Home Built Z 'full Video Build'

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

1 hour ago, gav240z said:

No wuckers, the balancing I've seen involved having the pistons, conrods, wrist pins all apart and measuring each item individually that's all. I saw you had kept your piston's and rods connected, hence why I wasn't so sure. But if you've been instructed otherwise by an expert then that trump my opinion of such things! It's probably less of an issue in a street motor than track engine too!

It is definitely better to balance the piston and rod separately, you are spot on there. The issue is, as Stewart Wilkins suggested, if you are going to re-use the pistons and rods, it is better not to try to press out the gudgeon pins, as you are quite likely to brake something. It is not the best way to balance them, but it is better than not doing it at all, at least I hope so.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I am getting stuck into the L28 engine for my Datsun 240z. That includes balancing the pistons and rods.

 

 

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I finally get to rebuild the bottom end of my L28 for my Z.

 

https://youtu.be/zDvr8CMj3hM  

 

  

Edited July 20, 2018 by HomeBuiltByJeff

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I get into the assembly of my L28's head for my Datsun 240z

 

 

 

 

[jeff43]

Nice video Jeff, I like that you keep it real and don't edit out the issues you have. I found it informative especially the cam tower shimming as I may need to do this myself in the future and had only read about it previously. It is always nice to see a video of this sort of thing and now I can learn from the problems you experienced and hopefully not have to learn from too many of my own mistakes. Thanks.

Cheers Jeff

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

Just now, jeff43 said:

Nice video Jeff, I like that you keep it real and don't edit out the issues you have. I found it informative especially the cam tower shimming as I may need to do this myself in the future and had only read about it previously. It is always nice to see a video of this sort of thing and now I can learn from the problems you experienced and hopefully not have to learn from too many of my own mistakes. Thanks.

Cheers Jeff

Happy to be the guinea pig on that. I really have no idea what I am doing myself, but the book is pretty thorough. I just take my time and it comes together slowly

[gav240z]

The trials and tribulations of a build is what keeps it real. Nothing goes to plan we all know that.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I finish off the head assembly and mount it to the block. It is coming together and I am getting excited.

 

https://youtu.be/NzUvJKFRQ1U 

 

 

[1600dave]

Did you check the wipe pattern of the cam lobe on the rocker arm ? If it runs off either end, you'll chew the cam and / or rocker to pieces.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

6 minutes ago, 1600dave said:

Did you check the wipe pattern of the cam lobe on the rocker arm ? If it runs off either end, you'll chew the cam and / or rocker to pieces.

It is down near that end of the rocker arm but it is still about a mm from the end of the pad. I hope that will work 

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I finish assembling my L28 engine for my 240z and do the timing.

 

 

Jeff

[1600dave]

The 4 cylinder L20B has more links between the "bright" ones to make up for the fact that the engine block itself is 19mm taller.

Datsun did mess up with some of the factory workshop manuals - as an example, the 180B manual states 44 links in text but says 42 links (the correct figure) in the diagram directly above the text. Set yours to the same as your old chain and you can;t really go wrong. If you use the wrong number of links, it will become obvious pretty quick.

As an aside, I haven't seen a chain with bright links for years, but then maybe that's because I use non-genuine cheapies.......

Originally (at least in 4 cyl engines) they  used a gasket between tensioner and block, I believe the gasket was deleted sometime in the L-series engine's life. Doesn't really seem to matter whether you use one or not (although I personally do),  I guess if it does leak ever so slightly it will only run back down into the sump

Edited August 11, 2018 by 1600dave

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

1 hour ago, 1600dave said:

The 4 cylinder L20B has more links between the "bright" ones to make up for the fact that the engine block itself is 19mm taller.

Datsun did mess up with some of the factory workshop manuals - as an example, the 180B manual states 44 links in text but says 42 links (the correct figure) in the diagram directly above the text. Set yours to the same as your old chain and you can;t really go wrong. If you use the wrong number of links, it will become obvious pretty quick.

As an aside, I haven't seen a chain with bright links for years, but then maybe that's because I use non-genuine cheapies.......

