George

All the best Adam. Sounds like a bit of a risk driving it that far. Not passing judgement on the quality of the car, we know it's second to none, but driving a fresh build that far seems risky to me. What's the furthest you've driven it so far?

No need for that Gav. Just build a chicken shed in the backyard and go for it.

This one is for Peter. Can't wait to see that 250!

Here here. Good work.

Chassis numbers argument aside, buying a clean shell. Every day of the week.

Thanks Jeff. That's mighty kind of you. I've not seen that section but I'll mention it to Paul. I feel like I've been holding my breath up to this point. I obviously knew the shell was bad but until it's blasted you just don't know what really lies ahead and the anticipation of this moment has been replaced with calm acceptance. I've only really had one concern since day one and that was getting to this point and being told that it's too far gone to repair. That hurdle has been cleared. The rest should be easy right?

Toyota 'Takumi Tax' AE86

I thought it would be in worse shape Gav. Don't leave your classic cars out in the elements for a decade boys and girls... The tin worm will eat it.

Back from the blasters...

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SB2486 or http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MB3522 Will do for simple stuff like the radio/clock/lights etc I've got both and it's what I used to test the radio I restored and the clocks. I've left the clock running on the battery for several days to fine tune the movement. Works fine.

My commiserations to you Adam.

Don't be such a pessimist. New cars come with cracked dashes, eroded seals and rust.

For 30+k you should be getting a well sorted car that requires little to no immediate work. The engine is relative easy and cheap to repair compared to the body so look out for rust in all the usual spots. Good luck.

That rail looks great. Is it your design?

I recall this one - thought it was a bargain at the time. Glad to see it'll see the road one day soon.

Bravo. Looks gorgeous. Did the plates come with it?

1971 240Z VIC $27k No rust, new paint job. Hmm... http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/_/SSE-AD-3238414

:'( Was hoping to see it driven Adam. Good luck with the pool and the new toy.

No prep work on my part, just what they would have done which is acid cleaning. Interestingly, the acid did not clean off all of the grease in the window regulators which left small sections unplated. Either that or they didn't actually clean them in the first place but that's unlikely. I have cleaned them by hand and will be taking them back for a second pass.

I would love to hear how you go with the plastic chroming. The guy I dealt with said not many people are doing plastic as it's difficult and the volume isn't that high so it's not profitable.

If you were to do the wire work I don't see why anyone would have a problem with that. Talk to whoever is doing the plating and see what their process is and how you can help them to achieve what you want. They deal with restorers of all sorts with rare parts so I expect they will understand. If they're not accommodating your needs, move on.

I thought that might be the case but wasn't sure. A friend on Facebook shared it with me.

It was $250. There were other parts not pictured and lots of fiddly little ones like the terminals out of engine bay lights. It's those little parts that add time (cost) to the job. I had 2 sets of window regulators done and there was some grease around the springs which wasn't cleaned thoroughly. This prevented the zinc from adhering. The grease is pretty hardcore stuff. Took a while to clean and for the second pass I have taken the springs off. A couple of other smaller pieces just weren't cleaned properly in the acid bath but the guy did say to return anything I want happy with. He's pretty good to deal with. http://www.pioneerplating.com.au

260Z $12.5k from Isaac in Sydney. http://www.tradeuniquecars.com.au/detail/cars/unique-cars/datsun/260z/42104 Check out the amount of Z's in the background.

Got some parts plated. Overall happy with the results although some need to go back for a second attempt. Now all I need to do is sort out these: back into their bags...