kboehringer

There are MANY loose ends remaining to tie-up (Continued).

TGO Guys,
As mentioned early in this thread, we replaced the door hinge pins and bushings. We were not smart enough to preplan for the spring re-install and I have tried every stupid idea you could imagine to re-install the springs. The painter actually did a SUPERB job on the Jambs and we're afraid we'll scratch/damage the paint if we continue to mess around. I've made a spring compressor that I HOPE will solve the problem. Otherwise we'll have to order the tool and wait a week or so for it to arrive.
RECOMMENDATION #2. BUY THE TOOL! It's about $20+/- from TDS (above) and I should have purchased it weeks ago.


I also manufactured new rollers with a smaller pin hole diameter. I think they will work better than the originals and only took a few minutes to manufacture on the lathe.

When it stops raining, we'll see if it works. If the sun comes out this afternoon, I'm going to see it the painter is available to look at the paint. We may end up dropping the Z-28 off for another week or so.

Sincerely,
Kurt

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Kurt in the March issue of "Chevy Performance" they cover replacing door hinge pins on a '84 Z28.they made the same point about the spring compressor making the job much easier.

On the front grills I found some good news/bad news for anyone with a '82-'84 Z28.Classic Industries has the LH P#14019275 & RH P#14019276 Z28 grills listed in the online catalog.Bad news is the are $70.00 each(They list the SC- Berlinetta grills too for the same price each http://www.parts123.com/PartFrame.as...sic_Industries ).
I'm glad I found the ones on Ebay but now I don't know whether to put them on the car or frame them.I'll keep a look out for you and let you know if I find another set.

sellmanb

Kurt, if I recall correctly, a lot of people just use piano wire to get those springs compressed and into place.


You put the piano wire through the center of the spring, then start twisting (you'll probably want two pieces of piano wire, one for each side to compress it equally), the twisting will slowly start compressing them, and if you've ever tried busting piano wire, then you know it doesnt happen unless you cut it or something lol. Regardless, wear safety glasses at the least, a full face shield if you're really worried about it. After you get it compressed and put into place, grab some aviation snips (tin snips I've heard them called before), and just snip the wires and presto it's in.



... or atleast that's what I've heard

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

You have to work at it to break piano wire.It has a tensile strength of something like 300lbs.That sounds like an interesting idea.I wonder if you could use safety wire to do this.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Just to get back to the tire issue, I'd also recommend that you check out Tire Rack's choices. I'm a happy tire rack customer (discount tire direct is very good also). I've had good luck with Dunlap GT Qualifier RWL tires. They're not expensive, and seem to grip well.

kboehringer

TGO Guys,
I checked a couple of the on-line tire sources and found the prices for the High Performance Tires to be very reasonable. However, the "Budget" tires are basically the same price as the local stores. I avoid Wal-Mart as they quote one price and add so many misc. charges they end up being MORE expensive than real tire stores. We have a bunch of Kaufman Tire locations near us in Atlanta, I like a price quoted that includes any and ALL charges. They have a RWL 235/60 15" for $80 each....... Dad: Say goodbye to another $320.

The T-Top Seals are here and Derek got a couple nice coats of paint on the trim pieces. We're going to use a "Camper Seal" double-side foam tape on the back of the Trim Pieces as the original foam sticky tape was destroyed when we removed it. It should work just fine and for $6 (Lowe's) it's worth a try.

It'll be nice to be able to remove the Plastic Sheeting we've had her covered with. It'll also be really neat to drive without getting wet! Hopefully tomorrow will be sunny and warm so we can install the new seals......

Kurt

urbanhunter44

iTrader: (3)

Hey Kurt. I've been following your thread for awhile and I love the job you guys have done on the Z28. I thought I'd chime in on your current tire problem. I was in a very similar situation awhile back (no money and needed GOOD tires).

