Refresh Part 2, 1971 Z with L26

[motorman7]

I enjoyed the engine bay refresh on my 70 Z so much that I have decided to do it again, only this time on my newly acquired 71Z with the L26 motor. Seeing as how the motor is not original, I will not be as careful about sticking to the originality of the motor and engine bay detail. I would like to keep it somewhat close however.

The two glaring things I want to fix here is the block color:sick: and 'Silver Overspray'. Actually, we're not talkin' silver overspray, we're talkin' silver spray paint gone wild. I will clean up the block and paint it the nissan blue, clean all of the aluminum to its original non-silver condition, and clean or replace the silver grommets.

I ran a compression check and the cylinders ranged from 190 to 205 psi.:classic: Also, no leaks from the head gasket so I will just re-check torque on the head bolts. I will then clean, tape and paint the block with the head in place. I will do the same with the oil pan. After that, I will attack the engine bay. That will require the most work. Here are some pics at the start of the project.

Edited August 22, 2009 by motorman7

[motorman7]

I got the block cleaned up and now need to attack the engine bay as you can see in the background. This is really a challenge. I have been using steel wool and laquer thinner for most of the clean. The plan here is to keep this low budget as this is not truly an original car. After engine bay clean-up, I will tape off the exposed parts and paint the engine bay with the 901 silver paint. I plan to eventually do some of the body work and repaint the exterior in the next year of two. That is about the extent of what I plan to do on this car

[g9m3c]

Looking good! I know your work, so I also know there's some good stuff to come! Good luck!

[motorman7]

Got the engine bay cleaned and painted. The taping took forever. Probably would have been faster to have stripped everything. Now that this is done, I can start assembling. That's the fun part. It's not perfect but it only cost $60, so I think it's a good return on investment. The satisfaction of the bay looking nice is worth more than $60.

[=Enigma=]

man you really make quick work of this job. When you're done with this one and looking for the next, I have one here waiting for you...

[motorman7]

man you really make quick work of this job. When you're done with this one and looking for the next, I have one here waiting for you...

The problem is that I might take you up on that. I enjoy this far more than is normal. Probably need a vacation or something.

[motorman7]

Started putting some parts back on. Also got the elec harness cleaned up and re-wrapped. Cleaned and routed the fuel lines. They should look nice when I get the newly zinced clamp tabs from CDM. I also put on a new engine bay light that I got from Banzai motorworks. Was on sale for $25; such a deal.

Now waiting on the engine bolt kit from Eiji at Datsunspirit.com. Seems half the bolts on this L26 engine were either bent, missing or from Home Depot.

[Montezuma]

Home Depot, what could be wrong with that? Ok, I was kidding. How nice is the kit from Eiji? Another great looking project.

[motorman7]

Home Depot, what could be wrong with that? Ok, I was kidding. How nice is the kit from Eiji? Another great looking project.

Hi David,

Have not received the bolt kit yet, but will let you know when I get it. Guy (Diseazd) says it is great and his pics look super. I didn't really want to put that much money into it, but I was not happy with the bolts at all. Every manifold bolt was bent and I think only two were the original parts, maybe. I do not think that the HD bolts are of the same quality.

On my 70, I just had the bolts re-zinced. They were all in good shape, so no need for new ones.

I have a long weekend coming up, so hope to have it up and running by then. I need to drive:classic: . It is really a fun car.

[five&dime]

Eiji's bolt kit is great!!! I believe he gets them all from Japan. 95% were cad plated in my kit and most of the bolts had the Nissan numbers stamped in (4's & 7's). And the prices are killer as well. About 1000% cheaper than going through Reddat!!!

Your cars are great!!! You and my dad seem to have the same taste in colors. All you need now is a white and lime Z and you will be twins on opposite coasts

[motorman7]

Your cars are great!!! You and my dad seem to have the same taste in colors. All you need now is a white and lime Z and you will be twins on opposite coasts

Unfortunately I am running out or garage space Don't think my wife would be too happy if I kicked her car out of the third space. I do love the White color. Was hoping to get white or silver when the silver came up. It will be a while before I finish with that one. With both kids in college now my hobby funds have been reduced.

Funny, now that I am about done with the gold Z, I was thinking of storing it in my folks barn (It's a NICE barn) to make space for another. However, I enjoy looking at it so much every morning that I don't see it going anywhere.

Rich

[Montezuma]

Where to get an early model white Z :-0? I think I am going to get me one of the kits from Eiji. I love doing business with him, real nice guy. After this thread I am now inspired to finally do my engine bay on my 73. I got tons of brand new parts too. I have been collecting them. Rich, you remember how was all over that guy with the truck load of parts at the last meeting...I made a killing.