Oiluj

Newer 3D printers are capable of producing smooth finishes with some materials. Finish on some samples I've seen were quite good. Part strength is still not as good, but it's also improving.

Why? It seems to me that handling is probably more easily improved using available after-market suspension upgrades. Our old Z's may not "feel" as smooth, or be as "easy" to drive fast as cars with modern suspensions, but they still handle quite well in the hands of a good driver.

Go with the US bumpers. Just my opinion.

A socialist would say you need to give me at least one of those Z's to me so we share them equally...

My 1973 240Z had points (from factory).

Went for a rid in the Z with my wife's friend's husband, and let him drive the Z. Have a feeling he'll be looking for an old sports car to restore...

Next time you go to Eureka, visit D ick-Taylor Chocolates. Small, artisan chocolate bar manufacturer. My nephew-in-law works there. They do it all, from roasting the beans to wrapping the bars...

Wally is my boss....

If you like animals, stop into one of Tokyo's "cat cafes" for some coffee and purrs. Many in Japan don't have room for a pet, so the cafes allow them some pet interaction. A co-worker is vacationing in Japan and she sent me this pic last week. "Having a hot chocolate in a Tokyo cat café"

Thanks for all the input. Think I'll try the Griot's synthetic chamois. Plus, I can also buy some more Speed Shine while I at it. I don't have any micro-scratches, just don't want to create any!

What I did when starting with "empty" fuel system was to prime the carbs with fuel several times. The engine will run for short spurts, but will quickly pull fuel to the carbs. Much better than using the starter.

Went for a 140 mile drive (round trip) to the east bay. The Z ran great, even staying cool in the stop-n-go traffic thru San Francisco and the Caldecott tunnels.

It's starting!!! Skynet (Terminator) Hal 9000 (2001) Collosus (The Forbin Project) Cylons (Battlestar Gallactica) U.S. Robotics (I Robot) Red Queen (Resident Evil) Google Cars! (Worst of all...) As a buddy of mine said: I'm gong to go home and kick my toaster, while I still can!

Mike, For more than 30 years I've washed and then softened my sheets, halyards, etc in the bath-tub, bundling them in an old pillow case. I got in trouble with my bride for using one of our bedroom pillow cases. From that point on, that particular pillowcase was designated to boat line duty... Julio

Cool ! Thanks Bruce!

1) Both of the products mentioned look similar in construction, and are less $ than a chamois. How do they compare to a good chamois is drying performance? 2) Fabric softener residue will cause scratches? I would never have thought that. Wonder if using fabric softener shortens the life of lines on my boat...

What do you guys use to dry your car's paint? My old chamois is approaching end-of-life, and I just can't seem to find a good quality one at the auto parts shops in town. I could probably get a "good" chamois from Griot's Garage, but when buying a chamois, I prefer to see and "touch" it... I have always used a chamois, but know that there are many micro-fiber dying towel options out there. Last time I tried one was about 5 years ago, and I wasn't happy the drying performance. My car's no show queen, and get's washed at home, (no professional detailing). While she has a few stone chips, I'm trying to keep the paint nice and don't want to add micro-scratches when washing / drying the paint. What do you use and recommend for drying the paint?

Pair Play to You also. Celebrated St. Patty's day early. Met with friends Saturday at Brennen's pub in Berkeley for an Irish Coffee (or two). Wore a green shirt today to set-off the (diminishing) red hair...

Oohhh! I like shiny things!

Grannyknot, Keep that E31 stock. They are getting to be as rare as unicorns!

I've found it helps to wipe the gasket surface with alcohol or acetone to remove any oil or silicone that can keep the gasket sealant from bonding. Don't need to scrub, just a quick wipe with a damp, clean cloth. Old school, professional "field" mechanic taught me that.

From Mike's post above: "If I can do it, so can you. We here on this site can help keep your chin up when the going gets rough, all these things you contemplate have been done previously by our members here. It's not rocket science." Mike said it well. Rebuilding an engine is a great learning experience. 1st engine I rebuilt was a Pinto 2L. Had very little idea what I was doing, just followed the instructions and pictures in a manual. Engine ran fine and never leaked / burned a drop for the next three years. Traded it in when I bought my 1st (previously owned) 240Z. Saw the Z and just had to have it!

Funny! (And correct).

Just in Case... http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D2GDKavMmXw/TqSRkcMwRRI/AAAAAAAADfI/pBQQsHiedHY/s1600/ZombieMax-40-S_amp_W-Pkg_beauty+copy.jpg

Welcome. Very nice cars!