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Heavy Duty frame rails and connectors


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    Sorry for Not Posting for a while.   After my last post on Jan 30,  I went my Orthopedic Surgeon to check on

my Sore Left Knee.   He previously did a Partial Knee Replacement on my Right Knee about 6 years ago.  At that time,  my Left Knee was not too bad but I had pain occasionally.  After the 2022 Sema Show, my knee got real bad to the point that I could hardly walk at the end of the day.   So I made an appointment to have my Left Knee checked out.   No surprises, the X Rays showed Bone to Bone Contact causing the pain.   So I wanted the surgery as soon as possible.    But I did not expect that there would be an opening for my surgery in only 2 weeks.  So on Feb 15 , I had a Total Knee Replacement Surgery which consists of installlation of a Titanium Joint inserted into my leg.   I went home the same day but I knew that the Physical Therapy would be Painful and take Months too.

 

Pic of my Left Knee

IMG_5237.JPG.296e21ecc0fc8dd96e4713c27f7fae47.JPGTop to Bottom

 

 

-Now back to posting - continuation of Air Conditioning Installation

 

Pic of the Sanden Compressor mounted with 90 degree Outlet Fittings to clear the Hood.

IMG_5241.JPG.3cfb51b0cdbf5dfb9cdaf7bf21917d70.JPG

 

Top View of  Compressor Installation.

IMG_5242.JPG.355d06cbab49a1620b574dd4e58ac32a.JPG

 

Vintage AC Condensor mounted in front of the Radiator Core Support.

IMG_5243.JPG.bc92e67899db98c20b222adef7e1ec50.JPG 

 

As the new AC Compressor Location changed the Drive Belt Arrangement for the Alternator so

new mounts had to be constructed.

IMG_4766.JPG.1bc66ff17a2bdf6f79cc4f89aa42f21e.JPG

 

The New Alternator Mount being Test Fitted.

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Front View of New Alternator Mount.

 

 

Mount was Powder coated and Test Fitted.

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Front View of Mount

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Because of the Evaporator Hoses, the Glove Compartment Box had to shortened in Depth by 2"'

IMG_4778.JPG.a7a49b432b24c1f999590486205b9ef8.JPG

 

So now, the Holley ECU Box was mounted in the Lower Shelve.   This postion is better for view the ECU LED Trouble Lights.  The Upper Shelve would  be the New Glove Box although smaller.

 

The Glove Compartment Door Hinges were slotted to provide additional adjustment.

IMG_4832.JPG.9ee28e8694527fe62c0f3fa4dc6159b9.JPG

 

 

Next- More Modifications to AC Vents ,etc.

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Reapairing Right Side Dashboard Ac Vent Hose-

   The Right AC Vent  2"Hose was broken off from the Duct Vent.   So a method to reconnect that hose would have

to be found.    I diecided to use a 3' piece of  2" radiator to"splint' the Vent Hose to the plastic Vent Housing.

IMG_5088.JPG.8b3534f4edd046b0c90ab0ea60c05a5b.JPG

 

 

 Used the Hot Glue Gun to adhere the Spint to the Vent Housing.

IMG_5089.JPG.5c65656c2b8f8149426fac48b7ced318.JPG

Inside View of the  Splint

 

 

IMG_5092.JPG.00b7919de340877ef9148a1307c40eb6.JPG

 

The Finished Repair if the AC Vent Hose and Duct

 

I had to fabricate a Micro Phillips Screwdriver to remove the Three Phillips Heas Screws to Chrome Duct Vent.

IMG_5093.JPG.860d28d8bb192fb9e5a5e5e08a447be9.JPG

 

This Micro Phillips Screwdriver also was used in other 'tight spaces" where normal phillips screwdrivers would not fit.

 

Modifying the Dashboard Center Vent-

   The Original Center Console Vent only had a small piece of foam around the vent tube leading to the Blower Box.

I decided to construct a sheet metal Tube that provide a tighter seal to Outlet Vent.

IMG_5039.JPG.988d0e2227c7af5760cd7d2adfa04b5b.JPG

 

Making Template for the Vent Connector

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Bending the sheet metal with a 5/8" deep socket to match the template shape.