Originally (at least in 4 cyl engines) they  used a gasket between tensioner and block, I believe the gasket was deleted sometime in the L-series engine's life. Doesn't really seem to matter whether you use one or not (although I personally do),  I guess if it does leak ever so slightly it will only run back down into the sump

I was thinking that the leaking tensioner would not really be an issue, but the book said gasket, so it was easy enough to just make one up. I do have to have a look at timing though. Does anyone know what the 72 degree cam base timing should be set at? I will probably give Clive a ring during the week to find out. I have it set at 0 for now, but it is easy enough to change if i need to. I will also consider an adjustable cam gear if I need it. We will see how it comes together.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This weeks job was to mount my seats to the car, but nothing ever goes smoothly, and there is always that last bit of rust...

 

 

Edited August 17, 2018 by HomeBuiltByJeff

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I got the interior cleaned up and painted.

 

Edited August 24, 2018 by HomeBuiltByJeff

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

This week I start the final stages of sanding to prep the car for paint.

 

[PeterAllen]

Jeff. I'm somewhat surprised by the lack of feedback to your posts but I think perhaps you're presenting tasks completed rather than seeking input - freely and openly offered opinions, advice and suggesting are the real strength of this forum. However, I'm sure there are many, many members on here just sitting back, opened-mouthed, in awe of your efforts at the finish of each video.

As someone who has completed an 11 year, 3 month and 13 day, 240Z project, I wish I'd had your excellent videos as a guide during that time. As it is, the videos will be an outstanding reference for anyone contemplating a major restoration. We have witnessed over the years so many naive folks start such restoration only to quickly fade away as the magnitude of the entire project becomes apparent. I'm sure many of their cars will sadly never be registered again. As much as grumpy old men like me try to explain the real scope of the work required for these restorations I think your video series details it so much better.

My congratulation to you and to Mrs Jeff. The ladies are the unsung heroines of these projects with their patience and support.

[gav240z]

I haven't watched your last few videos yet Jeff, only because time poor... I will catch up soon.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

1 hour ago, PeterAllen said:

Jeff. I'm somewhat surprised by the lack of feedback to your posts but I think perhaps you're presenting tasks completed rather than seeking input - freely and openly offered opinions, advice and suggesting are the real strength of this forum. However, I'm sure there are many, many members on here just sitting back, opened-mouthed, in awe of your efforts at the finish of each video.

As someone who has completed an 11 year, 3 month and 13 day, 240Z project, I wish I'd had your excellent videos as a guide during that time. As it is, the videos will be an outstanding reference for anyone contemplating a major restoration. We have witnessed over the years so many naive folks start such restoration only to quickly fade away as the magnitude of the entire project becomes apparent. I'm sure many of their cars will sadly never be registered again. As much as grumpy old men like me try to explain the real scope of the work required for these restorations I think your video series details it so much better.

My congratulation to you and to Mrs Jeff. The ladies are the unsung heroines of these projects with their patience and support.

I am fully open to feedback, as I am a complete novice with most of this stuff. With pretty much everything in my videos, it is more of 'how I did it' rather than 'how to do it'. I just hope my silly videos can give some guys some motivation to get out there and give things a go. I think a lot of guys think 'I can do X, but I won't even attempt Y, that is beyond me'. I think you don't know what you can actually do until you give it a go.

I am getting there with this build and fingers crossed by the end of the week I will have some colour on it in spots  

[RAP260]

6 hours ago, PeterAllen said:

......... However, I'm sure there are many, many members on here just sitting back, opened-mouthed, in awe of your efforts at the finish of each video.

......... As much as grumpy old men like me try to explain the real scope of the work required........ 

.......... The ladies are the unsung heroines of these projects with their patience and support.

Well said @PeterAllen 

Yea, I enjoy watching your videos @HomeBuiltByJeff

Anyone who knows what they're doing could do this in their sleep. It takes real commitment to tackle tasks your not experienced with. Kudos to you @HomeBuiltByJeff, and everyone else, who does this. Posts like these keep me moving forward, even if very slowly. 

I actually have a car I can drive. But I'm probably still 11 years, 3 months and 13 days from actually having the skills to "start" getting it to a stage I'm happy with.... 

Keep up the good work 

Cheers, 

Rob 

[PeterAllen]

 

4 hours ago, HomeBuiltByJeff said:

... I am a complete novice with most of this stuff...

Pull the other one.*

Jeff, you, and many of those who complete major builds, have a skill set that is so often underestimated. You understand how things go together and more importantly how to rectify issues. They are real talents learnt over time with experience and/or proper instruction, and should not be dismissed lightly. Also you have decent workshop equipment and the skills for its use. Those aspect should never be underestimated nor undervalued.

