Looking for a Z (Now found & Built!)

[Aaron MacQ]

TBH.. This is quite inspiring!! I don't have the skills or knowledge to even attempt most of what you are doing but I read this thread from beginning to end and it was like a book I couldn't put down. Awesome in every aspect!

Thanks. I've enjoyed it too, but don't worry, there's still more to come....

So, yesterday the 3mm spacers turned up. A few minutes later, my dad turned up wanting to take my mum out for their first drive....lol, he seemed quite excited.

5 minutes later we'd the new spacers on.


Still plenty of outside arch clearance and now, a much better gap (well, any gap would be good) between the wheel/tyre and the suspension.


EDIT: Forgot to mention that I adjusted the front bumper alignment at same time as the drivers side was a few mm low. Anyway, we got it bang on.


Anyway, I was supposed to be working, so that's all I was doing for the day, and off they went.

I've attached a pic from back when we got the car to show how the bumper and headlight alignment was off.... both now sorted.

 

[Ianmc]

The rubber splitter strip on the front looks good. Can you share who supplied it please?

 

[Aaron MacQ]

The rubber splitter strip on the front looks good. Can you share who supplied it please?

Sure... got it off amazon.
http://amzn.to/2nZ1Pxx

Just sticks on and a few self-tapers to hold in place. Needs a clip of some sort at the wheel arches to keep it from drooping but will sort that tomorrow. Probably just use a standard paper clip as would do the job perfectly.

 

[Aaron MacQ]

Quick pic of the splitter...


Still to repair some stone chips and buff the car to perfection, which is why i haven't fitted the bumper trim, fogs or grills yet.
Just wanted to get a few easy miles on it, then double check the bolt torques everywhere, brake lines etc, do a wheel alignment and then turn our attentions to drive train, although all looks well so far.

 

[5harp3y]

car looks immense!

 

[Aaron MacQ]

car looks immense!

It's those side repeaters... make all the difference!

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

Aaron you've done a cracking job there mate. That cars a real beauty. Thanks for the thread mate, i've really enjoyed it.
Your Mum and Dad look well pleased with it.

 

[Antm72]

The car looks supurb all the effort thats gone in to this is top notch .... lovin the colour ... Your dad looks pleased

 

[Aaron MacQ]

So, got home late tonight and everyone was already asleep...
Great, time to get detailing...

I'd already given it a quick wash earlier and put it back in the garage to try and do a wheel alignment, although unfortunately the sprirt level on my Trackace has leaked and I couldn't get a good reading. From a quick effort, I got a very slight toe-out reading, but to be honest from my few brief drives I was expecting a slight toe-in. Anyway, without a level it's not accurate so I'll have to sort that tomorrow.


So back to tonight, first up, clay.
Now, we'd already clayed the car to get the 19 years of ming off the paint a few weeks back, but it's been sat in my garage whilst I spray painted things, used the wire wheels to clean stuff up and so on. That and my garage seem to attract dirt from somewhere anyway, so I knew it would need done again to remove any contaminants I'd created. As we'd given it a quick polish and wax last time, all we're really claying is the top surface so it shouldn't take much effort.


Mmm, I could hear it straight away as the paint sounded really rough under the clay. A few passes and flipped it over...
More than I thought... and it's mostly orange....lol dry paint dust particles from when I was spraying the brakes over in the corner no doubt.

Btw: has anyone noticed this car changes colour alot! It seems to go from almost a green-tinted silver at times, to very green depending on the light and angle of view (and not just the white balance on my phone!). Really quite spectacular


Anyway, on with the car....


I even did the rear window as it's a bit horrible compared to the paintwork and glass, but I still have hope it can be rescued.


After claying, I gave it a wipe over with AG rapid detailer spray (fast shine & lube), and a damp towel. Looked great, but there were a few marks here and there and the paint was a little swirly, although really not bad for a 19 year old car.


Anyway, time to open this box of magic...


So, for first pass, I'm using a Meguiars microfibre correction system on a DA polisher.


It's hard to photo this stuff on my phone, but as you may see, the clarity isn't pin sharp.


This was after about 2 mins work....


I only spent about 20 mins on the bonnet... Check this refection out! Crystal Clear!


Anyway, next up I did the winglets (where I had a paint issue), but the correction compound whipped it into shape in about 3 mins.
Forgot to take a photo, but will grab one tomorrow.

Also did the doors, but it was now past 1am and I'm sure the neighbours would like to sleep so the rest will have to wait until next time...

So, some AG fast glass to clean up the windows.... Nice. Looking like...err...glass.



Time to call it a night. Will return to it tomorrow evening no doubt..

Just as I was about to turn off the lights I spotted something needing attention!


