Going to start this thread for members to post up what they did each day to there zed. I will start with getting my MOT this morning. So what did you do today on your 300?:cool3:

Today I replaced my front speakers. Following Gio's earlier thread, I bought the same JVC 16 inch pair, along with some new foam strip and - finally - set to work....
I also tightened up all the screws and bolts behind the door cards - and reinstalled them with some new screws and plastic trim panel clips. Everything is a nice snug fit once more:classic_smile:
I also fitted a brand new OEM boot catch - I managed to locate one in the USA... It still needs the positioning finely adjusting, so the boot closes smoothly, but that can wait until tomorrow
 

Sounds like a job well done. This is great motivation for me - I need to sort my speakers as well. They work but just have no punch to them and they’re not crisp at all. How are you finding these speakers so far?

Love your pictures as below post, car is so dam clean in every aspect [emoji7]. Are those Japan Racing wheels? What’s the offset and dimensions of those? They were an option I had but I thought I’d make a change from the 5 spokes I currently have. Found it so difficult to get a decent offset and wheel width combo.


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2 minutes ago, naz27 said:

Sounds like a job well done. This is great motivation for me - I need to sort my speakers as well. They work but just have no punch to them and they’re not crisp at all. How are you finding these speakers so far?

Love your pictures as below post, car is so dam clean in every aspect . Are those Japan Racing wheels? What’s the offset and dimensions of those? They were an option I had but I thought I’d make a change from the 5 spokes I currently have. Found it so difficult to get a decent offset and wheel width combo.


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Cheers Naz!

The speakers are fine; not bad for £20 on Ebay - and more importantly, they fit the OEM brackets perfectly. It's getting harder to find speakers exactly 16cm in diameter as most are "actually" 16.5!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JVC-CS-J620X-6-5-16cm-2-Way-600-Watts-Car-Van-Door-Coaxial-Speakers-Pair/171420040661?hash=item27e96e3dd5:g:j2YAAOSwnDZT6-py

My wheels are indeed Japan Racing - JR6 to be precise. I got them with custom drilling/offsets; fronts are 8.5x18, ET28 and rears are 9.5x18, ET40. I should probably have gone ET25 and ET35 respectively, but they are still almost flush with the arches and I didn't need spacers!

Cheers Naz!
The speakers are fine; not bad for £20 on Ebay - and more importantly, they fit the OEM brackets perfectly. It's getting harder to find speakers exactly 16cm in diameter as most are "actually" 16.5!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JVC-CS-J620X-6-5-16cm-2-Way-600-Watts-Car-Van-Door-Coaxial-Speakers-Pair/171420040661?hash=item27e96e3dd5:g:j2YAAOSwnDZT6-py
My wheels are indeed Japan Racing - JR6 to be precise. I got them with custom drilling/offsets; fronts are 8.5x18, ET28 and rears are 9.5x18, ET40. I should probably have gone ET25 and ET35 respectively, but they are still almost flush with the arches and I didn't need spacers!

Oh I see - learning something new everyday here. Very useful to know and cheers for the link!

That’s very interesting about your wheels - My current buggered rear wheels are 18x10.5 ET40 but are fitted with 275 width tyres so have a stretched fit, which is why they clear my rear arches with no arch rolling needed. I went for the JR10 wheels and the rears I went for the exact same size as you. According to their wheel calculator I would need a 15mm spacer to match my existing fitment (mainly in relation to how they fill the arches), but after looking at your pics, the ET40 will fill the arches just fine, so I can get away with no spacers - result!

I think in the future I’ll probably order custom offset front wheels so I don’t need spacers, but I just had to get back on the road ASAP, and therefore couldn’t stomach the 3-4 weeks + delivery they were claiming.


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52 minutes ago, RichardS said:

……………...Oh, and when I nipped out to purchase a few essential groceries, I took the Zed along - then stopped for a very quick photo-shoot on the way home

 

 

I know what that needs, some spats Richard.

