Cason's 240sx Hatch Build

[theStig880]

Sup Zilvia, I’m not really sure why I haven’t made a build thread yet here. I guess I never felt I had a car “finished” enough to justify writing one but Im pretty bored and a little nostalgic. I bought my first 240sx on November 18, 2010 so I just recently celebrated the 8 year anniversary with it. Forgive me if its a little out of order, there's a lot to remember. I was 15 when I got the car and I found this car at a dealership in rural North Carolina. It was bone stock, 1989 manual with only 121k miles on the clock.

https://i.imgur.com/ZvHZh3jh.jpg

I was pretty excited to get a stock car even back then. Weirdly enough, the car was brought to Germany from California in 1992 and brought back around 1997. Over there, the quarter glass got broken and replaced with a 200sx glass. Kinda neat.

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

It didn’t take long for me to tear into it though. Being 16 and wanting a drift car, I did all of the stereotypical mods. I had a friend weld the diff and ordered some PBM coilovers. I bought a shitload of SE wheels and drove it for around a year.

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

I went to a couple local drift events but I mostly spectated around this time. I bought some XXRs 002s somewhere along the way and pretty much drove like this for another year. I worked part time as a waiter after school and saved pretty much all my money for car stuff. I ended up buying a set of Work VSXXs around Christmas of that year.

https://i.imgur.com/E0KyW8dh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ub7AxtF.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KZmZ6eK.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/i08dopRh.jpg

I remember at the time being really excited and I threw them on the car pretty quick. They were especially cool because they were 4 lug. I didn’t have an alignment in this next picture.

https://i.imgur.com/s9WDuoKh.jpg

I attribute these to starting a fanaticism with wheels. Almost immediately, I decided to order some new rear lips to have them rebuilt. I also ordered rear overfenders and cut that beautiful stock body up. Ugh. I don’t have a ton of regrets with this car but that's on the list. My tastes now definitely lean towards clean stock body cars.

https://i.imgur.com/vTJCcaMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YplMpAKh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hn0aHiPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xSsIMhjh.jpg

So around this time, I was a senior in highschool and I took automotive technical classes as an elective. A friend was in the autobody program so I had him paint the fenders and shave the third brake light.

https://i.imgur.com/CvUmg5Zh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/d5mb4sah.jpg

I remember this being one of the few times the car had all four Works and paint. I got a flat in a front tire a week after paint and I sold the set shortly after. After graduating high school, I decided to swap the engine for an SR. I ordered my redtop and a huge list of bits about a week after graduation.

https://i.imgur.com/2OZDNRFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1SC90rGh.jpg

So the summer before school, I threw the engine into the car. Unfortunately, I couldn’t finish in time and I moved to Charlotte without my car. Progress halted a little but eventually I finished the swap and bought a set of Weds Cerberus 1s. Swapped to 5 lug at the same time. This is also when I discovered the Yahoo Auctions haha. Really missed out early on, I pretty much only bought new stuff until then.

https://i.imgur.com/Sh2ZetTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6fbPcmth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IOE6HsZh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/u078bqUh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9MOqRFhh.jpg

So over the next summer, I hastily threw on some roller wheels and rebuilt the Weds. With the engine running, I drove this ugly piece to school with me and drove around for a long time like this. I bought some 40mm fenders with the intention of rebuilding the other pair. I never did that and I hated the way the fenders looked so I sold them off. Not a ton really happened in between but eventually I sold the Weds and bought a set of Work XT7s.

https://i.imgur.com/or4CrF5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ZEnWrLNh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yrpzOR3h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/P2CFcTgh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/pLE70Qoh.jpg

I also bought some replica 180sx skirts and OEM valances. I got the XT7s with 255-40 tires which actually looked pretty cool but didn’t steer at all. I bought new tires and drove like this for around a year.

https://i.imgur.com/vNb8RUDh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QePDcUkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kdxoEehh.jpg

I decided after a couple of breakdowns, I wanted a daily driver. I bought a Subaru Forester and parked the 240 back at my parents house. This was the last time I drove the car for about 3 years.

