garageHEART - Nissan Fairlady Z (z32)

About Me

Hi All,
I am new to this forum, not sure why I have not registered on here even though I browsed here frequently. Well rather late than never I guess.

I build scale cars under the name garageHEART, I love restoring second hand kits and bringing them back to life, gH is based on a small Japanese workshop and we love older vehicles but we do build newer ones as well.

Lets get into the build...

The Story

Fairlady's have become fairly common "practice" for the garageHEART team. We have worked on older Z's and a z32 before. How on earth do we say no to a restoration of such a beautiful car? Well this one was not for sale, I went to look at another kit and there was this red thing , body line's that unmistakably belong to a Fairlady Z, in true gH hunting style I popped the question and as the story goes...the rest is history.

Exactly why I love this chassis, due to it's rich history and with that in mind we thought long and hard on what to do with this gem. We have built the Fujimi Just Tuning z32 before, that had a modest mid 90's era street style

This one is going to be the first car being built in garageHEART's new building, we now have more space (sadly projects have piled up so the space is nothing to brag about) and more experience.


Direction

The last z32 we built was pretty modest, as much as gH does not do current trends, we simply can not ignore what is happening around the world. The whole diffuser and wild "time attack" look is certainly brutal (in a good way) and it is practical.

With that in mind we going to create a weekend warrior where the owner can drive his car to and from the track and still get him/her great lap times and with a flick of some sort of electronic damping force controller he/she can get home in comfort (somewhat).

As for engine, we not sure to throw in the highly tuneable RB/2jz or keep the VG30DETT and add some go fast bits to it. When this Fairlady is stripped down we will hopefully know what engine will be going in.

The Build

https://s3.postimg.org/9e2ozos2r/IMG_4340.jpg
(above) As you can see, it has surely been neglected.

https://s3.postimg.org/ja3rzbxur/IMG_4339.jpg
(above) Suspension is lob-sided and bonnet/hood does no close properly. hmmm did we buy a lemon?

https://s3.postimg.org/fiu7d0k6b/IMG_4345.jpg
(above) z32 looking all sad, won't be long (well depends how long a piece of string is)

https://s3.postimg.org/kvegdeioz/IMG_4325.jpg
(above) To our surprise the aircon still worked haha.

https://s3.postimg.org/v31l3juar/IMG_4343.jpg
(above) This will be home for a while...

https://s3.postimg.org/ot1q2t5ib/IMG_4335.jpg
(above) Real work started at this point, well have to start somewhere and we started by removing the wheels.

https://s13.postimg.org/fu7ji36on/IMG_4350.jpg
(above) The iconic 300zx/Fairlady Z wheels were removed. Tyres/tires had plenty thread on but they were starting to crack due to standing. Does not matter as we wont be needing them anymore.
https://s13.postimg.org/46dhnjhjr/IMG_4355.jpg
(above) This spider lived on the old gH premises, I found her in her final resting place. She will be missed.
https://s13.postimg.org/ehpug7993/IMG_4356.jpg
(above) Sub-frame removed as well as exhaust system...
https://s13.postimg.org/a9v27g7tj/IMG_4359.jpg
(above) After all the auxiliary items were removed the engine was free to come out. We removed it from the bottom, seemed the easiest.

Next is strip interior and rear suspension as well as drive-train...

Thank you for reading and hope to see you soon.
garageHEART

We back with some updates, after the engine was removed and interior stripped we could think clearly as we now had a blank canvas. As mentioned before we turning this into a time attack inspired car that can be driven on street.

Our guys are use to the odd splitter here and there , mainly fitting readily available aero packages. For this we have to scratch build most of the aero parts. It has been a huge pleasure to see this Z32 go from stock looking to something track ready by a few little add-on's.

Lets jump into what you have come for, Pictures...

