Start of project restore

[G8nightman]

Well I bought my Z a few years back going to start with Paint new FX3 Shocks new tires for the shelby wheels going to powercoat them also did the clutch and oil cool lines already. Going to repaint to factory color will post as it progresses.

http://i.imgur.com/vix4QRl.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/uP8wF7W.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/AOx1PNe.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QKGka0m.jpg

[Fully Vetted]

Looking forward to seeing the progress. Are you going back to grey on the Series Ones, going to redo the black or do you have bigger plans?

[G8nightman]

Going to redo the black the orignal color on the car is Turquoise Metallic so I think the black will show better on that color. Was also able to find a glass top local to me so was able to pick that up at a good price :-). Going to lower the car also dont really like the 4X4 look.

[G8nightman]

David do you think the Shelby wheel will hold a 295/35/18 in the front?

[Fully Vetted]

I would not go wider than a 285 on a 10" rim. I actually went with the 275/35. A 295 will fit but the sidewall won't be supported properly. What's mounted on the car now?

[WVZR-1]

Going to redo the black the orignal color on the car is Turquoise Metallic so I think the black will show better on that color. Was also able to find a glass top local to me so was able to pick that up at a good price :-). Going to lower the car also dont really like the 4X4 look.

I'd be tempted to do the Shelby's in "body color", keep the Z16 "scheme", add some "export" lamps and move on down the road. I'm not a Shelby fan but in "body color" and that paint scheme I think it would be a winner.

[G8nightman]

Thanks for your input wvzr1.

[WVZR-1]

Thanks for your input wvzr1.

Joe Santacroce didn't have anything to do with the car did he?

I sold Joe some of his D44 hardware for this build. You don't mention your location in NY - Joe's in Newburgh NY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_hOVTNzM18

At about 5:15 in this video it's fired! I believe there was a more typical Z16 paint planned originally.

[ghlkal]

[COLOR=black][FONT=Verdana]Well I bought my Z a few years back going to start with Paint

Actually, the C5 Z16 stripes look pretty good (wasn't the C4 Z16 RPO the Grand Sport? interesting)

[G8nightman]

Not sure I bought the car a few years back car was located in Chicago.

[Fully Vetted]

I noticed you have a Lotus Esprit S4. That's another car on my bucket list (along with a 928 S4). How does that Lotus run? How is it holding together after 19 years?

[G8nightman]

Man it's great I love it. If you can find a clean one buy it. The best thing is they share parts with a lot of gm cars heck the coils are the same as the zr1. Here's a pic of mine
http://i.imgur.com/Xt2ToYw.png

[Kevin]

a buddy of mine had a turbo espirt years ago, now he has a testarossa and a 328 ferrari...really nice car to drive....and is dying to get another espirt

[Fully Vetted]

Yeah, I gotta get me one of those. My bucket list includes a Lotus S4, 928 S4, Pantera and ZR-1.

One down, 3 to go...

Nice car, BTW...

[G8nightman]

You can always make me an offer on mine :dancing
http://i.imgur.com/5yLmckH.jpg

[Fully Vetted]

Man, what'd you have to go and say that for?! Now there's smoke coming out of my ears!

[G8nightman]

Hey some of the money can go into my Z you will be doing a good thing LOL

[Fully Vetted]

So, actually, I can justify it by furthering the ZR-1 cause!

[G8nightman]

Now you got it :fahne:

[Mystic ZR-1]

How much are you asking?
Keep in mind it's British and GM.
Sort of like crossing Michael Jackson & Lindsey Lohan...

[G8nightman]

Yea it is only 380 of them made in 94 world wide. I would be asking 30000 for it.

[G8nightman]

New tires are in now rims are off to get powder coated
http://i.imgur.com/iSxabyw.jpg

[Fully Vetted]

Nice. Did you go with the 295's up front?

[Kevin]

what bfg's are those?

[G8nightman]

Hey I relized that im running 295 on my bmw with the same size rim as the vette and no issues Hey Kevin the tires are Gforce KDW 2.

[Kevin]

love that tread pattern

[Fully Vetted]

Yeah, it looks like flames...

