How long will it take me to put it all back together?!

[Paul_S]

Hi all, I'd like some advice please.

I saw my 240Z in the bodyshop today:

I am planning to take it to Silverstone (which is 1 month today!) but I still don't know when I'm getting it back!

So my question is, when I get it back (with the doors, tailgate and bonnet refitted) how long can I expect it to take for me to refit all the glass, lights, bumpers, wiper mechanism, interior trim panels, etc? I've been prepping the parts as much as possible in advance but even if it's all laid out ready I fear it will take quite some time. And time I don't have!

 

[Farmer42]

Was this an engine out, cleared engine bay repaint or are all the fittings in that area intact? Also, did you take the dash out? My engine bay was left alone and the dash stayed in which saved a lot of hassle & time but If I recall, it took me about 2 full days to refit everything but I am not the fastest worker and was being really careful to the point of obsession. In hindsight I wish I had stripped it all out.

If you really want to get to Silverstone, just fit the stuff you really need to drive it and fit the rest like internal panels etc. later.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Off the top of my head I'd say it's too much work. Also instead of enjoying the refitting etc you will see it as a 'task'.

Just my opinion.

 

[Makesy]

Can't comment on how long it might take you, but really excited for you - the body looks great from the pics! Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Can't comment on how long it might take you, but really excited for you - the body looks great from the pics! Good luck and keep us updated!

Agreed.

 

[Paul_S]

Thanks for your replies

I should have said, the engine, dash, etc. is in and the car is driveable. I've "just" got to do the cosmetics!!

Another headache is that the MOT has expired so I need to book it in for that - too soon and it won't be ready, too late and there's no time to fix any issues.

If it passes in time then, as said, that will get me to Silverstone. I would be prepared not to put the interior back in - let's face it, it's been in boxes since I've owned the car!

 

[Ian]

Should be possible but like mentioned already it might not be much fun.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Years.

They’ve used your paint on the booth?

 

[AliK]

Years.

They’ve used your paint on the booth?

Or decades in someone’s case

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Paul, you don't have to have an MOT anymore. Up to you but that might help.

 

[jonbills]

Mot test takes an hour.... Its cutting it a bit fine If that makes the difference!

 

[Paul_S]

Paul, you don't have to have an MOT anymore. Up to you but that might help.

Mine is converted from LHD so I assumed it would not be exempt on that basis. I am happy to be proven wrong!

 

[RawlinSTR]

I'd say it's possible but from my own experience of rushing rebuilds to try and meet a deadline, be prepared to redo things you weren't happy with the first time round after Silverstone!

P.S. Car looks good

 

[uk66fastback]

LHD, RHD, doesn't matter - no MoT required.

 

[Paul_S]

LHD, RHD, doesn't matter - no MoT required.

But wouldn't the conversation be treated as a major mod (or whatever the terminology is!)

 

[jimyj]

all depends on your time and space restraints , i have rebuilt a fair few over the years only one Z , but they never go as fast or as smooth as you think .
Good luck , but dont rush , and then have to rebuild stuff again , doh done that many times myself

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Mot test takes an hour....

That's like saying that passing a driving test takes 45 mins!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Perhaps we should hold a 'get the car built' weekend in Kent!

Paul, I thought paint had to harden before mounting stuff back on?

 

[jonbills]

That's like saying that passing a driving test takes 45 mins!

You're not advocating not doing the work to make it MOT ready, surely?

 

[MaximG]

You're not advocating not doing the work to make it MOT ready, surely?

I think Rob was saying that the MOT may only be an hour but it feels like an eternity when your waiting. Or at least that was my take on it.