hutch0421 Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 We are getting ready to install new engine compartment frame rails in our 73 240z. I have seen one diagram from the FSM with some frame dimensions that are helpful. Are there other resources available to help us locate the frame rails on the firewall? The firewall is shot and has to be rebuilt so it's not much help. The existing rails were all rot as well. We are also replacing the radiator support so it has to be properly located as well. Thanks in advance for any help. If you want to see our challenge check out www.projectbundy.weebly.com, it needs to be updated but will give you an idea of the challenge we have taken on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seattlejester Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I had a friend who lived in Bundy's old house. It actually is still used as a rental property near the university. That is quite the road you have ahead of you. The FSM is probably your best bet. Ideally your jig will bolt up to the important chassis points (trans, rear mustache, front cross member mounts IIRC) and square those points out, then it would just be a matter of keeping the spacing even. The only things that bolt up to the engine frame rail is the cross member and the tension arm, the real question will be if the strut tops are correctly located as those in relation to the cross member will affect your alignment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rturbo 930 Posted October 26, 2016 Share Posted October 26, 2016 I went through your site. Your passenger side frame rail is certainly destroyed (!), but the driver's side looks good. Is it still in the car? If so, I'd go off of that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutch0421 Posted October 27, 2016 Author Share Posted October 27, 2016 Both rails are now out. I did however mark the elevation of the driver side rail before removing it. That may be all I need to locate and square up both rails since I assume they are to be perpendicular to both the firewall and the radiator support as well as level relative to the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewZed Posted October 27, 2016 Share Posted October 27, 2016 One of those triangulated aftermarket strut tower braces might help you on the top of the firewall. TC rods might help on the front of the rail, locating it to the transverse link and bottom of the strut. http://www.racetep.com/automaker/datsun-z/z-car-front-ultimate-strut-tower-brace.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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