getting my 89 z painted

[camarocrazy42]

hi just thought i would put a thread on my progression and prep on my car. I have started to prep it for paint. I am doing it the right way, taking everything off. I will post pics later, but so far what i have done is this:
-took off rear bumper
-took off impact bumper
-sanded down the whole passenger side
-filled dents and chips on passenger side,
-took off ground effects
-took off spoiler
-treated and removed any rust
-taken off any seals on the car

what im going to do

-take off fenders
- take out windshield(ON 5/11/12)
-take off the nose
- possibly take off doors
-take off hatch
-take off t top stuff(on 5/11/12)
-etc.

I am going to be getting it painted matte black, may get some red racing stripes with it. idk. but i will update the thread asap.

i am also detagging the car, accept for the bumper emblem. then im getting custom fender embems that im going to design and cnc.

check out some of my other threads to see some pics of what my car looked like.

hope to hear from u guys soon.

[1320B4U]

You seem pretty handy....use some 'gorilla hair', then finishing putty of your choice and fill in the rear bumper and side skirt emblem coves etc...a few of the guys from my club did that and its subtle but really packs a punch....smooths out the whole car.

[camarocrazy42]

thanks for the tip but i already did it with some high grade body filler. i agree with you that it does pack a punch

[1320B4U]

8-)

[camarocrazy42]

update:
bangin the body filler out of the gfx and using fiberglass resin

[camarocrazy42]

so i started off with taking off the tail lights and i saw some rust in spots that were hidden by the bumper

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/1.jpg

so here is what i did:

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/2.jpg

and then took off the impact bumper

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/5.jpg

and found this on the impact bumper

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/4.jpg

its much worse than it looks in the pic. it was hangin on by a thread with hand sized rust holes everywhere. i then got a new rust free impact bumper off of a 50xxx mile camaro from my parts guy, and began to repair rust on the car: it turned out good.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/6.jpg

after i got that done, i moved onto taking apart the front.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/7.jpg

i then began to sand

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/8.jpg

next is bodywork: filling dents and chips in the body

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/95.jpg

I began to sand the drivers door, didnt finish it yet

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/9.jpg

worked on the nose even more

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/10.jpg

and more

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/12.jpg

i still need to

take off the front bumper cover

take off fenders

take off hood

take out windshield

etc.

ill post more as i go along

[camarocrazy42]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/11.jpg

[chrisfrom nj]

the car is looking good

[camarocrazy42]

yea haha. im doin all this and i still have 2 more years until i can drive. i've got alot of time to make it look good

[L695speed]

Nice work, its looking good. I was going to do my paint and body first myself, but then realized (mainly due to lack of proper tools and my Mom would kill me if I started welding in the garage) that I wasn't gonna be able to pull it off within a reasonable time frame. Abandoned the work and went with the mechanical restoration first. I have holes in the rockers which is the worst of it, along with doors needing to be replaced and holes for GFX needing to be relocated blah blah blah. So I'm leaving that for someone who is willing to do the work for me. I could do with replacing the floors as well.

You look like you got off easy compared to me. Are you doing the paint work, maybe I missed it if you already stated it.

[camarocrazy42]

yea im painting it. man ur car sounds like it needs alot of attention. mines pretty much solid accept for a rear quarter being rotted out around the edge of the wheel well

[L695speed]

yea im painting it. man ur car sounds like it needs alot of attention. mines pretty much solid accept for a rear quarter being rotted out around the edge of the wheel well

Believe me, its not as bad as it sounds, but it was a lot better than I expected. My rear quarters are just about perfect save for slight surface rust and maybe a one inch patch. The T top bar was just about perfect, the front fenders were pristine. My car sat outside for a good 10 years at least some of it was covered, some was exposed to the elements. I need a new battery tray, which seems to be a common issue, the floors are likely just patchable. Hell POR15 might fill in the pinholes I found. I am just planning ahead just in case I'm told I'm better off replacing the floors. The biggest problem is the rockers under the car ahead of the doors. But that is easily patched.