 

 

Finished AC Vent Connector

IMG_5044.JPG.09fa5580e3cf1cefbcae98838336b1ff.JPG

 

 

Next-Heater Blower Fan Replacement

 

 

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Replacement of Heater/AC Blower Fan-

 

     Finding a Replacement Blower Fan especially with the similar mounting arrangement and size was not easy.   The

closest one that found was  one from a Kai Sportage for $99. This was a brand new one and a rebuilt one.   The blower shaft was the same size as the original Datsun.   Their Fan was slightly larger (about 1/4"}but made of black plastic..

 

IMG_5077.JPG.4d562d1f606a1568e883476c0dbaef54.JPG

 

Its speed was a little faster so hopefully it provide more air flow.

 

Replacement Electrical Connector Plugs-

 

     Alot of my original Datsun Plastic White Electricl Connector Plugs were pretty brittle.    

IMG_4216.JPG.51a83d59995c7341319a6b5002f86136.JPG

 

   So I found these Replacements on Ebay.

   IMG_4371.JPG.5d8843996a78ced6aa510e558446825e.JPG   2.3 connector and terminals

 

        Ebay also had 6.3 connectors and terminals but I could not find its pic.

 

Repairing Interior Vents-

    These vents draw air from the two air tube built into both top sides of the engine compartment.   Basically the vents function at high speeds (above 40mph}.   Some people forget to close them when running their Air Conditioning and wonder why the Air Conditioning is not cooling the vehicle.

    Replacing Foam gaskets on the Vents.

IMG_E3795.JPG.1723b64def94c02ca649465f9ec42b62.JPGIMG_E3795.JPG.1723b64def94c02ca649465f9ec42b62.JPG

Used Contact Cement to Glue the form the Ducts.

 

 

Next- Replacement of Wiper Motor

 

 

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  • 2 months later...

WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT-

     i replaced my Original Factory Wiper Motor with one from a 1992 Honda Civic.   Amazon had a Cardone New Wiper

Motor #85-1423 for $105.   This particular wiper motor has "Parking Return Feature" which returns the wiper blades to return in the Parking postion when Shut off.   The original Factory does not have this feature so the Driver has to accomplish this task manually.

IMG_5079.JPG.6884f370c6e6cd024a947201585a2b67.JPG

 

This Honda Wiper Motor has the same mounting bolt pattern so the installation is easy.   Also the  Motor rotation is the same.    The Datsun Wiper Mounting Plate has to "notched" for the Honda Wiper Motor Clearance.   The Honda Motor

was similar Mounting  Slot for the Datsun Wiper Arm and bolts right up.

   A Hot Glue Gun was used to glue down the Hoda wiring to prevent possible  wiring problems.

IMG_5081.JPG.4dbb621ab3c3477b2fb418c327627143.JPG

 

The most difficult portion of this installation is the Electrical Wiring of this swap.   A Water Proof Relay was utilized as the

Wiper Motor is located in the Cowl Section of the vehicle.   I used -irhassody 40.30 Amp 12vt Waterproof 5 pin HD relay $11 from Amazon.

       This is my wiring diagram for this Honda Wiper Motor Swap.   Double check the wiring colors as I found some wiper motors has different wiring colors.

   IMG_5543.JPG.4d4a1325a1cd676d4af4ee5062e74f23.JPG 

 

 

Honda Wiper Motor installed.

IMG_5082.JPG.959f4c82edf06415edfd2e04e74e4bb4.JPG

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  • 1 month later...

SEMA Show 2023 Las Vegas,NV  Oct32-Nov4

 

    The Sema Show is the Biggest Automotive Show in the World so there are hundreds of cars, trucks and now Electric powered vehicles( gokarts,sport cars,etc) were there.  I will try to label the vehicle pics with the proper description as possble.

 

Sema Show Sign outside of the Central Hall

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interior picture of the Show

IMG_5674.JPG.b86b6de7dde225f83701296ffeb696ed.JPG

 

 

Nitro Funny Car on Display

IMG_5677.JPG.67952c62544130f8013f45b559c7cc02.JPG

 

 

240z with LS9 supercharger and 6 speed trans at the show for the Ultimate Street Car Competition Race.   This

race consists various street racers who competete a events across the USA(East to West Coast).  The events include

racing in a straight line, 60 to zero stopping,  a tght sports car track racing.