2 hours ago, RichardS said:

……………...Oh, and when I nipped out to purchase a few essential groceries, I took the Zed along - then stopped for a very quick photo-shoot on the way home

Looking superb Richard 

12 hours ago, naz27 said:

Oh I see - learning something new everyday here. Very useful to know and cheers for the link!

That’s very interesting about your wheels - My current buggered rear wheels are 18x10.5 ET40 but are fitted with 275 width tyres so have a stretched fit, which is why they clear my rear arches with no arch rolling needed. I went for the JR10 wheels and the rears I went for the exact same size as you. According to their wheel calculator I would need a 15mm spacer to match my existing fitment (mainly in relation to how they fill the arches), but after looking at your pics, the ET40 will fill the arches just fine, so I can get away with no spacers - result!

I think in the future I’ll probably order custom offset front wheels so I don’t need spacers, but I just had to get back on the road ASAP, and therefore couldn’t stomach the 3-4 weeks + delivery they were claiming.


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I have 18s in 9J with a 20 offset. With 265s, it’s a problem. The position of the wheel in the arch, in poke terms, will vary with ride height. 
If I ran 245/255 it would likely be ok. It’s also only an issue on one side, the bodywork isn’t MM perfect on most cars and the way it comes in slightly tighter one side means mine rub on the rear bumper tab on the passenger side, now and again. 

7 hours ago, Stephen said:

I have 18s in 9J with a 20 offset. With 265s, it’s a problem. The position of the wheel in the arch, in poke terms, will vary with ride height. 
If I ran 245/255 it would likely be ok. It’s also only an issue on one side, the bodywork isn’t MM perfect on most cars and the way it comes in slightly tighter one side means mine rub on the rear bumper tab on the passenger side, now and again. 

Hi Stephen, 

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Definitely something to consider when it comes to fitting my wheels, so will bear this in mind. 

Hi all. Just shared on Facebook but thought I’d show some love to the forum, too. 

So today I spent about 5 hours (!!!) playing around with my old 89 spec taillights in an attempt to create some 99 spec replicas. 

Firstly, I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Horrible job haha. 

However i suppose I’m relatively happy with the outcome. 

Few pics attached. Nothing special. 

Haven't fitted them yet, maybe a job for tomorrow, though ? 

Hope you’re all well?

Hi all. Just shared on Facebook but thought I’d show some love to the forum, too. 
So today I spent about 5 hours (!!!) playing around with my old 89 spec taillights in an attempt to create some 99 spec replicas. 
Firstly, I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Horrible job haha. 
However i suppose I’m relatively happy with the outcome. 
Few pics attached. Nothing special. 
Haven't fitted them yet, maybe a job for tomorrow, though [emoji846] 
Hope you’re all well?

That’s a great job well done! If you showed me the photo of the 89 spec and 99 spec lights only as a before and after, I would have thought you forked out the cash and bought the 99 specs - they look identical. Hopefully will ease the pain when it’s all installed and looking fresh haha.


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5 minutes ago, naz27 said:

That’s a great job well done! If you showed me the photo of the 89 spec and 99 spec lights only as a before and after, I would have thought you forked out the cash and bought the 99 specs - they look identical. Hopefully will ease the pain when it’s all installed and looking fresh haha.


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Ha! Well I don’t know about that. But hey, a compliment is a compliment so I’m gonna take it. Thanks man! ?

Nice work Akita and thanks for sharing. ?

Garry, any reason you deleted your own thread?

 

Oh yeah, did this too:

I bought this Stillen lip from Mike Feeney about 6 months ago. No plan on fitting just yet, waiting for a full respray which is now looking like a job for next spring/summer. 

BUT... thought I’d offer it up just to see what I think of it...

 

I’m a fan ?

desperately needs to be red, but adds a bit more presence to the front end ??

Now I think I’m on the hunt for some Stillen skirts ?

 

32 minutes ago, JaiKai said:

Garry, any reason you deleted your own thread?