I was expecting to have to part it out and get another shell or better starting place for a project. Turned out I could have easily done a lot worse, besides we've had this one for over 20 years. Its not leaving anytime soon.

[Jersey Mike]

I'm going to be tackling paint-prep myself shortly, so I'm glad to see people sharing their first hand experiences. I got a lot to learn about products, procedures and tips before diving into mine still.

Good luck, and can't wait to hear more about how this project is progressing.

[camarocrazy42]

Believe me, its not as bad as it sounds, but it was a lot better than I expected. My rear quarters are just about perfect save for slight surface rust and maybe a one inch patch. The T top bar was just about perfect, the front fenders were pristine. My car sat outside for a good 10 years at least some of it was covered, some was exposed to the elements. I need a new battery tray, which seems to be a common issue, the floors are likely just patchable. Hell POR15 might fill in the pinholes I found. I am just planning ahead just in case I'm told I'm better off replacing the floors. The biggest problem is the rockers under the car ahead of the doors. But that is easily patched.

I was expecting to have to part it out and get another shell or better starting place for a project. Turned out I could have easily done a lot worse, besides we've had this one for over 20 years. Its not leaving anytime soon.



kinda sounds like mine now. i hav that same huge rust hole on the drivers quarter near the foot area. i treated it, and used an old lisence plate and silicon to patch it lol

[1320B4U]

Get some cheap rollers so you don't mess up your rims.

[camarocrazy42]

yes i hav a set of old rallys

[L695speed]

Get some cheap rollers so you don't mess up your rims.

crap...forgot about that part LOL LS1 front brakes wont fit on the original 15 inchers. Oh well I'll likely have my wheels painted as well so..... Back on topic.

[camarocrazy42]

does anyone know if vette brakes would fit on 16 inch rims?

[1320B4U]

c5 brakes??..most likely will need to run a 17" rim and depending on offset, spacers may be needed too.

[WildBillyT]

crap...forgot about that part LOL LS1 front brakes wont fit on the original 15 inchers. Oh well I'll likely have my wheels painted as well so..... Back on topic.

If you are not driving the car you can use spacers and such.

[wretched73]

Instead of filling the emblems in with body filler on your GFX, you can get an old bumper or GFX, cut it up, and melt it, than pour it into the hole

[L695speed]

Camarocrazy42, depends on which brakes you're talking about. I did the very same digging on brake upgrades. They need to be able to fit inside the wheels you want to use. But be aware, they all require some modifications to the spindles. I initially went about trying to get bigger brakes to fit inside my original 15 inchers. While someone got a set to fit under Turbofins I believe they were a pricey set. I wanted a cheap off the parts store shelf upgrade. There was hardly anything out there for 15 inch wheels. So I dug around and remembered the Formula wheels were 16x8 while resembling the original wheels. More options opened up. Could use LS1 F body fronts, different combination of rotors and calipers, etc.

Wound up going with LS1 F body fronts because they were cheap and plentiful. I found with the C4 12 inch brakes I would have had to find a caliper and have it rebuilt or rebuild it myself, and I didn't know if I would have found them with the carrier. I use rock auto and they didn't have any options for the drivers front caliper. Only rebuilds. No carriers. The 13 inch ZR1 brakes require 17 inch wheels. All will need a hub and spindle mods with a new bracket.

I believe people run C5 calipers on LS1 F body rotors. I didn't go that route because I found out about that later. Straight C5 brakes will need 17s. Here is a sticky over at TGO that is a good starting place. It gets confusing sometimes, but you can get a basic idea of what fits, what doesn't fit, etc. Its also a good example of not all wheels are created equal. Some 17s like the Ronals used on firehawks are not easily accepting of brake upgrades.

[camarocrazy42]

yea what i've got is 16x8 american racing torq thrusts

[1320B4U]

I needed extended studs, spacers and a little more to run the 17x9 ronals on my bird in the front...nasa tolerances.

[L695speed]

Whoops I left out the link. DOH!
Here it is, I'm sure you'll get the gist of it. Be careful because even 16x8s are not all created equal. The 16x8 Formula wheels fit, the 16x8 crosslace GTA/TA wheels don't without spacers.

http://www.thirdgen.org/techboard/brake-board/278821-brake-upgrades-wheel-fitment.html

If nothing else its a good place to start.