 

LS9 into a 240z with 6 speed trans

IMG_5678.JPG.2625da33c85d36f3787d2ca762555d96.JPG

 

LS9 supercharged  Z

IMG_5679.JPG.a144c69d87306eee3d948e9907064389.JPG

 

 

Interior View note-Hand Brake

IMG_5680.JPG.f4a2758739fbe046e6b8194f111b4fc8.JPG

 

 

There were Super High 4WD trucks all over the Show.

IMG_5682.JPG.dcfb3968ade2c78ab71b74bea400eeed.JPG

 

 

IMG_5683.JPG.375ea6575dd5b6189745afcd5f647a7c.JPG

 

K Mini Race Truck

IMG_5707.JPG.a4580915f9bb1940588d37614b8e8bd7.JPG

 

IMG_5704.JPG.e7caa37a6b8f403efb0d7a9f38437a23.JPG

 

Under carriage

IMG_5706.JPG.90ff1cc851f2e7372ab4115b04cafbbd.JPG

 

Truck Interior

IMG_5708.JPG.550b3bb6d4c53043e71e2b0c407f7a2f.JPG

 

 

Crowds of people outside the buildings

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How high can you go?

 

IMG_5670.JPG.45fa5d26fa4e43c6e2841f2366160f1b.JPG

 

Beautiful Red Ferrari with V10 motor

IMG_5697.JPG.94ab44885c98b66fb18f402aac122711.JPG

 

V10 motor

IMG_5698.JPG.c1a558ddafa413446718476e5aece7b2.JPG

 

4WD Truck Lineup

IMG_5717.JPG.fea67b2e4369513b229796b77d8bba66.JPG

 

IMG_5718.JPG.17e2a5e60dc7991253265f1bd5fad445.JPG

 

Another Z Race Car

IMG_5684.JPG.09ee5dcd4f5900a934ec03cfcee16305.JPG

 

 

Skyline JDM

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I

 

Interior

IMG_5694.JPG.956b1f355557c71ee99e038eabe802c9.JPG

 

IMG_5695.JPG.df9d9d8ae5b8a1d53b5e2819dbd4a0a8.JPG

 

Super Clean Green 240Z

 

IMG_5700.JPG.2ec59cb87d1ecddc22fb975e7625fd71.JPG

 

Full Blown  Black Dodge Charger

 

 

Blown Hemi

IMG_5716.JPG.f9bb4a5d73ef94cc240b302685452336.JPG

 

IMG_5723.MOVIMG_5723.MOV

 

Inside of Show

IMG_5676.JPG.c36960c466f98fce0b0e1a323b2b8022.JPG

 

Large Trailing Arms

 

IMG_5727.JPG.e1b81bbc4f0d4a8144f0e18feaa8b9e9.JPG

 

Lambo with Metallic Wrap

IMG_5730.JPG.ad6b931769e37b6e4837c27a9ac35528.JPG

 

 

You can not get much Lower than this!!

IMG_5731.JPG.468ed5c2635e42762a9fd3be9a7f2e44.JPG

 

Road Racing 240Z

IMG_5732.JPG.af2007da5d73aa6dc9e0bc3b3dd82493.JPG

 

More Road Racing Zs

IMG_5734.JPG.7abce8e93dd44f62e9b6e47aff541604.JPG

 

 

California Lower Rider Chevy

IMG_5735.JPG.36bdb4998be2449539573b3d8c8d6deb.JPG

 

Liberty Walk 370Z

IMG_5736.JPG.952172ad62f5e73638ff1216e2b604b7.JPG

 

 

Scion Race Car?