https://i.imgur.com/V9gpTj5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/k8q9xNuh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bStLwtAh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2Cf6ZTzh.jpg

Honestly nothing major was really wrong with it. I just wanted to refresh everything and get it decent again. But with a daily and the car being a hour away, it got forgotten. Sort of, I continued to buy pieces for it when I could. Fufilling a long time dream, I bought a set of Kouki tails.

https://i.imgur.com/KRTGiTeh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2MlDQt5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/IEjXXeWh.jpg

Around this time was very exciting for me. I bought a pair of 18x10 +22 Blitz 03s and a Bride Zeta 1. I also found some 17x8.5 03s and a pair of 18x9 Model 5s. I sold the Model 5s because they were cracked but it was pretty cool to have all these wheels I had lusted over for years.

https://i.imgur.com/UEbcSNTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/J20DQVrh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tjfn67Bh.jpg

More random maintenance things happened, I pulled the subframe and bought some steplip Work Equips and some more VSXXs. I told myself they were drift spares but I never kept them very long. I eventually got the Blitz 03s on the car.

https://i.imgur.com/NLnN0Kah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fDdaAVZh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3SXktmKh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Dned0Ozh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qt6dliIh.jpg

The car ran this whole time but I never registered it because I wanted to finish the aero and have it painted. Kinda dumb looking back. I bought a 180sx wing and a Shine Auto Sexy Style kit.

https://i.imgur.com/g9LaOM6h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7VEmLd4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/orHiuvfh.jpg

Continued....

[theStig880]

Part 2:

I’ve always liked the big aero look but something felt off to me. I think the fitment of the 8.5 Blitz was too weak and I didn’t have money to paint it at the time. So I sold off the kit and the front Blitz. I held onto the rears for a long time because of the rarity but eventually I sold them off too. Wish I didn’t, I’d love a set again soon.

https://i.imgur.com/pRXJwyYh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/R6Gm9SOh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/YRamnzlh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1bTRez2h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hg2GwkEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NDNXikBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zxX4Kyhh.jpg

The Subaru decided to kill itself so I was back in the market for a new daily. I settled on a F150 under the assumption I would use it as a work truck. Lol

https://i.imgur.com/M0LfE4eh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5oEukOdh.jpg

To replace the Blitz, I bought the some more Model Vs, this time 18x10 +19 all around. Also got a Nardi Classic too and had the front suspension modified by Villains Drift around this time.

https://i.imgur.com/F9l2HK8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cn7ANgmh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hFNN3ygh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HqOaEuWh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ro6GMqzh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8HRkqEsh.jpg

Just like every other set of wheels Ive owned, I sold the Advans shortly after they got on the car. Looked cool but not what I wanted in the end.

https://i.imgur.com/mn7BvtGh.jpg

So with the car aeroless and wheel less, I started accumulating parts. I bought a Type X bumper and some skirts. Unfortunately, I sold the valances I had so I couldn’t finish the look immediately. I also bought a holy grail set of wheels for me. My 17x9 +22 Nismo LMGT4s.
https://i.imgur.com/D8k4wJGh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9Q2PEgah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uNLNSxBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wDUXHloh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/66CUMsGh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kbJBzshh.jpg
These things were perfect condition and one of my favorites wheels ever made so I was beyond excited to finally own them. Getting them on the car spurred me to wash the car for the first time in a year.

https://i.imgur.com/9BOgW4Jh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ndtGgjxh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gNDGNWPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Qip085Eh.jpg

Bought some Hurricane mirrors and a Thrash seat that popped up locally. I mounted up all the new 180sx aero and took more pictures. If you cant tell, the car really never got out of my parents driveway in this period.

https://i.imgur.com/tLZ9L97h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JiKyY3sh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mA5bLs9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2zmClNKh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zr2LDHjh.jpg

Still collecting bits and pieces for the build, I somehow stumbled on a pair of Abflug headlights. They were beat up but I had to jump on them.

https://i.imgur.com/6ehruIoh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CayG1J8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/krziHxch.jpg

So at this point, I graduated from school and finally got a job. I moved to a little house with a single car garage and quickly shoved all my car stuff inside. Every room of the house has parts from the 240.

https://i.imgur.com/FrrrYK9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0h9guENh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/F5hcfJth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bPGRqSGh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/goWjoNKh.jpg

Cont.

