1971 Datsun 240Z - Restoration

[KiddysClassics]

Compared to most other vehicles that come in, media blasting this 240Z was relatively quick and easy due to the lack of rust. We did find some areas of mild concern that we will be repairing.

 

 

Edited March 13, 2015 by KiddysClassics

[KiddysClassics]

These openings in the firewall were originally made to allow the HVAC lines to be run inside the vehicle. Because the owner no longer tends to use them, we fabricated patch pieces and welded them in.

 

 

[KiddysClassics]

Upon inspection of the rear valance, we noticed that the panel was being pushed up between the spot welds - which usually indicates that there is rust beneath the surface. After carefully removing the rusted panel, it was media blasted, repaired and re-installed.

 

 

[Diseazd]

So nice to see a Z restored "the right way". I hope your painter is as good as your body work!

[HuD 91gt]

Beautiful work!  Man is that thing clean.   

My Z is fairly rust free, but I think I have more rust showing then that one stripped!

Edited March 18, 2015 by HuD 91gt

[Patcon]

How did you treat the bare metal between the panels? Are you TIGing or MIGing?

Charles

[KiddysClassics]

How did you treat the bare metal between the panels? Are you TIGing or MIGing?

Charles

 

Every panel prior to reassembly is first media blasted clean, if the panel is going to be welded those areas that will be affected by heat are coated in a weldable primer.  If the area is not going to be welded and/or will not be affected by the heat of the welder, such as the inside section of the new frame rails below the flange. (we will post pictures of those later after they are finished with them) Then those areas are coated with epoxy.

 

As for our welding methods about 90% of the work we do in the shop is TIG welded.  If I can get the back side of the panel to hammer and dollie my weld seam I will always without question reach for the TIG. 

[KiddysClassics]

While inspecting the vehicle, we noticed a large rust hole under the cowl. We scraped away the seam sealer and revealed a significant amount of damage compared to the rest of the vehicle. We removed the HVAC duct and repaired it and the surrounding area.

 

 

[rossiz]

thanks for posting these great pics - i'm watching and learning

[KiddysClassics]

The rear wheel well on the passenger's side was badly rusted. We cut away the damaged area and fabricated patch panels to replace it. Currently, we're working on ensuring the contours match the factory look.

[Red7]

What a fabulous job you're doing here, keep the pics coming!

[Patcon]

Thanks for the info. I thought it looked like TIG. I have a MIG rig and have never tried TIG. Working in the front cowl area is no fun but the worked turned out well. Did you consider using the Tabco patch panels for the wheel arch and dogleg instead of fabricating from scratch? They are pretty close...

Charles