IMG_5737.JPG.5b3ca5a18e7690e8a8e0ea7bb359e19e.JPG

 

Porsche Race Car

IMG_5740.JPG.42374446e9205b09d1b724d513c54994.JPG

 

Cobra Race Car

IMG_5726.JPG.11795df67fefc423bbedd82d24ecdcf6.JPG

 

 

Fully Blown Hemi Roadster

IMG_5744.JPG.227b6b78f0e0df92a4cad821b82c1c38.JPG

 

Yellow 240z

IMG_5613.JPG.c1266d42a59e7dab317457a7c86cfee4.JPG

 

 

 

IMG_5614.JPG.4cefb9bbdf3276ba603ba827adb4f455.JPG

 

Interior

IMG_5618.JPG.ff867efcc3be6396e95b93ce8d83f1c0.JPG

 

 

Roll Bar in Deck

IMG_5617.JPG.2fb3071e8316838916b2ace4dd66a708.JPG

 

Engine Compartment

IMG_5619.JPG.98bb008d5f9c36ad391709dd30e4ec3b.JPG

 

Tri[ple Webers Carbs

 

IMG_5622.JPG.44c3f99901df6baa3d2fe591327403dc.JPG

 

This Z Car was build in "Snow Country" -Canada probably costed than 30% more because of that 

alone.

 

K truck

IMG_5743.JPG.2f66ec27cd0b1a65dfa1204c32ccd4a6.JPG

 

This Blue 240z was in the Battle of The Builders entries.   It was powered with Blown LS motor

 sticking through the hood.

Rear View-modified Tail Lights, custom Spoiler and Rear Chassis Deflector

IMG_5602.JPG.5dfd72498f9b264cce5f09c3f6daf416.JPG

 

 

IMG_5604.JPG.9f0e36d407aff08877e8e23b35f58769.JPG

 

interior

IMG_5603.JPG.34326e7321a7a1a579dd20a7d1526d09.JPG

 

IMG_5746.JPG.c1a17edba0f3eb10441ae370b4ae967d.JPG

 

It has a small Blower on a LS motor with square tubing front frame and custom strut mounts.

 

240Z Radio Controlled Car

IMG_5629.JPG.c599bd7211292d55736bd137595d7b13.JPG

 

 

 

IMG_5630.JPG.6b4b2e550382d8f72e9171758c376fab.JPG

 

Fully Carbon Fiber 240Z

IMG_5656.JPG.e1475ef8df0e6bd4eceac9317cddd64a.JPG

 

Video of Drifting Demo by Three Mustangs

 

https://youtu.be/EM2YtruqQwQ

 

 

 

 

Next- Replacing Precision Weather Stripping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_5655.JPG

 

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16 hours ago, toolman said:

Super Clean Green 240Z

 

IMG_5700.JPG.2ec59cb87d1ecddc22fb975e7625fd71.JPG

 

Yellow 240z

IMG_5613.JPG.c1266d42a59e7dab317457a7c86cfee4.JPG

Any more info on these cars? Do you know who built them? I've googled and can't find anything on the green car. 

 

Edit: I've now found that it was at the Toyo Tires Treadpass Booth, and some additional photos of the car, but still no sign of who built it. It has Apex's Track Attack Kit on it, can't be too many of those around. 

Edited by rturbo 930
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rturbo930,   

       I found one more pic of the Green 240Z at the Toyo Tire Booth.   I did recall any sign near the car with more information, though.   I hope this pics help you..

                                   Toolman

 

looks like it has Apex Engineering  Time Attack rear suspension

 

IMG_5618.JPG.aef3bb17b46a5cc1bd097e43a0708a4e.JPG

 

 

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  • 1 month later...
Posted (edited)

Precision Door Weather Stripping

 

   I found out that the Precision Door Weather Stripping was not doing its job.   It seemed too hard and not sealing the

interior from air leakage.   Even after adjusting the Upper Chrome Window Channel  inward to the Maximum Adjustment.

So I decide to look for a Weather Stripping Replacement.   I found an Universal Automotive  Door Weather Stripping gasket on Amazon.

IMG_0029.JPG.68d36c88940cc2c7241160250e636c4c.JPG

 

 

 

Two of these Univerisal Weather Stripping Gasket are needed for both sides(Left and Right.   This Gasket was soft but large to handle large door gaps.   This style of weather stripping is used on most late model vehicles.   The only problem was the 240z has a Right Angle-90) degree on the Upper Rear Corner of the door opening.   The gasket was made for Slow Sweeping Corners.  So some fabrication of the weather stripping would be necessary;

Pic of Precision Corner Section which made by Vulcanizing rubber to create the Right Angle section.