[G8nightman]

The tear down begins
http://i.imgur.com/7m4wL8b.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/MPzHh0F.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/fgx7FO7.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/4iibyRU.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wll4dDG.jpg

[G8nightman]

Some updated pictures
http://i.imgur.com/D70AyN0.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/aOGihQY.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/1IwblLc.jpg

[G8nightman]

Some more paint work preping...

http://i.imgur.com/ikhYOTb.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/yV5Jlwf.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/wxHOcLu.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/mtWR4EH.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/9g9y5xw.jpg

[-=Jeff=-]

What year is the TR512?

Looks like yours is coming along nicely

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh,another Turquoise Metallic car, originally. Looks like you're doing a fine job. Can't wait to see the new color.

:dancing

[Corbusa]

Man You sure aint scared to tear into it:). My ZR is the only car that I ever think twice about when wanting to take something apart.. Keep the photos coming , I cant wait to see it painted..

[G8nightman]

What year is the TR512?

Looks like yours is coming along nicely

TR is a 88 1 owner car really nice. Sucks that he got keyed. That would really piss me off.

[G8nightman]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh,another Turquoise Metallic car, originally. Looks like you're doing a fine job. Can't wait to see the new color.

:dancing

Yes :-) the Color will need some getting use to. But Im sure it will grow on me :-) I just found out the rear Turquoise corvette emblem is 200!!!! bucks geez and the Zr1 is 80 do you guys know where i can find it at a better price just dosnt seen right for that part???

[G8nightman]

Man You sure aint scared to tear into it:). My ZR is the only car that I ever think twice about when wanting to take something apart.. Keep the photos coming , I cant wait to see it painted..


Yea just got to dive right in there LOL..

[-=Jeff=-]

couldn't you just refinish the ones you have in the correct color?

[G8nightman]

couldn't you just refinish the ones you have in the correct color?

I could but the corvette one is the smaller C4 non Zr1 emblem shorter about a inch.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Yes :-) the Color will need some getting use to. But Im sure it will grow on me :-) I just found out the rear Turquoise corvette emblem is 200!!!! bucks geez and the Zr1 is 80 do you guys know where i can find it at a better price just dosnt seen right for that part???


That's a shame....some of the suppliers really like to bend you over.

Supply and demand

[Z51JEFF]

Yes :-) the Color will need some getting use to. But Im sure it will grow on me :-) I just found out the rear Turquoise corvette emblem is 200!!!! bucks geez and the Zr1 is 80 do you guys know where i can find it at a better price just dosnt seen right for that part???

Carters Corvettes in Livermore Ca had a few last year.Check Ebay,see these at least a few times a year.Nice to see a shop blow a car apart and paint right.

[G8nightman]

Carters Corvettes in Livermore Ca had a few last year.Check Ebay,see these at least a few times a year.Nice to see a shop blow a car apart and paint right.

Checked ebay they dont have the right color. The supplier I checked has them for 80 bucks but the one i need is 200 WTF!!

[Fully Vetted]

Check with White Racing. I picked up the last Admiral Blue one in existence last year. It came in a set with the fender badges as well but he may have the one you need.


http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/

[G8nightman]

Check with White Racing. I picked up the last Admiral Blue one in existence last year. It came in a set with the fender badges as well but he may have the one you need.


http://www.whiteracingproducts.com/
I did it's 189.00

[Z51JEFF]

I did it's 189.00

As stated,keep looking and you will find them.................and you wont get raped in the process.

[G8nightman]

So this project slowed down a bit but did some sanding this week getting it ready for paint hope for it to be down in a few weeks. here some pics below

http://i.imgur.com/qdyWPTE.png
http://i.imgur.com/ScWS0xF.png
http://i.imgur.com/qGihHC8.png

[BigJohn]

Looking good!

[G8nightman]

Looking good!
Thanks I also did the shocks all around and installed the lowering bolts figured now would be a good time to do that as well.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

That's the only way to do a paint job. Blow the thing apart is the only way to do a thorough job.

Excellent work!!

