Datsun 240Z Barn find Restoration! cont.

[Arne]

Yes, that is bad!

[mattbibbey]

I've been working on the premis that nothing is unfixable!

[Arne]

I'd agree. It can be fixed, with time, effort and new metal. Not many of us on the West coast of the USA would attempt to repair a car that far gone, there are still too many available that are better. But in other parts of the world, such as you in the UK or people in the USA rust belt, there may not be anything better available.

[mattbibbey]

yeah, fair one. I've just bought a mig welder so I should be able to do some of the welding jobs but i'll get help with the really structural stuff like this.

Thanks for your comment, I love it when people say that it can be repaired!

[Montezuma]

Its bad but is not unfixable, cut it out and weld in new. Nothing on these cars is unfixable. Did you get your seat situation fixed? If not get new covers and new seat foam. A reliable source is www.classicdatsun.com he can also get you new diamond material and his door panel skins are awesome.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mattbibbey/3913385806/" title="Oh dear, I think this is bad. by matt bibbey, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2555/3913385806_17ea043583.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Oh dear, I think this is bad." /></a>

[mattbibbey]

Thanks for the heads up!

I have to agree with HS30 H- Alan, when he says that there are far more pressing issues that need my attention at the moment! It's a shame because the things that need fixing first aren't the ones that look the best haha.

Oh well, i'm going to start practising with my mig welder next week, i have a spare full bottle and reel which i'm sure i won't need.

There's a bit of metal directly above what i've taken this picture of, it's at the top of the wheel arch, it's totally rusted away. Does anyone know what i'm talking about?

Also, does anyone have a diagram or picture showing the datsun 240Z chassis with everything else removed? I'd love to see it!

Cheers guys

[jr260z]

Does this help?

[mattbibbey]

Does this help?

Yes it does thanks. What's the bit above the front wheel arch? On my datsun, it's rusted to hell! Is it structural?

[HS30-H]

What's the bit above the front wheel arch? On my datsun, it's rusted to hell! Is it structural?

Matt,

I think you're referring to what Nissan called the "Hood Ledge Reinforcements", and what have come to be known colloquially as the 'Air Tubes'.

Reason they are called 'Air Tubes' is because they have a secondary function of ducting fresh air from the front of the car ( inlets are in the radiator core support, and plastic tubes connect them to these 'air tubes' inside the engine bay ) to the outlets under the dash, where they are turned on and off by pull/push knobs located either side. Take a look under the dash on the extreme left and right, and you will see the ducts, flaps, cables and knobs.

However, the primary function of the 'air tubes' is to act as a front upper body structural member. So yes, they are structural, and very important. Road muck thrown up by the front wheels builds up on the top ledge of the air tubes, and eventually rots through them. If they are badly corroded on your car, then it can be a BIG job to repair / replace them. NOS panels can sometimes be found, but they are expensive and fairly complex to attach properly. Big structural repairs of the air tubes, front crossmember / rad support and front chassis rails really ought to be done on a jig.

Here are some pics to illustrate the shape of the parts:

[mattbibbey]

Arrrrgh! Yes, that is exactly what i was talking about! Bad times for me ahead then. From what i can feel with my hand up in the arch, they're both totally knackered.

Why is my Z fighting me so much?

However, some good news, the clutch has bizarrely unsiezed itself. Does that sound surprising?

Also, as recomended, i have bought a copy of " how to restore your datsun z car" by Wick Humble.

Thanks again!

[ChrisZ]

Matt, i did point out this thread for you Rust free cars for sale in UK i think it is time for you to contact PMAC from zclub.net and ask what he have, maybe you should consider to get a rust free US shell.

Chris

[mattbibbey]

Yeah i did look when you first suggested but now i kind of like that when mine is finished, i'll be getting towards expert and will be able to do any job the car requires! Haha. But jokes aside, i am kind of enjoying it at the moment and it will be nice to know i did it all (with a little help from my friends at the classic z car club!!).

I think i've discovered the worst of the rot now, it's all up front, the rear doesn't look half as bad from what i can see so far. Most of the bolt i'm trying to remove are VERY WELL SIEZED on but they're coming off slowly.

My biggest problem is going to be sourcing parts. I recently bought something from the states and got hammered by revenue and customs. I realy need to find a Z suplier in the European Union to avoid the taxes. ANY IDEAS?

Cheers again guys

Matt