shaun350z Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 (edited) So I’ve had my Z for 4 months now and I absolutely love it! It’s a 2004 Black 350z GT Low mileage, Mint interior, Bodywork was mint considering its age (few door dents and stone chips in front bumper/bonnet) I have always loved the Z series, however initially not of 350 kind though… Z’s have been a part of my life since I was young due to my Dad owning and restoring this blue 240Z. However more recently he embarked on a slightly bigger and slightly different project, a BMW m3 super charged powered 240z This is when I really fell in love with Z’s. I was just finishing university and needed a little project to fill my spare time with before I got a job! So during my spare time I helped my Dad restore/build this beast and it got me thinking and excited to start my own project I don’t plan on anything as extreme as the M3 240z, but I have some cool plans and want a nice log of the project. If you’re bored and want to have a look at the m3 240z build, link is below: http://zclub.net/for...ead.php?t=20359 Introduction finished now onto my plans Exterior New Work Emotion CR Kiwami + centre caps Rear Bumper tuck G35 Rear Spats/Splash Guards 350z Tarmac Sportz FRP Side Diffusers Gloss Black door handles Modified DEPO black housing headlights 06+ LED Rear Lights Pearl/White Brake Calipers Boot Gas Struts Rear wiper delete Window tints Under seal 370z side repeaters Vehicle Wrap (Avery Gloss Pearl White) JDM Clear bumper light Interior LED bulbs Tablet install (maybe?) Re-profiled and trimmed steering wheel (courtesy of Jack @ Royal Steering Wheels) Gear knob Black seats Performance/Engine Bay Performance ARK Grip True Dual Exhaust Whiteline bushes Whiteline ARBs Ultra-Racing brace (to replace the rusted rear W brace) Panel filter Engine Bay Painted engine/battery/fluid covers, Carbon fibre slam panel Edited September 23, 2017 by shaun350z 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 You've a nice Zed Shaun but your old mans are in a different league. I like the old school Zeds and one thing I really love is when people do what your Dad has done, ...combine the reliability & power of a modern engine/drivetrain with the looks of an older classic car. Fantastic. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 So it's your dad that built that 240/m3! Ive read quite a bit about it previously. It's a pretty infamous build. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted March 12, 2016 Share Posted March 12, 2016 Nice 350 by the way in the best colour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted March 25, 2016 Author Share Posted March 25, 2016 (edited) So to catch up on the mods I have done so far... Before the real fun starts next week! 26/09/2015 Full engine and drivetrain service 14/11/2015 JDM Clear indicator light + LED bulbs 09.01.2016 New Carbon fibre slam/cooling panel and Tomei gear knob + alacantara gear gaitor 13.03.2016 Re-profiled steering wheel (courtesy of Jack @ Royal Steering Wheels) Black Nappa Leather Top/Bottom, Perforated Leather sides, White stitching and white '12 o'clock stripe' That is everything to date, however I have dedicated the whole of next week to work on the Z and get a lot of the items on my plan ticked off! So watch this space!! Edited March 25, 2016 by shaun350z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIGWEL Posted March 25, 2016 Share Posted March 25, 2016 Im the same as you on the Zs. Loved the old 240s and i now have a black 350Z hr ( i agree black is best but then again i would ) Never really thought as much of the 350s compared to the 240s but now i prefer the 350. It looks more of a brute. Has a nice stance and a nice wide appearance. Ps your car looks great 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted April 2, 2016 Author Share Posted April 2, 2016 (edited) Its been a busy week but finally got some of the tougher jobs out the way... 28.03.2016 Undersealed, ultra racing brace, 370z side repeaters! New Exhaust! Underseal Although the car wasn't that rusty underneath I decided to do it whilst I was replacing the exhaust to make sure everywhere was covered BEFORE: AFTER: 370z Side Repeaters Next was to remove the OEM side indicators and replace with OEM 370z side repeaters, I did some research and managed to find a template (I think it was from the US Z forum) which I only use to find the centre as I fitted mine slightly different... Step 1: Remove the original filler hiding the OEM recess (which coincidently is approximately the same size as the 370z side repeater ) Step 2: Using the template, I centre punched