Look at the state of those valve caps.
I reckon a lick of satin black is called for, although am sending the wheels to get their new rubber on in the next few days so will wait and see if our wheel guy changes them anyway.

 

[Ianmc]

Great write up. Those valve caps would keep me awake all night!

 

[PHILIP BAXTER]

This car will be like new when you are done Aaron. You are right about the colour, and how it changes in different lights / angles, but I like that, it gives you a change. It's a bit like putting a hardtop on. It changes the look of the car. Top work again Aaron.

 

[Aaron MacQ]

This car will be like new when you are done....

Have you seen the pre-delivery prep job most garages carry out.....?
I've never seen a new car look this good.

 

[5harp3y]

those microfiber pads look like a good system.

I've only ever used foam pads and they don't seem to cut enough on the DA

 

[Aaron MacQ]

those microfiber pads look like a good system.

I've only ever used foam pads and they don't seem to cut enough on the DA

Absolutely. Tbh, i'd not used the the correction compound before either, but I have to say so far it's brilliant.
I did use the finishing wax on the F20 last year (it only had 3 imperfections on the entire car so didn't really warrant any correction work) and was very impressed with that too.
So easy, no dust, just a waxy residue that wipes off.

 

[Ianmc]

Are heated seats and cruise control being considered for the list? This detailed approach to refurbishment would make a good TV show to replace Wheeler Dealers. (idea copyright!!)

 

[Aaron MacQ]

Are heated seats and cruise control being considered for the list? This detailed approach to refurbishment would make a good TV show to replace Wheeler Dealers. (idea copyright!!)

IF I could find green heated leather seats in as good condition as ours, I'd consider it, but it's not on our list of things to do.
Cruise control I've definitely no interest in and I'm not even sure it's possible with our M52 cable operated throttle body.
Anyway, weren't taxi's and buses invented for people who want cruise control.... lol.

As for wheeler dealers, haven't you heard, after big Ed read this thread, he quit WD and is joining me in restoring Z's.... lol, i wish. That show was awesome until Discovery took them over the wall. Though they never did a E37 or E46 which in my view are both prime targets for a TV restoration with common issues that are easily sorted.

Btw, I've been wondering what your S54 must be like in a Z. Crazy i expect. It's fairly nuts in the M3 and that's quite a bit heavier.

 

[Ianmc]

I have owned the MC S54 for 12 years now. It's a fantastic engine and the front of the car lifts like a speedboat under heavy acceleration. 0-60 under 5 seconds.
You can retrofit heated seats (pads/wiring/switches) should cost circa £350, i'm sure a man with your obvious ability would be able to fit them easily.
I have had cruise control retrofitted to both the MC (easy plug and play job as its "fly by wire") and our E36 convertible (M52 engine). The latter was supplied (second hand parts) and fitted for £200. I find cruise helps with average speed zones and moderates my driving behaviour generally!!
Look forward to seeing you working with Ed, he's a great bloke! Great work with your car btw.

 

[Aaron MacQ]

I have owned the MC S54 for 12 years now. It's a fantastic engine and the front of the car lifts like a speedboat under heavy acceleration. 0-60 under 5 seconds.
You can retrofit heated seats (pads/wiring/switches) should cost circa £350, i'm sure a man with your obvious ability would be able to fit them easily.
I have had cruise control retrofitted to both the MC (easy plug and play job as its "fly by wire") and our E36 convertible (M52 engine). The latter was supplied (second hand parts) and fitted for £200. I find cruise helps with average speed zones and moderates my driving behaviour generally!!
Look forward to seeing you working with Ed, he's a great bloke! Great work with your car btw.

Oh, i hadn't considered just fitting heat pads to our current seats.... Damn you. That's on the list now!

 

[Ianmc]

Oh, i hadn't considered just fitting heat pads to our current seats.... Damn you. That's on the list now!

I'm sure your folks will appreciate it!

 

[oldcarman]

I have owned the MC S54 for 12 years now. It's a fantastic engine and the front of the car lifts like a speedboat under heavy acceleration. 0-60 under 5 seconds.
You can retrofit heated seats (pads/wiring/switches) should cost circa £350, i'm sure a man with your obvious ability would be able to fit them easily.
I have had cruise control retrofitted to both the MC (easy plug and play job as its "fly by wire") and our E36 convertible (M52 engine). The latter was supplied (second hand parts) and fitted for £200. I find cruise helps with average speed zones and moderates my driving behaviour generally!!
Look forward to seeing you working with Ed, he's a great bloke! Great work with your car btw.

Yes, heated seats can be added quite easily and fairly cheap as well. @Sean d has done it recently and I''m waiting for my pads to arrive after the first set disappeared somewhere. I''m sure Sean will assist with details as I'll need them also. The snow has melted enough I think I can get my car out before it drowns in the lake that's formed in my front yard. JIM