IMG_5779.JPG.e4c6465d0e4712805df981cd90fcda38.JPGPrecision Door Weather Stripping gasket

 

    First, A DoorTemplate had to be created to make the Right Angle Corner Piece which will hold both ends of Weather Stripping.  This template will be used only for the constrution for the Right Angle Rubber Weather Stripping  portion.    A Corner Template made of 22 gauge sheet metal will be made to hold the two parts of the Corner Weather Stripping.   This thin sheet metal right angle piece will inserted into in the slots of the each end of weather stripping.  After Trial Fitting, this piece will glued with E6000 to fasten both ends of weather stripping forming the Right Angle or Corner Piece.

IMG_5761.JPG.c760ff814531b4a6e413c4b4083eeb13.JPGTrimming of Connector piece to Fit..

 

The Connector Template inserted into both  Weather stripping ends to Corner piece.

IMG_5762.JPG.7a06c0537bea75d101e2c6bc5aa0ebd2.JPG

 

A Foam Square was cut out of 1/2" Soft Foam to fill the Corner Gap between the Two Weather Stripping Edges.  Note, this Right Angle Connecting piece  will become a permanent part of

the weather stripping after glued all together(connector piece, Foam Filler and both Edges of 

Weather Stripping} with E6000 adhesive.

 

Test Fit of Weather Stripping on Door Template without Corner Connector.  This Template is flipped

over to create the opposite( Left) Door Template.

IMG_5992.JPG.367945c09664885be01f8d213cd12afd.JPG    r

 

   The Best Rubber Adhesive that I found is E6000.  It is made by the same manufacturer makes

Shoe Goop.   It can be found on Amazon.    If you ran a bead of E6000 on piece of wax paper and let dry hard.   Then, peel it off the wax paper and you can stretch it 3 times its original size!!   There are two versions of E6000 -low viscosity and high viscosity.   It depends if you want the glue to fill in gaps or stay on the surface.

IMG_5791.JPG.45a7a37b98b6f7ee6a73c50c417dd6b5.JPG

 

Interior View of the  Door Template with Weather Stripping installed

IMG_5769.JPG.328f230f72f02a66c4619a3fb9826214.JPG

Note-a Right Angle Corner Bottom Piece was made from 1/16" rubber sheet which is glued to lower side of the Right Angle Connecting piece to provide a Bottom Sealing Surface.

 

Exterior View of the Corner Section

IMG_5778.JPG.cc44d95d05fe9fb192000b0afa8bab6b.JPG Test Sample Section

Note-Foam Gap Piece installed.    E6000 is used to attach both weatherstripping edges to the Right Angle Connector and later gaps and edges will be filled with E6000 to prevent water intrusion.

 

Top View of Weatherstripping Corner

IMG_5775.JPG.1b744abfeae7a196aefc979d635f6316.JPGTest Section without Construction Template

 

 

Testing Weather Stripping by shining Fashlight along  window sealing edges

IMG_5773.JPG.50ae7c18b9c85bc4429f90af4440c24a.JPG*Light shining through area with no gasket

 

 

 

Right Side Door Weather Stripping installed on vehicle.

 

IMG_6007.JPG.922c7f3e01885943376ab8f68b9c1844.JPG

 

I have not Road Tested the car to check for Air Leakage or Water Leakage yet.   Will let you

know the results of both tests when they are completed.

IMG_5763.JPG

Edited by toolman
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On 11/12/2023 at 4:22 PM, toolman said:

rturbo930,   

       I found one more pic of the Green 240Z at the Toyo Tire Booth.   I did recall any sign near the car with more information, though.   I hope this pics help you..

                                   Toolman

 

looks like it has Apex Engineering  Time Attack rear suspension

 

IMG_5618.JPG.aef3bb17b46a5cc1bd097e43a0708a4e.JPG

 

 

He’s on Instagram, corrupttbuilds, he also built an older mustang with a Ferrari engine

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  • 1 month later...

  i will discuss my Interior Modifcations created to add to the "Race Car" Imagine of 240Z Restro Mod.