[theStig880]

Part 3:

This was the first time in a couple years the car left my parents driveway. I raised the car really high and put spares on the front to get it on the trailer. The next week, I lowered the car back down and put some new tires on the front wheels.

https://i.imgur.com/mIB8behh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DBc3KC3h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JWftssOh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nwr6btJh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4kOkP66h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vkJ3mpsh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nTy8mePh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/TfgQdXzh.jpg

I ordered a Koguchi Power hood and a Hotroad lip through Japanese Parts Service and picked them up. I was super eager to see the car in full aero form.

https://i.imgur.com/mja7rkjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Z9dxFYzh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/71tbeFSh.jpg

I started looking for a pair of 18” LMGT4s and eventually found a pair on the auctions. But they were 9.5 +30 and needed a big spacer with my overfenders.

https://i.imgur.com/RMAxjwMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zfVsML8h.jpg

About a week after they arrived, I bought a set of 18x10.5 +15 from Australia. I paid too much, but they are absolutely grail wheels. I quickly became a hoarder of all bronze Nismo wheels.

https://i.imgur.com/hWmNNFqh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7QyDdb9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/41F5XKth.jpg

I probably should sell some of them but I haven’t really decided. Anyway, I started tearing apart the car again. I definitely could have quickly painted all the pieces and started driving again, but I wanted to restore the car a bit and have the whole thing painted at once.

https://i.imgur.com/xfpa2cCh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/KUdmp54h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mZd4j9ah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cItk025h.jpg

Since I still needed rear aero, I finally found a G-grow rear valance. It hits my exhaust at the moment but looks really cool with the OEM skirts. Also put my LMGT4s on a buddies WRX. They really look cool on everything.

https://i.imgur.com/LHBx5bNh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cLcMzmBh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/caGBm3Yh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5p8HhpDh.jpg

I also bought a pair of 20mm Origin fenders and a DMAX roof wing.

https://i.imgur.com/GngzFQkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qn1iVQOh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CE48S0jh.jpg

So that pretty much takes us to now. The rear suspension needs to be buttoned up and then the car will be back off jack stands. The plan is to pull the engine sometime next week for a refresh and S15 turbo. Ill send the car off to paint after I finish fitting all the pieces. I haven’t decided if I want to a simply 90s/00 inspired livery or no stickers but that’s a couple months away. Thanks for reading in any case.

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

[Fuglychuki91]

Crazy parts man. I wish I had some of those lmgt4’s haha sick build nonetheless

[EFITTZY]

Super nice build so far man. Subbed for updates :naughty:

[afishysilvia]

Wheel whore my lord, looking good though.

[pignose_drift:)]

Sooo good! Cant wait to see whats next

[JrDarknes]

Nice to read and see the back story of this thing. Wish I had those wheels :/.

[UJCD]

I loved every bit of it until it lost the pop ups Dx

[CamryOnBronze]

Love your taste in parts and seeing the progression through your ownership and the different stages of life. You know I am a big fan of this thing man! Glad you finally made a build thread. Looking forward to seeing more!

[tuzzio]

This car is awesome. Wishing it was stock sheet metal. Very cool taste in parts.

[theStig880]

Thanks all for the kind words! Im hoping to keep this more updated than my instagram especially as I start to dig into the detailed stuff.

I got the car running last week and the suspension buttoned up. I had a ton of set backs with the z32 ebrake, especially the cables. I think I got sent the wrong pair like four or five times. So my goal of paint this year likely isn't happening. With that I've decided to yank the SR sometime this weekend or next week. Nothing wrong with it but I feel like switching to a S15 turbo and refreshing all the gaskets.

https://i.imgur.com/qpNLJ0qh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JGVZ2Lch.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2S0YFQAh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9Jb79Gkh.jpg

Ignore my jank aero fitment, it started to rain when I was taking pictures, lol. PS, does anyone have a better free image host? Im using Imgur but it compresses everything really badly.

