toolman

While in Tokyo, I found this plastic 240Z model car at a toy store. Fairlady Z is what the Japanese called the 240Z. They came with a twin overhead cam engine. Also some had GT front end nose too. This model car was about $20.

Sorry for the blurred pictures, I didn't realize it until after posting them. Added additional pictures. typical car magazine ads in Japan

Thanks for the support. Sometimes these projects become bigger than anyone can predict. While the ribs were off, I double checked the front area in front the both struts and found the left side was 1" higher than the right. I called my friend who has a 70 240Z to take measurements off his car. I confirmed that the right side was correct and left side was high by 1". Since I didn't have a frame machine handy, I decided to section the left side and raise it 1". See photo 1 welded a 2" sheetmetal strip to reinforce the joined area on the inside, This area will be covered by the new radiator support. Pic 2 show the rib rewelded in and new section above the rib to provide a smooth transition between altered section and old area. Pic 3 show additional sheetmetal strip welded in to reinforce the outer section. This was necessary as this panel has handle the hood hinge and bumper brackets.

Wheeler, Your frame rails look great. Are you going to race the car? I started to do detail work on the engine compartment and decided to work on the radiator support instead. While measuring the areas in front of the radiator-area where the bumper and hood hinge attach to) needed straightening. First picture shows the old radiator support. Second pic is of both areas stripped of paint and cleaned. The third photo has the right side with the reinforcement rib removed to fix under it. Fourth pic had the rib replaced and ready to rewelded on. The fifth photo is the left side with the rib removed and damaged area repaired. Sixth pic show the rib replaced awaiting to be welded back. The vehicle was in an accident before I bought it and the area( crush area) was not repaired as that would require rib removal. Next to be done will the construction of the replacement radiator support.

First photo is the left side stabilizer bar mounting holes( a plate with corresponding nuts welded to it will be installed in the frame rail later) Second pic is the right side stabilizer mounting holes. Third picture shoes mocking up in preparation for welding of the tension rod bracket. Fourth pic is the completed left side bracket. It is constructed of 3" x 1"x 1/8" steel tubing (same as frame connectors) The angle section is set at 20 degrees. Fifth photo is the inside view of the bracket. Sixth photo is the outer view of the right side tension rod bracket. Seventh pic is the inside view of the tension rod bracket. Both left and right tension rod brackets will have 20 gauge plates welded to inside and outside of them. This will replicate the factory appearance.

First photo is the "before picture" of the left side of frame rail. Notice 1" gap. Second pic is 3/4" X 2" right angle 20 gauge sheetmetal welded to subframe and existing sheetmetal Third picture is outside view of right angle connecting pice welded to subframe and wheel housing. Fourth pic is an additional 20 gauge 3" wide and about 48" long welded to the subframe and existing sheetmetal. This will provide additional strength and looks better. Fifth photo is right side frame rail with connecting right angle support plate. Sixth pic shows welding the right side "cover plate'" to sheetmetal and subframe. Seventh photo is engine compartment view of the subframe and connecting piece. All the mig welds will covered with urethane seam sealer after media blasting. Next step is construct tension rod support brackets for both sides.

First photo is the left side frame rail with the frame connector welded to the firewall. Second picture is the passenger side frame and frame connector welded to the firewall. I was glad that put a 16 gauge reinforcement plate under the frame rail. Otherwise, welding 1/8" frame to 23 gauge firewall would be extremely difficult.

The first picture show a better view of the plumb line. The second photo show the left suspension mockup. The third picture is of the right side suspension mockup. The fourth photo is a closeup of the left side crossmember. Note the two 1" assess holes in the top of the frame rail. The holes will capped off later to prevent water and debris from entering.

Labor Day Weekend gave me extra day to work on the Z. Unfortunately the holiday also meant most of my neighbors headed the beach and were not around to me carry the heavier stuff. The first picture of the new subframe on the ground. Had to drag it under the car and lift on the jack stands. Second and third pictures show aligning the subframe to existing body using datum line(center line and plume line(vertical line).

The following photos show mocking up the crossmember mounting to the frame rails. The frame was leveled and checked for squareness. Then it was welded together. Next step is to mount the frame to the utilized body.

I researched all methods of mounting the engine crossmember to frame rails(both untilized or steel tubing construction. Everyone notched the frame rail to mount the crossmember. This method requires a lot of time and effort so I decided on a simpler method. I relocated the two mounting bolt holes about 3/4" inward. See photo. This method does require two holes drilled on the top of the frame rail to install frame bolts. I drilled two 1" holes directly over the crossmember bolts(inside the frame tube). Caps will cover the assess holes to prevent water from entering in.