheless! I guess Snoop is going "old school" for this one.

The first two shots are of how my carpet used to look. The entire set was in near pristine condition, so I saw no need to order a replacement set in black. The only part that wasn't usable was the rear deck carpet which was a cheap replacement that the PO hand cut. The first dyed photo was taken about 2 hours after I started. I kept adding hot water (steam can be seen) periodically. Since I used 2 complete 8oz bottles of RIT dye, I didn't think a little dilution would hurt anything. The second dyed photo was taken about 24 hours after I started. It's already black as night, but I'm going to let it sit another 20 odd hours (too cold now to go outside to rinse-the hose is frozen). It's times like these that I'm thankful to have a job where I can pretty much do whatever I want, so long as it's a slow day/night...

Today I managed to get the dash pulled and had intended to start repairing the cracks in the dash. Alas, it appears as though my problem isn't just that the dash has cracked, but has separated. I intend to carefully saw through the areas that haven't completely separated (including the metal backbone of the dash portion), create some space for the seal all, and close it up. Of course I forgot my hack saw (didn't think I would need it) at home, so that will wait till tomorrow. I decided long ago that I was no longer going to use the dash speakers, so I am going to close them off entirely. For the metal frame dash (center location), I have "liquid metal" filler. I placed a backing plate (timecard) on the underside, and applied filler from the top. After it had set up a bit, I reversed order and created a (hopefully) solid mass of filler. The stuff claims to be easily sandable when dry; we shall see. During disassembly I found two lights that I didn't know existed. Finding the replacement bulbs might be hard, but it'll be nice to see them work. One illuminates the ignition, the other should illuminate the stereo.

The good thing about doing things inside the car is that rain really doesn't matter that much.

When you do get a set of sockets, make sure they are not the star shaped ones! If you must, order a set of solid six sided sockets. Doing this will save you hours of headaches, busted knuckles, and rounded heads. Occasionally you can find a set of "gear ratchets." These work nicely and allow you to surround longer bolts, as the handle encompasses the head/bolt/nut. While they are somewhat convenient, the set that I have hasn't held up well. Go for quality, even if it costs a little bit more.

The weather hasn't been too cooperative this week, but I did just manage to get these items done. Tomorrow, depending on weather (of course) I plan on pulling the seats and dash. The armrest is painted black, as is the surround for the mirror controls. The krylon spray doesn't adhere well to rubber. I sprayed the rubberish boot last week, and it did not dry. So I stripped it off with prep all, and will try again with much lighter coats. The shift knob on the left is from a parts car, the right one is original. The silver center used to have the 1-5+R markings. I will try to hand paint these later.

Andy, only you know your car and how she is feeling. If this were my trip, this is what I would do: Change the usual fluids (including the coolant), check brakes, tranny oil, diff. oil, fuses and lights, vacuum lines, engine bay electrical connections, AFM (for leaks), and air filter. I might also go ahead and change the fuel filter and plugs (unless done recently). Regarding the mileage on the engine itself: if you've been taking care of her (and I'm sure you have been), then I wouldn't worry about it.

Reserve not yet met. I wonder what it is?

Would you post some photos of the master cylinder and mark where the noise seems to be coming from? Also, do you have the Factory Service Manual for your 82 zx? I believed it can be found at carfiche.com

Not by this weekend, there isn't. Not unless you are filthy stinking rich, that is. You state you need to clear out some room. Is this because you have other cars around? IF SO USE ONE OF THEM.

The reason the Z will not do this is that it was made to move. The car has nearly a 50/50 weight distribution, and the engine has plenty of low end torque. It was not made to do burnouts. It was made to go fast and handle like no other in its price range (when new). But, since you asked for advice as to how to make it do a standing still burnout, next time you try it just stand in front of the car and push against it as your friend drops the clutch. :devious:

So Gus, how are you going to manage to drive all three of your Zs to the show? I would love to come down this year, but a 13 hour drive one way...

...but at least you are getting in there and actually looking around trying to find the problem and solving it, not just ignoring the advice that has been offered (like some do) and wondering why things seem to get worse. Progress is progress, even if it is slow. Stephen is right, pictures really do shed light on some of these problems, and can help all of us offer prudent advice immensely. edit: pun not intended, really.

not sure about who would make replacement boxes for the s130, but here is an option for you: Do you use the utility buckets located behind the seats? If not, you could modify the lid to hold 6x9 speakers, though this will involve some cutting of the lid, or flat out removal and fabrication of a mounting location. If you buckets are in bad shape or you don't use them, it's a good place to mount.