the centre, found a slightly oversized hole saw and cut a hole in my wing to fit the back side of the repeater Step 3: This step took the longest... but it had to be precise other wise the repeater would just fall out at any sign of bump! So it was a case of file some metal away, trial fit the repeater, file some metal away, trial fit the repeater etc. But after a couple of hours and countless trial fits the repeater fit perfectly! Also connected it to the original indicator wires via a 2-way multi plug connector to test if it worked! I obviously then done the other side http://vid1305.photo...zpsbqivgtzz.mp4 Step 4: Next was to weld in a plate to block the OEM indicator hole and start filling the panel. My Dad came up with an ingenious idea for filling the 370z repeater hole by using a roll of tape the exact size of the recess Step 5: After a couple of passes of the filler it was time for paint! Due to the car being wrapped in the future I wasn't looking for a professional paint finish, but I also didnt want it to stand out whilst I used it before it got wrapped. Grey primer Black base coat and lacquered Wet and dry sanded, polished and repeater installed! Edited April 2, 2016 by shaun350z 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattross1313 Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 Nice work 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted April 2, 2016 Author Share Posted April 2, 2016 (edited) Exhaust & Ultra racing brace Following undersealing and side repeaters installed, It was time for the bit I was looking most forward to doing, the ARK Grip cat-back exhaust bought from Tarmac Sportz! Big Thank you to Chris! Nicely laid out ready to be installed All installed along with the ultra racing brace! I have never installed an after market exhaust before but the fitment and shear quality of this exhaust made it so simple! Took as much as 30mins to install! I dont know if this is the same with all true dual systems for the 350z but I had to remove the differential cover and a bracket near the fuel tank which I think acted as a heat shield so I decided to fabricate one out of some leftover heat shield from the m3 240z build! And the all important sound clip around 3-5k revs http://vid1305.photo...zpsg0y0vs1q.mp4 The smoke and moisture on the floor was because I had just jet washed it to remove some of the filler dust from the bodywork, damn stuff gets everywhere! Edited April 4, 2016 by shaun350z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
350zedd Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 Good choice of exhaust, although sounds a bit quiet. Should get more full-voiced as it beds in 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
colesl4w Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 (edited) Great choice of exhaust! Go hit the magical 3-5k when driving beside tall buildings / in a tunnel. Unbelievable sound! I initially had drone but that completely disappeared after about 600 miles. It sounds better every day. Edited April 2, 2016 by colesl4w 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veilside z Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Great work there buddy and lovely looking exhaust. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 After a nice detailed clean, I had forgotten to take some pictures of the bumper tuck 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belfastboy0 Posted April 24, 2016 Share Posted April 24, 2016 Really enjoying this build thread, keep up the good work! I'm looking to undercoat my zed, could you give some advice/details on what you used and how you did it? Fairly straight forward? Cheers Pete 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted April 25, 2016 Author Share Posted April 25, 2016 Really enjoying this build thread, keep up the good work! I'm looking to undercoat my zed, could you give some advice/details on what you used and how you did it? Fairly straight forward? Cheers Pete Hi Pete, Its pretty straightforward if you have access to a car ramp, would hate to do it on jacks and axle stands your face will be a mixture of rust and under seal!! Whatever method your going to use, its definitely worth doing now, before holes start appearing! Step 1: Remove any plastic under panels/heatshields Step 2: Using a wire wheel and drill/wire brush remove any surface rust, for any bad rust patches use a rust converter (I used Hammerite rust remover on the rear brace mounts which worked pretty well) Step 3: Mask any items you dont want to spray i.e. heatshields, exhaust system, rubber mounts etc. Step 4: Spraying, I used 3M underseal