Kato Kids 71' 240Z

[bluerat]

Good work Kato....will you stick with the L series now? Looks like you've got some work ahead of you, all good fun though. It's amazing what's in sheds around the place.

Why is the Burg half a KTM? If so, does that make it a quarter a Husky? remember they took all the best bit's to Italy...

[KatoKid]

Bluerat,

Still want to do a tough NA RB30DE or even a M3 if I can find one.

Ive had KTM's for many years and wanted something different, since KTM bought Husaberg they've really made a difference. The Burg is all KTM except the actual frame design. Even the cylinder head and gearbox internals are mostly pirated bits from the KTM parts list. Should hook up for a ride if your local.

[bluerat]

AHA that explains it!! I just read in ADB that KTM are thinking of a 2 stroke 'Burg!! If im ever in Melbourne with the bike, I'll look you up, there seems to be heaps of top riding in the Vic highlands. We're pretty spoilt down here in Tassie as well.

[Brabham]

If you do go mental with the engine, may I suggest you do it properly and go to an RB30/26 DETT boosted something ridiculous?

[KatoKid]

Update time.

Finally got the rotisserie built and got the car up on it. Its so good to be able to flip it over to work on it! And before Lurch or anyone else jumps on me, yes I still have to add the tie bar between the front and rear pivots.

Thought I would be clever and bought 2 x $99.00 Chinese engine stands with the idea that I would just add some height and width to these as it would be cheaper than buying all the steel and wheels from scratch. Turns out the Chinese engine stands use 60x60 RHS and we only have 65x65 RHS in Aus so ended up building most from scratch in 65 and only used the pivots/plates and wheels. Used 50x50 Duragal for the chassis mounts cos I had it lying around.

Its nice to see the underside in good daylight and refreshing to really confirm condition of the floor pans.

Next on the list is to remove the sound deadening on the inside, has anyone tried the dry ice method as opposed to a heat gun. Any feedback apprecited.

David.

[reverendzed]

Awesome work Dave! What a difference it will make having it on the 'spit', great news that floors and rails look really good, I'll look forward to watching your build.
Rev.

[KatoKid]

Been a bit distracted with other things but have manged to get some work done on the 240.

Striped all the bitumen sound deadening from the floor with a heat gun...what a PITA! Good news is that I didn't find any surprises.

Next was to get started on the rust repairs....both strengthening plates on the chassis rails just forward of the firewall had rust holes in them so I drilled the spot welds and then cut out what was left of the rail just enough to get back to some decent metal. Because if the location I decided to overlap rather than butt weld the new section of rail in place and then made a new strengthening plate to replicate the original and plug welded it in place. Will seam seal prior to painting to exclude any moisture.

The passenger footwell had been clobbered by something in its previous life and the PO had used a bit of heat and a hammer (not very successfully) to bash it back into shape but had left it with some serious creases and no amount of massaging was going to get it looking good so I decided to cut it out and start again.

[KatoKid]

Foot well....

[peter t]

Good luck with the project mate. Hope to find a 240 or 260 to play with after I finish the 2+2. Had to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure the wife couldn't see me typing the last bit.

[Lurch]

Looks good Dave! Keep that up & I'll be out of a job...

[RB26DETT]

great progress, keep the photos coming along

one of my car is built not long after yours, chassis #793

[gav240z]

Car is 2/71 and chassis 728, is this early enough to have a 71A fitted from factory? Any comments appreciated.

Yes my 240z is early 72 and had this yoke style driveshaft and gearbox fitted, although the previous owner decided to refit my car with a later box and L28 engine.

Looks like your car was originally Safari gold, any plans to go back to this colour? I realise it's not everyone's cup of tea.

[KatoKid]

Yes Gav, going to keep it Safari Gold.

[KatoKid]

Well its been a while since I posted. Ive been working away steadily, not making speedy progress but happy with the way its proceeding. Figure its a long term project so not loosing any sleep over how long its taking.

My floors are really good with the the exception of the (common) rust holes in the rear of the passenger side rail were it terminates so Ive patched the floor and fabed a new section of rail.

[KatoKid]

When I bought the car I knew the rust was better than most in some areas and worse in other areas. The dog legs and the front of the LH sill were particularly bad.