Worklog: Revival of a Fairlady Z

[JessAlba452]

Purchased this car for a project, and I think I've got it! This will just be a worklog to keep track of mods and maybe even help others out there who are working on their own cars.

Keep in mind I'm kind of new to this, but everything is constantly a learning experience. If you have any questions or want to know how something is done feel free to ask.

If you feel like commenting please keep it positive


Currents:
- 1994 Nissan 300zx
- Convertible
- N/A 5spd
- Interior > White + Black
- Exterior > OEM Cherry Red Pearl




Modifications List To Be Done: (Will be constantly updated)

Interior
- Black Leather Seats / Trim with red stitching
- Black Plastic Trim
- Alcantara Black Suede
- Black Carpet (Imports Extreme)
- Black Floor Mats (Z1 Motorsports)
- Replaced Lighter/Outlet
- Nismo Shifter Knob
- New OEM Steering Wheel
- Replace Interior Lights to white LED
- Swap Gauge Lighting to Red


Exterior
- Replace any worn trim / stripping
- Convertible top replacement
- Tint Windows
- HID 6000k 50w
- Repaint
- 300zx JDM Tails (Z1)
- JDM Front Bumper + Fogs
- Kaminari Sides/Door Inserts
- 18" Work VS-XX Gold
- Suspension


Engine Modifications
- N/A to Twin Turbo
- SpecialtyZ dual tip 3" Exhaust System
- Looking for 700rwhp with upgrades of engine & turbos
- GT675RS Turbo Kit
- Nismo 740cc injectors
- Z1 Hardpipe Kit
- Forged Internals

What we are starting with.....

[james]

everybody seems to be confused as to what fairlady means.

[JessAlba452]

Interior has been mostly stripped leaving the seats and carpet. This will allow me to take time to find the black trim pieces and re-upholster panels.



Can't wait to replace the worn steering wheel. This is common on these cars.



Recieved some leather goodies in the mail Looks great and will really tie the interior/exterior together.



Order of black Alcantara suede came in also, has a very nice plush feel to it.



Hard at work here!



More details on the e-brake and shifter boot.



Example of what I started with. Most of the suede panels were worn from age or water.




After late nights and sore fingers here is the result. It's going to look sweeeetttt I can't wait until everything is done lol.




Black carpet waiting to be installed. It looks tough, we'll see though. If I can't do it, might just have to take it somewhere to be done.

[JessAlba452]

everybody seems to be confused as to what fairlady means.

Fairlady is a name that was given to the 300zx in Japan, but in the US the name was taken off and simply 300zx.

The title of the thread has to do with the modifications to be done to the car and incorporating some JDM parts.

[Andy_013]

you may want to edit the invoice (take off your name and addy)



I would have left the white interior, but the black will look good

[james]

Fairlady is a name that was given to the 300zx in Japan, but in the US the name was taken off and simply 300zx.

The title of the thread has to do with the modifications to be done to the car and incorporating some JDM parts.

i didn't say i was confused.

[JessAlba452]

i didn't say i was confused.

Nor did I say you were. Just explained for anyone who wondered about the thread title.

you may want to edit the invoice (take off your name and addy)



I would have left the white interior, but the black will look good

Thanks! I forgot to do that lol.

I liked the white interior for it being rare, but wanted a cleaner look without worries of keeping it constantly clean. But the black/red will look great once finished.

[JITB]

where did u get the sued from? and what did u use to lay it on the pieces?

[jr4mny]

damn, i havent heard from u in forever.. finally got a zx congrats.. i like what you are doing...and the list. cant wait to see the finished product. =]

[DecoyOctopus]

nice to see something besides a phuckin honda gettin suped up. im really diggin the black w red stitching its gon look real high end. good luck dude lookin good so far make sure to take lots o pichas.

[JessAlba452]

where did u get the sued from? and what did u use to lay it on the pieces?

I got the suede from Gulf Fabrics it sells for $89/yd. If you look up Alcantara suede you will know why. Don't do what I did and go to JoAnn Fabrics. That is what I did at first and ended up pulling my panels to re-do them.