[Drew_kar]

woooo Cason! Too bad I only saw your car once during our undergrad :(

[Romango3]

Use Flickr


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[hillclimb240sx]

this thing is super sick!!!!

[Olly]

Sick car.

Try wordpress for media, have been using it for year's with no issue.

[theStig880]

Wow, I have really neglected to update this thread. Oh well, lets do one big update at once. Fortunately, a lot of progress has been made. THE CAR IS RED AGAIN.

Anyway, I guess I left off in December of 2018. Part of the lack of updates started because I bought a dream car of mine a 1976 Porsche 912e. I had been looking for an aircooled 911 for a while and this one happened to pop up for a pretty decent deal. There is definently a build planned for it but I wont clog this thread with too much of that.

https://i.imgur.com/BWYEcBDh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vom6HKmh.jpg

Shortly after a bunch of maintenance items on that car and switching to the Fuchs, I reset my sights on the s13. Basically finishing aero fitment from December and some mechanical finishing up. I bought a set of Ganadors but I havent ended up using them. Just hoarding for another project I have in mind.

https://i.imgur.com/dPaZH7jh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/g1ybcynh.jpg

I flip flopped a few times on what I wanted the car to look like. I switched from the 180sx skirts to Shine Auto Spec-G. Revgasm's 180sx when it had the white TEs was a pretty big inspiration at this point.

https://i.imgur.com/onjwJJHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QTFzvExh.jpg

Sidenote, I drove to New York at the beginning of this year to pick up a 2.7 engine for my Porsche. That was an adventure in its own right and much needed. The 912e is by far the slowest car I have ever driven.

https://i.imgur.com/YoJiyBth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MQMXoPth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Eoo2Eohh.jpg

Prep towards painting the car has been happening in some capacity the entire duration. A majority of the recent progress actually came from the Corona virus. I was notified of furloughs at my work and needed something to occupy my two weeks off. The fire was lit and I worked my ass off to meet my deadline.

https://i.imgur.com/aa5KIJ4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ykmnh6Eh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FIRFenAh.jpg

Keep in mind, I have never done autobody in my life. The extent of my knowledge came from forums, Youtube, and bugging the shit out of my more talented friends. Primer went relatively smoothly all things considers. I could use a bit more space but otherwise it was fine. Unfortunately I spilled Acetone on the passenger fender and fucked it up so that had to be redone.

https://i.imgur.com/p2O9Oizh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7RC2FLah.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/1tylxe8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/MjtPhQ7h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BtAp2och.jpg

After fixing a few dents in the roof and hatch, I primed again and sealed the car. The color (AH3 Cherry Red) really looked amazing in the can but I was just excited to see the car all in one shade (even if it was grey). My problems began here though. For whatever reason, I was getting fisheyes like crazy on the basecoat.

https://i.imgur.com/Bk7ZGgih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mRIznhHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eLI4hkuh.jpg

I must have bought four dryers and a million moisture traps but nothing worked. The minute the pump turned on, they would fill with water and oil. Frustrating. I laid in my driveway for like an hour making a list on my phone with partout prices. I was beyond done with the car. Fortunately, a buddy of mine with more experience came down with a better compressor, lines, and water traps. Seemed to resolve a lot of my problems. Thanks Michael! He sprayed the base and clear and given the conditions did a great job.

https://i.imgur.com/mcLLKheh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FWkJJ4Yh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jkW7eveh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mafE6egh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0xiHu01h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/taxsoqTh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/HVUoAJVh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jndItv1h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aWrz7r5h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tZDhlbEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/rw2gOIPh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/dL3gtrHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/AXJm5Ich.jpg

Thats pretty much where we are now. Im basically doing some work to inspect and register the car now. A few people have asked about the Abflugs and they will be installed eventually. I need to make/buy the lenses and didnt finish before I had to go back to work. Here's my most recent pictures, I havent installed the G-grow valance either but itll be on shortly too.

https://i.imgur.com/uxSrozJh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n5KAZTHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/tMq9jtvh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/g6pAN7mh.jpg

Thanks for looking!