I found Nitto NT 450s to be EXCELLENT in both rain and dry weather, to be excellent in cornering at high speeds and keeping traction off the line. They're a very very nice street tire for only $95 a pop (for 255/50/16s). They aren't white walled but they're definetly the best bang for the buck imo, and they will definetly be the next street tires I buy. They're currently on all four corners of my Trans Am.

Good luck!

- Tony

phess11

If you are looking for the original lugnuts, this is the only place i know to get them.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...AFSEL%3AUS%3A1

kboehringer

TGO Guys,

Once or twice folks have asked for before and after photos.
Well here's one!

Obviously, we got the T-Top $eal$ in$talled today. What an incredible appearance improvement all the new $eal$ make to the car (Door $weep$, Wind$hield $eal, Door $eal$, T-Top $eal$). IT really gives the car a NEW look. In addition, that "TIN" sound we use to hear when the doors were closed is long gone. Now it's more like a "THUD".

Is there any wonder why, with all these new $eal$, we're looking for cheap tread$?

Sincerely,
Kurt

sellmanb

Youch! Great repair job! That looks fantastic! And you probably dont have many seals left to replace now lol.

Is there anything left on the "to do" list for that vehicle? It seems as though you guys have basically gone through everything! Maybe I should send you two my camaro for a couple months

kboehringer

SellmanB,

You pay the shipping and we'll tackle that camaro of yours ASAP!

Actually, every seal has been replaced other than the hood seal and it's good. We replaced the rear hatch seal months ago with one we found at the J.Yard for $5. Other than the Hood Seal they've all been replaced. With all the rain you guys are getting in the Pacific NorthWest you'll probably be needing new $eal$ soon - LOL LOL LOL LOL

If funny you should ask about a "To-Do" list, here's how I see it in priority order (more or less)

1.
Carb Tuning
Seems we've developed a little "Post-Nasal-Drip". Something is probably dirty or sticking in the MCS or something. Cars idling a little rough and power is low and sluggish. Recently adjusted the lifters after a minor TiC-TaC developed but I'm certain that was done correctly. We see a little "Dripping" in the Primaries during idle and suspect a float problem...... We'll See!
2. Get the paint touched up.........
Need a good sunny Saturday or Sunday so the Painter can actually see how bad the defects are.
3. Install the remainder of the Driver GFX & Driver Door Interior
Definately after #2
4.
Tires / Rims / Center Caps / Lugs
Definately after #2 as the Painter is Re-Painting rims, get the tires, Center Caps are here, and probably purchase the original style caps in a couple weeks (thanks Phess11) we may use the newer "Capped-Style" for a little while.
5.
Repair & Install the Headliner & Accessories
The Headliner WAS repaired previously..... We did a sub-par job and need to re-do the covering. Shouldn't be a big deal
6.
Exhaust System Y-Pipe Repairs
We are still driving on my "Rig-Job" Y-Pipe. I did a "Temp" repair/fabrication when we installed the motor and we need to get a professional job done. We bought e-bay headers without a Y and had to make do.
7.
Get the Speedometer Fixed/Calibrated.
The speedo Works but is incorrect. Derek MUST HAVE a good speedo. I don't ever want to hear.... But DAD you know the speedo is wrong that's why I got a ticket for 110mph! LOL
8.
Purchase and Install Decal Set.
May have to wait a little while for the decal set.... Probably be a big IRS refund coming soon, take care of decals then. Obviously has to be done after the repainting and is definately less important than the tires. Probably should make DO MY TAXES #1a on the list LOL LOL LOL LOL
9.
"LUCKY 9 ?".
Drive and have some fun attending F-Body Events and Showing Off Derek's Ride!]

Sincerely,
Kurt

EDIT: Missed a couple important items on the list....