Go with something that is UV protected unless you want to do it over again in a year or so, due to fading.

Best I can recommend is the automotive upholstery brands from:

Novasuede - $10 cheaper
Ultrasuede

The adhesive used is 3M Super 90. You can find it at Lowes/Home Depot. Don't go lower than 90

damn, i havent heard from u in forever.. finally got a zx congrats.. i like what you are doing...and the list. cant wait to see the finished product. =]

Hey what's up! Yep lol finally, been wanting one forever and wanted a convertible just for it being rare. Not as rare as the slicktop of course, but I'm happy.

nice to see something besides a phuckin honda gettin suped up. im really diggin the black w red stitching its gon look real high end. good luck dude lookin good so far make sure to take lots o pichas.

LoL I had second thoughts about posting this up thinking it wouldn't get much praise since most of the members here have Honda's.

But all of us are car enthusiasts so I hope that you guys enjoy the work!

I'm a lady , but love the compliments all the same. LoL the name and address that was on the invoice was from someone else.

Of course I will take lots of pix

[Random Hero]

Cool man.

Props to you for restoring this car...glad to see it's a vert as well.

Best of luck and please keep us updated.

[JITB]

I got the suede from Gulf Fabrics it sells for $89/yd. If you look up Alcantara suede you will know why. Don't do what I did and go to JoAnn Fabrics. That is what I did at first and ended up pulling my panels to re-do them.

Go with something that is UV protected unless you want to do it over again in a year or so, due to fading.

Best I can recommend is the automotive upholstery brands from:

Novasuede - $10 cheaper
Ultrasuede

The adhesive used is 3M Super 90. You can find it at Lowes/Home Depot. Don't go lower than 90

How well does that stuff wrap around rounded edges and all that? Would it work on a dash? You think it would be possible to do it without pulling the dash...i really really dont want to do that...

[JessAlba452]

It isn't the best to work with on very tight corners. Curves are fine and also covering edges, but once you start pulling it very tight so that it can get around a corner it starts to wrinkle.

Best bet would be to take out the dash. It will save you a heck of a clean up / masking job.

I will ask around for you though on a suede material that can stretch well. If it's for the dash you definately want it to be UV protected since that part of the car is in direct sunlight most of the time.

[JessAlba452]

Oh and just to be kind of random...

A pic of a REAL Fairlady Z when I was in Japan for 3 weeks in September. It was the CLEANEST one I've seen and it's a pretty rare sight since they charge more on taxes the older the car is.

Might have fell in love with it lol but I can't cheat on the one I've got at home. No one said I couldn't take pictures though!

[LeX]

woot. Your work looks good and I can't wait to see it and Brad's busted car fixed

[JessAlba452]

Thanks Lex :p lol his car will be fixed soon hopefully!

[larossa9]

this thread is great,i love seeing your interior progress, makes me want to throw up some pics of my jetta

[G.C]

cool that you went to japan. If you need any help in japanese just lmk i can translate it for you. I cant wait to go again once school is over for me.

btw. Fairlady also is used to refer on 350z. i think it was called fairlady Z and fairlady zx for 300zx.

[bandydesign]

Great looking build and the suede work looks great in photos, but I really want tosee it in person!

Subscribed!

[Danzo]

Damn I wish it was a slick top cause those are super rare. I really like this vert though and what you are doing with it. I used to have a 93' N/A but it was T top. Keep up the good work

[EJ25RUN]

I miss mine sometimes but i don't miss working on it.

Damn I wish it was a slick top cause those are super rare.

I had one.

[Danzo]

I miss mine sometimes but i don't miss working on it.



I had one.

Quoted for truth man. I miss the fucc out of mine but I damn sure don't miss popping that hood for maintenance.

[JessAlba452]

LoL I know how that is...common problem I heard is the rear main seal and valve cover.

Two of those things which I will replace sometime. Either before or after the swap.

