Datsun 280Z -77 - Build thread

[peter_s]

They were the ones that came on the BC Racing coil overs.

Nothing wrong with them really, but quite limited in terms of adjustability, at least if you don't want to cut any body work.

I accidentally bought the wrong chassis bracing from T3, that only fit their bolt on plates. To return parts to the US for exchange meant the upcharge for some proper T3 mounts were very reasonable. And now the chassis bracing should fit as well!

 

[jonbills]

Proper man maths there

 

[peter_s]

Proper man maths there

Yes sir!

 

[peter_s]

This was way harder than expected...

So I bought this one:

And it made quick work of the metal, that's for sure. But it's difficult to control:

But a lot of this...

Makes it look better, but still sub par

Man, metal work is hard... I will clean it up a little more with the file and then paint it. Thankfully the strut bracing mount- will cover it a little as well.

 

[SacCyclone]

A flat file and rat tail file will clean that up pretty well, only you will be the most critical.
Look at using a metal cut off wheel as they offer them in very small sizes to get into those hard to get places.
Carry on!!!
Mike

 

[peter_s]

A flat file and rat tail file will clean that up pretty well, only you will be the most critical.
Look at using a metal cut off wheel as they offer them in very small sizes to get into those hard to get places.
Carry on!!!
Mike

Thanks Mike!

I did the 2nd strut tower now and I managed a lot better. The nibbler is really nice. Just got to be careful, this is a powerful one. The nice thing is that the metal shavings/pieces just fall to the ground. Not a big mess in the engine bay, just sweep it up or vacuum.

I also went over the first hole again with the file and it's a lot better now. It's good enough, so I have put some primer on it.

I'll share some pics tomorrow.

 

[peter_s]

Here are some progress pics.

Cleaned up with a file, and it came out ok:

I tackled the other side a little differently, and it came out pretty good just with the nibbler:

filed and primed up:

Also took the opportunity to change out the emblems. Got them from Yahoo auction in Japan. Sturdy metal ones compared to the plastic 280Z ones.

I always make a mess!

 

[toopy]

The joys of being able to make a mess, walk away and return at leisure, without putting every single tool and part away after each session!

For me that's the main reason things take so long to get started, i just can't muster the enthusiasm most of the time, to drag what i need out and then drag it all back again. Life's to short, i love the car but in reality i can always seem to find something else to do or indeed nothing to do, rather than decamp the car and all the tool paraphernalia sadly!

 

[peter_s]

The joys of being able to make a mess, walk away and return at leisure, without putting every single tool and part away after each session!

For me that's the main reason things take so long to get started, i just can't muster the enthusiasm most of the time, to drag what i need out and then drag it all back again. Life's to short, i love the car but in reality i can always seem to find something else to do or indeed nothing to do, rather than decamp the car and all the tool paraphernalia sadly!

I agree with your view. Putting it all back would take too much time!

A nice tool cabinet on wheels would be great though!

 

[tyroguru]

Peter, I'm surprised that you didn't use this opportunity to go all-in on the tools and get a plasma cutter instead of a nibbler! . You're right though, metal is hard <period> . I absolutely love that garage.

 

[peter_s]

I agree with your view. Putting it all back would take too much time!

A nice tool cabinet on wheels would be great though!

I thought a plasma cutter would risk a big fire in the interior later!!

Joke aside, the nibbler is a good compromise.

Thank you, it's good to have space. Me and my father have a 4 car garage at work where we store the cars and work on them. We think it's good to not have it to clean, because then you are scared to do the dirty work!

 

[MaximG]

That is one very nice garage.

 

[peter_s]

That is one very nice garage.

Thank you!

 

[peter_s]

End result!

Finally got some high temp wheel bearing grease delivered too, so now I can finish up the front end!

Started tearing down the rear end suspension too. I got to the spindle nut and decided to now bother removing the struts. No point at the moment anyway, will change to T3 stuff further on later on and save my sanity until then.

Engine is about to be crated now as well. Exciting!

 

[peter_s]

Some progress updates:

Looking good!

Man, the steel is much thicker in the rear towers! Had to modify the nibbler to be able to cut. Still did it's job really well:

Front end is almost completely done now. Just the calipers and brake lines left. The rear is coming together. That spindle bolt is a bastard so I will not tear anything down in the rear end right now. I will wait until I get the rest of the T3 stuff for the rear end a little further on.

And talking about T3, incredible parts and incredible service. I made the mistake of loosing a small bushing in the hat that mates the brake disc to the hub. Really irritating because I took care not to loose any parts. While snipping off a zip tie the small bushing flew away. I looked everywhere but couldn't find it. I emailed T3 on Friday to purchase a new one, they sent me one free of change and had it on Monday. It's not about the money, would have loved to pay for it, but I'm incredibly greateful for it!

Bearings are now packed with fresh grease. I changed them out last year so they will have to stay.

 

[Wally]

Can you remember what spec T3 top mounts you went for that fit the BC coilovers?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[peter_s]

I actually placed this order via email. I just told them that I have BC Racing coilovers, and they supply the correct bushing and nuts.

 

[Wally]

I actually placed this order via email. I just told them that I have BC Racing coilovers, and they supply the correct bushing and nuts.

Thank you Peter. I'll fire them an email.

 

[peter_s]

One month later and the car is still on jack stands...

The rear top mounts were much harder to install. It's much tighter in the towers, so I had to trim some parts of the top mount on the passenger side. But now it's in:

Looking good!

Front is not done yet, the bracing hits the EGR controls. Engine is going soon anyway so I will not bother more...

Join me soon for some death wheel action!

Things left to do:
Install rear disc brakes and new hand brake cable
Install all the braided brake hoses
Install new 1" brake master cylinder

 

[uk66fastback]

Top, top work.