that sounds interesting, wish you had a pic.

 

no like

 

looks good!
I did my shifter trim ring in wrinkle finish black.I think the silver used in the Z
interior looks cheap.

 

I'll take a pic when I get off work.

 

Agreed. I feel the red on black thing is played out.

 

What grid did u use zach? Im planning to do mine soon

 

lol i did it and looks ok for the time being.

 

So the plati-dip on the badge came off, someone decided to touch it, while it was at HIN last week... so I'm gonna redo it, and then I'll take a pic... Freaking people, don't understand the simple concept... Look, but DON'T TOUCH

 

i hate when i find fingerprints all over the paint after i spend hrs waxing and detailing it the night before a show

put a velvet rope around the car next time

 

Yeah, well, HIN/Remix was the last show I plan on doing for a while... I'll remember for if/when I decide to get back into shows and such.

 

sweet- anyone know where i can buy a replacement Z emblem for my sway bar- mine is also coming off! Thanks

 

Heya,

I've been scouring the web for a Strut Bar "cover" replacement -- As my Z emblem looks terrible with the paint just flaking off the Z...

I'd like to just buy a new piece.. pop the old entire top of the strut bar off.. and put a new one on. (Haven't messed with the strut bar to see how it comes off.. but figured the whole piece including Z emblem comes off in one piece and is held in with clips?)

But, I can't find it.

I've found Carbon fiber strut bar covers.. but everything I've found has the Z cut out, to go OVER your existing Z emblem. The Z emblem is the primary part I need replaced.

Anyone have any links to any replacements? Even if it's just a factory one,..

 

Well.. I ran across this finally:

http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/350z07r/50-2081

That seems to be the whole piece,.. ya?

I've read where people have repainted their own,.. but the Z emblem doesn't come off .. it's not a pop off piece or meant to be removed right? I'd obviously redo my own if that Emblem came off and went back on easy enough.

 

I was curious.. the only thing that's messed up on mine is the emblem itself... the bar is fine. So, I'm thinking I could just cut the emblem out and paint it.

If I do that:

1) Anyone know a spray paint that matches the factory silver well?

2) What adhesive would you use to reattach just the emblem after cutting the existing plastic that holds it on originally.

3) With just re-doing the Z emblem.. do I need to sand it and all that as well (IE: follow this guide for the emblem? Or can I just get the rest of the chrome "sticker" that covers it off and prime and paint it?

Thanks

 

http://www.courtesyparts.com/kb_sear...14_715_846_861

 

The emblem in my '08 started to wrinkle recently. The covering is actually thin aluminum, believe it or not, and it can be carefully chipped away with the edge of a sharp blade. I did some light sanding and priming of the plastic 'Z', and then resprayed it with a VW silver Dupli-Color touch-up paint. The color and sheen looks very original, after a bit of wet-sanding with 2500 grit.

 

If you pull the panel, you'll see the 'Z' is held in place by several plastic pins. Each of the pins is melted at its end, which keeps the emblem tight. Chip/grind away the end of each pin and the emblem can be popped off. The plastic may be brittle, so use appropriate care.

 

Ok that makes sense,.. it's incredibly thin aluminum! So figure out how to cut it out from the back.. Then once off.. Use a razorblade or sharp knife to get the rest of the metal off the plastic body of the emblem... At that point sand the plastic with (what grit?) sandpaper.

Then at that point just spray with VW silver dupli-color touch up paint? (No primer , clearcoat, etc? -- Just making sure).

Let that dry,.. then wet sand the newly painted Z with (2500 grit lightly?) Do you respray after the bit of wetsanding or no?

Thanks.

 

I don't recall what grit I used to sand it before painting, just what I had around. I do recall using the 2500 after paint, though, as that's what I used for my hydrodipped parts before polishing. I think I primed the 'Z', then shot a few color coats, a few clear, and then wet-sanded. I just can't recall exactly- sorry. I didn't want a super-shiny surface, because the original was sort of a semi-gloss, and I played with it until I got what I wanted. In any case, it doesn't have to be exact.

 

Ok,.. I can figure out how to get things apart,.. Sanding is sanding.. but after that getting the finish right is another matter. I know it sounds lame but even spray paint can get pricey ,.. and a brand new entire piece from factory is $99.. So sometimes I get into these types of DIY projects and end up spending the same or more than a new one

So.. few more questions if you don't mind.

1) What do you use to adhere the Z logo back to the piece when done?

2) What primer did you get? Does it matter?

3) Is that VW Dupli-color paint a common one that can be found at Walmart of other local stores? Or no? (I'm looking online at home depots, lowes, various auto parts stores.. and that VW dupli-color isn't there. So I guess I'll just have to gamble with a silver.. Go matte or gloss ?)

4) Clearcoat.. any certain types.. or just whatever?

5) Umm.. What dry times did you personally use between each process.. ie: Prime , the how long between each coat of the silver,.. how long till you did clear.. how long between coats.. then how long till you wet sanded?

I haven't done much painting in my life .. well other than walls .. So this is all new territory on getting a proper "finish" .. But hey, I just installed a 3k stereo and ripped the entire interior of my car out and it's back in and sounds wonderful.. So my confidence is way up with this "interior" work.. I'm more used to engine work.

Thanks