[xitsalgin]

This thing is sick!

[Krusty_s13]

Love cherry red on 180. Its perfect!

[tuzzio]

its so refreshing when people actually build nice S13s. Now if only we could get the coupe guys to try..

[Dolph_KYAS13]

its so refreshing when people actually build nice S13s. Now if only we could get the coupe guys to try..

Thinking the same thing. Keep up the good work OP

[Green Arrow]

Bravo! Very nice build!

[rogues13]

NC's finest!

[-kenny-]

wow that's an awesome build. I love how many times you changed your set up. I like the finish stage the most

[da_crew10]

In b4 partout. I call dibs on the Abflug headlights and honda mirrors!

[collegekid]

I?m extremely happy that you attempted to paint this yourself. It turned out great in the end.

Do you mind posting up your paint setup when you were having problems?
Can you also tell me what your friend brought over that corrected the issue?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[koukizhang]

Yesssss!!!!!!!!!!

[theStig880]

This thing is sick!

Thanks!

Love cherry red on 180. Its perfect!

One of my favorite colors, it really looks great when its fresh.

its so refreshing when people actually build nice S13s. Now if only we could get the coupe guys to try..

Hatch's have the easy recipe I think. Id love to build a coupe one day.

Thinking the same thing. Keep up the good work OP

Cheers, thanks.

Bravo! Very nice build!

Thanks!

NC's finest!

We need to get our cars together soon.

wow that's an awesome build. I love how many times you changed your set up. I like the finish stage the most

Im rarely content with a setup for too long haha. This is one of the first times Ive been really satisfied with the car.

In b4 partout. I call dibs on the Abflug headlights and honda mirrors!

Man, just a few weeks ago and I wouldve consider it. Knock wood, I wont ever part it out.

I?m extremely happy that you attempted to paint this yourself. It turned out great in the end.

Do you mind posting up your paint setup when you were having problems?
Can you also tell me what your friend brought over that corrected the issue?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Im happy with it now, despite all the roadblocks. Im not sure exactly which part fixed. The water separators I used hung right off the pump which I think was too close to the heat. We ran a new line to two much bigger water seperators and a filter on the wall about 3' away from the pump. Different hoses, spray gun and in-line filters too. One other theory was that my cheap Harbor Freight oiled pump that may have had a bad seal. My buddy's compressor was oil-less and new. Ill shoot him a message to get specifics on the gun, compressor, etc.

Yesssss!!!!!!!!!!

My feelings too!

[Unit 02]

looking good chief

[95 maxima se]

one of my favorite s13 on IG! car is looking mint! looking to buy another s13 hatch but they're beat to sht!

[Thursday7]

Damn, I have a mint (sans paint) cherry red hatch and was conflicted about a color change until I saw this. It's probably my least favorite OE color and you may have changed my mind.

[theStig880]

So I guess I have a bit of time to write a post again. I was recently laid off due to Covid since aerospace has been struggling. The writing was on the wall for a while so I kinda saw it coming. Fortunately, my parents have let me stay with them during the transition and I have been slowly moving everything.

To be honest, not a ton on the car has happened; just some button up here and there now that I have ample free time. The interior was put back together. I installed my Thrash seats, rails, and bought a Nardi Classic 330 as well for a little interior tune up. The headliner isn't really my style but I haven't gotten around to re-wrapping it yet.

https://i.imgur.com/iuSwlN2h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/nHfBUQph.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/l6SOCgXh.jpg

I have hated the passenger side of my car for a while since one of the rear wheels had a chipped silver lip instead of bronze. I used some Rustoleum bronze to refinish it which turned out pretty decent. Not a perfect match but not bad.

https://i.imgur.com/Z4aNbv3h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/uhlI1gFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aGmaWith.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/BvztMl0h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sNQz0Yjh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OdKOQhRh.jpg

Another little project I tackled was having the Abflugs painted. Obviously these have been on my mind since I painted the car and since I have so much free time, it felt like the right opportunity.

https://i.imgur.com/SJGdKYYh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3KgcRllh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/n6obGobh.jpg

The paint turned out pretty decent, but there are some pretty bad imperfections in the fiberglass that show through. Im not too worried, the lenses seems to cover 99% of it so Ill survive.

