Life is hard for a first-time fabricator. It's fun though. I need some better tools, but I'm getting by. Watch the full playlist: • Datsun Z Frame-Up Rest...
You're doing a great job for your first time on this car. Just a word of advice and of course feel free to do your own research but be careful if you plan to weld those pieces of metal ontop of the existing metal. In my experience it's a bad thing to do because moisture get in between the panels and creates rust and your back to where you started. You'll want to cut out whatever metal you plan on replacing and put the new metal in it's place.
Stick with the angle grinder for cutting patches, it gives you a good weldable edge when you cut it. The plasma cutter wont save you any time in the end.
Great job! Hey there is a salvage yard about 40 mins from your house that has three 280z’s that you should consider looking at. The engine are out of all of them and the body panels easily assessable. Send me a PM or call me and I tell you where they are. Might be easier to cut and weld vs fabricating. Seems like you’re learning new skills....bravo!
Excellent work. I had to fabricate mine too. Keep the old pieces of the water channel you cut. The part where the fender will rest on the frame. There's an indentation. You will need to fabricate one.
I was SO hoping you were going to remove the lower radiator crossmember. I have engine bay rails from Zedd Findings to install. You got some good shots in for me to review though! Stay the course. You are doing fine.
I honestly never would have gotten to drive my 280zx if it wasn't for your videos. I find myself going through your playlists almost as much as my FSM.
Right. Just some more things to add to my list of problem areas to tackle when I start doing my 280zx project. Fun fun fun. Still looking for a clean car at the moment...
Restoration For Beginners I'm sure rooting for you, obviously you have the skills .I've had my z since 1993 , ups and downs, at one point I ordered caliper overhaul kits, for the rear, they sent me two left caliper kits and jacked my credit card number to do fraud...
Those sheet metal panels turned out nice! That's awesome. One thing I find amazing about watching this build is you are using basic tools, random household items, and modest things from the store. Nothing fancy or crazy expensive... and you're getting it done! Fantastic. I also really like how your shop is clean and organized, even while you work. No tripping hazards or shit laying around everywhere. That's how I want my garage build to be! Thanks again for another great video.
Hey Benjamin! Good to hear from you again. Honestly, half the battle is even knowing which tools to buy. I'm not necessarily even trying to save money, I just don't want to waste it on expensive tools that I may only use once. Appreciate the note about the organization! I spend a ton of time to keep it that way. When the garage is messy, I tend to stay away from it... it gives me anxiety.
Lots of work goin on my dude! The front of the tops of the fenders, I had similar rusting as you and just put a bunch of rust encapsulator in there. We’ll see how it lasts lol
Great videos man! I'm undertaking a similar project (not quite as bad. . . but still bad) but keep going man! Lots of people will say to "find a new body" and yeah it may be done quicker or cheaper if you did, but you'll learn nothing about sheetmetal repair going that route, and you when you get done YOU will have built it... If you have time and desire (which it seems like you do) keep going and it will pay off in the end (I hope, lol). Best of luck and keep the videos coming, looking forward to seeing the final project one day!
For every Z, there's a guy crazy enough to restore it. I wouldn't want to ruin one for the next guy. Plus, I know it seems bad right now, but I promise, there's more good than bad with this fairlady.
I had to dig out factory seam sealer in those same areas under the fenders that prevented water from draining. Thought it was just my car - why would they do that?
Restoration For Beginners please be sure to let us know what you went with and why. Been looking into this and still do not know which way to go: copper or zinc.