with an airline and spray gun, I would recommend a mask and painters suit as the under seal gets everywhere (4 tins gave me 3-4 coats waiting 10-15mins between coats) Make sure to spray from different angles/directions to cover any awkward areas! Step 5: After leaving the final coat to dry remove any masking and re-fit any panels removed! You may need to clean any threads with a spare bolt to remove any under seal from them! JOB DONE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted April 26, 2016 Share Posted April 26, 2016 Love those side repeaters, definitely a must-do if I ever get a respray in the future 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belfastboy0 Posted April 28, 2016 Share Posted April 28, 2016 Really enjoying this build thread, keep up the good work! I'm looking to undercoat my zed, could you give some advice/details on what you used and how you did it? Fairly straight forward? Cheers Pete Hi Pete, Its pretty straightforward if you have access to a car ramp, would hate to do it on jacks and axle stands your face will be a mixture of rust and under seal!! Whatever method your going to use, its definitely worth doing now, before holes start appearing! Step 1: Remove any plastic under panels/heatshields Step 2: Using a wire wheel and drill/wire brush remove any surface rust, for any bad rust patches use a rust converter (I used Hammerite rust remover on the rear brace mounts which worked pretty well) Step 3: Mask any items you dont want to spray i.e. heatshields, exhaust system, rubber mounts etc. Step 4: Spraying, I used 3M underseal with an airline and spray gun, I would recommend a mask and painters suit as the under seal gets everywhere (4 tins gave me 3-4 coats waiting 10-15mins between coats) Make sure to spray from different angles/directions to cover any awkward areas! Step 5: After leaving the final coat to dry remove any masking and re-fit any panels removed! You may need to clean any threads with a spare bolt to remove any under seal from them! JOB DONE! Awesome reply! Much appreciated Need to get the stuff gathered up and get to it. My mate has a ramp I can use some Sunday afternoon. Side question- I see you have plans for a rear diffuser, has this changed since fitting the ARK exhaust and cutting the bumper etc? Curious as to the possibilities and how they would look. Cheers! Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted April 28, 2016 Author Share Posted April 28, 2016 Really enjoying this build thread, keep up the good work! I'm looking to undercoat my zed, could you give some advice/details on what you used and how you did it? Fairly straight forward? Cheers Pete Hi Pete, Its pretty straightforward if you have access to a car ramp, would hate to do it on jacks and axle stands your face will be a mixture of rust and under seal!! Whatever method your going to use, its definitely worth doing now, before holes start appearing! Step 1: Remove any plastic under panels/heatshields Step 2: Using a wire wheel and drill/wire brush remove any surface rust, for any bad rust patches use a rust converter (I used Hammerite rust remover on the rear brace mounts which worked pretty well) Step 3: Mask any items you dont want to spray i.e. heatshields, exhaust system, rubber mounts etc. Step 4: Spraying, I used 3M underseal with an airline and spray gun, I would recommend a mask and painters suit as the under seal gets everywhere (4 tins gave me 3-4 coats waiting 10-15mins between coats) Make sure to spray from different angles/directions to cover any awkward areas! Step 5: After leaving the final coat to dry remove any masking and re-fit any panels removed! You may need to clean any threads with a spare bolt to remove any under seal from them! JOB DONE! Awesome reply! Much appreciated Need to get the stuff gathered up and get to it. My mate has a ramp I can use some Sunday afternoon. Side question- I see you have plans for a rear diffuser, has this changed since fitting the ARK exhaust and cutting the bumper etc? Curious as to the possibilities and how they would look. Cheers! Pete No problem Pete! Regarding the rear diffuser, I haven't cut the rear bumper but have just tucked it using some self drilling screws to the aluminium crash brace above, so it's all reversible if I ever decide I want a rear diffuser, but I think I'm going to leave the bumper tuck as it is and instead get some rear spats http://www.tarmacsportz.co.uk/GB/350Z_FRP_NISMO_STYLE_GLOSS_BLACK_REAR_SPATS/350SPAT-BL_.aspx 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