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

The job you've done in the T-top are is excellent.The refinished bar and the new seals look outstanding.You've taken the time,and the $$$,to replace the seals.Nothing looks worse than a nice shiny paint job and old weather seals.
I found a pic of a Z28 on Ebay with Uniroyal Tiger Paws,on the gold 5 spokes no less.I'm looking at Firestone Firehawks(or are they just Indy 500's now),Radial T/A's or Dunlop GT Qualifier's when i can afford new ones.I've had GT Qualifier's and Firehawks.Both were good in dry and wet.

kboehringer

CoolRam,
That's the "L00k" we're after. Notice on the photo you provided how the Rim Color is Different than the GFX? That rim color looks EXACTLY like the trim color on Derek's car. I suspect (stongly) that the photo car was repainted but not the rims. I kinda thought our newly painted GFX had a little "Beige" look to it and wasn't too sure about it at first but found several photos (including the one you posted) that actually look a little on the "Beige" side of gold. I also notice the rim does not appear to include a center cap we will have. That White Letter Look is [IMPO] CLASSIC 80's! That's what we want!
Kurt

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Kurt,
According to the Ebay ad this Z is a '86.One of 2 things on these rims;1)like you said the rims didn't get painted with the car or 2)they came off an earlier car.If you look close it looks like the outer rim and the outer spokes have been polished.
The pic below is not my car but is identical to mine as far as color scheme(and from this angle mine looks almost this good,well if you move another 10 or 15 feet from her).From the pics of Derek's car the GFX looks like it came out similar in the shade of gold.It's funny the trim tag lists the upper and lower body color,in my case 59 beige,but doesn't list what code the gold is.How did you come to the choice of color on Derek's car?

Klortho

Kurt, if you are looking for original style lug nuts, I actually saw in the inventory at the Auto Zone I work at the black acorn type nuts that actually say "Metric" on the outside of it, when I goto work Thursday, I'll get the part number and put it up for you here, I'm wanting to say they're around 1.49-1.99 a piece for them.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Thankyou for the info Klortho I'd be interested in those lugs too.Also would they the long or short style?

kboehringer

CoolRam62,
The painter took a sample to the paint store and they matched it up. I couldn't find any info (code #'s) anywhere on these boards.

Klortho,
That'll make it easy if they have 'em. There are several A.Zones around here.

Kurt

flaming-ford

iTrader: (7)

i have a rpo decoder downloaded, if you like i could find send it to you via email so you know all of the factory options your car came with.

mine is plain jane like most of the rs's but, anyways it's nice to know exactly what it was years and years ago especially since youre restoring to sorta stock.

Let me know and good work, btw i've heard good things about those tiger paw gts and they are reasonable i'd buy them if you want white lettering.

Check in to tirerack.com, a lot of people like sears and such around here will price match there prices if you print a receipe off.

kboehringer

TGO Guys....
Well we got #1 finished!!
Seems the lower O-Ring on the Bleed Air Valve disintegrated and pieces of it were lodged into the Idle Passages. The carburetor
had been completely re-built a short time ago. It’s baffling that this O-Ring was in such poor condition. The only explanation I can come up with is that the carburetor cleaner we used when we rebuilt it previously somehow EAT the O-Ring.

Paint Touch-Up
Tomorrow is supposed to be a really nice day so we’ll be off to the painter’s house with the Z-28. Hopefully, he can get her back to us in a hurry.

A QUITER RIDE (Inside):
Although the Driver’s Door is still predominately unassembled, we took a little ride over to Derek’s High School today for a school event. Although there a still some rattles from the Dr. Door, the vehicle is really much more quite inside than it ever was before. The sound of wind rushing by the doors and into the gaps around the t-tops is completely gone. MAJOR IMPROVEMENT!

Sincerely,
Kurt & Derek

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

I've found out the hardway some solvents and o-rings just don't like each other.
I'm still going thru my '83 to see where I stand.So far so good,but holding my breath.She was hit in the front left many years ago but luckily all I will have to do is pull the nose to re-align everything(no wrinkles in the inner fenders/radiator support thankfully).Loose fasteners has been the biggest thing I've found so far.At least she was 95% complete and running - not anything like what you and Derek started with.
Have you gotten the 5 spokes back yet or is that one of the things to do when you go to your painter(made a choice of what tires)?Also any luck yet on finding a set of grills?
On the front airdam do you have a small gap on either end of it at the wheel wells?Mine did on one side but not the other and I'm trying to figure which is right.

kboehringer

CoolRam,
We have exactly the SAME gap on both sides. I took the attached photo from the rear and close-up so it looks a little big but it's actually not even noticeable from a side view. It's about 1/8" maybe a HAIR more. Maybe that little fender bender has your nose a little screwed up.

