The Way Back Machine- 1972 240z - 113 Froggy Green

[git]

Thank you. I wish that I could lay claim to the garage, but that belongs to Classic Cars of Houston. My home garage is a much more "intimate" space. Here are a few pics from the engine tear down and rebuild. When i purchased the car it only had 52,000 miles on it and so the engine just needed a little re-honing, repainting and refreshing. New rings, bearings, seals etc., plus a good old fashioned valve job.

[Hardway]

Great work Git! Taking one of these cars down to bare metal is definitely the way to go to do it right. So happy to see you returning the girl to 100% stock. She is already beautiful just based on the pics you have posted. She will be stunning when you finish it. Keep up the good work!

[git]

Thank you. I've been inspired and enjoyed following your rebuild, as well. You have done a great job and I plan on using your notes to help me when I recover my seats.

Here are a few more pics of the interior and the exterior before I started the restoration. Check out the headliner and the shifter boot.

[Virto]

The more I see of the interior, the more I love that car. I do have a soft spot for the tan interior, but to see it done custom aftermarket like that is just cool.

[git]

Yes, it really was very cool. The guy that owned it lives in Everett, Washington and it was his baby. It was like I was buying his favorite child and I'm thankful that he sold it to me. Hopefully I can preserve it and enjoy it with my kids and then pass it on to someone else in 40 years.

[jonathanrussell]

Your car is looking fantastic. Would you mind sharing details of your engine refresh? Original pistons? What brands did you choose for rings, bearings, gaskets, etc? Did you leave the camshaft as is or regrind?

Also, are you painting or powder coating the black suspension pieces? If paint, what are you using?

Thanks.

[git]

Thank you very much. I'm happy to share any and all info. Yes, the pistons are the original ones and just needed a good cleaning from the machine shop. I had the block mangafluxed, rehoned the cylinders, gave it a thorough cleaning and then repainted with the original Datsun blue. I replaced the rings with Hastings moly rings. The engine nuts, bolts, bearings and gaskets are OEM (had to use a few non-OEM gaskets). I didn't have to grind the cam or crank (polished only) as they were in really good shape according to the machine shop. The suspension parts are all being sandblasted and painted at the shop that painted the car. I don't remember the brand of paint, but it is a durable low-gloss black with a coat of clear for a little more protection. I wasn't planning on replating all of the nuts and bolts, but this restoration thing is a slippery slope and I am doing a lot more than I had originally planned to do. I also had the carbs and intakes rebuilt by the magicians at Z-Therapy. Also sent the original exhaust manifold off to Jet Hot for cleaning and coating. Here are a few more pics.

[jonathanrussell]

Great information. Thanks for sharing. Who are you using for the zinc / yellow chromate plating? Also, what did you use to paint the valve cover and timing cover?

Again, thanks...

Edited August 17, 2013 by jonathanrussell

[git]

I am using Zeddsaver to replate and I has the valve and timing cover ceramic coated.

[Carl Beck]

Hi git:

Great project ! Some more questions...

Did you strip the undercarriage as well?

What are you doing to fight the rust issues inside the panels? {doors, rockers,dog legs, inside the front fenders etc}.

Are you keeping close track of the total costs? {aka the slippery slope that many of us have found ourselves on - }

Keep the pictures coming -

FWIW,

Carl B.

[jonathanrussell]

Sorry for all of the questions. We are approaching things in similar ways. I used Jet Hot for my exhaust manifold also. I think I will do as you did for valve cover and timing cover. Did you coat gasket surfaces? What about surfaces exposed to the internal engine- under side of valve cover, underside of timing cover, water pump area of timing cover?

[ollie]

OP I sent you a PM for my experience with plating...also I powder coated my timing, valve and all suspension pieces (less strut tubes) and I am very pleased with the result. There is a thread out there with the results...and now that I finally sorted out whatever was clogging up my float bowl valves my car is running awesome. OP your car is going to be amazing!