My son chides me for not using a sanding block at times (uneven pressure when you're using your hand - it's not flat...).  I like to start by hand - I can feel debris that will scratch more than the 1500 or 2000 grit under the paper that way.  When I feel debris I immediately wash it away from the paint and paper. Once I've gone over by hand I start using a block for flatness (then I usually give it another quick once over by hand...  OCD).  I cringe a little when I see machine cutting.  Every time I've tried that I end up with deeper scratches than I want and I believe it's because debris gets caught in the grit - but you'll have no way of knowing it until you're buffing.

I sanded the whole thing with a foam block. I am the same, that I don't like sanding with your bare hand, as it is uneven.

In this episode I attempt to sort out the birds nest that is the wiring on the 680g

 

 

You can still get external voltage regulators.  Here's a link, with pictures

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/nissan,1971,240z,2.4l+l6,1209158,electrical,voltage+regulator,4884.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=532221&cc=1209158&jsn=359

I managed to pick up 3 of them from Zac yesterday to try, so I should hopefully be able to get one of them to work.

If you can't find an old 240Z voltage regulator that works or down the road you decide you need more power from your charging system you could go down this road that would allow you to go with a more modern electronic internally regulated alternator.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/classic10b04/12-4067

Another electrical upgrade that takes most of the headlight electrical load off the fuse box and multifunction headlight switch on the steering column is this headlight wiring mod. It also allows you to flexibility on headlight upgrades.

https://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/classic10l/12-4651

I like the GM 10si or 12si alternator upgrade. Cheap and easy to find with 100-120 amps. Internally regulated and lots of power. Minor mounting mod.

 

35 minutes ago, wheee! said:

I like the GM 10si or 12si alternator upgrade. Cheap and easy to find with 100-120 amps. Internally regulated and lots of power. Minor mounting mod.

 

Don't you still need the voltage regulator replacement adapter to go this route?

Not for a 280... and not for others that I am aware.

8 hours ago, w3wilkes said:

Cheap and easy to find with 100-120 amps

Isn't that dangerous on the old wiring in our Z's? Just curious.

Edited February 17, 20197 yr by rcb280z

9 hours ago, wheee! said:

I like the GM 10si or 12si alternator upgrade. Cheap and easy to find with 100-120 amps. Internally regulated and lots of power. Minor mounting mod.

 

I won't take credit for the 100-120 amp, it was @wheee!. I went with the 60 amp from MSA on my 240Z.