There was no reason for the guy to paint the spokes as the DR. GFX is the same color and needs re-painting. I told him to hold off. The local Kauffman Tire has RWL tires for $80 each (installed). I believe they are Uniroyal's. Derek called and he has the notes.....He's still catching some ZZZZZZ's

We haven't gotten too lucky on the grills. My "Canadian Connection" and I had a falling out and he was going to provide the grills. We'll find some eventually.....

Sincerely,
Kurt

kboehringer

TGO Guys,
Here's how bad the paint is in a couple spots (See Photo). We know this vehicle is not going to win any beauty contests (YET!). We are responsible for some of the UGLY parts of this paint job but we expected much better than this on the paint.

Wouldn't you have it repainted?

Sincerely,
Kurt

Lo-tec

Is the dull paint due to a lack of clear? If theres enough paint on there a wetsand/buffjob will shine it right up. The problem with painting that area is you pretty much have to repaint both 1/4's and the roof.

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Kurt,
Thankyou so much for taking the closeup of the front airdam That's exactly what I needed to see.Yes the nose was tweaked in the accident,thankfully no sheetmetal damage beyond just straightening the lower front fender.All I have to do now is loosen the bolts again to adjust the airdam so it's even on both sides.Looking at the stripes the gap makes sense because they leave a similar gap at the wheelwells.
Sounds like a good deal on the tires.Uniroyal makes a good tire and those or,GT Qualifier's,maybe the way I go.LOL,you're "working" Derek to hard.
Lo-tec makes a good point.She most probably just needs wet sanding to bring out that dullness.Your painter could do the whole car And you'll really see how good she looks.

kboehringer

LO-Tec & Coolram,
The Dullness really seemed to be a lack of paint it actually looked “Thin” if that makes any sense. Regardless, the Painter took possession of the vehicle today. He apologized profusely about the few problems we found. As Lo-Tec mentioned, he also acknowledged that he would probably have to repaint most of the car to repair the light spot(s) correctly. I am sure he will do a much better job. From our conversation, I believe he felt like he jumped the gun a little calling us to pick-up the vehicle. He mentioned that, and I quote……
” I membersss “how essssscited yo’ boy was” about gettin’ ‘er bak mayyyybe I’sss shuuud a’ looooked ‘er ov’ a ‘bit bitttter.”

He also didn’t follow my instructions (sort of a good thing) and he had already painted the rims. Unfortunately, he now has to clean his paint gun an extra time as the GFX still needs a good shot of the trim color. The RIMS look REALLY good and with the new Center Caps we purchased (see photo inset) they’ll really make the difference.

We’re happy to be getting the paint resolved, but we’ll probably miss another AFCA (Atlanta Camaro Firebird Assoc.) meeting that we really wanted to attend next weekend. It would have been the first time some Camaro guys had seen her in person since the last time when we were somewhat embarrassed.

Ya’ll probably won’t hear much from us in the next week or so as there’s not too much we can accomplish without a car.

Enjoy the SuperBowl!
Kurt & Derek

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i'm gonna need the paint codes for the paint on the wheels as i will be doing a set up just like that here in the next week or so...

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

The rims did turn out great(can't wait till I have enough $$ for center caps).Did you have your painter apply a clear coat to them or do you prefer leave the aluminum natural.Well that way you could polish the lip and spiders if you wanted to.

urbanhunter44

iTrader: (3)

Those rims look snappy kurt!

kboehringer

mw66nova,
I'm not positive that the color is 100% correct but it does look like several others I have seen that appear to be stock. I often see the rims/GFX in a much darker gold that [IMPO] doesn't really look correct. I searched and searched the TGO boards for anyone offering the paint color code for the GFX and never found it. It does look similar to what I believe was on your dad's car? (see attached photo)

Anyway.....
The painter purchased it from:
Southern Auto Paint, 122 West Taylor St., Griffin, GA 30223
770-227-5010
Car Color Code: 3424 Gold Wing
Trim Color Code: 25174, Beige Met
I do not know what brand of paint this is.... I think it's PPG?