I took these next pictures this morning before making the two hour drive home. Nerve wracking at first but mostly just hot by the end of it. The rear was rubbing a bit which I need to sort out but all and all it performed great.

https://i.imgur.com/ncS7LdEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fWvmw25h.jpg

And here it is back in front of my parent house.

https://i.imgur.com/XmMivQFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/JWbBhLeh.jpg

So there it is. The plan is to install the headlights after some curing time. Currently, the car is hanging out in storage until I get a new job. Holla at me if you need a mechanical engineer haha.

https://i.imgur.com/hx2ua4Sh.jpg

[Slideurmom]

Dam ,I’m in NC also. I’m near Fayetteville. Definitely need to see this car

[G33kin]

Super clean!

[theStig880]

Dam ,I?m in NC also. I?m near Fayetteville. Definitely need to see this car

For sure man. Its pretty much locked up in storage now but I anticipate being back in Charlotte in a couple months.

Super clean!

Thanks!

[coupesallday!]

Have you tried applying to Northrop Grumman? We’re still working and they’re always hiring especially here in California

[PoorMans180SX]

Very cool car you’ve got here.

[theStig880]

Small update since my last post. I reassembled the Abflugs and got them installed on the car pretty quickly. Not super happy with the fitment or my lenses but they will be fine for now.

https://i.imgur.com/AcAE5lih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xiycLBmh.jpg

Unfortunately, one of the rivenuts broke nearly immediately on the passenger light which is annoying.

https://i.imgur.com/FSCmwhih.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mzcspszh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/677e3zNh.jpg

Last change on the car has been this pseudo-livery that I had commissioned. @Lazyrocketvinyl did a great job making everything, I would definitely recommend them for future vinyl work. Its a bit of a teaser for now since I cant get the car out easily.

https://i.imgur.com/vdK548hh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/vnSoQsFh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/N61GotTh.jpg

I was going to leave it sticker-less for a longer while but this was always a part of my original idea. The thought now is to find some cool wheels to change it up a bit, but other projects have kept me busy.

[rogues13]

Love to see it.

[S14rebuild]

lights are badsss and different. Liken this!

[tromer9]

Sweet car! The bronze wheels look great.

[Donedreamin]

Beautiful, great work!

[IIIXziuR]

Very sad to hear about the lay off, my guy.
Really nice work on the styling and selection on your car. Simple and very effective. So cheers to that.

[theStig880]

Love to see it.

Thanks! Cant wait to see your car come together man.

Sweet car! The bronze wheels look great.

Volks bronze is pretty much perfect imo, but Id like to change them up a bit soon.

Beautiful, great work!

Appreciate it!

Very sad to hear about the lay off, my guy.
Really nice work on the styling and selection on your car. Simple and very effective. So cheers to that.

Cheers man, thanks. It sucks but Im optimistic about it all. As shit as this year has been, I dont think I would've painted the car or done a majority of the work if I wasnt furloughed and unemployed.