https://s14.postimg.org/f6wqmt2y9/IMG_4362.jpg
(above) All stripped...
https://s14.postimg.org/jhbeie81d/IMG_4363.jpg
(above) Unlike the Fujimi kit where the spoilers are separate pieces, Tamiya made it slightly harder to remove the wing. So out came the grinder and we went mad. It was filled and smoothed out afterwards.
https://s14.postimg.org/dhs8shcmp/IMG_4403.jpg
(above) As you all can remember we had some fitment issues with the hood/bonnet (check first post). After checking the body for straightness we figured it was the hood/bonnet that was not sitting properly.
https://s14.postimg.org/oindxi4vl/IMG_4404.jpg
(above) Well while it was off we decided to cut it up, to let all the warm air out of the engine bay. The grinder was working over time.
https://s14.postimg.org/5rlgncab5/IMG_4405.jpg
(above) And there is now a huge gaping hole, there was simply no turning back now.
https://s14.postimg.org/jmjr5t4q9/IMG_4406.jpg
(above) Then we sorted out the fitment issue and i tried capturing how well it fits now.
https://s14.postimg.org/uani4nepd/IMG_4408.jpg
(above) I tried keeping the wheels a secret, but we thought about it... lets show the wheels in this bad condition and once it has been refurbished we can look back and see the difference. So this is the chosen wheel, a set of SSR mk2-R wrapped in Advan ao52's. Also seen here is the canyard and lower diffuser without attachment, and if you look at the rear you can see the holes closed up where the old spoiler was.
https://s14.postimg.org/b6u6ob1v5/IMG_4411.jpg
(above) Now this is where gH might get negative points, we have not gone for the over the top blade wing and we kept it with a one piece high spoiler, it is a z32 spoiler. Check in again in the week to see what gH has to done to this wing , then you can fully judge us.
https://s14.postimg.org/ynm1n2ng1/IMG_4413.jpg
(above) And that is how it currently stands... canyard attachment added.

Below are random snaps...
https://s14.postimg.org/g6rmw97ht/IMG_4412.jpg
https://s14.postimg.org/xnvqrd8a9/IMG_4415.jpg
https://s14.postimg.org/8gkur4569/IMG_4414.jpg

The front diffuser's shape needs to be corrected slightly as it does not flow with the front of the car. Next we move onto the rear diffuser and wing modification. Once all this is done the sides will get the same treatment and then we move onto the engine bay and interior to get it ready for spray.

Thanks all for checking out the build.
garageHEART

The garage looks amazing!

What is this, these diecast models. Is this some screwed up roleplay? I was just looking for a cool project to look at.

The garage looks amazing!
Thank You for the kind words.

What is this, these diecast models. Is this some screwed up roleplay? I was just looking for a cool project to look at.
Its 1/24 plastic kit , the wing removal and the cutting of the hood clearly shows its plastic . i am trying to tie in real car build threads with scale cars. Seeing that its a build thread why not document each step in a way that is being done with what we replicating?

As for screwed up? i dont understand, care elaborating so i can avoid that in future.

Thank You in anticipation and Thank you for the constructive criticism

Love it... great updates

Very cool, it's like a 1:24 reality series. Look forward to more updates

Love it... great updates
Thank You for the kind words, truly appreciate it

Very cool, it's like a 1:24 reality series. Look forward to more updates

Im glad you like it and that is exactly what im trying to do, is make it entertaining and basically to have it done in a real life setting. The stories of how i find the second hand kits are all true, some not as interesting as others but it's always interesting to read how a kit was acquired.

More updates will certainly come through in the weeks to follow.

Thank you

Hi All,

We back with one picture, but plenty work went into that one picture. Well about an hour and a half worth of work.

https://s30.postimg.org/f6ucmywa9/IMG_4425.jpg
(above) Adjustable wing built and start of rear diffuser. Still need to trim and add side extensions to it but I am sure you understand what we getting at.

This weekend, I will finish up the Aero and then start on the engine bay.

Thank you to all those who replied and checked out this thread.
garageHEART

Hey Everyone,

gH has been up to mischief with this Fairlady. We Finishing up the aero, probably another hour of work then it will be ready for paint etc.

https://s14.postimg.org/fkntu1tn5/IMG_4441.jpg
(above) Took a walk up to capture this picture... side aero made and fitted.
https://s14.postimg.org/wml99vxw1/IMG_4442.jpg
(above) Taking shape slowly.
https://s14.postimg.org/j6y8kfpe9/IMG_4443.jpg
(above) Pulling it out proved to be a mission due to ride height...
https://s15.postimg.org/tskwlfhu3/IMG_4444.jpg
(above) small adjustment of the side aero to be done...
https://s14.postimg.org/8rs2bis7l/IMG_4447.jpg
(above) Onto the engine bay... We still not sure if we should fit an RB engine or modify the current one.

Thank You all for checking out this build.
All comments and criticism highly welcomed
garageHEART

Awesome work Robin.

-Luis

Awesome work. I really like your garage! I reckon keep the VQ power plant and upgrade the turbos

Awesome work Robin.

-Luis
Thank You Luis, glad to see you here too :)

Awesome work. I really like your garage! I reckon keep the VQ power plant and upgrade the turbos
Thank You Bud, I did indeed keep the VQ :iceslolan

The last installment our Z32 was ready to be stripped down and get some much-needed bodywork in order to get some colour on it.
I do have one apology to make, I am using a phone to take pictures and it really does not showcase the colour nor the shine properly.
But on the bright side, it suits the style of garageHEART.

