71 restoration

[NCLarry]

Where are you located in Jersey? I'm up north a bit, along Rt 80/287 (or MapQuest to Towaco, NJ) and also have a 71 I've gotten back into.

Of interest to me is the alarm siren you show show in the picture of the engine (gold looking piece). I have one of those in my 77 (took me a bit to figure what the heck it was) but I haven't a clue if it works.

If you ever head north, I'm a bit further along than you... (see my gallery) but would welcome visits for reference (if needed).

Larry

[71datsunZ]

Im in central NJ. Is there anything special with that siren? On my framerails that is all surface rust. Hopefully when its blasted everything wont be too bad. You can see where I sanded some of the rust down where its shiney. How much does blasting cost? And how serious does the rust look on my battery tray. Underneath there is rust but I think it looks worse because of rust flakes that fell down there.

[daveinc]

Hi Chris, first of all good luck and have fun. I am exactly where you are now except my Z is a bit older, (as am I).

You're age is no big deal, when I was 16, I saved up $600 cash and bought my first car (a Mini) and redid it in the driveway with basic hand tools. Later, my HS wood shop teacher would let me drive right in the shop on weekends (good thing the car was small, it fit thru a standard double door.) He taught me basic arc welding and turned me loose. I learned how to wrench and paint by reading and trail & error. It certainly wasn't a show car, but man I had the time of my life. Thirty years later, I still remember the thrills and hope to do the same with my $500 Z.

Remember to enjoy the trip. And you have come to the right place for information and encouragement. These folks are great.

p.s. Working as an audio guy, you may get some things done by trading services.

p.p.s. Don't paint your car in a woodworking shop! :-)

[SJGREEN71]

'71 Datsun Z. I have been told that the most important thing in looking for a Z to restore is look for one with minimal rust (they all have some). If you find one with a body beyond repair, but great mechanicals, and you have the room, you might want to pick it up as a parts car. If a stranger offered you a '71 Z with this amount of rust, and in need of major mechanical repairs, and offered it for free, would you take him up on the offer? If not, all sentimentality aside, you should invest your money in a Z that will not require much money to restore.

[mriz]

It's great to see your intrest in restoring your dads car.You will get some suprises along the way but don't give up. To bring costs down I would buy a small mig welder for around $600 and the patch panels ,don't forget the dog legs when you get the rockers. Buy some 22ga sheet metal for practice and have at it. It will take awhile but the body work is where you will save in most of your labor(variable) costs as opposed to the parts which have fixed prices. I could not have restored my 1977Z without doing the same(check gallery). Many mistakes and weld burn throughs,re-do's but it's mine. I used all metal as filler not bondo.More $ but it's not supposed to absorb moisture.

[71datsunZ]

For sjgreen, I believe that this z is in great shape. Putting some rust aside i dont think its too bad. I have seen much worse that people have restored. Also, mechanically my car is good. I have to do the usual replacement on parts that dry out. I have had it running and it seemed strong. The person who had the carbs sent out and fixed my valves and etc, had the car running for half an hour with no problems. And yes, I would accept a Z for free in that shape. Not only was it my dads, but I have always wanted a sports car and this is something that will hopefully fulfill my dreams. For mriz, what brand welder would you suggest. I always thought it would be cool to be able to weld. Is it hard to do? Thanks for all your opinions and suggestions! Please keep them coming.

[daveinc]

Have you checked out Bubbleguinea's Z? Nice work by a guy your age. Best, David

[mriz]

I bought a lincon using shielding gas which can weld up to 3/16 metal . Go to a welding supply store and tell them what your needs are. Auto body supply stores carry 22ga. sheet metal to practice with. It does take patience but you will get the hang of it after awhile. You can even rent one for a day to try it out if not sure. This was my first experience with welding but you can be sure there are others on this site who know what they are doing and can answer specific ? if you have them.

[dogma420]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news but....your Z has as much rust as any of the rusty old zeds i've ever seen. It isn't the end of the world, you are just in the same boat as all of us...i bet if the tar was taken off of your floor pans you'd see a lot more too....looks like your foot rest pedal is all rusty as well...having to replace the passenger side floor pan on my rig looks lucky compared to that rail problem you got.

But it is all repairable with time....but if you have someone do it, you are talking a LOT of $$$....i would do it myself and learn! (do like all of us and get a daily driver!)

[71datsunZ]

What do you mean by my rail problem? I know my rockers are rusted out but my rails seem ok other than surface rust where you can see I sanded down.

[dogma420]

your right, that might be your rocker...just that one picture, heh...looks like the grand canyon...if its a rocker its a lot easier

[chickenwafer]

like anything else, welding is difficult. Especially if you're doing it on a car that you will be driving, where if one of your welds fails it can potentially cause a disaster. They have certified welders for a reason- it isn't something than anyone can do.

Not to discourage you. And I know about the sedimental vaule- I own my dad's car he bought new. I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have been with the car ever since I was a little tike and I couldn't bring myself to part her out or sell her. She's part of the family.

My advice- that your time. You don't have to get everything done at once. Be methodical and plan your way through. Don't just dive in or you'll get lost, dazed, confused, broke, and with a car in pieces in your garage and no money to put her back together. And sense you are planning on contracting out work, be sure you have the money to pay the people afterwards or they can keep the car/parts. Just don't get ahead of yourself, this is a big undertaking.

Dave