[stopbruh]

please let me know if you are ever willing to sell a pair of your lmgt4 ;)

[theStig880]

So I guess another update of this thing is overdue. I pretty much havent done anything to it but I did get it out for a short lunch run. My storage unit is a huge pain in the ass to get the car into and coupled with my extreme lethargy is a recipe for inaction. I did installed a majority of the pseudo livery and the Abflugs were adjusted to fit better. The car is super dirty in all the photos, so take with a grain of salt.

https://i.imgur.com/XIerVnDh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/sETFG0rh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ofkL9xgh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wBK9C0Th.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eYHxpKSh.jpg

Unfortunately, my outing was cut very short when the driver, rear tire began rubbing the fender more than I was comfortable with. I thought it was a bent heim on the RUCA but the eccentrics were a little moved too. In any case, new arms and a eccentric lockout are in the mail to hopefully remedy the issue.

https://i.imgur.com/WDiacc9h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/eXfua6oh.jpg

Lastly, I received an aircup setup from StanceParts. I've never been a huge proponent of air, especially on S-chassis, but they're pitched as a way to keep coilover performance and lift the car for small obstacles. I feel that feature will be useful where ever I end up living next and Im eager to see how that claim holds up.

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

So yea, there it is. I am reasonably happy with the look overall but Im getting more and more interested in switching the wheels up temporaly. Black or white TEs, Blitz 03s, Minervas are all high contenders but we'll see what the budget allows.

[theStig880]

Don't really have any major updates on this thing, but I was tinkering today and had a couple pics. Finally getting around to tackling some of the problems in anticipation of a road trip.

The air cups are fully installed which is pretty neat, but to be fully honest I was a bit underwhelmed. They raise about 1.5-2" and looks mostly OEM. The below pic is missing the back panel so more the wires will be hidden.

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

The interior needs a miracle bar but its pretty much done. Also got around to wiring the headlights. Super easy tbh. Low beams light up the outer lights and high does all four. But they are dim as hell even all lit up. I don't drive this car at night ever so I'm not immediately worried. Eventually Ill sort it out.

https://i.imgur.com/lR0OCmAh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/VKhuAFhh.jpg

These aren't bolted in or anything but looks pretty neat. Cant see shit at night but cool looking. Pretty sure these are older pictures but apparently I didnt post them for whatever reason. The car is super dirty but whatever.

https://i.imgur.com/bsO3nvJh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/lPyOGUkh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/2GJlyNMh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/q2eGHMbh.jpg

Side note for anyone who cares, a bit more progress on the 912e happened. The oil tank is in, backdate is mostly done on the rear half except paint. The 2.7 will be going in soon.

https://i.imgur.com/Wes9ifxh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/agUqZTgh.jpg

[astonmartian]

This is excellent. Love the progression and that color... amazing WOW

[da_crew10]

Inb4partout?

[theStig880]

This is excellent. Love the progression and that color... amazing WOW

Thank you, really appreciate it!

Inb4partout?

I've decided to never sell shit again. It becomes expensive right after I sell it and I always want to buy it back immediately.



Little bit of an update though. I finally put some real mileage on the car over the weekend. I went with a group to Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee for my buddies engagement. I honestly didn't expect to make it out of Greensboro with the issues I had been having, but the car was super solid the 4 hours there and back. And more importantly, felt capable during the "spirited" driving Saturday/Sunday. I have a laundry list of things I want to address and a bit of a rejuvenated energy to do some stuff on the car. In the future, I wouldn't advise 7 degrees front camber, a dying clutch, or a welded diff but it held its own despite.

Pics:

Prior to heading down there, I spent a lot of time fixing obvious issues and cleaning the car.
https://i.imgur.com/O6QJwCEh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/wk9D3QZh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xd5tQz2h.jpg

Finally got around to wrapping the glove box and re-installing it. Neat project, super easy, little conflicted how I feel about Bride fabric with Thrash seats. Looks better than the glue covered original though.

https://i.imgur.com/6YCxmChh.jpg

Super bad boost leak from this split coupler. Also had a gnarly coolant leak a couple days before leaving but it seems to have just been a loosened worm clamp. Battery was prone to dying as well and one tire was leaking air heavily. My optimism for driving around 1000 miles was pretty low.

https://i.imgur.com/Gg2K7LFh.jpg

Had the car on a rack for the alignment. I tried to string align it in my driveway but it was pulling super hard afterwards. It still pulls a bit but it was manageable.