 

Using Dimple Dies -

    Dimple Dies are used regularly in Race Cars to strengthen and at same time lighten vehicle weight.   Dimple Die tools are basically a Male and Female Round Hole Dies.   In the center, a Bolt is used to squeeze the sheet metal into a Reinforced  Round Hole.

 

IMG_5323.JPG.f9f773555aac61b46bc8efe985247aec.JPG

 

Completed Dimple Die Panel

IMG_5819.JPG.ae90eeae68e68be821b7632bdc5eb314.JPG

 

To create Upper Strut Tower Covers, A Paper Template was made First.

IMG_5832.JPG.3c7e78087983c7d01ac3cd0fa83321ff.JPG

 

Strut Tower Brace  Covers  with a Polished Aluminum Rear Deck Plate

IMG_6096.JPG.17d780b6bff140b024d19657f59826d7.JPG

 

Rear Hatch Area also Large polished Aluminum Pan was added.

 

 

 

Another view of the Hatch Area

IMG_6044.JPG.2314c0d711d3f44ce6693ef062b33a37.JPG

 

 

Interior Mouldings

Front Passenger Side Interior Moulding

IMG_6084.JPG.47070e52e45d942e2d3c23ad3ae15bff.JPG

 

Front Driver Side Aluminum Moulding

IMG_6085.JPG.ec0058adaffb4f5bdae599142c4090cc.JPG

 

Lower Interior Rocker Panel Covers

IMG_6094.JPG.d26abb066ccea4c98da2e83f9bf01506.JPG

 

 

Dimple Die Panel installed on Right Rear Quarter Panel

IMG_5980.JPG.a89a7d82686ff47c3dc320dd0fd96541.JPG

 

Aluminum Door Panels

 To install Aluminum Door Panels on a 240Z took more work as the interior side of the doors are not flat as most cars are.   They were constructed this way because of the confined inteirior area.

 

Trial Fitting of the Non Polished Aluminum Door Panels

IMG_5873.JPG.c33ccd8aaa0bc5cb846cbb7ea094c5b5.JPG

 

This Test Determined that Spacers are needed because of the "uneven interior door surface'.    A Straight Ruler.   It shows that  3/4" spacers are required to attach the Door Pull Handles'

 

IMG_E6026.JPG.c0049ea2fd5eff24f8f785c1b2912ae9.JPG

Note-Three Black Round Plastic 3" Spacers glued to the Door Skin with JB Weld.

 

The Other Problem is the Window Crank Handles is be extended by about 1/2" longer for clearance to operate.

A Extra Window Crank Handle must be use to cut the Spline End off to extend the shaft.   A Hole Saw is used to remove the shaft off the crank..

 

 

The  1/2"Cutoff Section is attached to the Original Crank Handle with JB Weld Adhesive.  This will allowe the Window Crank Handle to "clear" the Door Panel.

     Also, Other Modification that must be made to the Door Release Mechanism.to function properly.

     First, the Aluminum Panel must cut out to mount the Door Release Mechanism.

IMG_6024.JPG.8550c8759f1bcc954a97023107313838.JPG 

A Dremel Tool was used to perform this task.

 

Also, the Door Release Mechanism itself must be"Tilted upright" in it mounting position.    This is accomplished by fabricating Triangle shaped wood blocks under the bracket.

IMG_6025.JPG.8d601ae4b050c00f4fcd7babe0976a27.JPG

Oak Blocks was used for its strength ,avaiabllity. and ease to fabricate.

Two Longer 6mm x1.0  bolts are necessary due the Wooden Blocks.

 

IMG_6027.JPG.b63737f61e5c9b2681dcdcc3c7096c10.JPG

Door Release Mechanism installed

 

Window Crank Modification

Using  a Hole Saw, a section of an extra Window Crank was removed.  This section

was filed down so the core portions would match for sectioning.

IMG_6028.JPG.b72a02df44c89708e93de91a32ae8e88.JPG

 

Window Crank Handle Extension joined using JB Weld 

IMG_6029.JPG

 With this 1/2" Extension, the Window Crank Handle has enough clearance to operate.

