psdenno

Mike, Just a thought to consider......Demand for the Gnose covers and SS trim is more limited than for the non Gnose Zs. Additionally, there may be problems with fitting the pieces as there have been a few Gnose suppliers in the aftermarket - some probably more true to the original Gnose dimensions than others. On the other hand, just about all headlight nacelles on the "standard" Zs are factory pieces, so cover & trim fit would be more universal for a much larger sales opportunity. My guess is that many people who have the currently available aftermarket headlight covers that fit within the headlight nacelle would prefer to have the factory type that secure with SS trim if the price was right. Dennis

I've been a member of this forum for a number of years and during that time, I've heard many members say they were in the process of replicating the headlight lenses and/or the SS trim. No one has. In the computer world, it's called "VaporWare". Good intentions and promises, but no product. I'd suggest that you go for it if your manufacturing connection is capable. I don't see it as stepping on anyone's toes. Others have mentioned just making the SS headlight cover trim and using existing lenses from MSA or Black Dragon. That would be another dead end. The MSA & BD aftermarket lenses are made to fit within the shape of the headlight nacelle while the original clear covers with SS trim are larger and overlap the nacelle, fitting on top of it, and secured by the SS trim and attachment hardware. Dennis

Not trying to take this thread in another direction, but.......... The dash from the Ferrari 250 kit car that uses the Z as a platform has an interesting instrument layout. I wonder if that dash is available for purchase without having to buy the entire kit. Obviously, it fits into a Z quite nicely. Here's link. Scroll down the page to see pictures of the pseudo-Ferrari dash in a Z. http://www.carreracoachwerks.com/250-gto/ Dennis

If you're "hand laying" the fiberglass, it may be easier to make the three gauge cluster as an add on piece. At least it would be if I were making the dash. Your skills may be far superior to mine, however. Dennis

Looks good! Thanks for the step by step pictures and video. Dennis

Cute, but dated. The 2012 USA population is 311 million, not 273 million; 40 million are 65 and over and receiving Social Security; 12 million are unemployed; 79 million are in school...I could go on. The part that was totally 100% accurate is the last line, "And there you are sitting on your arse, at your computer, reading jokes." And, might I add, fact checking. Dennis

An issue you may experience with the dash cap is warping due to exposure to summer sun and temperatures in a parked closed car. No worries if the Z is in a garage. Dennis

Where do you plan to stash your gloves, registration, proof of insurance, spare fuses, maps, owners manual, and gas receipts without a glove box? Dennis

Sounds a little like "mid project remorse" that happens when you start to overthink the plan you started with and you see how far you still have to go. I'm with those who say finish it, have a little fun with it, get some positive feedback from friends, and then decide if you prefer a silver Z. Dennis

Before we drift too far afield, I totally agree that this site is Mike's "baby" and he can dress it however he likes. Now, here comes the "however". However, by definition, a logo is a graphic symbol, mark, or emblem that's used to promote INSTANT public recognition. Not sure the headlight sugar scoop design meets that definition based on the number of comments from members who didn't see it that way initially. The graphic that's at the head of the page as I write this contains the image of an early Z car - instantly recognizable as compared to the sugar scoop that may take a little decoding before recognition sets in. When I look at the logo with the Z car, I know I've arrived at the right destination. When I look at the Rising Sun flag in a headlight casing, I have a brief WTF moment. Any graphic artists in the group care to wade in on possible logo choices? Dennis

Just tossing a thought to discuss, not necessarily making a judgement call......... Perhaps the sugar scoop headlight bucket isn't as iconic as hoped if people have trouble recognizing it as the shape of the logo and how it was derived from the Z. An apple silhouette with a bite out of it, Golden Arches, a three pointed star in a circle, the Chevy Bow Tie are all iconic and easily identify an entity. The "Z", a stylized silhouette of the early 2X0Z, or a hubcap tend to be more readily recognized and associated with the desired car/lifestyle. Some food for thought while I head out to lunch. Dennis

Other than offending Koreans, Chinese, Filipinos, and Pearl Harbor survivors, (kind of like walking into an NAACP convention waving a Confederate flag) it's eye catching. We do, however, live in a kinder, gentler, and more politically correct world on some days. Dennis

I've driven HWY 60 for over 30 years - including twice a day for a few years. It's also the route taken by hay hauling trucks. Cruising it at night and coming upon a semi load of dumped hay bales strewn all over the road increases the "pucker factor" considerably while slaloming between them. Saying you can "safely hit a hundred down the mountain" is probably not totally accurate. Dennis

The bloodshot red eyeball is an interesting addition to the Classic ZCar Club logo at the top of the page. Perhaps it's just me. Dennis

Fun article! A bogus "fact" or two about the Z, but that's to be expected. Hard to tell if it was a tribute article, a road test comparison, an introduction to the FRS, or all three. In general, each car is presented as appropriate for its era, yet similar in so many ways even though built 40 years apart. Both will entertain their drivers and that's what a sports car is all about. After I checked out an FRS at the local dealership this week, I reflected on what I might gain by owning one rather than my 41 year old Z. Other than a warranty, not much. For the time being, I'll be content with my Z which has rewarded me with driving pleasure since I bought it in 1971. Dennis

$25K can buy a brand new Scion FRS. I checked out a used one on a dealer's lot yesterday and found it to be quite a sports car value for the dollars - and it comes with a warranty. Dennis

I have a sense that the "model" and the Z appeal to two very different types of potential buyers. Nice dash cap, though. Dennis

Must be "ON" again as I had no problems accessing new messages @ 5:33 PST 12/28/12. Denis

The period correct fender mounted rear view mirrors are a nice touch. With all that HP, any concerns about keeping the the front tires on the pavement? Dennis

If MSA is out of stock, try Courtesy Nissan in Texas. When I bought my kit, I ordered it at MSA and it was shipped to me from Texas, so I wonder who the supplier really was. See link below: http://tinyurl.com/6peszsa Dennis

Waiting to find a Z with working A/C could be a mixed blessing.....depending on how long, and how well, the A/C continues to work after you buy the car. Aftermarket A/C kits are available from a few sources, including MSA in Orange, CA. Kits run about $1,000 and plan on several hundred more to have one installed, depending on hourly labor rates. I replaced my original A/C a couple years ago with a MSA kit and the total for kit & installation was about $1,600 - a little more than four times what the original A/C cost in 1972. Good luck with the search! Dennis

Both cars appear to be returning to their base elements as they sink into the field. Perhaps adding both of their scores together would result in a "6". Dennis

However, if it's turbocharged, rear wheel drive, gets good hype in the press comparing it to the Scion FRS and the Subie BRZ, is priced at around $25, 000, looks fresh, and has a good exhaust note, they'll sell as many as they care to make. Just a thought. Dennis

Nice composition! Dennis

I sold car covers for many years and as many above have noted, you don't want a waterproof one. Car covers are best used for keeping the sun off the paint and interior and for blocking bird droppings that will etch the paint. You need to wash a cover regularly to remove grit that will scratch the paint when taking the cover off and on as well as when the wind blows and the cover flaps against the paint. Covercraft makes great custom fit covers. Dennis