[Racinfan83]

So this project slowed down a bit but did some sanding this week getting it ready for paint hope for it to be down in a few weeks. here some pics below


http://i.imgur.com/qGihHC8.png

Looks good so far! Can't wait to see it done. I love the Turquoise color.

But how do you get any work done in that shop with stuff packed in like that? Man O Man would that drive me nuts....:(

[G8nightman]

Looks good so far! Can't wait to see it done. I love the Turquoise color.

But how do you get any work done in that shop with stuff packed in like that? Man O Man would that drive me nuts....:(

LOL The shop isnt that big they park the cars inside because they cant be parked outside overnight welcome to NEW YORK CiTY:flag:

[G8nightman]

Got alittle further this past week finally got some color on it

http://i.imgur.com/8DzrkbS.png
http://i.imgur.com/kwKgs1u.png
http://i.imgur.com/RhrhstR.png
:salute:

[XfireZ51]

Love the color.

[USAZR1]

Man,that looks really good! :cheers:

[HIZNHRZ]

Very nice! My wife and I were looking at a house this weekend and in the garage was a 1991 turquoise ZR-1 with just over 2K miles on it. I've seen plenty but never really looked at or thought much about the color; it really is a very sharp looking car.

[ZZZZZR1]

VERY NICE!

Any chance you are bringing it to Carlisle?

:cheers:

David

[G8nightman]

VERY NICE!

Any chance you are bringing it to Carlisle?

:cheers:

David


Thanks Guys!!!! when is it?

[Kevin]

Thanks Guys!!!! when is it?

21-24 aug

[G8nightman]

Cool if I have it all back together by then I will be coming.

[G8nightman]

Doors painted..

http://i.imgur.com/ykQYM8m.png
http://i.imgur.com/g4jxUaW.png
http://i.imgur.com/vZk1x5t.png

[G8nightman]

Do you guys think i should paint the handles body color?

[G8nightman]

Some more pics

http://i.imgur.com/7u0uFM3.png
http://i.imgur.com/WHuQmie.png
http://i.imgur.com/vhPUlRR.png

[Meanmyz]

Do you guys think i should paint the handles body color?

My opinion: NO.

Why? It would be indicative to some people that this was a fast and cheap paint job...that the car was repainted.

Well, yes your car has been repainted, but you are taking the time to do it right. And, it is also possible that you are giving the car better paint than the factory did. While it might appear to you as a cool mod, again, to most it will appear that you were too lazy to take off the door handles.

Another example: I have seen some 1990 cars where the black body molding got painted body color. The same above applies to the body molding.

I am really impressed with your paint job so far. You could even have painted it another color than original, as somebody in the past did do. I would be more inclined to "want to own" your car now vs. a different color. That doesn't apply in all cases as some cars are done right in a different color and really taken to a new level...in those cases, body colored door handles and the like are no big deal. You are doing a stock car in it's stock color...do it stock. And make it really nice for the avenue you have chose.

imho

[WVZR-1]

I believe I'd be inclined to agree with the "black handles" BUT body colored "saw-blades" would be an interesting twist. You would do the wheels in color and do some "blanks for center-caps to match" or have plastic caps machined with the ZR-1 font to match the rear cover emblem. I have done the caps in black for GM A-molds and Steve Horton has a set in silver that photograph better than mine do in black.

[G8nightman]

My opinion: NO.

Why? It would be indicative to some people that this was a fast and cheap paint job...that the car was repainted.

Well, yes your car has been repainted, but you are taking the time to do it right. And, it is also possible that you are giving the car better paint than the factory did. While it might appear to you as a cool mod, again, to most it will appear that you were too lazy to take off the door handles.

Another example: I have seen some 1990 cars where the black body molding got painted body color. The same above applies to the body molding.

I am really impressed with your paint job so far. You could even have painted it another color than original, as somebody in the past did do. I would be more inclined to "want to own" your car now vs. a different color. That doesn't apply in all cases as some cars are done right in a different color and really taken to a new level...in those cases, body colored door handles and the like are no big deal. You are doing a stock car in it's stock color...do it stock. And make it really nice for the avenue you have chose.

imho

Good point! Thanks for your input.