So with the wild aero, we needed to choose a colour to match, a nightmare to capture this colour and once I have time I will take it
outside and use natural light and see if I can get the full depth of it.

anyway enough talking, let us check out what this Fairlady looks like now...

https://s4.postimg.org/oapnuvbh9/IMG_4584.jpg
(above) a fresh coat of paint, at this point I was not sure if we chose the right colour

https://s4.postimg.org/44m5vzftp/IMG_4602.jpg
(above) the interior was fitted with new carpets, I was thinking of removing carpets but some comfort needs to be kept

https://s4.postimg.org/647d14zj1/IMG_4611.jpg
(above) momo steering wheel was chosen as it suits the 90's dash.

and then in true garageHEART style, disaster struck. Somehow the paint was not hard enough to touch and it left some very nasty fingerprint marks. I sat polishing it out for a few hours, there are
no pictures of this as I was truly upset and was ready to park this in the corner of the workshop and forget about it. As always giving up is not our first nor last option and we kept on working on this Fairlady.

https://s17.postimg.org/enjue6str/IMG_4625.jpg
(above) in this picture, you can see the interior is completed along with 90 percent of the body. After the mishap I just
got stuck into it and hardly took any progress snaps, I actually did not want to post it up. Overall I am
proud of how it turned out after all the issues.

https://s26.postimg.org/ui6qrqz61/IMG_4627.jpg
(above) pulled it outside after the engine bay was sprayed.

https://s26.postimg.org/54i5oemx5/IMG_4631.jpg
(above) Will raise the ride height once the engine goes back in.

https://s26.postimg.org/3s0gmiphl/IMG_4632.jpg
(above) Engine bay freshly sprayed...only thing missing is everything in the bay

https://s26.postimg.org/eb0gbos5l/IMG_4637.jpg
(above) speaking about missing bay parts... here is one part that will need to go in. We have fitted forged internals
and prepared this engine to handle more boost. All honesty just painted valve covers hehe.

https://s26.postimg.org/gr29pja89/IMG_4638.jpg
(above) sun was starting to set, decided to get the z32 back in and work through the evening...

https://s26.postimg.org/6fuiam7wp/IMG_4646.jpg
(above) Best work comes in the still of the night...

https://s26.postimg.org/jrj462ljd/IMG_4642.jpg
(above) garageHEART pushed through the night to get the fairlady going.

https://s26.postimg.org/vhx1ngebt/IMG_4643.jpg
https://s26.postimg.org/ce3q741hl/IMG_4644.jpg
(above) not sure if its clear but the engine is fitted, needs to come out again as the custom plumbing for fmic
(front mount intercooler) is not fitting properly.

https://s26.postimg.org/qprtpr91l/IMG_4648.jpg
(above) random image of other projects being prepared for when the Fairlady leaves garageHEART.

Thank You all in Anticipation for looking, commenting and/or criticising

garageHEART

This Fairlady is still being worked on, adding little details here and there most times it's not visible at all (laughing).
i dont have many great photos currently but will get some soon to show what was done.

what was done:
engine fitted will all piping etc.
oil cooler
radiator
intercooler
brake booster
brake lines
battery and wires
rad cap and overflow pipe

https://s26.postimg.org/nfb3ezjp5/IMG_4661.jpg
(above) This is what gH looks like when we arrived to work on the Z

https://s26.postimg.org/pnp9wbqt5/IMG_4662.jpg
(above) finishing up the piping and front sub frame.

https://s26.postimg.org/xuh9nwgvt/IMG_4663.jpg
(above) Yippeeee it started right up... not really

Not much to do now, but I feel the SSR wheels are not working well with the aero kit so we hunting for something more suitable. Hopefully we can find a set locally and not having to import which will push this project back further, maybe it will end up like some of the other projects at garageHEART that will rot away until we decide to fix it up again.


Thanks for checking out the build.
garageHEART

love it, love the colour. May i ask what brand the paint is?

So cool! I really dig the diorama and want to see more of both the buid and the diorama! Do you have a Instagram for the garage??

love it, love the colour. May i ask what brand the paint is?

Thank You so much for the kind words. As for colour brand I have no clue, i got this from a friend who restores 1:1 wheels and said i should try it out.

So cool! I really dig the diorama and want to see more of both the buid and the diorama! Do you have a Instagram for the garage??

Thank You. I don't have instagram yet. Not sure if I will be able to commit to something like that and might disappoint followers with delayed updates etc. as my day job is demanding unfortunately. But i will look into it.