 

I think I tried to hard to be to smart at undoing a faulty post and fecked it up 

 

Oh yeah, did this too:
I bought this Stillen lip from Mike Feeney about 6 months ago. No plan on fitting just yet, waiting for a full respray which is now looking like a job for next spring/summer. 
BUT... thought I’d offer it up just to see what I think of it...

 
I’m a fan [emoji41]
desperately needs to be red, but adds a bit more presence to the front end [emoji1360]
Now I think I’m on the hunt for some Stillen skirts [emoji85]
 

Stillen front lips look so good; really oem+ so if you’re keeping original bumper then thats the way forward. RichardS posted pics of his car a little higher in this thread and look how great that looks.


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8 minutes ago, naz27 said:

Stillen front lips look so good; really oem+ so if you’re keeping original bumper then thats the way forward. RichardS posted pics of his car a little higher in this thread and look how great that looks.


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Yeah Richard’s car looks fantastic. Excited to get this fitted but definitely better to wait for my respray. Otherwise I’ll no doubt make a hash of painting it myself ?

Got some other bits I can get on with. Have those rear lights to fit, have some new coilovers to fit, some new wheels to go on... plus a power steering fluid leak to investigate ? (less fun). Haha. 

13 hours ago, Akita said:

Oh yeah, did this too:

I bought this Stillen lip from Mike Feeney about 6 months ago. No plan on fitting just yet, waiting for a full respray which is now looking like a job for next spring/summer. 

BUT... thought I’d offer it up just to see what I think of it..

If it helps you, before I sold my Stillen Type III lip I gave a lot of thought of how best to fix it properly

to the bumper. I've seen some poor jobs which in my view spoil the fit and finish of an otherwise well

made piece of kit. For what it's worth, I'm happy to pass that information on when you come to fit it.

Edited April 12, 20205 yr by AndrewG

3 minutes ago, AndrewG said:

If it helps you, before I sold my Stillen Type III lip I gave a lot of thought of how best to fix it properly

to the bumper. I've seen some poor jobs which in my view spoil the fit and finish of an otherwise well

made piece of kit. For what it's worth, I'm happy to pass that information on when you come to fit it.

That sounds great, thank you for the offer. One I’ll undoubtedly take you up on! 

We actually spoke on the phone couple months back now regarding the respray I was originally planning for this year, this whole lockdown thing along with the wife being furloughed has thrown a bit of a spanner into that plan though. So all being well, one for next year. Needs doing, and I can’t wait either lol. Think it’s going to make all the difference in the world with fresh paint on ?

Yeah Richard’s car looks fantastic. Excited to get this fitted but definitely better to wait for my respray. Otherwise I’ll no doubt make a hash of painting it myself [emoji23]
Got some other bits I can get on with. Have those rear lights to fit, have some new coilovers to fit, some new wheels to go on... plus a power steering fluid leak to investigate [emoji848] (less fun). Haha. 

Yeah definitely wait for the respray. Painting yourself is ok for bits you don’t see like the diff, which I’m doing at the moment [emoji23] but definitely not bodywork! You’ve pretty much got on the list all a z32 needs aesthetically - wheels to fill arches, paint refresh, 99 spec rear lights and slightly lowered suspension. Power steering sounds painful though - good luck and keep us updated!

Ps I love Akita’s. My bro had one about ten years ago. Such a loyal and protective dog she was. Used to guard his kids when they were at the play park and scare off any unknown people haha.


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15 hours ago, Akita said:

Hi all. Just shared on Facebook but thought I’d show some love to the forum, too. 

So today I spent about 5 hours (!!!) playing around with my old 89 spec taillights in an attempt to create some 99 spec replicas. 

Firstly, I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Horrible job haha. 

Haven't fitted them yet, maybe a job for tomorrow, though ? 

I like the idea of the insulation tape as a guide, I always did it freehand.

Petrol is what you need to clean off the black sealant, perhaps the mechanics wipes will also work.

