V8Datto’s Early 240Z Build

[V8Datto]

Hi,
I've never really introduced my self so here we go, Names Adrian and I'm restoring an early 240z
I've decided to start this build thread due to luvemfast starting this thread http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,7244.0.html
Just a note: I'm not a mechanic nor did I have any experience in panel beating or body work prior to buying this car

Car was purchased off E-bay

Initial plan was get the panel work done and paint, but in a short amount of time I realized it would take lots of $ and time to get that stage. Then a few months later I realized it would take 10X the $’s and years to finish but too late, I was waist deep into the build.

So it’s an Early 240z (build no 347) came with some parts but not complete and as you will see….full of rust!

Your comments are welcome…

Pictures as purchased….







edited due to my explanation of the purchase sounding so bad when it wasn't

[Bruce]

hi,
looking forward to following your build thread.
what are your plans?
cheers
Bruce

[MaygZ]

Looks like a pretty good start.  Love the trailer - Now that's the way to by a big mechano set.

Are you able or planning to make her original (concourse) or is she going to be 'modernised' a bit.  Track/Weekend cruising/daily??

[RB30X]

Which v8 are you going to use?

[V8Datto]

Love the trailer - Now that's the way to by a big mechano set.

Although I did get a trailer full of parts about 80% of them were Not from a 240z, most were from a 260z (including suspension & engine) and some parts were from a 280z, even the fuel tank that was in the car was not standard


I could ramble on for hours about what I want to do, I'm not 100% decided on a few things yet but at the moment the plan is weekend/track car/Club car, Going for Club reg hoping for the logbook system

The body will be as close to standard as possible, the engine at this stage will be Toyota V8 but the idea is to build up an L28 and fit later on down the track, I don't have the original L24 so there's no point going down that road.
The plan some day is full rego

Only major body mods will be BRE rear wing & urethane/fiberglass front airdam (with brake cooling ducts)
Others mods include: Coil overs, 17" RB-R rims, Willwood Brakes,

[GV260]

Hi Adrian, PM sent re series 1 interior available for you if you're interested. Cheers Graham

[V8Datto]

oooow..... yes please, PM sent

How is your car going? I don't see your build thread anywhere here..... 

[GV260]

No thread as yet but all will be revealed soon. New race motor being put back in next week. Here's a teaser!

[V8Datto]

Very nice... looking forward to catching up on your build

[V8Datto]

So after getting the Z I got stuck into it, having really no idea what I was doing and no previous knowledge of the vehicle all I knew was I needed the car sandblasted and straight,

There was damage to the drivers door and a few rust holes here and there which wasn't too bad and then I found bog.. lots of bog, And It covered a lot of rust










I'm sure some will point out the rear hatch is not original, and they would be correct!
It had about 7 layers of paint ranging in colors from blue, light blue and red. And yes it had rust under all of it
Because the original vented rear hatch that should be on this model had problems with water and exhaust getting into the cabin, I'm happy with the non vented hatch. Plan is to fit the vents but for looks only

[RB30X]

Gotta love the expander foam

[Brabham]

Hi,
    welcome to the forum. Your Z is a lot like mine, it looked all nice and primered and ready to paint and then you have found lots of holes in it. Oh well, it is better to find all the problems and fix them first rather than spending big $ on spraying it and watching the rust creep through in a couple of years. I would favor the L28, they are cheap-people give them away and you can get big power out of them with a turbo and mods if you like. Are you going to repaint it in the yellow-was that its original color? Good luck with it and looks like you are doing a good job.

[V8Datto]

Not re-painting the original colour (burnt orange)
It will be either one of the original colours from the Z range or one from the current 350/370Z's. still undecided



So at this point I got in contact with Rob at the Zfactory http://www.zfactory.com.au/
I met Rob back when I went to look at a 240z he had for sale, not realizing he restored them for a living but either way Rob told me what the go was and how to fix the car properly.

At this stage I bought myself a sandblaster and built myself a booth I could get something the size of a bonnet in,
Then preceded to pull the shell apart and get started

[Bruce]

At this stage I bought myself a sandblaster and built myself a booth I could get something the size of a bonnet in,

pretty handy tool to have,
do you hire out it services?

[V8Datto]

Not a chance.....

The money one would have to invest to get a decent and usable setup is not worth the income if you ask me,

My two $700 compressors were no match for a basic sandblaster, and as it turned out anything bigger than a door I sent to the proper sandblasters. It just took to long for me to do it.

Good for small things though