[camarocrazy42]

i think i can fit a c4 setup on mine. im going to do some measurments

[L695speed]

i think i can fit a c4 setup on mine. im going to do some measurments

I would offer to pull a spindle with the brake and rotor on it and you can see if the LS1s would fit. Unless you mean the ZR1 brakes. If the LS1s fit the C4s will fit. Standard C4s caliper is smaller than the LS1 caliper I believe. I also have a set of brackets for standard C4 brakes, though they may work on the ZR1 brakes as well.

I needed extended studs, spacers and a little more to run the 17x9 ronals on my bird in the front...nasa tolerances.

What brakes do you have on the tribute car?

[camarocrazy42]

Instead of filling the emblems in with body filler on your GFX, you can get an old bumper or GFX, cut it up, and melt it, than pour it into the hole

Sounds like too much work. im just going to do fiberglass filler

[1320B4U]

Stock brakes on the hawk....the issue is w/the tie rod clearance.

[wretched73]

Sounds like too much work. im just going to do fiberglass filler

Its really just as simple, but it was just an idea for you

[camarocrazy42]

I would offer to pull a spindle with the brake and rotor on it and you can see if the LS1s would fit. Unless you mean the ZR1 brakes. If the LS1s fit the C4s will fit. Standard C4s caliper is smaller than the LS1 caliper I believe. I also have a set of brackets for standard C4 brakes, though they may work on the ZR1 brakes as well.

that would be great, could u?

[L695speed]

that would be great, could u?

Yeah, just need to undo the strut and ball joint/tie rod nuts. Car would be on the jackstands for a couple hours but its no big deal as nothing is torqued. You can also see what kind of mods you would have to do in person too. Just let me know when a good time would be for you and I'll head over to your place and we can see if it will fit. I am almost certain the C4 caliper is smaller than the LS one. You can send me a PM about when you want to meet. I'm running papers at night so I'm usually home during the day. I can show you the brackets for the C4 calipers too.

[camarocrazy42]

first can u explain to me all the benifits of the corvette brakes from factory

[L695speed]

first can u explain to me all the benifits of the corvette brakes from factory

Typically we swap the brakes for more braking torque. Someone gave me the exact detailed explanation. I swapped for LS1 F body fronts. The result is 25% more braking torque than the stock ones. Also they're more stable under braking, and cool better as well. I did it because I'm intending to run more power and eventually track the car occasionally. Naturally one would want to stop better. What I did was a definite upgrade. People say the 1LE brakes are also better than stock, the C4 brakes are the more common but slightly different than the 1LEs, still basically the same. There are also people who run the stock iron brakes at the track and have no issues. Don't know how they pull it off but I bet they may be running DOT 5 fluid (or is it 4, i may be flipping one or the other) raising the braking fluid boiling point.

Here is the detailed explanation with all the math BS.

"The braking torque or "power" as you call is the (braking force) * (radius from center of the spindle to roughly the center of the pad). Braking force is determined by the hydraulic advantage in the system. Force = (piston area) * (fluid pressure). Fluid pressure remains the same when swapping brakes, so really only the piston area matters.

Stock
piston area: 4.43 sq in
effective radius: ~9.5"
Torque = P * 4.43 * 9.5 = 42.1 * P (P is brake fluid pressure)

LS1
piston area: 4.81 sq in
effective radius: ~11"
Torque = P * 4.81 * 11 = 52.9 * P

So the LS1 setup has about 25% more braking torque than stock at the cost of ~9% longer pedal travel to generate the same fluid pressure. Not a bad trade off for a setup that has to fit in a 16" wheel." TGO member.

