Zup

Timely post for me (and anyone else interested in a correct stock restoration) that you made here Philip-------and exactly as you said in your reply just now Charles!! How would you describe the finish as shown in the photos of this NOS valve cover?? Raw aluminum, as from the mold, satin finish??? Do you think there were any additional treatments or processes used to remove casting flash or surface/ finish irregularities? Attached is the judging sheet I received for entry of Zilver, my 1973 240Z, at the 2019 ZFest/Zcon held in Branson this past summer. 1 Zup Daniels 240Z stock.pdf The most difficult point deduction for me to understand regarding the comment of the judges was regarding the finish of the valve cover. ENGINE and ENGINE COMPARTMENT Comments Deduction 2. Engine block / oil pan / cylinder head valve cover finish blasted 1 My query is this: What is one to do? This photo is from engine restoration prior to Zcon 2015 in Memphis when I entered Zilver in "240Z Street Modified" class----before I made the conversion back to the original flat tops. After 47 years of accumulated use, (being subjected to oil changes, valve adjustments and all other manner of possible maintenance issues) certainly most, if not all, valve covers will need some form of restoration back to "as from factory" condition. Paint, polish or plating are obviously not correct finishes. At the time of my restorative efforts I chose to have the cover bead blasted with a very fine USED glass bead. It almost had the consistency of flour and the cover was gone over several times until there was an even surface appearance and texture. Satin finish---no gloss or swirl---it looked very much to me like the NOS example you linked above. I then applied GIBBS BRAND OIL to the cover liberally, several times, removing the excess after several minutes so there was no pooling or surface wetness. The GIBBS penetrates into the pores of the metal and (because it is there first) prevents the entry of anything in the way of water, other oils, dirt or combustion soot from adhering or accumulating and its anti-corrosion properties prevent oxidation of the aluminum (white spots or flaking). A simple rinse with Dawn detergent mixed with water over the surface followed by a thorough rinse from the garden hose with clean water, allow to dry, and a re-application of the GIBBS oil has maintained the cover for the last 5 years. Zilver is no "garage queen". The car is frequently driven locally and has been driven from N.W. Arkansas to and back from each of the Zcons attended. (Memphis, Austin, Atlanta and Branson) I don't know of any other way. In agreement with what Charles said above----What would the judges have us to do if not bead blast???? This is not "sour grapes" or meant to be a slam on the judges but----- BE REASONABLE!!!

and make them black while you are at it--------------

To find a new one is unlikely. After several years of observing e-bay, etc. I found a very nice one for my 73. Philip's suggestion that you clean, polish and re-plate yours is a good solution. The metal housing can be removed easily by prying the retaining tabs up from the backplate. Yellow zinc plate should be used. As SteveJ states, without the flat tops you don't need it-----for you it is cosmetic.

@zed2 , a member on this site, reproduced these some time back. I bought a set of them---they were nicely made. He may still have some if you are in need. A PM to him may answer that question.

Yikes!! Glad to hear that it didn't get into a vessel and cause any major blood-letting! Be Well my friend!

I couldn't agree more with Jim! we've missed you Zedy!

Heartened to hear that you are OK Capt'n. As has been said above--it could have been a lot worse. Take care my friend!

The splash pan may help with engine compartment temperatures, but I can testify from personal experience in Zilver that it helps keep the front end from floating at high speed. I believe it helps reduce turbulence (engine and firewall) in the front which results in decreased up-lift. Once the pan was installed, at speeds of 100+ steering became much more stabile.

AC/Delco Friction Modified transmission fluid----

Not to dissuade you, but are you looking for a good reason to not do it?? If you are expecting the finished "restoration" to look, drive and feel "as new" you should be prepared to spend what a new car would cost. Probably more.

Excellent! When does this go to market??

I totally agree---beautiful car Rich---very nice. Looks like you'll both be ready for Branson ZFest and Nashville next year---no problem. Looking forward to seeing it and you. together.

