Splash Pan

[rtaylor]

Hi All. I picked up a used splash pan for a 71 in decent shape. It appears to be gloss black on the bottom and silver or gray on the side that faces the engine. Is this the original paint scheme?

I am going to sandblast it after some minor panel straightening and I wanted to get it powdercoasted. I don't think that a powdercoaster can coat two different colors on the same piece. I want to stay original as possible so that may preclude powder coating. Or if those are the original colors maybe I can powdercoat it all silver (or gray) and then paint the bottom side gloss black with some rattlecan paint. Will paint stick to powdercoating?

What do ya'll think? Thanks.

[Arne]

Randy, I think that refurbing it will be more work than it's worth, so you should send it to me instead.

Seriously, I'd love to have one, but it's not high enough on my priority list to convince me to pay the current prices.

I thought that the originals were matte silver on both sides. Not certain of that, though.

If it turns out that black on the bottom is correct, I've painted powdercoated parts in the past without issues.

[rtaylor]

It was a taste dear on the purchase, especially for a used one Arne. I have been wanting one for awhile now. Looking back at my last post, seems I have trouble spelling powdercoater.

I'll have to find out what size bolts hold the thing on and see if Nissan has them in stock. After I get the answer to my questions, I'll post some photos when it is done. My powdercoater has a minimum $80 charge so I'll through in some other parts with it.

[EScanlon]

If your powdercoater has the quick change gun, he might be able to paint a different color on the backside... but ask him. He might have other issues with it.

Rattle can paint would stick, just prep (scuff) the powdercoat some in order to let it adhere.

E

[DeesZ]

I have seen some older pictures that indicate a silverish finish on the splash pans, so I think you are on the right track. For my taste black is the choice. I painted mine semi-gloss black and I'm pleased with the results - I just like black underneath, and it's real easy to 'freshen up' if need be down the road. (Originality is not a major concern for me, but I am not doing strange aftermarket things to it either.)

I waited for a good while before I got a splash pan because I thought the prices several years ago were extremely high (now they are twice what they were back then). Actually, I pretty much gave up getting one due to the prices, then I got very lucky one day and found one in a pick & pull yard, along with a 2400 cam cover, a really nice E88 head, and several other choice parts that were all on a '73 of all things! I basically spent a day stripping the car of anything I could use that wasn't damaged.... It was "dollar day" at the yard - $20.00 to get in, and all parts (yes all) were $1.00. I got out after a long day with a very full load of stuff.

I looked for the part number for the bolts for you, but my parts manual doesn't seem to show it. They were nothing exotic. That ebay seller that we all admire so much for his shipping charges has a set on ebay now (no, I am not recommending that you buy from him. His price is quite high as well IMHO, anyway).

[Zulaytr]

If you want the silver look then Eastwood makes a paint called Tank Tone that really gives it an original look. It comes in a spray can and is easy to apply. It dries to a more of a flat finish than a gloss. Generally you will find that the original color on the pans that were installed at the factory were a silver color and the black ones are the ones that were replacement parts from a Datsun dealer.

[Mike B]

Generally you will find that the original color on the pans that were installed at the factory were a silver color and the black ones are the ones that were replacement parts from a Datsun dealer.

I agree that the ones from the factory were silver/grey. #237 still has its original one and it is that color. I think some of the earlier replacement parts were also silver and then they changed over to black at a later date. I have seen that with other parts like exhaust parts as well. See attached pictures of two NOS splash pans from prior threads. I would guess that someone painted one side or the other of yours.

-Mike

[kats]

Hello,

My 240Z and Z432 got a splash pan also, but it does not have holes on it.

As you can see it in the service manual, this type is the earliest.I do not know when the pan got holes.

Some late1969/early1970 magazines shows both silver and black pan. I think either way you will be correct.

Mike,I was surprised #237 has one.I was thinking/understanding the pan was installed from 1973 240Z for U.S., but it existed in the early model!

kats

[rtaylor]

Thanks All. I think I will go with the silver/gray matte finish. Here's a picture of the splash pan that I just bought. I also heard from the guy I bought it from that someone is making fiberglass replicas.

[Montezuma]

I had mine powder coated in semi-gloss black back a year ago or so. It still sits on a shelf in the garage....I am just to lazy to find to bolt it in, besides I don't know which bolts to use. I was also considering changing my pan color to a dull silver but after reading posts on here, black is just fine.

[bpilati]

I have one of those pans too, off ebay. It was pricey, but I think I got a good deal within the going price range. I rust primed mine and then handed painted it gloss black. But I'm going to go with a semi-gloss most likely before it goes on. This is a fairly rare part from what I've seen, but it should be common. Strange.

[DeesZ]

I rust primed mine and then handed painted it gloss black. But I'm going to go with a semi-gloss most likely before it goes on.

I did mine gloss black on both sides as well. I changed the exterior to a semi-gloss to tone it down, as the gloss was just too shiny for me and it magnified every imperfection 10X. I'll see if I can rustle up a picture and put one or two in my gallery for you to view.