260Z Project - 260Z GT-R

[Ian]

Rear lower panel

Having trouble sorting the rear panel, there seems to be nothing available for the 260Z and the one from the 240Z won't work, looks like it may need made from scratch, which will take some time, and therefore cost. If anyone knows differently please let me know.

With work on this stopping after my net bill I am hoping that will cover getting the rear end metalwork finished up, at least that would leave only some front end work and bodywork to complete when I have up enough to to so. Its cost so much more than planned or estimated, by at least 3 times. If I had known I'd have re shelled. But at least on this car every single enclosed section has been opened up and treated, so at least it will be completly rust free, a shell from US would likely not have been opend to this extent meaning there would likely be some minor rust in the sealed sections of the chassis.

 

[arcdef]

I'm fairly sure there was a trader offering the rear panels on here. I cant find the thread any more though!

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Looking at that yellow panel it seems that it could be made to fit. Buying another might not be an improvement. The one on the car was a home fabrication so it's a step up from that. Do the bumper holes align?

Also make sure that the bottom corners with the rear quarter aren't squared off. That happens sometimes when they are repaired. My Samuri was like that and some of the repair panels are too square too. Get Dave to consult lots of pictures.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Ian, your car needs to be insured for a LOT even in the unfinished state because of your spend. I'm concerned that if there was a fire in that workshop or when it's in storage things could get messy. How much would an insurance company value a partly completed bodyshell?

 

[candy red]

Ian so gutted for you with all your determination to get this car right and rust free everyone must be shocked but in ore of the work that has been carried out and the money you’ve thrown at it .such a shame for you when the bodywork is so close, we will all be looking forward to when work starts up again we’ll done for getting this far with such a great project

 

[Ian]

Looking at that yellow panel it seems that it could be made to fit. Buying another might not be an improvement. The one on the car was a home fabrication so it's a step up from that. Do the bumper holes align?

Dave said: "The panel ordered from Auto Solutions won't work. It is too short in all areas/ bumper holes and pressings are too narrow and the panel has a wicked twist in it from not being properly formed."

Also make sure that the bottom corners with the rear quarter aren't squared off.

Ian, your car needs to be insured for a LOT even in the unfinished state because of your spend. I'm concerned that if there was a fire in that workshop or when it's in storage things could get messy. How much would an insurance company value a partly completed bodyshell?

I would hope that the shops insurance would cover it, but worth checking. I think with the invoices from resto shack and the cost of a shell a case could be made.


I plan to have it insured with an agreed valuation to cover the cost it would take to re build the car. So the price for a fully restored shell plus all the parts covered like for like. Hopefully I will be able to arrange this. Just want to cost of full replacement, don't see why this wouldn't be possible, it was expensive to insure anyway so the cost won't matter.

Ian so gutted for you with all your determination to get this car right and rust free everyone must be shocked but in ore of the work that has been carried out and the money you’ve thrown at it .such a shame for you when the bodywork is so close, we will all be looking forward to when work starts up again we’ll done for getting this far with such a great project

Trying to look on the brightside, I still have a fun car here as well as a Motorbike to enjoy until this is back, and I believe I will be able to see this finished, just means waiting longer. But I really do need it done because its completely ruining my finances and lots of my plans are on hold until this is finished.

Problem is, I might be scared to drive it when its back.

 

[Ian]

Some updates from the last month.


Work on the rear panel:

 

[Albrecht]

Lovely work.

Looking at the hand-made rear valance photos, it made me wonder if there would have been an opportunity to move the exhaust cut-out up higher, allowing you in turn to move the exhaust higher up under the body (if possible?) for more clearance and a neater look?

 

[Rob Gaskin]

Lovely work.

Looking at the hand-made rear valance photos, it made me wonder if there would have been an opportunity to move the exhaust cut-out up higher, allowing you in turn to move the exhaust higher up under the body (if possible?) for more clearance and a neater look?

From my trackday exploits the issue with my 240 was getting the middle section higher and clearing the diff casing.

 

[Ian]

Looking at the hand-made rear valance photos, it made me wonder if there would have been an opportunity to move the exhaust cut-out up higher, allowing you in turn to move the exhaust higher up under the body (if possible?) for more clearance and a neater look?

I did think about this, but I decided that I am quite happy with how the exhaust looks. I would like to remove the spare wheel well so I can fit a flat floor behind the diff, but I can't afford the extra cost from designing the new fuel tank.

From my trackday exploits the issue with my 240 was getting the middle section higher and clearing the diff casing.

Yeah, my exhaust send sparks up from that section under full acceleration with the semi slicks warmed up. I was thing a titanium skid plate would be a fun addition.

 

[Ian]

Rear Quarters and panel

 

[Ian]

Continued

 

[Ian]

Those with sharp eyes might have noticed something missing.


It was a bit rotten.

As was the body where it had been mounted.

 

[moggy240]

I did think about this, but I decided that I am quite happy with how the exhaust looks. I would like to remove the spare wheel well so I can fit a flat floor behind the diff, but I can't afford the extra cost from designing the new fuel tank.

Yeah, my exhaust send sparks up from that section under full acceleration with the semi slicks warmed up. I was thing a titanium skid plate would be a fun addition.

I removed the spare wheel well in my car and fitted a new MGB fuel tank, you would never know I have a fuel tank on my car

 

[Ian]

Thats the rear end metalwork mostly complete.

 

[IbanezDan51]

Exciting times ahead! For everything but a persons finances

 

[Ian]

Exciting times ahead! For everything but a persons finances

Ahead, but not close ahead. Work on this is stopped now, because I am broke and need to save up to complete the work.

 

[Ian]

Last update now for a long time. I don't see this being back in the shop before July, I need time to save up for completion.

Rear lam panel still needs added. But the one I bought is misshapen and not good enough to use. So this will need worked out net time.

Arches set to give me as much room for wheel as possible.

Next time its in the shop later in the year its going to need the rear slam panel sorted, some repairs to the front end, several modifications to the bay and chassis for improvements and strength, the scuttle panel put back in place, some stitch welding and some lead work and then it will be onto bodywork and paint stage.

 

[Ian]

And thats her off to storage for quite a while. But its great to see it looking this good.

 

[Pondo]

I know this has exceeded budget and time but this looks so well done. Thanks for posting up your progress Ian.