I will let you know if and when I create a garageHEART account

Update time...

Manage to get a set of Work CR-Kiwami's (from dadaman), at first I did not like it as I loved the modest fitment of the SSR's Mk2-R's. but these grew on me in no time and really adds to the whole aggressive package. Anyway onto pictures.

https://s1.postimg.org/5jj3v4a3tr/IMG_4677.jpg
(above) Engine bay looking like something now.
https://s1.postimg.org/96onin6ywf/IMG_4678.jpg
(above) this is at its lowest. If you look in the engine bay you will notice an air line that allows the driver to adjust height (KW DLC)
https://s1.postimg.org/17kanksi1r/IMG_4680.jpg
(above) ready to hit the streets, almost
https://s1.postimg.org/68cdf50mv3/IMG_4681.jpg
(above) Photo etched discs fitted.
https://s1.postimg.org/6195jpgevj/IMG_4682.jpg
(above) A bit dusty, but will get cleaned up before leaving. If you look carefully you can see the turbo peeking through.
https://s1.postimg.org/841plx6prz/IMG_4683.jpg
(above) Low and wide...
https://s1.postimg.org/93hsz361hb/IMG_4684.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/78586gv3vz/IMG_4685.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/5qz34ptc0v/IMG_4686.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/5qz34pwz73/IMG_4689.jpg
(above) been a while since we have seen it sitting on all fours.
https://s1.postimg.org/3c5xmgtypb/IMG_4687.jpg
(above) until next time...

still to do is clean up body (polish in panel gaps) add panel gap detailing. fit wipers and fit hood/bonnet and some other miscellaneous items.


Thanks all for looking and feel free to comment
garageHEART

And this Lady just received her full makeover... gH is proud to announce that yet another model car has been saved and can now shine once again.

I will start this thread off with a before and after.

https://s1.postimg.org/3ud7j8zazz/IMG_4340.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/4nw2fkbg5r/IMG_4696.jpg

It is not perfect, but alot better than what it was when it first arrived. Im happy with the results but next build I will build on the mistakes from this one.

What was added to this Farilady:
- Photo etched Discs
- Custom brake lines
- Electronic Damper force lines
- Shock/Damper top mounts
- Oil Cooler and lines
- Front Mount Intercooler and Pipes
- New Radiator with two electric fans and pipes
- Custom Aerokit
- Race seats and 5 point harness
- Carpet flocking
- Aftermarket wheels (Work CR- Kiwami's)
- Ganador Mirrors
- Metal exhaust tailpieces

Onto some pictures...ENJOY!

https://s1.postimg.org/3hcr6ypz0v/IMG_4697.jpg
(above) The last time it was a complete car it was in a sorry state and stood in front at this very spot begging to be saved.
https://s1.postimg.org/8b1m339t8v/IMG_4700.jpg
(above) I guess we are allowed to stare at this lady's rear end
https://s1.postimg.org/7ioqlctf8f/IMG_4705.jpg
(above) One aggressive looking Lady, would not want to get on her bad side
https://s1.postimg.org/70yowrrm7z/IMG_4706.jpg
(above) The sound of that v6 engine ...
https://s1.postimg.org/55m445ftrj/IMG_4708.jpg
(above) One of the last times it will be seen at gH
https://s1.postimg.org/2ozvp8a85r/IMG_4711.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/49pmop7nbz/IMG_4712.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/206m57ncan/IMG_4713.jpg
https://s1.postimg.org/4yiw8pve27/IMG_4714.jpg
(above) Shine on little Lady

There are a few small issues I wish i could have corrected, but sometimes is it worth scrapping the whole build to fix some minor issues? I asked myself this countless times and yes I wanted to restart it many times but my models tell a story of how I progressed and this can be placed on the shelf knowing what not to do next time. I am missing the "glass" in the mirrors. Will make some in due time.

One thing I do need to sort out is the images, they horrible and truly don't show off the smooth shine I am getting. Will invest in something decent soon I promise.

On the positive I am extremely happy how this one turned out... ready to hit some tracks or a show and shine event, whatever the owner prefers.

https://s1.postimg.org/12c2n775bz/IMG_4710.jpg
(above) and off into the sunshine she goes... Goodbye the Fairest of them all.

Thank You to each everyone who viewed and commented, I appreciate it your time spent reading my posts.

Regards,
garageHEART

That garage is bad ass, you have got to do more of these. I really enjoyed this thread. :iceslolan

That wing can give a superbird wing a run for its money tho lol. :rofl: