Q: Why am I detailing the build here instead of on {some forum}?

Good question!  Actually nobody has directly asked me this yet but this is a model of how I’d like the Q&A section to work.

The answers are several-

1. By posting things on my own site, I retain ownership of the “intellectual property”.  Over the years I have spent a lot (way too much probably) of time reading and posting on dozens of different automotive message boards.  I’ve always done so in the most kind and helpful manner I could, but at the beginning of a project like this, with all the time I figured I’d spent creating posts, and answering questions, all that work would be going into someone else’s database, helping drive hits to their site, delivering money to the site owners from its sponsors.  Of course not all sites are sponsored (shout out to http://corner-carvers.com and http://roadraceautox.com!) but the ones that are have a whole ‘nother set of problems-
2. Often times sponsor-supported sites slide into heavy-handed moderation in favor of certain products.  I’m picky about what goes on my car, and if I buy a product from Brand X and feel it’s crap, I want to freely be able to say so, without any fear my post will be edited or deleted.  At the same time, if I acquire a sponsor, I’ll be able to keep anyone from saying anything bad about them here.  🙂
3. I’ve done a few other build threads (240sx – STS build; 240sx – SM build; SS Viper build) and I don’t like how they sometimes go off-topic.  I think it’ll be easier for me to maintain a good signal:noise ratio in this fashion.  I will probably allow comments to the posts to get feedback but will maintain full censorship control over each submission.

Like the build of the car itself, I’ll like having a high level of control over what goes on.