If people would like...maybe I can start making these vanity plates for a fee. I'm really looking for a small side job here and there to make some extra mod cash I can't find it in myself to get another job though...full time contracting engineer for "The Man" I like to enjoy myself when 5PM hits.

I think I have a good scheme of making these well in my head. I have been planning it for awhile because of making my own when the time comes.

 

how much was the project?

 

I would not suggest painting your car yourself unless you have the right equipment and some painting background. It is almost an art to be able to get the clear to lay down properly. There is a fine line between getting runs in it or having it turn out very dry and rough. Also temperature, humidity, air circulation,etc.. all play a very big role in ending up with a good paint job. The initial prep work is actually almost more important. If the car isnt prepped and sanded properly the paint job will also suffer, no matter how much you wet sand and buff.
If I would have had a body shop do "EVERYTHING" I did, from the inside to the exterior, I would have had at least a 10k bill, maybe even more.

 

Paint and materials, I probably spent around $1500.
Most of what you are paying for, if a body shop does it,, is labor.

 

thinking about racing seats. Cobra "Daytona"?
Any-one know how the fitment is?

 

jeez, that's friggin gorgeous. very nice job and i love that color.

-J

 

Thanks

 

I have the motor pulled out now as well as EVERYTHING else under the hood. I should be painting the engine bay shortly. I will post pics when I can remember how to attach them. They are too big right now. Unless someone wants to host them. I think I have 2 pics.

 

I dont understand why it would of took you longer to do the engine bay?
Mine was done with the engine installed.
Mind you I didnt paint my own car ( not that I couldnt , my father owned a custom shop for years) But I lucked out and got an insurance claim to cover it.
Anyway back on topic my engine bay was done wit hthe engine installed and it looks seamless. I did however pull the engine and get the way down low parts. When the seals went and I ported and rebuilt the motor.

Like I said, why did you not get the engine bay with the rest of the car, did it not cross your mind that you could do it with the engine in the car?

What you see in this pic was painted with the engine installed.




Aside from giving you a hard time for no reason on that your car looks great and I must say job well done!

 

Dave you damn showoff!

 

damnit dave, i want your engine compartment so bad its now my desktop!! the neon green is throwing it off though... that needs to be switched to black or blue (i thought we were done with the 80's?) heath

PS i too will soon have an IBM engine compartment ... i had an engine fire and soon it will be painted IBM and will be the new home for a 20b

 

Hey guy REALLY NICE COLOR!
and i love the color of the seat, IMHO they match!
I also grinded ot the rock guard when i had my FD completely repainted and that was really hard
but the effect is really different!

 

And why did'nt you get the bumper without the plate holder?

 

What rims are these?
and how you did the center cap?

 

All I know is donny has Taste! Awesome job!

Jim

 

That is one beautiful looking car. It's nice to see a completed project. Great taste in color.

 

wow, your good man! real nice job

 

Volk TE37. Page 1

I agree with everyone else, excellent job with the car so far.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by RotorMotor
damnit dave, (i thought we were done with the 80's?)
- heath

NEVER!!!

Good luck with your car then.

 

VEry nice car. How about some Engine bay pics?

 

Once again, I did not paint the engine bay when I did the rest of the car because I did not want the extra down time. Yes I could have painted some of the engine bay without pulling it, but reaching the far down areas would have been very difficult. I only do things to my car the "the right way". No cheating or going the cheap route. I want my car to look like it came off the assembly line. I dont like "ricey" looking parts or parts that I practically have to re-make or spend hours getting them to fit even halfway correct. Someone commented, "why didnt you get the bumper without the plate holder. Simple answer: it wasnt factory and personally I dont mind the plate holder, IF, you put an RX7 plate in it.
I needed to fix an oil pan leak and I am changing the clutch and flywheel also, as well as a few other things while the motor is out. There was so much grease and dirt way down in the engine bay that paint would have never adhered properly and it would have been a pain to clean and prep it properly with the engine in.
Thanks guys for your encouraging comments. I will post pics of the engine soon. Unless someone wants to host them for me now..

 

donny, keep doin what you're doin man. It's YOUR car. Looks great.

 

Thanks.

 

I hear that. I feel the same way and that is why I finished my engine bay off when I had the engine out.
Anyway, looks good man.

 

The engine compartment is now the same color as the car. I pulled the engine about a month ago as well as EVERYTHING else under the hood, (brake booster, abs system, fuse boxes, a/c, etc.) to paint the engine bay. I sent a bunch of engine parts out to be polished and ordered a bunch of aftermarket "go fast" parts. Apexi front mount, 99 twins (the good model with the black inners) radiator, down pipe, etc, etc.... Should be pretty when its done. I will try to post some more pics here soon. I need to learn how to downsize the ones I have or the forum never lets me attach them..
Don