Sincerely,
Kurt

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

I found the wheel pic below on the Camaro source website.The wheels on mine came off a '82,thankyou again groundrat,and the shade of gold looks very close to the wheels in the pic of the black Z I posted with the Uniroyal tires(and wheel color is a very close match to the GFX on my '83).Also the color of the GFX on my '83 is exactly the same as the pic I posted of the beige '83(like I stated then mine looks that good from that angle at say 30ft...LOL)

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

yeah, i slapped them on my car when i redid those wheels for my pop's car...they looked frickin' awesome too!

MilehighBird

iTrader: (1)

Kurt and Derek,

I've been following your progress since you posted the father son thread. Thanks for sharing everything along the way. I am glad to see that the car is nearly complete and looks so good. After a long hiatus I am finnally getting to work on getting my car back to where it should be. There is alot of great info in your threads that has helped me. Thanks again and best of luck finishing up the restoration.

kboehringer

Milehighbird,
Thanks for the compliments. Although I'm fairly handy with a wrench Derek and I would not have gotten the Z-28 as far, in such a short period of time, without a ton of help from TGO Guys.

We haven't heard from the painter and I suspect he was not able to complete the painting repairs this weekend due to the weather. It was rather cold (by Georgia Standards) and raining quite a bit on Saturday and most of Sunday. I assume the high humidity and cold temps. would have made painting a bit difficult. His booth is pretty nice for a "Part-Time-Painter" but probably not up to the task of compensating for such poor weather.

We'll keep ya'll posted as soon as we get her back.

Sincerely,
Kurt

P.S. We are also from the Poconos...... PM SENT!!!

kboehringer

TGO Guys,

We got the Z-28 Back Yesterday!!!
She is very much improved. It's supposed to rain this weekend so we're up early trying to get her weathertight and re-assembled.

Thanks to a TGO Friend we also have PROPER grills!

I'll post a couple PICs and get ya'll some good ones this afternoon.... HOPEFULLY WITH NEW RWL TIRES!!!!

Pleased as punch!
Kurt & Derek

kboehringer

TGO, Guys,
Do you recall the photo from a week or two ago? You could not have seen a reflection in the paint at that time.

More later tonight..... Apparently, Buster wet-sanded and re-painted most of the car. There are a some dust specks in the hood but we can live with it.

Hopefully the rain will hold off and we can get the RWL's and Five-Spokes installed....


Kurt

BumpaD82

WOW What an improvement ! That is awesome that the car was wet sanded and then resprayed, I'm sure the whole car is better for it

Once you get this thing 99% "done" (they are never done) you better take some fullsize pics so we can set them as our wndows background

LOOKIN' GOOD ! ~DaVe

kboehringer

Taking a quick break from re-assembly.......
Does anything look better on a Classic than the original rims?
Kurt & Derek

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Kurt & Derek,
She looks absolutely fantastic.You are right there is nothing like the classic look of original rims and white letter radials.And to think how the paint will stand out more with the stripes on her.I would venture a bet she hasn't looked that good since the day she left the factory.Well I must say your attention to detail goes way above what the factory did back then.Congratulations to both of you.

Asdfga3

Guys, I've always loved the original-style Z28, and that is a perfect example. That thing looks downright beautiful.

Good choice on the white-print BFG's too. Really gives it the old-school look.

