Administrators gav240z Posted December 6, 2022 Administrators Share Posted December 6, 2022 What did you paint the bezel with? Vinyl paint? I would think you could buff/polish the plastic for a similar look / restoration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted December 8, 2022 Author Share Posted December 8, 2022 On 12/6/2022 at 10:12 PM, gav240z said: What did you paint the bezel with? Vinyl paint? I would think you could buff/polish the plastic for a similar look / restoration. I used a Dulux Satin black, worked very well. I did try to polish them first, but all of the bezels had slight scratches and marks that only abit of fine sandpaper removed. If your bezels were perfectly smooth, polish would work - mine weren't! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted February 12 Author Share Posted February 12 Found some pretty decent series 2 hub caps. Cleaned them up and Ceramic coated them. Had some NOS Centre Z caps ready to go onto them, just need to get some of the circlips to hold them in place. New on the left, old on the right. Never knew how metallic the centre red gel part is. Not bad for being over 50 years old, they're not in NOS condition, but definitely a solid 9/10 which will be fine for me. S30 World had promotion for Free shipping for their handbrake cables, couldn't resist that. Had some time over christmas to do a minor rust spot. LH Front sill area. I repaired the inner piece and cut the outter rusty piece out like a year ago and was just waiting for a time to do it. Still needing rear 1/4 panels before any major welding can take place. 240ZBUILTBYME and gav240z 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted March 8 Share Posted March 8 On 2/12/2023 at 2:30 PM, ND240Z said: Still needing rear 1/4 panels before any major welding can take place. is so the doors can be fitted properly? cant you fit outer rockers? are you ordering new quarters from KFVJDM? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted April 7 Author Share Posted April 7 On 3/9/2023 at 9:58 AM, 240ZBUILTBYME said: is so the doors can be fitted properly? cant you fit outer rockers? are you ordering new quarters from KFVJDM? It's basically like one big puzzle. Every piece needs one another to fit perfectly. I do believe the order of the welded parts from factory goes: Sill panels, Rear quarters, then roof skin last. But to make sure the sill panels are in the right position, the doors need to be in the right position... and to make sure they're correct, front guards need to be on etc. If all is done correctly and with care, all panels should line up nearly perfect. Had my roof skin carefully blasted, came up really nice. The blaster applied a translucent coating to stop rusting until it the car gets re-blasted in the future. The black dots on the skin are just excess of this liquid. Because the roof skin was very old, and sitting in a damp container for two decades - it had a small amount of pitting. I do believe hi-fill primer will sort this out though. Overall really happy with how it came back. After many months of going back and forward with the seller, i managed to buy some new old stock rear quarter panels. These will be such a nice addition to the build, and will match the NOS roof skin really well. They're currently in transit for another 2 months (sea freight). They're US spec, so will need to get rid of those rear market light holes. Cannot wait until they're here. Seems like the build is getting closer and closer now. gav240z, JDM-TOY, 240ZBUILTBYME and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted April 12 Share Posted April 12 On 4/7/2023 at 8:30 PM, ND240Z said: new old stock rear quarter panels. wow! unicorns! bet they cost a pretty penny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 8 Author Share Posted June 8 On 4/12/2023 at 2:50 PM, 240ZBUILTBYME said: wow! unicorns! bet they cost a pretty penny Had to trade some of my NOS parts + Cash his way. Got quiet frustrating at times because the seller wouldn't reply to messages for weeks at a time. But it's done now, and they're here. I couldn't be happier. They are US spec quarters, so the indicator hole needs to be filled in. The drivers side could be early 260z 2 seater - There is a few extra holes around the bumper area which will need to be filled in. Factory rust. This is the behind the 260z quarter where the extra bracing/holes are. I won't be using these brackets behind here anyways. I also picked up a pair of lightly used rear tail lamps. They're immaculate and could come off as New old stock. NOS Front headlight buckets/scoops Replacement centre console. Mine was snapped, picked up this very nice piece. Pool noodles done a great job protecting it during shipping lol Very happy about them! (clearly) I've got a pair of Resurrected classics front guards and hatch coming. I do need to still get a bonnet, there is a NOS piece available but the seller doesn't like responding to messages often! whats with that? Then the only thing left will be doors. I do have a pair of them now, but they need work (2 skins). I would much prefer to get a set of perfect second hand doors, or possibly some NOS pieces - but I don't think that will happen. Maybe I should just put skins on the frames I have already. Not sure. 240ZBUILTBYME 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.A.R. Posted