I also admire those who know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. They in some way 'project manage' the work by doing what they can but sourcing assistance, paid or otherwise, when that's the better option.

* = Some under 60 may need to look up the meaning.

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

44 minutes ago, PeterAllen said:

Jeff, you, and many of those who complete major builds, have a skill set that is so often underestimated. You understand how things go together and more importantly how to rectify issues. They are real talents learnt over time with experience and/or proper instruction, and should not be dismissed lightly. Also you have decent workshop equipment and the skills for its use. Those aspect should never be underestimated nor undervalued.

I admit I have the benefit of living in the boonies, so I have space and have gathered a decent collection of tools. I also have time, as I don't have kids and working as a firie, I have plenty of weekdays off when everyone else is at work. But I truly believe that anyone could do the same things I have done if you really want to learn. If you are not motivated to do something then you will struggle.

I have a very healthy curiosity and I enjoy learning new skills. I passed year 12, but just, because I wasn't really interested what I was being taught. I am interested in building cars, so that is what I learn up on. The other big thing about getting these things done is just doing the work. Many could do it, but hit a tedious, or boring bit and give up. Lots of my builds get that way, but I am stubborn and keep going back for more. 

Anyone can do it. You just have to want it bad enough

[gav240z]

18 hours ago, HomeBuiltByJeff said:

I have a very healthy curiosity and I enjoy learning new skills. I passed year 12, but just, because I wasn't really interested what I was being taught. I am interested in building cars, so that is what I learn up on. The other big thing about getting these things done is just doing the work. Many could do it, but hit a tedious, or boring bit and give up. Lots of my builds get that way, but I am stubborn and keep going back for more. 

As someone who has a degree and spent years at Uni, I can say it doesn't matter if you have a degree or not, I know a lot of people in the "real world" of an office who can tell you exactly what needs to be done, but when it comes down to actually doing it, wouldn't know their arse from elbow.

With my own projects, I could have made much more progress if I just paid to have things done. But I don't get much satisfaction out of that. I prefer to attempt it, discover it costs me more to do it than if I paid someone and end up with a slightly less ideal finish, but have learnt something. I know with my panel beating work that's the case. :).

I am still yearning to have the space you do in the future. So I can set up a proper workshop with the tools I want / need. Working on cars can be frustrating especially when you get stuck, but as soon as you learn how to do things you start to enjoy it and get a thrill out of fixing stuff. What I like about Oxy welding is that I really struggled with it (still do) but as you get better at it, it's very satisfying.

 

[HomeBuiltByJeff]

2 hours ago, gav240z said:

With my own projects, I could have made much more progress if I just paid to have things done. But I don't get much satisfaction out of that. I prefer to attempt it, discover it costs me more to do it than if I paid someone and end up with a slightly less ideal finish, but have learnt something. I know with my panel beating work that's the case. :).

I am still yearning to have the space you do in the future. So I can set up a proper workshop with the tools I want / need. Working on cars can be frustrating especially when you get stuck, but as soon as you learn how to do things you start to enjoy it and get a thrill out of fixing stuff. What I like about Oxy welding is that I really struggled with it (still do) but as you get better at it, it's very satisfying.

I am starting to work on streamlining my projects in the future, as I realise that I get bogged down on things. My bonnet is a good example. I should have just bit the bullet and bought the new bonnet. That is not the cheap way, but my time is still worth something, and it is nice to get things done. I also have the YouTube angle to consider moving forward, so I want to get things done in a timely manner. That is not to say I am going to build a car in 4 weeks, but at least try to keep things moving.

Oxy welding is something I have never tried, but it does interest me. I have recently been having a go at TIG welding, which is a completely new skill that I am trying to wrap my head around, but I love a challenge  

[JDM-TOY]

@HomeBuiltByJeff Bro at least your getting it done. I wish I had the patience to do it myself. I love cars but bodywork and engine rebuilding are out of my league. I know I would definitely rush and miss something and blow the motor hahah like a wrong bolt or something simple like that.

Im happy to pay someone to do it properly so Ill just stick to servicing, driving and justifying buying parts to the wife loll

Love watching the videos and even when I put it on the TV my 2yr old son comes and watches with me. Car, same, daddy lol

Keep it up champ

Edited September 5, 2018 by JDM-TOY