Advice on putting a Z back together

[hatepotholez]

Hello everyone.

I am putting together a 72 Z I bought disassembled. The PO had the car sandblasted, and then topped off with 1 coat of paint. Eveyrthing is in pieces except that it's a roller, doors and brake, and fuel lines. I wanted to start with putting the body back together but my friend suggested to get it running first which makes sense. Below is the steps I will take to bring the z back to life.

-Start off with installing the fuel tank, and all accompanying hoses and vapor canister.

-radiator and components.

-install new seals on the engine.

-check engine main bearings(PO had engine rebuilt a few years back and never ran)

-new clutch and hardware

-new seals on trans

-install engine and trans into car.

-steering column(looks like I need to install the dash first)?

This project looks overwhelming and no end in sight!!

[jfa.series1]

Welcome to the group. These cars are super simple to re-assemble if you take your time and go after it with a plan. Among the many on this forum who have done this very thing, here are a few thoughts. Are you completely satisfied with the paint, body status (any rusted panels, ...etc.)? If not, get that attended to first. Then look to the suspension - bushings, shocks, springs, brakes, half-shaft u-joints, bearings, ...etc. You can completely drop and reinstall the front suspension as a unit while the engine is out. When all is in order, you will have a really good roller. Then get the fuel tank and hoses back in.

Next up, check out the wiring while everything is accessible - especially the engine bay harness. Get your rebuilt or new clutch and brake masters installed and all the small items around the engine bay. Get new grommets for everything coming thru the firewall. While the dash is out, make sure everything is in good shape with the heater, water **** valve, and hoses. Get the dash back in and electricals hooked up, then the steering. Offline you can be working on the engine, clutch and tranny situation - they will be the last items installed and go back in as a unit. The radiator goes in after the engine.

This is a highly simplified sequence of reassembly but hopefully enough to give you a bit of an idea on where to get started. Keep us updated on your progress, pictures are always welcomed. Everyone will be glad to chime in along the way to help you stay on a good path.

Good luck,

Jim

[Oiluj]

Jim's advice is 100%. One other piece of advice; don't try to do it all at once. Attack the project in small sub-assemblies where you can "see progress". Keeps it from from becoming over-whelming.

Have fun and good luck with your project!

[Zed Head]

You can start the engine on a stand, or the ground pretty easily, especially with a carb'ed engine. Hoses to a gas can, the fuel pump which is probably in a box, a battery, and some wires. Might be easier than installing the engine only to find out it needs to be removed. Plus it leaves you room to work until the engine has to go in. You only need to attach the transmission for the starter, no clutch parts are needed.

I have my spare engine with a transmission attached sitting on one of those 1000 lb Harbor Freight dollys. I had to reinforce the center boards because the sag screwed up the casters but it's been on there for a year or two. I've had it running with a spare EFI harness and spare radiator.

[siteunseen]

I've got a camera and two '72s. I'd be more than happy to take some reference pictures if you need something.

[SteveJ]

Reference the factory service manual (FSM) a lot.

Also, consider buying this book: How to Restore Your Datsun Z-Car: Wick Humble: 9781931128025: Amazon.com: Books

[hatepotholez]

Thanks guys for the great advice and help. I do have the FSM and Mr. Wimbles book. The books are great unfortunately I am not sure Mr. Wimble references how to restore the bolts. I might get a tumbler and then send it off to get zinc coated. I prefer originality or as close to OEM spec as possible.