260Z Project - 260Z GT-R

[Ian]

If so I would imagine that outer panels should be test fitted and 'gapped' with the car on it's wheels are supported on it's chassis?

Absolutely, all panels should be final fitted with it off the rotisserie. None of the exterior panels will be welded up until she is off the rotisserie and all gaps have been checked.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

Rotisseries: when a long car is suspended at each end there must be a tendency for it to bow? If so I would imagine that outer panels should be test fitted and 'gapped' with the car on it's wheels are supported on it's chassis?

This is just a general question/observation and not aimed directly at this Thread. There are quite a few on here who use them.

Any issues?

if supported at the correct points, on a 'decent' car, i've not seen anything in terms of movement.

 

[Ian]

I think its however considered good practice to not do final fit-up on a ca that is on a rotisserie

 

[Rob Gaskin]

if supported at the correct points, on a 'decent' car, i've not seen anything in terms of movement.

A brand new H section girder would bow - yes I know it is a more complex shape.

 

[Turn & Burn]

I think its however considered good practice to not do final fit-up on a ca that is on a rotisserie

I think you’ve got to be careful how much u chop out whilst on it, ie taking floor n sills out without significant bracing is asking for trouble.

 

[Ian]

Most strength comes from the rockers and the rails, which attach to the floor, so yes, you really wouldn't want too much off at once if its still on the rotisserie or I guess it could be bye bye shell as it folds in half.

Given every single car they work on gets mounted on a rotisserie I am sure Dave knows what the deal is.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

A brand new H section girder would bow - yes I know it is a more complex shape.

not if it wasn't too long.

 

[Alphabettispaghetti]

I think you’ve got to be careful how much u chop out whilst on it, ie taking floor n sills out without significant bracing is asking for trouble.

I agree. you're brave to do sills on it, or the tunnel.

 

[Ian]

Update Time

What a beautifully done repair.

Doesn't look too bad??

Or does it?

Oh wait, there it is:

 

[jonbills]

I wish my A pillar repair was as good as that.

 

[Rushingphil]

Really great work here. What drove you to remove the scuttle panel and investigate further ? I bet your glad you did! But how far do you plan to go - as previously said in other threads - there's probably rust inside every seam on the car. I'm in the same dilemma......

 

[Ian]

What drove you to remove the scuttle panel and investigate further ? I bet your glad you did!

Only way I could be happy, it was always about me being able to know its rust free as possible, even where you can't see. As it was knew about the rust on the scuttle panel because it was visible from inside, however I would have removed it anyway as its a known common area for bad rust on these as its a water trap.

But how far do you plan to go - as previously said in other threads - there's probably rust inside every seam on the car.

As far as I can realistically, anywhere thats a known problem area or anywhere that taking it apart is not too complicated.





Update Time




Strip the boot and get it in primer:

Its not the flattest boot, and someone has drilled holes in it, but it will work just fine after some love.





Time for the other side



As she stood before the surgery started:

The operation beings, lets cut off that scrap quarter panel and see what awaits, expecting similar to the other side:

Could be worse, although someone has used some seam sealer as an alternative to weld.

Rocker, arch and rear panel support removed

Cancer

A closer look at the cancer:

Thats different to the other side:

Cancer Gone

Without the fuel filler, the panel support is much simpler on this side:

Just the complicated front area to do now:

 

[peter_s]

Incredible workmanship! It's a joy to see!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Very nice - do you do the lotto?

Perhaps those holes in the bootlid are for emblems.

 

[Ian]

Very nice - do you do the lotto?

I do not, prefer to only waste my money on cars.

Perhaps those holes in the bootlid are for emblems.

Could be, bit of a crime though when adhesive would do.






Continued update, all inner framework on both sides complete:




Front rot

Finishing the rear panel support:

Sill test fit:

Building a frame to support the shell for the next step.......

Next step - The floors. (After some more work finishing up the sides)

 

[uk66fastback]

That is a fair amount of work they're doing - and they look to be doing it to a fantastic standard.

I think non-load bearing panels are fine to be replaced on a rostisserie. Much better to have some kind of floor-mounted jig for floors and sills though if possible. When your car is back you'll know it has been done properly, which is a nice feeling, although a wallet-emptying one! (We've all been there) ...

 

[Ian]

Update




Finishing Off the Sills

Inner Sills

 

[Ian]

Outer Sills

Lower A pillar

Rear quarter lower will need some work to get it to fit.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Lots of very skilled work and attention to detail Ian. You chose a great restorer.

 

[Ian]

Lots of very skilled work and attention to detail Ian. You chose a great restorer.

Yes, very happy with my choice, everything is being done right and no corners are being skipped. Will leave me with a great car and no need to worry about body/rust issues for a very very long time.






Update



Finishing the drivers side.

Outer Sill on

Checking door clearance

Checking the fitment and gaps, the rear quarter panel fits better at this side, should need very little work to fit it.

The rest of the scuttle panel will be finished with the engine bay work.

Looking Great, rust free, strong and no evidence of repairs.

Thats it for now, Dave is taking a break from this for 7-8 weeks to finish metalwork on some other cars. This is ok with me as it gives me more time to add to the kitty. And I just sent him a 40 page document containing plans and ideas for the work. He'll have fun looking through that, I have a feeling there is still a lot of expense left on this project. Meanwhile he will also spray up and send me some colour samples.