[G8nightman]

Some more updates this weekend starting to look like a car again

http://i.imgur.com/9Alespg.png
http://i.imgur.com/DbPWR5D.png

[phrogs]

What did you do about the vin stickers and tire info on the drivers door ? Or was it already gone or painted over from the last paint job?


And your door hinges did you just scotch bright them?

[G8nightman]

The stickers taped up. Everything else was sanded down.

[WVZR-1]

What did you do about the vin stickers and tire info on the drivers door ? Or was it already gone or painted over from the last paint job?


And your door hinges did you just scotch bright them?

If the Certification Label and Tire Placard are still there take digital images of both and ECS will duplicate them. ECS has increased the pricing but that's to have been expected because for collision losses the insurance companies are obligated to do the repair when requested.

The fees maybe aren't hateful when the "finished product" is considered.

I believe it would be wise for all owners to take the images and file them. You can't ever tell when they could be needed.

I don't know that ECS has any wholesale arrangements with repeat collision customers OR maybe even arrangements direct to some insurance carriers but it might be interesting to ask. LGAFF might likely know. If you know some larger collision shops in the area ask them. I've done some ECS buys but it's been a few years since.

Would ECS consider a Registry "restoration package" purchases discount? Might be worth looking into by the group but I'd think it would require not just a wild call in request but compiling a sincere interested in which list of available labels and maybe duplication of the belt routing and emission labels.

They currently do Certification, Tire Placard, SPID and some Emissions.

http://www.ecsvin.com/order.php

[phrogs]

Problem is I'm not a licensed repair facility. Have to contact my cousin and see what he can do. Thanks for the link.

[phrogs]

The stickers taped up. Everything else was sanded down.


Kinda pain in the *** to sand down the door hinges, I'm on the fence if I should strip them bare and prime them then paint on the car or just hit them with some scotch bright and call it a day.

[WVZR-1]

Problem is I'm not a licensed repair facility. Have to contact my cousin and see what he can do. Thanks for the link.

If you've got the snapshots they'll sell to you but it's the price on the web-site. I don't know if they have a commercial/collision discount or not. I believe I paid $85 for the last I purchased and they would have been sent/invoiced to a dealer. It was a very long time ago. I quit doing it for shops and just referred the shops to them directly. If I sold someone a left door and the Certification Label was on the door I just asked and added it to the invoice when I sent them parts for the car. It got to be a nuisance just trying to get them to do the required snapshots. If I sold a repair panel that had the Certification Label I always asked.

[cvette98pacecar]

Kinda pain in the *** to sand down the door hinges, I'm on the fence if I should strip them bare and prime them then paint on the car or just hit them with some scotch bright and call it a day.

Walnut blaster. Take the paint right off without pitting the metal.

[cvette98pacecar]

If the Certification Label and Tire Placard are still there take digital images of both and ECS will duplicate them. ECS has increased the pricing but that's to have been expected because for collision losses the insurance companies are obligated to do the repair when requested.

The fees maybe aren't hateful when the "finished product" is considered.

I believe it would be wise for all owners to take the images and file them. You can't ever tell when they could be needed.

I don't know that ECS has any wholesale arrangements with repeat collision customers OR maybe even arrangements direct to some insurance carriers but it might be interesting to ask. LGAFF might likely know. If you know some larger collision shops in the area ask them. I've done some ECS buys but it's been a few years since.

Would ECS consider a Registry "restoration package" purchases discount? Might be worth looking into by the group but I'd think it would require not just a wild call in request but compiling a sincere interested in which list of available labels and maybe duplication of the belt routing and emission labels.

They currently do Certification, Tire Placard, SPID and some Emissions.

http://www.ecsvin.com/order.php

With our cars hitting 25 years old next year this is a great idea.

[G8nightman]

A bit further this weekend. Starting to look like a car again.
http://i.imgur.com/jnTViGN.png

[ghlkal]

Fantastic job =D>

I also did the shocks all around

Did you go with new Blisteins? If so, where did you source them?

