Japanese spec 240Z with G-nose

This is going to be an early '70s Fairlady Z with a G-nose. It will not be one of the factory colors for a true 240ZG, but rather a "wish it had been offered" dark blue. It will not be getting the bolt on flares of the ZG cars either since they make the car with stock wheels (and hub caps) look anemic. It will keep the fender mounted mirrors since they go with the right hand drive. This could be a semi-clone built back in the day, or something that was done recently.

I started with the exhaust.
https://i.imgur.com/WAxrLd5.jpg
For a detailed How To on detail painting the exhaust, check out this link:
https://finescale.com/how-to/2023/07/how-to-paint-a-scale-model-car-exhaust

The engine built up nicely…
https://i.imgur.com/9rFeiv9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hH06wA6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/RgVozd3.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uu21q5e.jpg

I painted the chassis as if it was factory stock then added some grime and dirt.
https://i.imgur.com/kqSysIb.jpg

I painted the windshield washer bottle to be 3/4 full.
https://i.imgur.com/bOJa02I.jpg
To see how it was done check out this How To:
https://finescale.com/how-to/2023/07/paint-a-solid-reservoir-to-look-like-it-has-fluid-in-it

Cool new build and nice touch on that whipper fluid bottle. I've seen in done before a couple of times and it makes it look very realistic.

Thanks!

The rear suspension and engine were added. So was a little surface rust on the brake drums.
https://i.imgur.com/mltgDz8.jpg
For a step-by-step explanation of the painting and weathering of this chassis (with plenty of photos) check out this How To:
https://finescale.com/how-to/2023/08/up-your-model-car-chassis-weathering-game

The wheels are part of why I wanted to build this kit. I'm not a fan of these iconic hubcaps, but they looked to be engineered so well I just had to build them.
https://i.imgur.com/9hs6mwT.jpg

The finished engine bay.
https://i.imgur.com/AUT7JNT.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4IIMVYK.jpg

I test fitted the exhaust, but it needs to be dirtied up a bit before final installation.
https://i.imgur.com/kvNag3S.jpg

Finished underside.
https://i.imgur.com/Ex80Xe4.jpg

I was a bit disappointed to see this. It was visible on both sides. I filled it with CA and continued to paint it Wolf Blue.

https://i.imgur.com/s6BZ5VX.jpg

Interior progress.
https://i.imgur.com/G0s7btC.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/j7Kv3kV.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7WQkuKK.jpg

You are going very quick again. Nice engine, but no wiring details this time?
And that is a strange 'mark' on the hood. It looks like something I've seen before on my kits. It looked to me as an imperfection in the injected plastic. Like it wasn't properly mixed, or slightly cooled during the injection molding.
And finally a light gray interior. Very nice. I like the light toned interiors, as they are a bit more visible when the body is fully closed.

You are going very quick again. Nice engine, but no wiring details this time?
And that is a strange 'mark' on the hood. It looks like something I've seen before on my kits. It looked to me as an imperfection in the injected plastic. Like it wasn't properly mixed, or slightly cooled during the injection molding.
And finally a light gray interior. Very nice. I like the light toned interiors, as they are a bit more visible when the body is fully closed.

This one is strictly out of the box.
Yes, the hood issue is a cold fill, easily repairable, but not a common thing to see in a Tamiya kit.
The lighter colors are partly for the reason you site, better visibility. Plus I like this gray combination with dark blue exteriors.
As far as the speed of progress, I have a good head start on the actual work by at least a month. Paint does not dry that fast... So the posts are condensed compared to the actual build time.

Dash.
https://i.imgur.com/QPMougH.jpg
Interior is done.
https://i.imgur.com/lKHDdu5.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PtPVqPm.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lpGyzSn.jpg

Trust me, it is blue…
https://i.imgur.com/NfStmrb.jpg

Windshield with chrome and rubber trim.
https://i.imgur.com/aWhbn3B.jpg

Trust me, it is blue…
Heheh... I had that once before. Let me guess: Midnight Blue?

Heheh... I had that once before. Let me guess: Midnight Blue?
It's actually Wolf Blue.

Installing the glass and headlight covers. So far so good…
https://i.imgur.com/x5wXEUA.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bdYSYB8.jpg

Most of the chrome and glass are installed. I'm leaving the side glass out until just before mounting it to the chassis for ease of handling. Talk about a dust magnet…
https://i.imgur.com/ZgGPrMx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bY4JDeD.jpg

Ready to slide onto the chassis…
https://i.imgur.com/C2JPI8O.jpg
It fits very well; snug but no fighting.
https://i.imgur.com/B8jbYrf.jpg

All done. Fun kit!
https://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=7237058#post7237058