gravityflyer Posted January 12, 2013 Author Share Posted January 12, 2013 Project is coming along nicely, what color you going with for the engine bay? I think it's technically called 'metallic silver'. Hopefully it will turn out okay... Ross finished replicating the frame rails. Unfortunately, they won't fit on the car as the floor pans are uneven and will require custom made rails which we're gonna install Tuesday. So if you know anyone who wants some frame rails, I've got some brand new ones available! BTW, check out his recent artwork made out of old silverware: I can't decided which one I like best: the lobster or the praying mantis eating the butterfly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheNewKid Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 How much for those frame rails? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted January 30, 2013 Author Share Posted January 30, 2013 (edited) DAY 15. Welded in the new frame rails. Although a success, I did manage to set the car on fire from all the heat. Luckily nothing was damaged. Ooops! Edited January 30, 2013 by gravityflyer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted January 30, 2013 Author Share Posted January 30, 2013 (edited) DAY 16. Finally finished with the engine bay! So far it has been the least enjoyable part of this entire project, probably because it took several days to complete. Rattle-can paint job turned out great! I decided not to go with the JRT hood latch and instead moved my original latch horizontally across the firewall and welded it in place. I was inspired by this thread and simply did not want to fabricate an entirely new latch. If it ain't broke, don't fix it! Edited January 30, 2013 by gravityflyer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I think it's technically called 'metallic silver'. Hopefully it will turn out okay... Ross finished replicating the frame rails. Unfortunately, they won't fit on the car as the floor pans are uneven and will require custom made rails which we're gonna install Tuesday. So if you know anyone who wants some frame rails, I've got some brand new ones available! BTW, check out his recent artwork made out of old silverware: I can't decided which one I like best: the lobster or the praying mantis eating the butterfly. Very nice art work ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1 tuff z Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 Jeff, no updates?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 Jeff, no updates?! After receiving my latest tranche of student loans I reviewed my budget. My restoration expenses have been fairly consistent with expectations but I omitted a key factor -- cost of gas to get to Rochester. Oops! Instead of 4x a month I'll now head out there 2 or 3 times a month. I also have to take qualifying exams this summer (a required hurdle before moving on to the dissertation) which has kept me extremely busy (and stressed!) here in SYR. In addition to teaching responsibilities, I'm reading about a book a day. Nevertheless, I'll definitely have it running by the end of Spring! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 DAY 17. Cleaned up the booster, MC, and proportioning valves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 (edited) DAY 18. Applied 2 coats of POR-15 over new rails and added front-to-rear brake line. Took me nearly 45min to complete the brake line. Two lessons learned: (1) keep the line straight as possible so that fitting can be added with ease and (2) leave extra length before cutting line! I really had to muscle the damn thing in place. I guess I'll find out whether I did it correctly once I add fluid?! Edited February 20, 2013 by gravityflyer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted February 20, 2013 Author Share Posted February 20, 2013 Very nice art work ! Domzs -- If you're interested, he sells all his art work! Check out his website at: http://www.rtdesignandfab.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Domzs Posted February 21, 2013 Share Posted February 21, 2013 Domzs -- If you're interested, he sells all his art work! Check out his website at: http://www.rtdesignandfab.com Thanks . But i'm thinking about doing it myself , whenever i'm done with my projects . I think it's cool . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 The build looks really great. Glad to see you have a great shop to work in. Looks like it's heated too which is a big bonus for that part of NY. What degree are you going for? I have an MBA from Syracuse. 57 semester hours but no thesis requirement. That Z you want to emulate is beautiful. I'm thinking of going that direction myself when it's time to repaint mine. You did notice that it has an LS motor in it vs and SBC? That 355 you have will be a beast though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 Hi Phantom, just saw your post... I'm working on my PhD in political science. I've finished with all my course work and comprehensive exams and just starting to write my dissertation. I hope to finish in another year or so!... The garage is fantastic and really lucky to be surrounded by very knowledgeable folks including "1 Tuff Z" who has been incredibly helpful and I've learned a great deal from him!... Actually, I just realized I haven't updated this build thread in a while and suppose I'll do that now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 So I took a little hiatus from the project and had to focus on school work. As a grad student, I'm also on a very limited budget and unfortunately had to sell the SBC. Never had a chance to even install it. Anyway, I'm finally back to work on the Z and decided to reinstall the original L28. It engine hasn't been started since 2003 when it was last put in storage so I had a mechanic buddy come to the garage and turn it over by hand. According to him the engine looks great and has a lot of potential, so we went ahead and installed it! After speaking with some folks I decided to drop the fuel injection and switch to the Arizona Z Car intake with carb. Purchased the entire intake/carb setup from another Hybridz member. Also added new starter, alternator, and radiator. Not technically mounted yet, but I put the air dam in place. I think it'll look so cool! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndyAndTheSea Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 Going to be driving it this summer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 Yes!!! Hopefully ready in a couple weeks?! I'll have to join you guys for the next car show or ZCCR drive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldAndyAndTheSea Posted June 5, 2015 Share Posted June 5, 2015 I've yet to make any attendance... I'd love to caravan though! an hour to you, for me, then an hour or so to Rochester. Would be fun. Especially in my budget 280zx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted June 5, 2015 Author Share Posted June 5, 2015 Whew! Reinstalling the gas tank has been a lot of work!!! First off, I had the original fuel sending unit repaired by the good folks at Tristar Radiator (http://tristarrradiator.com). They do a lot of work on Datsun sending units and I highly advise that you check them out. However, I can't remember how to install the unit. If anyone can comment that would be greatly appreciated! Unfortunately I bought the wrong fuel tank straps -- purchased straps for a '75-76 280z which apparently differs from the later models. I just posted a separate question in the fuel delivery forum if anyone knows of a universal strap kit that would work or perhaps knows the correct size of the '77 straps I could probably find a similar replacement. Two presumably 'controversial' points to make about the install... - (1) I needed to replace the large breather hose that leads from the gas tank to reservoir tank. It appears to be a 5/8" hose but the only rubber hose that the auto shops had available was a heater hose. Since only vapors will be running through the hose (as opposed to actual fuel) I figured the hose's material shouldn't make much of a difference? - (2) I understand it's hotly debated issue on many forums but I went ahead and deleted the charcoal canister. Thus, while I retained the breather hoses for the reservoir tank (see photo above) I plugged the line that leads from the reservoir tank to what would be the charcoal canister. By retaining the breather hoses I figured the actual gas tank could still vent if under pressure? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gravityflyer Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 Before/during/after dashboard resto. Took a couple of weeks of trail and error, but happy with the results. I could certainly spend *much more* time on the dash but considering I only have 1 day a week to work on the car I think it'll suffice for now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.