[G8nightman]

Fantastic job =D>



Did you go with new Blisteins? If so, where did you source them?

Thank you
Yes I did I bought them new off EBAY

[mgbrv8]

WOW! great job bringing her back. If you need any help with mechanical stuff let me know I have a few good articles I have written that might help.

Dave Hetrick

[G8nightman]

WOW! great job bringing her back. If you need any help with mechanical stuff let me know I have a few good articles I have written that might help.

Dave Hetrick

Thanks Dave Mechanical she is 100% might just get a fresh set of wires and Spark plugs in the spring.

[mgbrv8]

Well if your going to pull the plenum for the plugs and wires and there are a few things that need attention. Number one the injectors, with the intake off you can Ohm each one easily but more then likely if they are original they will need changing. Secondly the starter, it wouldn't hurt putting some brushes and solenoid parts in cause starter solenoids are a issue on lt5s and hard to get too when the engine is assemble also adding a additional relay in line to the stater purple wire because the purple wire voltage tends to drop over time causing the starter to not engage when hot. Also change the little one way valves and the vacuum chamber for the secondary's and check everything for leaks and zip tie all the vacuum connections. Here are pics of my plenum pull to see what lives under there and what I did. Hope it helps

https://www.facebook.com/dave.hetrick.16/media_set?set=a.10201021415884459.2217036.14392302 80&type=3

Dave

PS your 8 series is a awesome car thats one Ive always wanted

[G8nightman]

Well if your going to pull the plenum for the plugs and wires and there are a few things that need attention. Number one the injectors, with the intake off you can Ohm each one easily but more then likely if they are original they will need changing. Secondly the starter, it wouldn't hurt putting some brushes and solenoid parts in cause starter solenoids are a issue on lt5s and hard to get too when the engine is assemble also adding a additional relay in line to the stater purple wire because the purple wire voltage tends to drop over time causing the starter to not engage when hot. Also change the little one way valves and the vacuum chamber for the secondary's and check everything for leaks and zip tie all the vacuum connections. Here are pics of my plenum pull to see what live under there and what I did. Hope it helps

https://www.facebook.com/dave.hetrick.16/media_set?set=a.10201021415884459.2217036.14392302 80&type=3

Dave

PS your 8 series is a awesome car thats one Ive always wanted

THanks for the tips Dave I just bought another 8 i car car fever LOL.

[G8nightman]

Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel ������

http://i.imgur.com/k7qkf8c.jpg

[edram454]

Your car is looking great. Paint is fabulous. Great work.

ed ramos #3028

[cvette98pacecar]

Looks Excellent.

[G8nightman]

How do you guys feel about the color matched caps?

http://i.imgur.com/Y8QxWWj.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3gBSxLx.jpg

[XfireZ51]

I would pass on the caps.

[KILLSHOTS]

Very cool wheels and I love the turquoise on the car but for me, a definite no on the caps.

[Racinfan83]

I agree with these guys. Chrome or black but not color matched. Car looks awesome but that is a bit much...

[G8nightman]

Bringing her back home tomorrow :)

http://i.imgur.com/VJ0Pdf8.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/OqxxktU.jpg

[HIZNHRZ]

Beautiful job!

[G8nightman]

So finally took the car home tonight car feels so much better with the new shocks. Now thinking of doing a headers back exhaust and the c5 z06 brake upgrade here are a few shots at night amazing how the color changes when the different light hits it
http://i.imgur.com/EPno0vE.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lUOyOHt.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/lDFwhhz.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/RGsJGdK.jpg

[edram454]

car looks great!

ed ramos

[G8nightman]

car looks great!

ed ramos
Thank you :fahne:

[BigJohn]

Looks great!
What is next?

[GOLDCYLON]

Your car but I would ditch the caps as well. Rest looks great ;)

[G8nightman]

Looks great!
What is next?

Thank you I'm thinking complete SW exhaust and C5 brakes :)

[Roadster]

It turned out great and with the wheels, and the stock wheels look great also.

[Blue Flame Restorations]

Excellent job. You did it the right way and it looks great!

[JThomas]

Very nice job!