1971 Datsun 240Z - Restoration

KiddysClassics · April 2, 2015

With any patch panel, we look at how much time it takes to make a patch panel vs. how much it costs to buy one - many times, the aftermarket patch panels require a lot of work to make them fit to the body of the car - often taking close to the same amount of time it would have taken to fabricate a completely new one. If we see that the cost of the panel is close to the cost of the labor to create one ourselves, we often go with fabrication over purchase.

However, if buying an aftermarket panel is obviously cheaper due to the complexity, we will always head in that direction or try to find a donor

Red7 · April 12, 2015

What a great thread, keep those pics coming along!

KiddysClassics · May 11, 2015

Although these frame rails were not in horrible shape, the owner of the car has decided to replace the original rails with thicker aftermarket rails to make the body stiffer to support the additional horsepower the car will have once complete. Our job was to make the new frame rails replicate the original to maintain the overall stock look the customer wants to keep.

Patcon · May 12, 2015

Did you use "Bad Dog" rails?

KiddysClassics · May 13, 2015

Did you use "Bad Dog" rails?

Yes, they are "Bad Dog". The customer brought them in to have them custom fit to the vehicle.

Patcon · May 13, 2015

I have heard good things about their rails

KiddysClassics · May 14, 2015

I have heard good things about their rails

The rails are nice. Although don't reference the photos above as how they will come to you. We added to them to make them look more like the original. We also added plates to the rear frame rail to help reinforce where the frame rail ties into the rear frame cross section.

As you can see from the photos below, extensive modifications were done to ensure that the rails properly fit the vehicle.

Edited May 14, 2015 by KiddysClassics

Patcon · May 15, 2015

Looks good. Like the mods on the rails

240Ziggy · May 15, 2015

You do such a beautiful job! The welding is amazing, so fortunate to see a pro doing it as an inspiration and thanks for sharing. I now will look into learn how to tig weld one day...

Edited May 15, 2015 by 240Ziggy

KiddysClassics · May 15, 2015

You do such a beautiful job! The welding is amazing, so fortunate to see a pro doing it as an inspiration and thanks for sharing. I now will look into learn how to tig weld one day...

Thank you for watching! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Edited May 15, 2015 by KiddysClassics