 

Aluminum Door Panel now Completed-

IMG_6014.JPG.7318faf08a952678c8c286674c0cac87.JPG

 

 

Drivers side Door Panel

IMG_6031.JPG.ebbbaee93cc7f55f75f210980327a36d.JPG

 

Fastners Used

 

All of the Dimple Die Alumunium Covers were fastened using Rivet Nuts and Small Machine Screws

(4MM x o.7 ). The only exception were The Upper Interior Aluminum Covers were fastened with 1/4"log Phillips Screws.

 

Radiator Support TopCover

I also added a Aluminum Dimple Plate to hold  a 1/4"x 4" wide Rubber Strip which seals the Hood and Radiator Support Area.  This Seal directs more air through the radiator.   Right now, the Water Temperature runs 193 degrees and up to 200 degrees with AC running.

IMG_6087.JPG.d98482ec27004a23d405e9c1b69b7740.JPG

 

Hatch Interior Cover

  A Polished Aluminum Flat Panel was attached to the bottom side of the Hatch.  It was attached with Plastic fastners.

IMG_6097.JPG.0ce05468d75ecaefee5e3beda71fb003.JPG

 

 

Next Topic-Rust Proofing the Vehicle

 

 

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  • 1 month later...
Posted (edited)

Upgrading Interior Rear View Mirror-

 

    The Original Factory Interior Rear View Mirror has Blindspots due the Quarter Panel Pillars.

So I decided to upgrade it with a Multiple Rear View Mirror.   Race Cars use them to see better 

when passing other cars.

    Amazon had this one that was for Golf Carts that was 36" long.   Usually they had 24" rear view mirrors for cars but I felt the longer the better.  Plus , it was only $25 anyway.

IMG_6181.JPG.2b5c4c8eedb287e5af3b275cb2d9f098.JPG

 

This is a pic of the Rear View Mirror upon opening package.

IMG_6157.JPG.af88922c0c4cb0b543c7e24b2edd6a48.JPG

 

  I decided to.make my own mounting brackets using the original rear view mirror mounting holes.

First,  Paper Templates were made using existing mounting holes as a guide.

IMG_6159.JPG.aa755d5ddae9ed0978c0b08c8cdb64ca.JPG

 

Brackets are first created out of aluminum sheet metal making the shape easier.

Then, after the basic shape was established, Brackets were made from 16 gauge sheet metal.  The 16 gauge sheet provides the stiffness to support the weigh of the Mirror.

IMG_6158.JPG.a1262ea5d30ca9cb67a7cd3c4906f8e8.JPG

 

With the Brackets mounted and tight, their shape was acheived by slowly bending and twisted them to fit the mirror properly.  The Tilt Adjusting Knob was installed with a Small Rubber Gasket between the mirror and knob to provide additional tightness.

 

The  New Rear View Mirror was installed using the original mounting holes.

IMG_6173(1).jpeg.80b83017498b1a740b0b8bd3b73a02e3.jpeg

 

 

Close Up View-of Right Side view with the New Mirror

IMG_6180.JPG.18861afa3012189ef10bc31bbc21e4ec.JPG

The Viewing Test was successful ( the Girl was visible in both Rear View Mirrors).

IMG_6171.JPG

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Modifications to the New Rear View Mirror-

  

    After driving the car, I found that the new rear view mirror was vibrating making viewing difficult

If, however, I would hold the mirror in the center, the viewing improved greatly.

    The solution was to provide additional support to the mirror.  I would use the original rear view mirror

mounting screw holes to mount a additional center bracket.   First, a Template of original mirror base (consists of three screw holes)was created.

 

  IMG_6243.JPG.90bd0287f659faffd85b2916614725d3.JPG 

 

The base mount would be constructed from 16 gauge steel plate.   Another 3/4" x4" rectangular piece were created to make the Pivot Arm for the mirror.   This plate would welded to a base 2" x 4" which would be epoxied to the back of the mirror.

 IMG_6253.JPG.d56895edaa2f3d96689fa59773f0ab71.JPG Mirror Mount

Note- A 1/4" Pivot Hole was first drilled in the top section of this arm.   This Pivot Hole will enlarged after the Mounting Bracket and Mirror Bracket are test mounted together.   Then, a felt pen is inserted into the 1/4" Pivot Hole and the Mirror is turned to create its "curving path".   This path will used to create the slot that allows the mirror to be adjusted when necessary.  Drilling many  1/4" close together then hand filing created the arch path.

