Today I helped James and George of FOURWAYS ENGINEERING load up my 4/70 production dated HLS30U Datsun 240Z bodyshell, for them to take it back to their impressive new premises for a full makeover.
It will be carefully blasted, etch-primed and finally painted after some detail work and minor repairs (such as the rectification of previous owner-added speaker holes!) as well as some 'interesting' period Works-type modifications (spare wheel well delete for 100l tank, PZR type tank mounts, LHD handbrake, Works rollover-bar doublers etc).
I've spent a lot of time stripping out all of the factory tar mat sound-deadener (hard work!) and the floors are original, slightly dented here and there, but extremely sound and will not need any welded repairs. Excellent inner and outer sills, doglegs, inner arches, air tubes/chassis rails, radiator support and crossmember. Front wings and bonnet (early production non-gusseted type) are the originals, are non-rusty and in great condition. Doors are the originals, are in super nick but have car-park dings (some beauties on the RH side) and the headlamp housings/sugar scoops are substitutes as the original ABS items were a bit too grotty to use.
I've had this 'shell sitting on a rotisserie in storage for many years. It would be difficult to find such a good, early car for even a halfway reasonable sum these days, so I'm looking forward to finally being able to get on with it after Fourways have done their stuff.