Hi, I thought i'd start a build thread as a log of the journey with my import Z.

Afetr a horrible accident in my previous car i borrowed a budget amount for a run around, but as i was missing my previous pride and joy i was browsing piston heads to see what i could save for. As many people will understand the feeling when you click on to a site and see the car you've always dreamed of owning going for the same price you would puut done on a shitter. I was very sceptical but took the gamble. The car only had 43990 on the clock when i bought it with a few niggles. I got a history of previous mot's (some japanese so have no idea what they say lol) and was told the previous owner had it sitting for three years and decided to move so sold the car (last taxed 2011). At this point my brain was juggling do i go for it or not knowing that if it has been sitting that long theres gonna be a few teething problems. I made the jump enjoyed it for a little and decided to park it up enjoy my holiday and then slowly work on her once i recovered from the financial shock of the crash and the need for a new toy.

The engine bay is clean as a wistle and the rest can be improved lol. I got it on a set of lifts and checked out the underside. The underside has a lot of rust but also looks solid. Whilst i was underneath i buffed down the majority of the underside and undersealed what i could just to protect her a little.

As my luck usually goes when i put money into a car ... another thing breaks.

My list of work to start includes:

fixing the drivers door as it now doesn't want to open

check vibration at n/r

check rear brakes (rust has not worn off from the disc where it has the fronts)

all service and maintenance items

treat rust on skirt to prevent it spreading

then... all the fun bits, changing and repairing bits for new/improved parts and keeping on top of the maintenance.

My smart phone broke in the crash so waiting for the pennys to repair it (not in any rush as using a temp phone) so pictures will be scarce at the beginning of the thread

I just finally refitted the interior drivers door handle trim now i fan trust the linkage has settled and behaving. (Fingerscrossed)

Today i got all for tyees changed with new valves . This has reduced the vibrations a lot . The tyre guy was saying how much he liked it lol

Thanks to Gibster-tt i have a new centre console lid

Before

After

Been busy ordering bits and have primed the underside of the arm rest. Gonna be my first complete interior mod

Adjusted up my alternator belt the other day. I also am in the 0roc3ss of sanding down my armrest hinges.

Got a few photos from a south east z meet i arranged and als an mr2 owners club meet i attended (my last car was a mr2)

It's weird seeing a Zed next to an MR2 as I always used to think of Zeds as being fairly large cars - next to the MR2s though, the size difference is negligible! :ohmy:

You notice the difference when driving. They are quite a bit wider and longer. Trying to keep up with an mr2 on a country lane is never gonna happen

My cars in the garage so hopefully is ready to rock and roll tomorrow afternoon

Current photo of the progress on my car.

Current photo of the progress on my car.

How comes?

Fittiing an optima battery in the boot but my mechanic is totally hiding the wires etc, running them through the interior and doing a proper job of it. Drilling minimal holes etc. And running the wire so it is as close to the startr as possible so it is tidy and proffessional. He has also bad the connection so that i disconnect one bit to drop the engine out rather than unbolting from the starter

What was the reason for moving the battery out of interest?

The optima was too tall for the oem try, also wanted to clean up the engine bay a little and also wantex a little bit of weight distributed towards the rear of the car. All little reasons but once everything is together it'll all make sense

The optima was too tall for the oem try, also wanted to clean up the engine bay a little and also wantex a little bit of weight distributed towards the rear of the car. All little reasons but once everything is together it'll all make sense

 

Kool... Don't forget to keep us posted

Only a little thing. Changed o/s headlight and main beam bulbs had blown. Gotta get an alternator belt as mine won't stop squealing, gonna have to key the pulley to as it has gone shiny. Also gonna make a little plate to replace the one in the armrest i misplaced

Only a little thing. Changed o/s headlight and main beam bulbs had blown. Gotta get an alternator belt as mine won't stop squealing, gonna have to key the pulley to as it has gone shiny. Also gonna make a little plate to replace the one in the armrest i misplaced

 

Even when you tightened it? Usually it's when it's loose, but as you say maybe not gripping the pulley.

Yeah. CAused trouble before and after change. Tightened etc rechecked etc. Ggonna get new and etch the pulley. Hopefully ok

Finally arrived. Now gotta fi d time to fit it and prep the pulleys

Fitted the altgernator belt tonight. Finally he squeaking has siezed.

Finally he squeaking has siezed.

 

:confused:

:confused:

 

Typo I hope.

Fitted the altgernator belt tonight. Finally he squeaking has siezed.

 

Ceased I hope lol

It was late.....my bad. Ceased was what i was looking for

I had the front calipers rekitted as was siezing on and i also repaired my horn wiring. I need to fix the knocking at the of front when i hit bumps trying to work out what it is