My Datsun 280Z "Rustoration"

[HaZmatt]

I finished installing my BC coilovers today. It took 3 days approx 16 hours to complete. I am super happy with the way the car sits now, plus I have a lot of adjustability in ride height, dampening, and camber. I took it out for a test drive and they ride pretty nice. A little more harsh than the Eibach springs but definitely more sporty. I feel like with the Eibachs it felt like it swayed a lot more, but these are firm. Even with the dampening set on 5 out of 20. I might turn the dampening all the way down and see if that helps. But overall I am extremely happy.

 

 

 

 

Dis assembly

 

 

Factory strut housing cut. No turning back now

 

 

Prepped for welding

 

 

This was the first strut housing I welded. It didnt turn out great but I am confident in the welds. As a matter of fact these could've just been tack welded in place because they fit so nice and snug onto the housing.

 

 

A quick coat of paint to match the existing powder coating

 

 

Reassembled and installed. One down three to go!

 

 

 

 

[HaZmatt]

While I was in there I needed to replace my rear diff seals. I initially installed the Black Dragon seals and they were garbage. They started leaking within a week. So I purchased some OEM seals

 

 

Heres the Black Dragon one on the left and the OEM ones on the right

 

 

Did the other drivers side rear next (Charlie wanted to help)

 

 

This weld turned out much better I think

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[HaZmatt]

 

Now for the fronts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 17, 2015 by HaZmatt

[Colbino]

WHAT! No shots of how the car sits now?

[HaZmatt]

So heres how it sat before

 

 

And the "after" pictures

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looks so much better in my opinion, gives the car a little more "attitude" 

 

I will take some better pictures soon

Edited May 17, 2015 by HaZmatt

[Z fan]

^^^ nice stance, not a fan of 4x4 look on a Z.

[Patcon]

Matt,

What welder are you using? Did you build the exhaust yourself or did someone else weld it up?

[HaZmatt]

I had a local hot rod shop do the exhaust for me, everything was TIG welded. 

[rcb280z]

Yeah, perfect stance. Love it!

[EuroDat]

Looks great. Love the lowered look on a Zed. Now for some action photos or a video.

I would like to drop mine some more, but the speed bumps (traffic calming devices) would reek havoc on the undercarriage and exhaust system. It scapes now and then atm.

Did the welder use short stitch welding to prevent heat getting into the rear bearings. I remember you mentioned you didn't want to remove them if possable. Im on small tablet and can't see much detail on the photo.

Great work. Job well done. Hats off to you

[Pop's Z]

Matt, Looks great! Not to be Debbie downer, but that exhaust pipe looks pretty close to the ground. You will scrape it...been there, done that...no t-shirt.

 

Cheers, Mike

[HaZmatt]

Looks great. Love the lowered look on a Zed. Now for some action photos or a video.

I would like to drop mine some more, but the speed bumps (traffic calming devices) would reek havoc on the undercarriage and exhaust system. It scapes now and then atm.

Did the welder use short stitch welding to prevent heat getting into the rear bearings. I remember you mentioned you didn't want to remove them if possable. Im on small tablet and can't see much detail on the photo.

Great work. Job well done. Hats off to you

 

Thanks, yeah I was sure to only do about 1 inch long welds at a time. Allowing it to cool before welding again. The hubs never got that hot.