June 8 Share Posted June 8 Congrats on getting all the NOS parts in Nick 9 hours ago, ND240Z said: I do need to still get a bonnet, there is a NOS piece available but the seller doesn't like responding to messages often! whats with that? That's because Les Collins bought it for #893 that we are doing the panel & paint on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 9 Author Share Posted June 9 13 hours ago, C.A.R. said: That's because Les Collins bought it for #893 that we are doing the panel & paint on Well that explains that then! With these parts comes a whole new batch of motivation. Removed these two parts that came on the R/H side quarter panel. And as always, bare metal on metal parts without any primer. No wonder why these cars died to quickly. I won't be using these parts. Message me if you need them. Once trimming was complete, I put the quarter on for a quick mock up.. and for the first time in what seems like along time - It now resembles a 240z again! (well, somewhat) JDM-TOY, AndBir, C.A.R. and 3 others 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted June 11 Share Posted June 11 starting to look like a car! how the heck do you find all these unicorns.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 11 Author Share Posted June 11 8 hours ago, 240ZBUILTBYME said: starting to look like a car! how the heck do you find all these unicorns.... The rarest parts that I've acquired for my Z were all found via WTB ad's on various Datsun 240z parts pages on Facebook - most times it fails. But sometimes you can get lucky. It is never cheap though. Awaiting Front guards and hatch. Resurrected classics rear bever panel lines up pretty good. gav240z and 240ZBUILTBYME 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 14 hours ago, ND240Z said: The rarest parts that I've acquired for my Z were all found via WTB ad's on various Datsun 240z parts pages on Facebook - most times it fails. But sometimes you can get lucky. It is never cheap though. looking really good! Ah seems my lifelong stubbornness to join Facebook does have a downside.... Yeah i don't want to see your bill for all the nos parts plus shipping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 13 Author Share Posted June 13 23 hours ago, 240ZBUILTBYME said: looking really good! Ah seems my lifelong stubbornness to join Facebook does have a downside.... Facebook is mostly crap - But it can be a useful tool for stuff like that. Resurrected classics front guards came in - Thanks Lachlan F for organising these. At a glace, they look pretty decent - especially for the price tag. There needs to be a little trimming around the edges, some holes to be drilled. But overall they seem to be a good replacement panel. The only semi-issue is that the tops of the guards have quiet a few ripples in them from pressing. Gaps look funky because nothing is bolted on or lined up. Going to now make a start on getting the front clip ready for blasting. C.A.R., 240ZBUILTBYME, gav240z and 1 other 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted June 13 Administrators Share Posted June 13 1 hour ago, ND240Z said: Facebook is mostly crap - But it can be a useful tool for stuff like that. Ughhh, I had quit Facebook a few years ago. But then was missing out on all the good parts from the US so re-joined for that and got suckered back in. Problem is Gumtree and eBay is now rarely used for parts. So gotta go where the rest of the people are going. C.A.R. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 18 Author Share Posted June 18 (edited) Got a start on preparing the front clip for sandblasting and repairing today - Drivers side was the start. Rough cut to get the old chassis rails off. Unearthing all the hidden surface rust - something to note, the Chassis rails seemed to be significantly heavier than the 240z versions. Possible heavier gauge? Only took about 2 hours to get the old chassis rail off as gently as I could. The KF vintage rail lined up perfectly with the existing engine crossmember bolt holes.. But something else seems to be happening. In this position, the new Chassis rails are hard up against the firewall (where they are supposed to be) The guard to door gap is not too bad, and the guard holes to front skirting panel area mounting points are nearly centred. Which indicates to me that the front clip/chassis rail is in the right position somewhat. (All panels are only mocked up at the moment, but bare with me) Now, i'm finding that there is a 10mm~ gap between the firewall and the surround skirting panel. This should be flush to the firewall like how the chassis rails are. I'm scratching my head over what could possible be wrong in this situation. If the chassis rail is too far backwards, and if it were modified to go forward for the skirting panel to be pushed back flush against the firewall, then the door to guard gap would not existing anymore. This gap also seems to be too big going off existing photos of non-crashed Z's. It's like the clip needs to move back 10mm, but the chassis rails and guard doesn't. Are the engine crossmember holes in the chassis rails in the wrong position? Do the door hinges need to be adjusted back? (Still unadjusted from factory) Quiet a strange one! Edited June 18 by ND240Z 240ZBUILTBYME 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted June 30 Author Share Posted June 30 Resurrected Classics rear hatch acquired. Thanks to Lachlan F for organising another group buy. Overall, not too bad. Has some ripples around the edges, and mine came with a dent on the back edge, but otherwise okay! Mounting bracket holes were not in the right places though. Who bumped the jig?! Is it time to apply these permanently yet? gav240z 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted July 12 Administrators Share Posted July 12 You can probably weld in, re drill the holes in that bracket. There is also some adjustment via the bottom nuts in that photo (left to right) etc.