[WildBillyT]

Typically we swap the brakes for more braking torque. Someone gave me the exact detailed explanation. I swapped for LS1 F body fronts. The result is 25% more braking torque than the stock ones. Also they're more stable under braking, and cool better as well. I did it because I'm intending to run more power and eventually track the car occasionally. Naturally one would want to stop better. What I did was a definite upgrade. People say the 1LE brakes are also better than stock, the C4 brakes are the more common but slightly different than the 1LEs, still basically the same. There are also people who run the stock iron brakes at the track and have no issues. Don't know how they pull it off but I bet they may be running DOT 5 fluid (or is it 4, i may be flipping one or the other) raising the braking fluid boiling point.

Here is the detailed explanation with all the math BS.

"The braking torque or "power" as you call is the (braking force) * (radius from center of the spindle to roughly the center of the pad). Braking force is determined by the hydraulic advantage in the system. Force = (piston area) * (fluid pressure). Fluid pressure remains the same when swapping brakes, so really only the piston area matters.

Stock
piston area: 4.43 sq in
effective radius: ~9.5"
Torque = P * 4.43 * 9.5 = 42.1 * P (P is brake fluid pressure)

LS1
piston area: 4.81 sq in
effective radius: ~11"
Torque = P * 4.81 * 11 = 52.9 * P

So the LS1 setup has about 25% more braking torque than stock at the cost of ~9% longer pedal travel to generate the same fluid pressure. Not a bad trade off for a setup that has to fit in a 16" wheel." TGO member.


Just curious, the effective radius of what in the braking system is 11"?

[L695speed]

Just curious, the effective radius of what in the braking system is 11"?

I was given that explanation by someone over at TGO. The effective radius I believe is the actual pad clamping surface on the rotor. At least thats what I read it as. I can ask him if anyone wants further explanation.

[camarocrazy42]

got my hawks 5 inch spoiler fitted.

[camarocrazy42]

pics of the installation:
will post video soon.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/1-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/2-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/3-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/4-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/5-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/6-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/7-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/8-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/9-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/10-1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/11-1.jpghttp://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/12-1.jpg

[camarocrazy42]

recently adjusted my hatch to even out the gaps, and get the tops of the side pieces to match the center piece.

[L695speed]

recently adjusted my hatch to even out the gaps, and get the tops of the side pieces to match the center piece.

I've heard of fit and gap issues with that spoiler. You may need to do some work with resin, fiberglass or filler to get the gap closer. Some shots look great though.

[camarocrazy42]

thanks. yea after i adjusted the hatch it evened out pretty good. ill take more pics later

[camarocrazy42]

ok so far i have the passenger side primed and ready. now i hav to prime and sand the drivers side. so far i hav the ds rear quarter ready, and still need to sand the door once more, and do the fender. then is the bumpers, and gfx. here is so far.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/prime1.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/prime2.jpg

fyi the black on it is black primer that was a light coat so when i sand it i can see where the low spots are, and as well as scratches and dents. its not the actual original paint or bear metal.

[NHRABill]

8-) love seeing people do work themselves instead of opening a wallet. Respect

[camarocrazy42]

thanks man. yea theres no fun in payin people to do it, plus i wouldnt be as attatched to this car if i payed someone to do it.

[88WS-6]

Nice man, I also have to give a lot of respect. I love the targets covering the windshield.

[camarocrazy42]

haha yea it works i guess. actually just replaced the windshield that day.

[L695speed]

haha yea it works i guess. actually just replaced the windshield that day.

Wonder why it was replaced...used for target practice? From the usage of targets on the windshield I'd guess so LOL. Nice progress man. Keep it up.

[camarocrazy42]

got my new bumper

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0620121803.jpg

also restored my headlight stuff.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/refurbishedheadlighthousings.jpg

and also restored the headlight frames.

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/refurbishedheadlight.jpg


i painted them satin

[NHRABill]

8-)8-)8-)8-) good to see that you are still at it

[camarocrazy42]

yea. im takin my time to do it right

[camarocrazy42]

my god. this heat has been rediculous. ive had to wake up at 8 in the mornin to start workin on it till 12. cant stand this heat.

[L695speed]

my god. this heat has been rediculous. ive had to wake up at 8 in the mornin to start workin on it till 12. cant stand this heat.

I pulled an engine on the day where the heat index was like 105...:kneeslap: I hear ya though. It does suck.

