Oiluj

Yes, I used weather-strip adhesive, coating both the back of rubber and face of bumper guard. For "rough" rounding of the edges I used 100 grit on a small bench-top belt sander, then finished using 600 & 1000 grit on a rounded piece of wood, (sanding block).__This was followed by a vigorous buffing/polishing with abrasive polish, then a though solvent cleaning and finally some rubber dressing. It took some time to make edge radii consistent, (I ruined the first one...).__Probably more effort than the cost of buying one, but there were none available at the time. Also, I measured the rubber sheet and it was 3/16", not 1/4".

Yes, to fasten it to the bumper guard I used weather strip adhesive. Coated both sides, let them dry for 15 minutes and stuck them together

Sorry it took so long, but was having some computer issues, (due to an abortive attempt to down-rev from Win 8.1 to Win 7). Don't get me started... Attached is a pick of the garage made front bumper guard rubber strip. As you can see, it came out reasonably well. It's glued to the bumper guard using weatherstrip adhesive. (Looking at the pic, I see I forgot to close the hood) I used the passenger side rubber to trace the shape on the rubber sheet, then cut it out on a band saw. I used a disc sander to radius the corners, and then used a belt sander, (the round pulley section), to radius the edges. Was careful to not try to "cut" too much so I didn't end up chamfering the edge as opposed to forming a radius. I initially tried using a radius bit at high speed on a shaper, but it didn't work well. Perhaps if the rubber was frozen it might have worked. Julio

I check them maybe once every 6 weeks, but my car is 95% complete and I'm not really in buying mode anymore.

Actually, I made one front bumper guard strip using 1/4" thick black rubber sheet I had in the Garage, (from McMaster-Carr), for my niebor's 240Z. Used a belt sander for making it the correct thickness and making the radiused edges. Almost indistinguishable from the stock part.

I watched and felt the same way... How could they do that to such a low vin car!

I recall reading the early 240's come with rubber mats instead of carpet... Can someone confirm?

Makes sense!

Nice work! Looks great. 93 octane? I'm so-o jealous. Premium pump gas here is 91, contains alcohol, (and I think they are lying about it being 91 octane).

Wow! That's a huge improvement. Looks Great. I agree, send the before & after pics to Meguairs.

Why a 2+2? Just curious...

Automega (see link in djwarner's post above), is where I got my molding. It's the exact same "rivet-on" aluminum & vinyl installed by most dealerships in the early 70's. Vinyl insert is available in multiple colors, though "back in the day", I only ever saw black.

My mistake, you are of course correct regarding the Ford GT. __ The GT was still a beauty, especially in Gulf Oil color scheme! __ My only criticism of the "new" GT is the seat upholstery should have had the small metal grommets, as opposed to fewer, big black plastic-looking ones... __ I'd still take one if someone offered to give me one though!

I displayed my car today at Burlingame's "Cars in the Park", along side my neighbors 240Z. _ Our 240Z's got lots of attention and compliments. _ It was a great time, though there were fewer cars on the field this year, about 235. Also displayed was a 2004 Ford GT 40 in Gulf Oil color scheme, a Lamborghini, a sweet BRG XKE and a very nice convertible Karman-Gia. The rest of the field was mostly american pre-war classics, various corvettes, including two 1963 split window coupes, lot's of 60's Novas, Mopar muscle, custom cars and hot rods. _ Chrome abounded everywhere you looked. My 72' 240Z won a small "sponsor's choice" award plaque. That's the third time in 3 years... _ Not too bad considering all the small nicks in the paint and windshield from being driven. Even had a couple people inquire about my selling it. _ There was another, fairly original looking, 1971 Series 1 240Z at the show. _ A pristine, limited edition, "cream-sickle" 914 got the best foreign car award.

Removed the original, non-functioning A/C compressor, compressor mount and hoses from my neighbor's 240Z. Next step will be to get a new A/C kit and install it.

Jim's advice is 100%. One other piece of advice; don't try to do it all at once. Attack the project in small sub-assemblies where you can "see progress". Keeps it from from becoming over-whelming. Have fun and good luck with your project!

For me, the very first drive after completing the restoration / rebuild. Driving a classic Z after over 10 years was like going back to 1979 for me. 2nd place, (for humor), was when my car was parked next to a newish 350Z convertible. There were several of us standing around admiring both cars when an attractive, mid-20's woman walks-up and asks what kind of car my 240Z was and told us it was the "coolest car she'd ever seen". Keep in-mind that the youngest of us was 55 years old. The 350Z owner looked at me, patted my car and said "it really works!". I just busted up laughing... Then there was the time I got pulled over by a sheriff because he just wanted to see my car! He walked-up and apologized for stopping me, but said he just bought a 280Z and wanted to look at my car...

Check for a burned-out signal light bulb

Jim, thanks for the good advice. My case goes up for insurance arbitration in July. CSAA thinks they will win, given I have the guy's insurance and agent contact info. (to quote the CSAA agent: "If he didn't give it to me, how else would you have it?"). If the decision goes against me, small claims may well be a good option. Of course, I'm out the deductible for the hit and run in any case, but that's expected. Thanks! Julio

Swe-eet!

Pretty car!

Very nice looking 10 footer!

Love Japan, great country & culture. Don't think I'll ever make it back there again though.

Wow. That was a lot of rust. Nice job on cleaning it out! Now you have me scared. I'll have to peek into my tank!