260Z Project - 260Z GT-R

[Ian]

Fingers crossed for you, but it's a fair guess that it will be in similar condition

Yes, I would imagine so.

So I was thinking about this and your awesome work. It really does explain the arguments against acid dipping cars. It’s not difficult to imagine that acid getting into all those sections and never quite being flushed out again.

I don't know about acid dipping but dipping in a bath of rust-preventative would be good - shame they didn't do that in Japan when it was built.

Having had my project shell done with a hybrid pyrolysis/dipping process (EnviroStrip), the bigger downside IMO with having Zs treated is the prospect of stripped materials (paint, ash, etc) collecting in internal spaces where it is only accessible if you open them up. Example: see the Dixie thread posts where I cut the rear arches for overfenders. I could’ve easily left the mint arches alone and would’ve been none the wiser about the crud and rust built up inside on top of the seams.

Dave isn't the biggest fan of acid dipping cars, mainly for the reasons Richie mentioned. The crud gets trapped and causes rot years down the line. Unless you cut open every section to clear it out.

dipping in a bath of rust-preventative would be good - shame they didn't do that in Japan when it was built.

I would like the car e-coated, but in order for e coat to work, it all has to e bare metal, which therefore means an acid dip.

That’s where rust-inactivating waxes and fluids for internal structures come into play.

This will be where I go with this. It will be well coated internally everywhere possible with the best cavity waxes available at the time.

Is there anyway you could recoup some money by getting a TV programme made - you know the Car SOS sort of thing or produce a booklet about it like the Franklin Mint car (I bought one of those booklets).

Yeah, that might have worked but they would have wanted to follow from the beginning, but in the beginning we had no idea this would turn out into such a full on job requiring so much new metal. Would have been interested because you could have sold the car as mint before the work started only for it to reveal a lot of work needing done. Would have made for a good shocking moment on a tv programme.

 

[s2k_adz]

Looking good Ian! Is it still down with the guys at RestoShack? Looks incredible work!

 

[Ian]

Thanks. Still there, not over yet. I imagine there will be an update early in the new year. And I am hoping to get the car back in the first quarter of the year.

 

[Ian]

Overdue Update, But just a small one.


Work on the other side of the front, same procedure as on the right side.

Looks semi ok?

Perhaps not

Looks at that mess of weld patches. At least I knew about this one prior to the start of the resto.

 

[candy red]

Overdue Update, But just a small one.


Work on the other side of the front, same procedure as on the right side.

Looks semi ok?

Perhaps not

Looks at that mess of weld patches. At least I knew about this one prior to the start of the resto.

That air tube looks like it’s the right time to get it changed

 

[Rushingphil]

Overdue Update, But just a small one.


Work on the other side of the front, same procedure as on the right side.

Looks semi ok?

Perhaps not

Looks at that mess of weld patches. At least I knew about this one prior to the start of the resto.

Will they be cleaning up and treating the inside sections and then reusing the outer air tube?

 

[Ian]

Will they be cleaning up and treating the inside sections and then reusing the outer air tube?

I think this update answers that question pretty well.

 

[Ian]

All rust and repairs of previous bad metalwork are now complete. Just modifications left to finish.

 

[Mr Tenno]

Amazing! You must be so stoked!

 

[Pondo]

This has come such a long way, must be exciting thinking this will be ready for paint soon.

 

[Ian]

Amazing! You must be so stoked!

Its great seeing it looking this complete. Not there yet, but super happy that it will soon enter the paintwork stage. I'll be having a final inspection at the start of May, if everything is good then its ready to start.

This has come such a long way, must be exciting thinking this will be ready for paint soon.

Can't wait for it to stop destroying my finances completely and to have it back in my garage. So I can get it on the road for this time next year.

 

[Jay.]

That's amazing news, you must be so pumped!

Out of interest, who made the carbon bonnet? It's much better fitting than mine!

 

[Ian]

That's amazing news, you must be so pumped!

I can't wait to see it in paint. Also excited to see the mods get completed this during this month. Getting close now.

Out of interest, who made the carbon bonnet? It's much better fitting than mine!

Its from Japan. Made by Restored.JP, full dry carbon, only weighs 5.7kg,

 

[Rushingphil]

I think this update answers that question pretty well.

Wow. Lots of skills (and hours!) Doing those welding jobs

 

[Russell]

This is looking incredible. Really different from my shoestring budget in a damp garage build!

Would love to be able to go this far with mine but im fairly sure there wouldnt be much car left once all the repairs and rust were cut out and it would never see the road again.

 

[Ian]

This is looking incredible. Really different from my shoestring budget in a damp garage build!

Would love to be able to go this far with mine but im fairly sure there wouldnt be much car left once all the repairs and rust were cut out and it would never see the road again.

If your works well and looks well as it is, even if its not perfect, I would leave it as is. I won't be doing anything like this again. Been 5 years of having no money and making sacrifices in order to see it done.

Consolation is that as I never plan on selling this at least I know I won't have any issues down the line and won't need to carry out this sort of work which if I'd left it I would have had to do at some point.

 

[candy red]

If your works well and looks well as it is, even if its not perfect, I would leave it as is. I won't be doing anything like this again. Been 5 years of having no money and making sacrifices in order to see it done.

Consolation is that as I never plan on selling this at least I know I won't have any issues down the line and won't need to carry out this sort of work which if I'd left it I would have had to do at some point.

Looking good now your test fitting panels will be great to see it painted will be one of the most rust free 260s out there well done for carrying on with it even though you couldn’t not, after a certain amount of work was done will truly be a great car keep the updates coming

 

[Ian]

So. I was worried there might be rust behind the radiator support panel.

So, it got cut out.

 

[Ian]

Not really

Its actually so we can have a removable panel. So I can install the RB with the gearbox in place.

 

[Ian]

Finalising the fitment of the airdam and diffuser panel

Wing off to add a little extra support

OEM grill repaired and fill length grill checked for fitment, will have option to run either.

Checking out fitment on other parts:

Just updated my expenses Excel document for the 260Z and I wish I hadn't, its painful. At least I know why I never seem to have any free money for anything.