Looking to put in a 6spd transmission, but haven`t heard of or found anything that will bolt up with minimal modification. Also need it to hold up to the hp I am planning to do.

As for motors thought about LS1, but just won't feel quite right in the engine bay even though it sounds and looks sick. Also thought of RB26TT, but that means no emissions.

The search is still on!

[WTF?]

cant wait to see more pictures.......its looking good

[YoshiFD3S]

I LOVE the Fairlady Z "JDM" tail-lights.



Link for Installation Guide.

http://home.earthlink.net/~slvander/...ailLights.html

[JessAlba452]

I didn't like the JDM tails at first but they sort of grew on me after a while. Same with the front bumper.

It was a choice between the Greddy or JDM '99 one haha.

[mx34life]

very nice car G/L with it hope it turns out great!

[JessAlba452]

Thanks guys!

Right now still waiting on parts to arrive and need to order more before the interior is finished.

I just can't wait until the engine is out so I can re-paint lol. It'll still be red, but found something that will make it stand out more.

[VQ35 Star]

All nissan Z-cars are known as fairlady Zs in japan! In the US they used engine size and model number for the Z cars. Also minor differences in the fairladys and the US version Z car. engine sizes, emissions, and safety.

Nice work on the z32! I like the black and red. but the frost interior and the red exterior would have looked better

[mogaffar]

wow jess... u need to help me wrap my interior, i plan on getting rid of all the tweed to match my sub boxes and seats.. Black suede ftw baby!

[thursdaybuff]

Looks good so far, glad to see you got a Z! I wouldn't recommend that 6 speed though cause most of the ones i've seen are pointless as far as the gearing goes. I would highly recommend the '97+ z32 trans, it's a LOT stronger! but that's just my . Let me know if ya need any TT parts too.

[Z33_kid]

nice

[OneSlow5pt0]

LS6 would be sick in there...but looks good man,keep up the good work

[JessAlba452]

All nissan Z-cars are known as fairlady Zs in japan! In the US they used engine size and model number for the Z cars. Also minor differences in the fairladys and the US version Z car. engine sizes, emissions, and safety.

Nice work on the z32! I like the black and red. but the frost interior and the red exterior would have looked better

That is true lol I've been told to keep the white on black since it's rare, but didn't want the interior to easily get dirty.

wow jess... u need to help me wrap my interior, i plan on getting rid of all the tweed to match my sub boxes and seats.. Black suede ftw baby!

Sure thing if you ever need help just let me know. Tweed is out, suede is sooo in

Looks good so far, glad to see you got a Z! I wouldn't recommend that 6 speed though cause most of the ones i've seen are pointless as far as the gearing goes. I would highly recommend the '97+ z32 trans, it's a LOT stronger! but that's just my . Let me know if ya need any TT parts too.

I've been hearing the same from almost everyone about the transmission. Sometimes just feels like you need that extra gear lol Will look into the '97+ though. No one has mentioned it to me before, and didn't even think of looking them up.

I may have to take you up on your offer on TT parts when the time comes. Also need some local help when the swap starts

nice

Thanks!

LS6 would be sick in there...but looks good man,keep up the good work

It really would If only it didn't require a lot of fabrication to get it to work. Probrably will stay with the TT to keep things as original too. Thanks!

[njjfudge]

Very nice work! I have been wanting a FairladyZ like that for a while.

[mogaffar]

yeah definitley got for the 97+ tranny, plus a 350z trans is no where near as strong as a 300zx trans, so that would honestly be a waste of money. N please keep the VG30DETT!!!!!!

[RL...]

Black w/ red stitching is def wayyyy better looking than before. The pics look great!!! I'm sure it'll come out very clean, judging from how clean your max is. That suede is going to be sick!!!

[WhiteAccord]

Thread has been subscribed. Keep up with the updates.

[VQ35 Star]

That is true lol I've been told to keep the white on black since it's rare, but didn't want the interior to easily get dirty.

I feel you on that, i have to clean my frost interior a lot.