You jump though and we don't see how you attached the white or clear lenses to the inserts, you must use something flexible.

Looks good though, now get them fitted ?.

20 minutes ago, phutumsch said:

I like the idea of the insulation tape as a guide, I always did it freehand.

Petrol is what you need to clean off the black sealant, perhaps the mechanics wipes will also work.

You jump though and we don't see how you attached the white or clear lenses to the inserts, you must use something flexible.

Looks good though, now get them fitted ?.

The insulation tape was great! Really helped. 

I actually used white silicone sealant. Put that over top of the black spots of silicone the orange lens sat on. 

The whole job was very messy and if I was doing it again I’d have probably taken my time even more. I also left the inserts grey because I forgot to buy chrome paint and once I’d started, just wanted it over with ?

Will get them fitted soon and expecting some improvement in aesthetics. However once it’s respray time I’ll be very likely buying a genuine set. ? 

Thanks again for supplying the bits needed for it. Much appreciated. The diffuser lens pattern is a very close match indeed ??

5 minutes ago, Akita said:

The insulation tape was great! Really helped. 

I actually used white silicone sealant. Put that over top of the black spots of silicone the orange lens sat on. 

The whole job was very messy and if I was doing it again I’d have probably taken my time even more. I also left the inserts grey because I forgot to buy chrome paint and once I’d started, just wanted it over with ?

Will get them fitted soon and expecting some improvement in aesthetics. However once it’s respray time I’ll be very likely buying a genuine set. ? 

Thanks again for supplying the bits needed for it. Much appreciated. The diffuser lens pattern is a very close match indeed ??

I've seen many conversions over the years and the black orange lens seating points are not whitened off, they are clearly visible ffs through the lens, I used tippex fyi.

It is all about keeping things clean on the bench, the messier your hands are for instance it just transfers everywhere, you also want a clean split.

I wouldn't use chrome paint as it fades to very matt, I was using chrome wrap in the end but this was time consuming, better to use a silver spray. like a simple car wheel silver.

This is half the reason I don't slave away anymore, buying genuine cannot be beaten, although mine were incredibly similar, don't mind saying myself !!!

The lens is pretty much perfect isn't it ?.

Time to fit these homemade 99 spec rear lights ?

Boot stripdown complete and the centre rear light panel now out. Thankfully I have a replacement one of these too as this one is very cracked. 

I found a set of better condition used tails to do the conversion on, so now just need to remove the original tails. 

Now the centre panel was piece of cake... but am I right I’m assuming the outer tail lights are stuck in with more of that nasty black stuff? Is it a heat gun job? 

 

Also... found these 2 items while stripping the boot out. Never seen before. Neither has Jimmer so assuming nothing to do with the car and instead added at a later date ??‍♂️

 

 

Hope you’re all enjoying your Easter Sunday. 

 

45 minutes ago, Akita said:

Now the centre panel was piece of cake... but am I right I’m assuming the outer tail lights are stuck in with more of that nasty black stuff? Is it a heat gun job?

Yes, *gently* heat (50-60 degrees C) the rear of the lamps with heat gun to soften mastic and prize off the lights.

I used this stuff instead of the OEM sealant, easier to fix lights in place and when removing them. Doesn't damage the plastic

of the lights and puts much less strain on the fixing studs as the units are mounted in place.

https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p11002

Cut the nozzle to give a ~8mm bead.

Edited April 12, 20205 yr by AndrewG

Yes, *gently* heat (50-60 degrees C) the rear of the lamps with heat gun to soften mastic and prize off the lights.
I used this stuff instead of the OEM sealant, easier to fix lights in place and when removing them. Doesn't damage the plastic
of the lights and puts much less strain on the fixing studs as the units are mounted in place.
https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p11002
Cut the nozzle to give a ~8mm bead.

Thanks for that link Andrew [emoji1417] as I was on the hunt for some easily attainable sealant locally, so I could fit my 99 spec centre reverse light unit.


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