belfastboy0 Posted April 29, 2016 Share Posted April 29, 2016 Really enjoying this build thread, keep up the good work! I'm looking to undercoat my zed, could you give some advice/details on what you used and how you did it? Fairly straight forward? Cheers Pete Hi Pete, Its pretty straightforward if you have access to a car ramp, would hate to do it on jacks and axle stands your face will be a mixture of rust and under seal!! Whatever method your going to use, its definitely worth doing now, before holes start appearing! Step 1: Remove any plastic under panels/heatshields Step 2: Using a wire wheel and drill/wire brush remove any surface rust, for any bad rust patches use a rust converter (I used Hammerite rust remover on the rear brace mounts which worked pretty well) Step 3: Mask any items you dont want to spray i.e. heatshields, exhaust system, rubber mounts etc. Step 4: Spraying, I used 3M underseal with an airline and spray gun, I would recommend a mask and painters suit as the under seal gets everywhere (4 tins gave me 3-4 coats waiting 10-15mins between coats) Make sure to spray from different angles/directions to cover any awkward areas! Step 5: After leaving the final coat to dry remove any masking and re-fit any panels removed! You may need to clean any threads with a spare bolt to remove any under seal from them! JOB DONE! Awesome reply! Much appreciated Need to get the stuff gathered up and get to it. My mate has a ramp I can use some Sunday afternoon. Side question- I see you have plans for a rear diffuser, has this changed since fitting the ARK exhaust and cutting the bumper etc? Curious as to the possibilities and how they would look. Cheers! Pete No problem Pete! Regarding the rear diffuser, I haven't cut the rear bumper but have just tucked it using some self drilling screws to the aluminium crash brace above, so it's all reversible if I ever decide I want a rear diffuser, but I think I'm going to leave the bumper tuck as it is and instead get some rear spats http://www.tarmacspo...50SPAT-BL_.aspx I was dead set on a rear diffuser and was planning on a buddy club exhaust. However those ARK grips look insane, especially with the bumper tuck/cut, and they seem to be a bit less mental than a Buddyclub, so now I have some decisions to make! Spats have never been my cup of tea but I'm a fan of what's been done so far so following with interest to see how the car takes shape! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted May 25, 2016 Author Share Posted May 25, 2016 Been a slow couple months recently as the Z has taken a back seat as Ive been spending time/money on making my own DIY CNC machine which I will be hopefully using to do some bits and peices to the zed! If anyone wants anything cut (cutting area is approx 800mm x 600mm) im happy to try and help! (obviously at a small price ) Only recently finished it and I have already finished cutting one of my mates university project! 20ish sheets of 9mm OSB and countless hours of cutting! (if anyone is wondering its a flat pack homeless shelter! And its supposed to look unfinished/being assembled ) Anyway back to the Z! 06/05/2016 New Number Plates / New seats / Wrapping Plans Recently purchased a private number! At £250, I thought it was bargain! Also removed the front plate holder Also purchased a set of gloss black badges which will hopefully be fitted next month after it gets professionally wrapped! Will upload some pics when its done! But before that I need to swap out my tan seats for a pair of black ones that I bought from the forum, and do some minor bodywork repairs i.e. stonechips in the bonnet/bumper and a few dents in the doors! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karl92 Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 coming along nicely bud 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Nice work, is the front number plate on the wonk or is it my wonky eyes? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaun350z Posted May 26, 2016 Author Share Posted May 26, 2016 Nice work, is the front number plate on the wonk or is it my wonky eyes? I aligned it with the edge of the grill so should be straight, I think its the slight gap between the plate and the body thats making it look wonky! I was installing it at night under a flood light so it might be wonky I will have a look tonight! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted May 26, 2016 Share Posted May 26, 2016 Probably just my eyes then Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veilside z Posted May 27, 2016 Share Posted May 27, 2016 Great progress buddy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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