PeterAllen

Tim - a couple of suggestions: Try using this stuff to prep the rails - I've had no trouble welding through it. Think I got it from Supercheap. http://www.knockout-rust.com.au/ Also, you might want to consider carefully drilling only two of those screw holes in the ends of the rails and then running a string-line (or the like) between the two screw threads inside the cabin. You could then drill a series of say 5mm holes along the line. By holding the rail up against the floor with a jack you could then weld the rail to the floor at the hole points, all from inside the cabin! Of course if you prefer the masochistic pain of molten metal running down inside your sleeves and splitting your head open as you react to the pain, by all means proceed to use an overhead welding technique.

I worked for some period of time in road safety research with Dr Michael Henderson and have a technical interest in this tragic event. I have picked up comments throughout the season from Daryl Beattie about the increasing number of crashes in MotoGP and the injuries to riders. He is of the opinion that crash dynamic have altered due to the traction control technology on the bikes, whereas in the past once the bike lost traction in merely continued off at a tangent to the corner, today they can regain traction once the initial limit has been overstepped. Unfortunately the rider has usually been partially dislodged in the initial phase and is not in a position to regain full control. That makes a lot of sense when you see how the bike, and Marco clinging to it, came back across the track. All very sad.

You might be interested in this; http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/topic/62367-anyone-heard-from-ross-modern-motorsports-lately/page__st__180

Wally Because I'm using Jag/Smiths instruments I bought these interface modules. http://www.jaguarspecialties.com/wiring-aids.asp They are apparently specific to Jag/Smiths but reference is made to generic modules by other suppliers. With LSx motors becoming something of the engine of choice in a whole range of conversions you might want to search for a product which will allow you to use the Datsun speedo/tach gauges.

Tim - If it ain't broke don't fix it. You might want to reconsider this issue. It is very very easy to beat out the floor pan with a piece of 4"x2" (held by hand underneath) and a hammer - even all the recesses. The new floor pan can sometimes be difficult to weld to the existing 40 year old metal and its a fiddly and time consuming job with seat mounts involved. I would suggest you try this technique first and see how it goes - you've got nothing to lose. Remember to old rule of a hundred little taps are better than one heavy whack. If the floor and rail are bowed up just lay a longer piece of 4"'x2" and give it a whack and you will straighten out the rail at the same time. You can then leave the existing rail in place and simply lay the new longer rail over it.

I have driven in many parts of the world and while it was all a long time ago now I think the strategy regarding a make/model of car I used is still relevant. Buy a 'world car'. In my case they were always a VW Kombi simply because parts were available everywhere. I met so many people who where stuck in some remote place, sometimes for weeks, waiting for a wheel bearing or rotor button to arrive for their particular car/van. These days it's probably a Toyota I would choose, and a Hilux at that. One more bit of advice - DO IT. The memories and some of the friends you make will last a lifetime.

With so many changes to these cars through their production run I think it wise to check on your own car. It's some time ago now but I'm fairly sure I just measured off the original rails for the width and just made up cardboard templates for the front and rear section - buy yourself a slab of XXXX and you should have enough template material. Very important that you have the rear sway bar fitted when you are making the rear templates (you will need one for each side) or you will end up with version 1 and version 2 - trust me, I know this!

A few more photos

Tim - I had my full-length rails made up by a local sheet-metal place for $50. They are thicker gauge and deeper (30mm) than standard. I had them made in sections and welded them together insitu - it was much easier. As you may be aware with the LS1/t56 I included inserts in the rails to accommodate the t56 gearbox mount. In hindsight, at someone's suggestion, I'm now sorry I didn't also include this mod at the rear so that I could install another cross-brace (the gearbox mount being the other). I plan to do that next time it is on the rotisserie and knowing the tailshaft position.

John - If I've got this right, you propose fitting a new fuel tank where the spare tyre well is at present. If you are removing the original tank wouldn't you be able to lower the new tank approx 100mm and have it sit at the same ground clearance as the original tank. That would allow you to recreate a new tyre well around 100mm deep and go a fair way to maximising your overall boot space. This is assuming you don't wish to run dual exhaust.

Brought to my attention on the Cobra web site: Check out this Ebay ad for a very nice Mustang in the States. Marvel at the seller's ability to create a short and concise description of the car...!!! http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/170699785561?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661#ht_24704wt_1141&clk_rvr_id=267110662285

I had thought along similar lines with pressure can of Fill-e-leak (sp?) or the like but someone told me that it was disastrous for wheels as it set like concrete and attached like nothing else. You could possibly clip it off steel wheels but was near impossible to remove from alloy wheels without damaging them. No first hand experience, just passing on what I've heard. I don't see those products advertised anywhere these days!

Congratulations on both your achievements... Daniel Ricciardo watch out. With your academic success have you considered studying one of the postgraduate Motorsport courses offered in the UK. Here are some interesting discussions: http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=129997 http://forums.autosport.com/index.php?showtopic=153902

Tim - While the fibreglass door are replicas on standard 240Z door I've chopped 100mm out of the their height and the outer skin profile I'm creating is different to standard. At the moment I have no reference points other than the spot welded seam around the door opening.

I trying to fit modified fibreglass doors but I have no trim or weatherstips as yet. I wonder if someone can give me a measurement the inner door surface should be from the seam around the door opening (see photo). The measurement near the latch would be great. Thanks.

John - From what I've been advised that is in complete contravention of the regulations. Good luck to you if you get it but I would strongly suggest that your engineer gets that in writing, if he/she has not already done so, so there will be no tears later, i.e. that particular VicRoads officer is no longer in that area of responsibility.

A few years ago I was a ground zero and I was able to wipe ashes from the crevices in the surfaces of buildings around the site. The ash reminded me of the fact that more people have die as a result of blue asbestos mining at Wittenoom than die in 9/11. Those morally bankrupt corporate bastards at James Hardie are, to my mind, on a par with al Qaeda. It’s shameful that our media and legal system don’t give equal exposure and response to this issue.

A facetious person might ask... "What is your name and what do you just love before noon?"

http://www.4moores.com/280z/files/ http://forums.hybridz.org/index.php/forum/74-gen-iii-iv-chevy-v8z-tech-board/

Small world... I took a few photos of Tony at Laguna Seca a few days ago and I have been emailing him a few copies. They are ex-pat Kiwis.

I'm partial to a bit of S&M, but no, I don't get paid for it. A few more snaps

I had a fairly uncomfortable time at Pebble Beach. It was okay to start with but once news got out that I was there all the 'A-listers' wanted their photo taken with me!

A couple more

I was at Pebble Beach and Laguna Seca last weekend. Here are a few snaps of 'Knee-san' 'Zee cars' taken at 'Mars-da' Raceway.

Sorry I can't make it, I'll be at Pebble Beach! I thought there would have been something for the 50th anniversary of the E-Type?