FRS/86/BRZ-The modern age Datsun 240Z; tryin' to make it better w/OEM parts

[Prodigalson]

Ordered the OEM STI side skirts & rear spats for $730 out the door from a local dealership. List price would be $885 with tax, so I am happy with that discount (comes out to approximately 17.5%).

Also ordered the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 (245/40R-17) tires. I've been watching the prices since August. $699 with rebate & before tax was the cheapest I have seen, so I ordered them. They were $776 when I started watching them.

[Prodigalson]

I pulled the front bumper to take care of a number of issues. Most of the tabs on the front grill that secure it to the bumper cover were broken, so I got a new OEM unit to replace it with, also the passenger side wouldn’t clip in under/around the headlight, so I replaced the clips around the headlights and bought a set of these to repair the tabs on the front cover: https://jtspec.com.au/products/86-br...e-lift-v2-pair.

I had a local paint shop make up an aerosol can of Lightning Red (C7P) and used that to paint the lower portion of the bumper because it was really scraped up. Probably won’t be that noticeable with the front lip installed but it’ll still look better than before (sorry, neglected to get a picture of that).

I wet sanded then polished the turn signals today. I was considering replacing them due to their being so pitted/sandblasted but decided to see if they could be saved. They turned out really well, thank God! First pic is after I scrubbed them with Dawn dish soap, second pic is after sanding them under running water with 2500 grit paper, 3rd pic is after buffing them with a Porter Cable 7424 with an orange pad and Meguiars M1001 polish.

Further, I installed new side marker clips and rear STI spats. I treated the turn signal bezels with Meguiars Black Restore (left is treated, right is untreated). I just ordered a set of switchback LEDs for the front and a LED compatible adjustable rate turn signal flasher (apparently that flasher can be difficult to change, God willing I won't have any trouble).

Planning to pull/sand/polish the headlights tomorrow (I plan to treat the headlights and the turn signals with ceramic coat also to hopefully keep them nice longer) and install the bumper tab repair plates. Then I’ll reinstall the front bumper cover and the Ikon Motorsports STI style front lip.

[Prodigalson]

Wet sanded the headlights on the car, much easier than pulling them off. They do look better than the pics would indicate.

I epoxied the bumper tab repair plates in place, I'll have to wait till they are fully cured to install the bumper.

Also installed the new front grill and reinstalled the turn signals and bezels. You can see where I painted the lower section. It looks "cleaner" in that area.

[Prodigalson]

Another praise report: The epoxy, though unopened/unused was a couple years old. I didn't think to mix up a test batch but went right ahead and used it to bond the tab repair plates. Well...It didn't catalyze. So, I started gently heating it with my heat gun (figured that the cold barn wasn't helping even though epoxy is exothermic. I prayed about it and it has cured well enough (thank God. Can't imagine the mess of trying to remove gooey epoxy and starting over!)

In preparation for installing the STI side skirts, I cleaned up the rocker panels. When I detailed it last summer I noticed that the paint on rocker panels just behind the front tires were in poor condition. Knowing that I would not be able to see if it was rusting and it would likely collect mud there, I decided to repaint it. Scuffed it with red Scotchbrite, wiped down with denatured alcohol, masked it off and then painted it. Turned out nice! God is good!

[Prodigalson]

Got the front bumper buttoned back up and the STI Style front lip mounted today. Also, I removed the rubber caps along the rocker panels where the STI side skirts attach. I plan to install those tomorrow. Before I buttoned up the front end, I installed switchback turn signals and confirmed that they functioned correctly. They are bright!

[Prodigalson]

Got the M-Tech shifter springs installed.

[2.2Lude]

How do they feel? I've been debating the same springs.

[Prodigalson]

Originally Posted by 2.2Lude

How do they feel? I've been debating the same springs.

It's still up on the lift, lol. I just finished the STI steering rack bushings install (and made a video) and then (God willing) I'll be installing/videoing the flexible draw stiffener tomorrow. Hoping to have it on the ground Sunday night to see how everything feels:

Also, got my Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires the other day. Hoping my buddy can help me install them today

[Prodigalson]

Installed the draw stiffeners today. Here's the video:

[Prodigalson]

Originally Posted by 2.2Lude

How do they feel? I've been debating the same springs.

I managed to give the shifter a try. It feels firm, both side to side and fore/aft. It's appropriate feeling, if that makes sense. That's how I would expect it to feel if I hopped into an 86/FRS/BRZ for the first time. I can't wait to drive it

[Prodigalson]

Uploaded another video, this one is for the STI Flexible V-Bar:

[Prodigalson]

Got my 245/40R17 Firestone Indy 500's mounted yesterday. No problem here, right?

Tire turns but rubs just slightly. Ordered some Parts Shop MAX 3mm wheel spacers.

[Prodigalson]

Also got the spats and side skirts installed today.

[villainous_frx]

Originally Posted by Prodigalson

Installed the draw stiffeners today.

Very insightful video for the install. Don't see these often, looks like an interesting piece.

Curious to see if you decide to adjust them next time the front skid plate comes off, as the bolts holding the bracket need to come off.