91Zman

WOW! That came out really great!

kboehringer

TGO Guys,
We ended up purchasing the Tires at the "NEW CANDY STORE"(Summit's New Georgia Location). We could have saved a few bucks with YOKOHAMA's. They were outlined white letters, higher Speed Rated ("T" 118mph vs. "S" 110mph) and longer wear rated (420 vs 400). They looked "OK" but kinda reminded me of a pick-up truck. It also seemed kinda tacky to put white letter YOKO's on a Chevrolet Camaro......especially since we're trying for a "RESTORED LOOK". In the end, Derek's MOM suggested we go with the slightly higher priced BFG's as she didn't care for the look of the outline letters either.

We've still got quite a bit to finish up and there are a few blemishes to work on, but I don't think our painter can do any better. He repaired/improved a few of our "Big Uh-Oh's" but made a few small ones of his own with dust in the clear coat. Like BumpDa82 said........ The entire paint job was improved as the "Second Coat" really made a difference to the entire job. The entire paint job cost about $450.

It got a little rainy and it was overcast all day so tomorrow we should get a bunch of little junk finished up......AND TAKE A SHOW OFF RIDE AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!

Sincerely,
Kurt

ssean92

iTrader: (10)

u guys have done a amazing job. its good to see this kind of detail put in to a cr. thanks you for keeping another 3rd gen out of the trailer park.

mw66nova

iTrader: (13)

i swear, if derek wrecks that thing i'm gonna come up and beat him myself! lol!

j/k guys, absolutely gorgeous car and i'm so glad to see it come out so great for you guys. can't wait to finally get to meet you guys and see this thing for myself.




hey sean, i saw you drivin' down Houston Lake Rd. earlier today, you didn't even wave or honk...jerk...lol!

kboehringer

mw66nova,
Thanks for the offer.... He is a pretty big kid, I might need a little help setting him straight if he damages this vehicle. I've seen your photo and I think you could probably handle him (LOL)

Back to topic..............

TGO Guys,
RESTORATION ITEM:
We removed some "Clear Non-Skid" type tape from the door sills when we first started to prep for new paint. We couldn't find any reference to the material and have already noticed a few scratches from "LAZY FEET". Rather than have the entire door sill damaged I found this 3M Non-Skid stuff in a roll at Home Depot. I think it looks pretty good, although it's certainly not original (most of our interior is not stock anyway). I though about cutting it at the seam but then decided we might be able to keep some crud from being "tracked" into the gap between the GFX and the Body. Thoughts?

Sincerely,
Kurt

kboehringer

I know you were only kidding, but we collect photos of all the nice ThirdGens (yes.... Camaro & Firebird). This photo is pretty good and maybe this is what an '82 is supposed to look like (less the decals of course).

We've spent soooooo much $$$$$$$ these last few days that the Decals are going to have to wait. I also feel like we should wait until it is truly WARM before we try and install $160 worth of decals and have them peel off as we drive down the road. If we had a garage we might be able to do it, but that's not the case. We still can't glue down the T-Top seals because the temperature is still far too low for that.

Sincerely,
Kurt & Derek

coolram62

iTrader: (2)

Kurt & Derek,
The non-skid tape is an excellent idea for both reasons you mentioned.It's similar to the door sill protectors for other vehicles but less obtrusive.
The full size picture frames her perfectly.Magazines like pictures like that.And what's this of a "Yankee" mentioning something about "Southern" cold LOL.But I agree it's not worth taking the chance on wasting the stripe set by rushing it.
I would imagine this picture will be saved by many others.

ssean92

iTrader: (10)

hey bud it wasnt me i havent had the car out for 2 days know. i would have wave i promise you that.


Kurt and Derick, i cant wait to see this car in person, hope you guys make it down for the track in march.

85_ZED28

Nice Job!! The car looks amazing

BumpaD82

Well I was only sorta kidding That pic is my new background... can't wait for some more (I also save pics of NICE Camaros and some firebirds) ~DaVe

sr.bond

mr.kurt,words cant express how much your work and dedication serves and motivates me with my own cars,i can only say congratulations and keep up wit the good work,your car is turning out to be GORGEOUS!.
p.s. nice idea with the skid protector.