I’ve had my 2006 Z AT since 2011. I’ve been getting the itch to buy a new or used 2017+ 370Z or 2023 Z, but with prices in this market and my life priorities, I’ve decided to “want” what I have—not what I don’t have.

After replacing the broken driver door handle after 3 years of brokenness, replacing the driver side ballast, adding a new Z Speed Undershround (lost my plastics because GF broke it), adding a drift dialect spoiler and Zakustech louvers…I’ve fallen in love again.

Now I’m noticing all the imperfections of a 16 year old car.

——door dings and rock chips—-

I’m starting to really be annoyed by door dings and front rock chips (millions of them) I’ve addressed the dings with PDR. Super worth it!

rock chips are being addressed with touch up paint. There are literally 100’s of thousands. I’m being patient and filling in as many as i can. Next, i wet sand and use the Torq 10FX to buff and polish them out.

moral if this story: restoration can be intriguing with the right tools. Literally, the Random or it polisher was the catalyst to paint correction. My left side hood is now like perfect glass!

wet-sand with 2000, 2500, 3000 grit, buff with Meg’s 200 three times, then buff with 105 twice.

never have i ever had this level of passion to restore my Z! Orange peel is my mew enemy!

PS, my car has been repainted back in 2014 at a mediocre level. Tons of orange peel.

threw in some photos of my previous obsession with my 2018 Indian Scout Bobber that i custom built.

thanks for listening.

Instagram: @rite_on_john