So glad to see your post Will. I consider you a giant among the "old guard" CZCC posters that were the early inspiration for me to follow. You, 26thZ, Bambikiller, Enrique, Beandip, Arne----you know the crew I refer to. High hopes that your health issues improve and that we hear from you more often. It would really be special to meet you and extend a handshake in Nashville next year! All the Best to you Will! Zup

Quite possibly the best in the WORLD!!

@Volkmeister PayPal has been sent sent for S30driver (Jim Smirlies) BCDD kit. Thanks! Jim D. zup

@Mike W

@240Ziggy

I absolutely agree---much better anti-corrosion and lubrication properties than WD-40 in my personal experience.

Here's a nice stitched panorama of the Zcon judged car staging the night before the show. (Photo courtesy of Kim Taylor--- author (with collaboration) of the first ZCCA judging rulebook.)

Hi all--- Sorry not to have replied sooner---I was immediately back at work and had to travel to several states for several days after the show. Missed so many of you, good friends!! I can't begin to tell what an honor it was to compete with Rich's immaculate fresh restoration of Bob's (Jayhawk's) Z. Rich is a master and a gentleman. His meticulous attention is preserved as archival documentation in this thread for all to see and emulate. As I conveyed in a PM to Rich, I had always wondered how a "rolling" restoration would fare with a fresh restoration done very well. I feel those hopeful thoughts are somewhat vindicated and I am relieved now that it is possible. I have always thought (and think Rich would agree) that the stock restoration of a 73 240Z was one of the most difficult challenges of all due to the many unique differences found in that particular model year. (bumper rubber trims, flat-top carbs, emissions, hoses and water plumbing, thermostat housings, electrical relays and switches, cigarette lighter, etc., etc.) The chance to compare, apples to apples, 2-73 240Z cars at a Zcon was huge for me. Rich and I shared several corrections that we each made to our cars before the judging. It just doesn't get any better than that in friendly competition! As Rich said, had he more time and a few parts the outcome could have well been reversed. We both made bonehead mistakes which we have learned from and will try not to repeat. This Zcon was so special in so many ways. Big Congratulations to my dear friend Jim Smirlies (S30driver) for his 1st place in daily driver. Fiona (his 77 280Z) never looked so beautiful since I have known him (and her). I wish and wish that those of you that we not able to attend the Branson event will attend and be seen at Nashville! It is just 1year and 2 months away----Let's GET READY!!! Zup

Hi Randy-- So good to finally meet you in person at Branson Zcon2019! I too would like to purchase your book, but only if you sign it and date it for the Branson Zcon2019, please! I kept trying to get away and find you again while there, but just could not get it done! Absolutely fantastic that Brian , Keith, you, your book, and all those Scarabs were there and on display with their proud owners ------one for all time for sure! Most memorable! PayPal on its way! Best Regards, Jim D. Zup p.s.--I love those taillight trims you made available---they are PERFECT!!!! When are we going to make pointy tip antennas???

My 7/70 and 10/70 240z cars have this version with the tab and hole. I have no idea, what was the hole for. I've never seen photos showing anything mounted there. Jim A.----care to do a 73 fuel rail as you prepare these for plating?? The one I have is certainly restorable----just kinda grungy. It has captive plastic insulators that form a thermal barrier from the metal legs conducting heat from the engine mounts. I'd sure like to send it to you and I'll cover the expense for its restoration..

Dang---- I will really miss seeing and talking with you again Bruce, Gary, Charles and Cody, Steve J., Gary W., Wayne, Mike W. and Alex and so many, many more that may not make this Zcon. Great recent memories, but more to come next year at Nashville! Yes---the torch will be carried by Rich, Bob and I! Can't wait to get with you guys at Branson!!!! Safe travels in your journey East!

Nope not tacky or sticky when dry---works well for this.

I used the Roadster Factory jute and sprayed it with Plasti-Dip clear. No problems with dust or small fiber shedding and keeps the original look.