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted August 19 Author Share Posted August 19 (edited) Getting closer. Front clip pieces sandblasted. A little crusty on the edges/battery tray area, but overall not too bad at all. As many of you can relate, we all never have enough time. This year, between taking on more higher rolls at work/side business & home life, there just isn't enough hours in the day to get to work on the Z. I've been prioritising my time with my 1.5 y/o daughter more than anything which I have zero regrets about. Because of this, the Z will be going to a quite reputable workshop down near Melbourne on the 1st of Sept to be put together properly. Depending on how long the car is there, it may be painted as well if funds permit at the time. You don't need to take many guesses to know which shop it's going too. Super excited & Super nervous - hoping all the NOS and replacement panels make the job a little easier for them. I'm really looking forward to putting the car back together. I've still never driven or been in a finished Z before, for the final assembly/first drive will be special. Somewhere in a parallel universe... Edited August 19 by ND240Z 240ZBUILTBYME 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted September 2 Author Share Posted September 2 Wrapped up, heading to C.A.R. When the 9:30hr drive turns into 13 hours. Shout out to the tarp for disintegrating itself at 5am in the middle of nowhere. Had to head to bunnings and wait for them to open to get some plastic wrapping to keep it in one piece. 2 x Nice E-type mate! 1 x Is that a Porsche Carrera? (Took as compliment..?) Waze also decided to take us through some of the best driving roads i've ever been on - Would of been good in the S15/any other car but car trailer/ute!! The Z's best driving experience in over 3 decades lol. Arrived to C.A.R and up she goes. See you in a while, Z. C.A.R., 240ZBUILTBYME and OdinZ 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
240ZBUILTBYME Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 On 8/19/2023 at 8:32 PM, ND240Z said: As many of you can relate, we all never have enough time. This year, between taking on more higher rolls at work/side business & home life, there just isn't enough hours in the day to get to work on the Z. I've been prioritising my time with my 1.5 y/o daughter more than anything which I have zero regrets about. Cant relate at all mate... Its frustrating. more so for you as your skills are more than capable of getting the job done. Better to keep moving forward though. In good hands now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndBir Posted September 3 Share Posted September 3 19 hours ago, ND240Z said: Waze also decided to take us through some of the best driving roads Did you go via Canberra - Cooma - Cann River? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted September 4 Author Share Posted September 4 21 hours ago, 240ZBUILTBYME said: Cant relate at all mate... Its frustrating. more so for you as your skills are more than capable of getting the job done. Better to keep moving forward though. In good hands now I just don't have the time/connections/tools/experience to do what was needed to be done to the Z anymore. I'm sure the boys will do a better job that I could've ever done on it. Pretty keen to put it together though! 19 hours ago, AndBir said: Did you go via Canberra - Cooma - Cann River? Honestly I cant remember. Hume hwy until about 3 hours out of Melbourne, then backroads to get to C.A.R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C.A.R. Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 23 hours ago, AndBir said: Did you go via Canberra - Cooma - Cann River? Alexandria - Black spur - Healsville - Cockatoo, apparently! Someone should have read a map before they left! Hume, then the Monash would have been far easier... ND240Z, OdinZ and gav240z 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lightmaster240z Posted September 4 Share Posted September 4 That the right way to the Bat cave? not Via the Monash Car park. ND240Z 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ND240Z Posted September 4 Author Share Posted September 4 6 hours ago, C.A.R. said: Alexandria - Black spur - Healsville - Cockatoo, apparently! Someone should have read a map before they left!. Did not see one Cockatoo when driving through Cockatoo - I want my money back! Also whats with that suburb 'Yea'? lol In my defence, my guide was sleeping most of the time & I was too busy looking in the rear view to make sure the front of the car didn't check out. OdinZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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