projekt zeal86 (build thread)

[zeal86]

I'm installing my Monogram interior into the BRZ whose condition is 10 out of 10. It was removed early on in my other build then wrapped in plastic for a long time.

I'll likely spray the headliner flat black to go along with the rest of the interior. The BRZ's interior will be mint very soon.

Pictures don't do the condition of the seats justice.

[zeal86]

Originally Posted by Wally86

Wait, plug and play?? (I haven't looked at the connector of the OEM port)
And if it is plug and play does it still allow carplay on the bottom port?

No, It just powers and charges devices. The charger snaps right into the OEM location and has two different style connectors that work with other Toyotas. Unfortunately, it is not plug and play for our chassis...I wired it into the OEM 12v plug.

I extended the USB coming off the head unit and installed it in the location of the old 12v plug...that's where I have Android Auto connectivity.

[zeal86]

I completed another mod. This particular mod drops the height level of the rear deck brake light. The end result is a cleaner look and better visibility.

I saw a video where a guy CNC'ed a piece of aluminum to basically accomplish what I did with the OEM plastic.

I had started making a handmade aluminum base for this mod but changed my mind and went with the version you see pictured below.

**I still need to check the fitment of this mod against the rear glass and verify it comes as close to the glass as possible. I may need to make an adjustment but I'm really hoping I don't.

Back of rear brake light removed.


Cut off three risers with dremel. Use DA sander or sandpaper on a block to flatten cutoff risers. Drill hole for rivets, cut aluminum to size, and install with rivets. Drill three M8 holes into aluminum...use rear deck panel as a template. File M8 holes into squares just big enough for the squared heads of the carriage bolts.




Painted flat side of brake light



Painted light


Painted flat side with carriage bolts.



Carriage bolts need to be clearanced. Use duct tape to hold in place.





Assembled flat side and light bezel



Nuts and washers installed. Hand tighten these to be safe. If you tighten too much, light bezel and flat bottom side separate from each other.


Rear deck brake light installed. I cleaned and painted rear deck panel with Dupli-Color flat black vinyl and fabric paint.


Closeups of rear brake light installed.




TOOLS USED:
- River Squeezer/Puller or Hammer and Bucking Bar
- Countersunk Rivets (I used size 4-4 w/ 426 Head)
- Drill bit (I used a #30 bit)
- 1 Inch Wide Strip of Aluminum
- Hot Glue Gun
- Grinder or File
- Dremel with Cutoff Wheel
- Sand Paper on block or DA Sander
- Duct Tape

HARDWARE USED:
5/16 x 1inch Carriage Bolt - x3
5/16 Nut - x3
5/16 Flat Washer - x3
Flat Top Hole Friction Clip - x2

[zeal86]

I picked up another set of tail lights for the Monogram. These are a used set of Valenti Jewel LED tail lights with gold reflectors. I had been looking for a set I could put a little elbow grease into and get them looking as close to a 9 to 10 in condition.

So, I cleaned and polished my set and I feel I have achieved an 8.5 to 9. Not a higher score because of a couple of issues...one, there are a couple internal blemishes and two, there is a little dirt stuck between the edges of the glass and plastic that I haven't been able to clean it out yet.

I did not use sandpaper in restoring the tails...I used a foam pad with Maguire's Ultimate Compound followed by Maguire's Mirror Glaze on a cloth buffing pad. I did 4 passes with the foam pad and 2 with the Mirror Glaze. I shined the black plastic with Maguire's Ultimate Black. I used this Mini Polisher https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQJM1SYX...ap_share<br />

The whole theme for my Monogram is red, gold and black so these are perfect.

Old pics to show theme and why these tails work. My engine bay will be updated with Cusco, KTS, and Blitz parts. The interior is also red with gold accents.




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BEFORE:




AFTER:

[zeal86]

I ordered a shift and e-brake boot combo from Amazon. https://a.co/d/0g72nTOo

I was very impressed with the quality of the work on these boots. The JTS product line is made in the USA. The shift boot is a perfect fit and easy install. Both boots are made of thick and lush suede. The stitch and suede colors match my BRZ's interior nicely. The price and delivery time was on point. Communication with the seller was exceptional. All in all, I'm happy with my purchase.

I may take a stab at learning how to sew in the upcoming months. I would love to be able to complete every aspect of my builds on my own.

[zeal86]

I have acquired an FA24 engine out of a 2025 GR86. I actually acquired everything that wasn't damaged in the accident...so I have the transmission, rear subframe, differential, axles, steering rack,and drive shaft. Donor GR86 had 4,550 miles at time of accident. Thanks to Mani @Eight6ersgarage for making the aforementioned parts and chassis available to me.

I'll be installing the engine and all the aforementioned components in a 2019 Toyota 86 TRD. The TRD has just under 24k miles on the chassis. I'll swap the TRD's components over to the BRZ. The BRZ will get the RS1's engine and transmission. The RS1 will get the BRZ's engine and transmission. Basically, the newest parts on the newest chassis.

I have about three issues to figure out with the BRZ before I pull out the engine and transmission. I did get the interior pretty much done but I didn't get pics before I left the state for work. Even though I'm away right now for work, I brought parts from the FA24 with me to polish. I also brought an extra alternator to polish...I may have also brought an extra throttle body to polish...idk...I forget. I'm staying busy though.

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