psdenno

Good for you, you did the right thing by being assertive as I suggested earlier. Now, for lesson #2. Since they told you kerosene would take the paint off safely (questionable), the next thing you need to do is go back to them and say, "Show me, pendejo!" They created a problem that shouldn't be your's to fix. Keep after them until they get tired of seeing you. Dennis

Did you happen to ask the paint shop to clean it up? If you try to clean it and mess up the dash, it's your fault/problem. If the shop tries to clean it, they probably have the correct material. If they mess it up, it's their problem to rectify. Be assertive. Dennis

OK, but only nine more times until you have a matching set. Dennis

Why that would be Jingles P. Jones from East Sidalia. How about his other Devine TV show and the phrase, "Plunk your magic twanger, Froggy"? Dennis

Sometimes, injuries like that are just God's way of saying, "Slow down, pull over. Sit on the couch, watch TV, and drink a beer.". Consider it Devine intervention. Speedy recovery! Dennis

Too bad that the door jam plate picture is too fuzzy to read. Kind of makes that photo useless. Dennis

Here's what happened. Sometime during the last 44 years, the original factory installed electric antenna stopped working or the mast broke off. The owner, being a cheap bastard, saw the price of a replacement factory electric antenna and opted to replace the factory electric with a $7 manual antenna from the local auto parts store. Doesn't really matter when your '72 Z was manufactured, it came with an electric antenna and a control switch to raise and lower it on the original factory radio face plate. Sounds like you also have an aftermarket radio and faceplate so the antenna switch is long gone. Did you notice the electrical wiring for the original antenna in the space next to the radio speaker? Dennis

Electric. Dennis

I agree. If a fire starts while you're driving, pull over, turn off ignition, get out, run, call 911, call your insurance company. Fire extinguishers are handy if you're working on your car, with the hood open, and an engine fire starts. Dennis

Tomorrow's another day Dennis

As far as Social Security goes, you take a substantial hit if you start collecting at 62 compared to 65. Something to remember is that if you don't start collecting at 65/66, your entitlement amount goes up 8% a year for every year you delay until age 70. You kind of have to play the odds if longevity runs in your family. Interestingly, 70 is the last legally significant birthday you have to keep track of (16 for driving, 18 to vote, 21 to drink, 65/66 for SS & Medicare, 70 for maximum SS and mandatory time to start tapping IRA accounts for required minimum distributions if you haven't already.) so mark your calendar, take your chances, and plan your retirement Z budget accordingly. Dennis

W SW = On/Off switch on that three function radio control knob. Car radio controls were much more user friendly, easy to find while weaving through traffic, and within reach back then. The driver didn't need to take eyes off the road or have tiny fingers to change stations or adjust volume like we do with current car entertainment systems. Progress? I'm not sure. Dennis

Yup. Sarcasm. No FM on the early Zs. At that time in history, there were plenty of radio stations broadcasting in FM, just not many car radios able to listen. FM was mostly enjoyed on the home stereo receiver. Life was simpler in those AM radio days. Dennis

Nice job! All you need is a silver Sharpie, a steady hand, and balls the size of watermelons. The silver on my center console has held up well for a few years now with no sign of wear or flaking. Dennis

You are a fortunate survivor after being broadsided by a vehicle with twice the mass of your Z. Sorry about the extensive damage to your car, glad your injuries weren't more severe. Every time I drive my Z I have concern about being in a similar accident with the limited crash protection a 46 year old car offers. Dennis

I brought my '71 home from the mechanic's shop where it had been for several weeks. It was one of those "no hurry, work on it when you have time" projects. He gave the Z a thorough going over, tightened everything that wasn't supposed to be loose, replaced a few parts, tuned the carbs, and it drives better than it has in years - especially without all the rattles creaks it had acquired. Now it's time to get to work on installing the driver's side BMW seat and attaching headlight covers to a spare set of headlight pods that will eventually go on the car. Dennis

And it has the "original AM/FM radio". New paint can hide a multitude of automotive indescretions acquired over 46 years. Dennis

Looks like you found the right man for the job. He wants to do it once and do it right. If it makes you feel any cooler, it's a balmy 102º here today and I'll be picking my '71 up from the shop a little later this afternoon. Dennis

I can't find the one I used to highlight my center console raised sections, but if what you have is a silver Sharpie fine tip you should be good to go. I used the side of the tip near the tip and it worked fine. A couple years later, all is still good. Dennis

Authenticity/originality gets really wonky at Porsche car shows. I've seen examples of over-restored mega hundred thousand dollar cars being dinged points for an incorrect fan belt or body hardware. One heated argument was over the correctness of bolts used on an early Porsche 356. Judges said they were "not Porsche" and points were deducted. I've had the opportunity to talk to some of the Porsche factory old timers who said when they were building the early cars and ran out of "official Porsche" assembly screws, nuts and bolts, they would send a shop apprentice to the local hardware store near the factory to get what they needed. What's authentic is always up for debate. Dennis

Looks NOS! Nice find and thanks for sharing. That project is on my short list. Dennis

Very nice. Not sure I'd have the steady hand needed for that task - especially the glove box emblem. I did the silver Sharpie highlight on my center console and, while not shiny metallic, it's held up well. Dennis

I'd have to check with Dr. Freud on that. But, thanks for the "Reciprocal Liking" on my earlier post. Maybe I'll get to 500 someday, too. Dennis

Actually, she's a licensed psychologist, not certified. But, you're right about the rest of it. Dennis

Yup. I checked with my wife, the psychologist, and she said the term "Reciprocal Liking" would apply in this case. Just remember, with great power comes great responsibility. Dennis