[camarocrazy42]

wow haha i did the same to my car when we pulled the engine a year and 1/2 ago

[WildBillyT]

You have not lived until you've spend hours welding in 100* heat. LOL.

I remember drinking most of a big Gatorade cooler that day.

[L695speed]

You have not lived until you've spend hours welding in 100* heat. LOL.

I remember drinking most of a big Gatorade cooler that day.

QFT. I believe it. I've worked in a shop where alot of welding and moving heavy objects was the norm due to a shop move, avg temp that summer was at least 90 everyday for a month....I drank every chance I got LOL

[camarocrazy42]

last coat of primer on hood and bumper, then i have to fix the dent in the roof and then prime it. then on to the second stage primer and then the black

[camarocrazy42]

finished first stage primer! finally after like legitimate 50 cans or so

[camarocrazy42]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0724121342.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0724121359.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0724121610.jpg

[NHRABill]

Keep at it you are so close to transforming it from that ratty old hunk of junk sitting out back to that cool Camaro out back.

[camarocrazy42]

yea lol cant wait. hopefully will get the second stage primer shot this week.

[L695speed]

OMG even the buckets have that stupid slogan on it!? NAPA Know how...How I hate that slogan.... :facepalm:

Anyway looking very good dude, just wondering, what are you using to spray the car? what size compressor etc if so?

[camarocrazy42]

i am using a spray gun and a compressor thats like 5 feet tall. i can get more exact numbers and names if u want

[88WS-6]

Props for doing all this yourself man. I don't know if I could even if I found the time...

[camarocrazy42]

damn humidity!!! this is rediculous. the whole week it has been humid as hell and i cant finish painting! so aggrevating

[camarocrazy42]

well its just temporary untill spring but here it is.

we are getting it shot in a booth gloss black in the spring. thia was just to protect it over the winter
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0915121505.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0915121504a.jpg

[grazi]

Looks cool, man. Definitley looks presentable. I shot my CJ7 in my driveway last year. Was a great feeling telling people I did it myself.

[1320B4U]

You can cut and buff that now to make it look even better....good job for a first timer and even more for a cat your age.

[camarocrazy42]

there is no clearcoat. its just primer sealer btw

[greenformula92]

Nice work bud

[camarocrazy42]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/camaro%20new%20paint%20front_zpsb511a6b3.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0917121843a_zpsd8527688.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0917121847_zps3f34c364.jpg

ALL TOGETHER!!!!!!!

[L695speed]

That looks pretty sweet. I know you're not completely done with it but that looks great. Now...drive the thing lol even if your dad needs to drive it. Chatterbox still has a couple Saturday nights left. Cops and Rodders in Hackettstown still has a couple Thursdays left. (Lowes/Wendy's parking lot on Mountainside ave.)

[88WS-6]

Nice job

[camarocrazy42]

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/0919121547_zps0af098c4.jpg

[grazi]

Cragar SS's and Daytona Hood, the good old days

[camarocrazy42]

American racing torque thrusts actually

[Featherburner]

Cragar SS's and Daytona Hood, the good old days

How could you possibly confuse that for a Cragar S/S?

[RyanDestroysWorlds]

Car looks great dude, Im happy to see a guy your age into muscle cars and not VW's or hondas.

[camarocrazy42]

How could you possibly confuse that for a Cragar S/S?

iknowright? i hate how they look on third gens. torque thrusts only way to go

[camarocrazy42]

Car looks great dude, Im happy to see a guy your age into muscle cars and not VW's or hondas.

damn ricers...lol

[RyanDestroysWorlds]

damn ricers...lol

My friends girlfriend drives a mazda and we keep telling here there is a rice sale at shop right lol

[camarocrazy42]

hahaha

[ar0ck]

Car is coming along nicely! Keep up the good work

[camarocrazy42]

got my new subwoofers in.
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/speakers12.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/1114121442b.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/1114121444a.jpg
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m619/INSANE_MaZ_4-42/1114121443.jpg

2 JL wxv2's
custom box i got special ordered from the audio shop i got the woofers and amp
hifonics zeus zx1000 1000watt amp