https://i.imgur.com/e8ikXbAh.jpg

I had the bumper off for the alignment but managed to lose one fender extension. So somewhere in Greensboro it's likely smashed to bits but I cant find it. I bought a new one a couple days before the trip.

https://i.imgur.com/AE5xx5gh.jpg

Abflugs wired up and "work"

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

https://i.imgur.com/yEWShlSh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gXfHlQph.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Mw9Ugkgh.jpg

Our cabin had a gravel, one lane road leading up to it which was anxiety inducing. The air lift was super helpful at first but quickly stopped working with a cut line.

https://i.imgur.com/6lwjmxRh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/AH8JKrlh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/grwvYdNh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/TwM36QVh.jpg

Night driving was super fun too. Despite Abflug's neat look, the light output was absolutely shit. Next time, some removable lightbar or spotlight will be added. And some better bulbs and adjustment in the meantime.

https://i.imgur.com/6gy4A0vh.jpg

The Killboy and 129 Photographers caught some neat moving shots. I havent sorted through them all yet tbh.

https://i.imgur.com/w4SYCI4h.jpg

The plan now is continue on with a new exhaust, install the G-Grow, and get a proper gauge setup. Eventually install my ORC and sort out the front alignment which is its own can of worms. Extra wheels would also be nice.

[DRFT180]

Looks like an awesome time. I'd like to make the trip up there from New Orleans one of these days in my S14.

[theStig880]

More minor updates for this. I've been driving this car a good bit, especially since the trip. Kinda had a rejuvenated ambition again. I even daily drove it for about a week while making a list of maintenance and changes that I want.

https://i.imgur.com/OjBtaijh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/QNG98nxh.jpg

My biggest recent goal was to mount the G-grow valance. Its been sitting in storage, painted and collecting dust for a too long. You can see in the pic below why it didnt fit, the Blitz exhaust is just in the way. I was going to chop it up but its also really close to the gas tank. So I needed a new exhaust.

https://i.imgur.com/i5PFaGPh.jpg

I didnt really take a good picture, but I bought an HKS sport. I wanted a Kakimoto or GPSport but didnt want to risk the cost with it not fitting. Pretty happy anyway, this is much much quieter and still sounds good.

https://i.imgur.com/gfe08Duh.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UWUQTO8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/V7fH2p8h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/71hBLLsh.jpg

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

Next up. I really wanted some spare wheels for some stickier tires or drifting if I ever start again. And since TE's have been a grail for a long time, I decided the wait was over. Ended up finding these 17x9 +0 set in white.

https://i.imgur.com/BkxQp7Lh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/o6aDkoDh.jpg

I only unboxed one pair, but I do have all 4. They need refinishing since there is a weird yellow finish all over them but they cleaned up alright. I got some cheapo tires mounted up on a pair.

https://i.imgur.com/NaqAT3oh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OclMMnCh.jpg

And of course, had to see what they looked like all around.

https://i.imgur.com/FBFmLI4h.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8iXKz6Nh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NiLt1rnh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/FqcmWExh.jpg

Then I pretty much drove around like that for the rest of the week and put it back in storage. Not too much on the radar atm besides some rust repair and changing the LCA's back to stock. I am looking at a 1.5/2 way diff and getting a gauge setup as well. Then maybe a KP wing and carbon canards but Im not fully sold yet. Also, I finally got a new job, so I will be moving back to Charlotte, NC soon and hopefully blowing more paychecks into cars.

[mechanicalmoron]

912 is neat. What are you doing to the 2.7?

[theStig880]

912 is neat. What are you doing to the 2.7?

Thanks, I need to start working on it again. The 2.7 is being kept super simple for now. It already had the upgraded fan, hydraulic tensioners, and SSI's when I bought it so I've really just replaced all the rubber, added a front cooler, and a 2in-2out exhaust. One day if I have the money and time I'd like to do RS P's and C's, webers, and a cam but that is a long time out.

[ABM423x]

looking good

[Sway500]

Saw this car out at the Charlotte Cars and Coffee meet this past weekend. I was hoping to meet you, maybe one day in the future.