zbane

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.

I used the RIT liquid dye to color the carpet inserts in the door panels and map pockets. Since I did all of this at work (yeah 3rd shift!), I didn't have access to a bathtub for soaking the large panels. I used a large bucket for mixing the dye and HOT water, and was able to place the map pockets in the brew. Periodically, I would turn them over and let them continue to steep. As this was going on, I used a cup to scoop and pour the dye down the carpeted lengths of the panels, catching the excess back in the bucket. This worked okay, but the end result was more of a very dark brown than black. So, after it had dried, I used a fresh mix of less diluted dye and poured it directly on the panels and let it sit there for a couple hours. I did this outside on the blacktop; I would not suggest doing this on plain asphalt, as it will show... I too, tend to rush the application of spray paint, and forced myself to go in light coverings. The good thing about this stuff is that you only need wait about 30 seconds before you apply the next coat. It is very sensitive to areas that are not 100% clean, and will not adhere to these areas. A little touch up with Prep-All is generally all that is needed. Just wipe down the area with a damp paper towel, let dry and reapply the stuff. Krylon sells a variety of finishes for there products. I chose the Satin finish because the others looked way too much like rattle can spray paint. An added bonus (to my eyes, anyway) of using the satin stuff is that on the textured areas, it looks like leather. The next step (after laying the final coats of burgundy) will be to mask off everything and apply the black. Hopefully that will go smoothly, and then I can add chrome color to certain areas.

Since I finally have a second vehicle to drive, I have been thinking about what I should do with the zx. My interior is complete, and in very good shape, with only a few cracks in the plastic (dash excluded, of course) but was faded noticeably in areas. Even though I think the tan and champagne colors work nicely, I have wanted to change it for some time. So I took the plunge and removed the bulk of the interior, cleaned with degreaser, wiped with clean strip, and sprayed with krylon fusion burgundy (satin). I know others have used the SEM products, but I couldn't find any in my area, so I went with what I had available. The interior is going to be a two tone burgundy/black with black carpeting. I am taking inspiration from the M Roadster (first pic), and am winging it from there. Spring break is coming up, so I will use one of those days to pull the dash (fun!) and try to repair it as others have (I've printed the directions from that thread, and am sourcing supplies). I will also try to repair my plastic quarter panel surrounds with the same method and will post results, be they good or bad. So far, I have solid base coats on most of the panels, I plan on double or triple coats for the most used areas. Once I am satisfied with the burgundy, I will apply the black (also satin, don't want too much glare from gloss). I have the headliner from a red parts car, I plan on using it once I clean it up, that way I won't have to worry about dyeing the headliner. The RIT dye worked well on the door panels, but I don't want to risk warping the headliner. Doing the seats will be an issue, but I will find a way to do them and the carpets... The coating is darker than appears in the photos, and applies pretty evenly- dries very quickly. I welcome any comments or suggestions...

But your Z is much more classy (I have nothing against Hondas, BTW).

There is an easy fix to this problem: Buy 2 Zs. His and Hers! I tell ya, it's a perfect plan!!

This sort of thing happens often. A friend of mine "rented" his house for some interior scenes for a documentary. When the film crew left, the house was somewhat damaged- the floors were scuffed and rutted to the point of needing to be replaced in areas, there were holes in the walls, the yard was full of ruts... It ended up taking a lawsuit with the help of the homeowners insurance company to get the damages repaired to pre-filming condition. Ironically, the documentary was on Victorian era homes and thier restoration. Would I lend my Z to a film? Only, as stated above, with a very comprehensive contract that would cover any damages done.

Mohamed, thanks for the track-it's great! Stephen you beat me with the translation, but that's ok.

I wish I could help you out, but Clayton's about 6 hours away. Perhaps someone near Raleigh will step in. I hope your son continues to get better. Is he taking any physical therapy for the injury?

Have you finished going through everything in your other thread? I would be willing to bet that your acceleration issues are directly related to the smoke... http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29533

Matthew, if you are thinking it is a problem with compression (perhaps from a blown head gasket) don't fret too much about it. I have limited mechanical experience, and tend to learn from watching and trying whatever procedure is at hand. This said, pulling the head isn't all that hard, though I did have some issues when doing mine that you won't have to worry as much about since you've got a carbie car. If you find that it is indeed a gasket issue, read up on what to do, and how to keep your timing chain in one place (you'll understand once you read up on it). Before you go and pull your head, check to make sure that all your head bolts are torqued to spec. The paint markings on you camgear are very similar to what I did with mine to keep everything in line. What I am getting at is this: If your engine has been rebuilt (which it appears to have been) then perhaps it wasn't completely torqued, or the gasket wasn't put in place correctly/became damaged when the head was put on. These are just base suggestions, but since you've gone through so many other options, this may be the direction you are going. Check torque and compression...

I watched it, and I've got to say it wasn't all that bad, but it wasn't all that good either. I was pleased that they kept the original theme music, but updated it a bit with some screaming guitar riffs, healthy bass, and a touch of electronica. Still, the feel of the original was still there. Story wise, there was a mention of the original Michael Knight and the Trans Am, and there was even a cameo appearance of "the Hoff." Alas, there was no showing the original KITT. As would be expected, the show featured several Ford vehicles besides the Cobra (and there were many glory/hero shots of that one). The new driver of KITT is the son of the original Knight. Stereotypical "hottie" female scientist/computer geek. Stereotypical comedic sidekick/computer geek. Not stereotypical is the female FBI agent that teams up the the Knight Foundation. We first meet her as she is entering her beach house and has a brief conversation with a sweet young lady (still in bed). To paraphrase the conversation: FBI: I have to go to work. Young Lady: Don't you want to have lunch? FBI: It's an emergency. Feel free to eat something then let yourself out. Young Lady: Don't you feel uncomfortable leaving someone you just met alone in your house? FBI: Yes.

The price is not really something we can help you determine. You need to find a shop that deals with Z cars (or has experience with them) and ask them. Depending on your mechanical skills, you might be able to do some of the top end work yourself, but to swap cylinder rings you will need to pop out the entire engine. There are several places for you to shop for the parts you might need. I am posting these pages as an example. Shop around, you may find better deals. These are pages from www.blackdragonauto.com , though as I said, there are other places to order from.