IMG_6246.JPG.532cf4f9803ac60abaff19b271639d4f.JPG

Note-Arch created by Felt Pen

 

 

 

Pic shows Arm and mounting base tack welded

together for testing only until alignment is completed.

 

Bracket angle will determined with Two small card board 1" strips- one is simulate the bracket arm and the other to stimulate the bracket on the mirror.

 

IMG_6252.JPG.4d0f314046a9a8cc7af251d066257d54.JPGpic showing !/4" Pivot hardware(1/4 bolt,

washer and wing nuts)

 

Assembled Version of Base Mount

IMG_6256.JPG.928411f79947b89dbbfde2290aca37f3.JPG

 

The Original Mirror Spacer was not used to allow sufficent thread engagement.

IMG_6265.JPG.483803fb185ff39c5453e0bca571c2b9.JPG

 

Completed Modified Rear View Mirror

IMG_6263.JPG.e14f5f377b2c8b9343281bd001ba0c3b.JPG

Left Side View

 

IMG_6264.JPG.edfcb0f582153794f1e768b2f8b965e3.JPG

Right Side View

 

 

NEXT-Roll Bar Installation

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

ROLL BAR INSTALLATION-

 

        While I was at a local 240z gathering, I found one Z owner who was selling a AutoPower style 240z Roll Bar for $150.  It was missing the Four Mounting Pads and mounting bolts.   

        The Roll Bar was first stripped of existing old flat paint using an Orbital Sander.   I used 80 grit sandpaper for this process.   Next, a small portable Speed Blaster air powered sand blaster.   Similar

sand blasters are sold at Harbor Freight and on Amazon for about $30.   These sand blasters do a great job for rust and paint removal especially in tight areas.

IMG_6336.JPG.98181a6c56b20fe16d3bc399c46f63fa.JPG

 

After paint removal, the Roll Bar was primered and preparred for color.

IMG_6293.JPG.1cd0f895501f82e663ef4b4a56a9a020.JPG

 

As the Bottom Mounting Pads were missing , substitute plates had to fabricated from 1/4" Steel Plate.

A 5lb Sledge Hammer and 12 ton Press were utilized to form the matching shape of the Roll Bar pads.

IMG_6316.JPG.da0cbdc5f135c5edf5233f2db5d473f7.JPG

 

!/4" thick Rubber Mat was used to go between Upper and Lower Mounting Plates to seal water from coming in the wheel wells.   Cadmium Coated 3/4" NC x 1 1/2" bolts, Flat Washers and Lock Washers provided the mounting hardware.

IMG_6316.JPG.da0cbdc5f135c5edf5233f2db5d473f7.JPG

 

To hold the Roll Bar in position while marking the mounting blots hole with a Felt Pen, !/4" Rope Ratchets were used.    They are sold at Home depot for about $20 each.   They are super useful

(holding up driveshafts, calipers, keep hoses out of your way,etc).

IMG_6333-Copy.JPG.7ee51262290f02f85e6acbf5804dd453.JPG

 

One of the Rope Ratchet hook was attached the Rear Strut Tower Support.  The other hook was wrapped around the Roll Bar Tubing.   Adjustment is made by slowly tightening the Rope Ratchet to get

the correct height.  Shifting the Roll Bar side to side

is done to obtain similar spacing on both sides of the mounting pads to the interior walls.

IMG_6334.JPG.a66e587cf4dbb1e843baa3786c0ae96a.JPG

Once the Correct height and Side Clearance is established, a Felt Pen is used to mark all the mounting holes.  Then a Center Punch is used to

prevent drill bit to drifting due the curved surface of the wheel housing.   A slightly larger than 3/8" drill bit is utilized to drill all of the mounting holes.  When assembling the Roll Bar on, One 3/8" bolt for each side is inserted thread first and tightened slightly to the Bar in place while installing the other bolts upward from the inside side of the wheel housing.

 

Left Wheel Housing with Lower Mounts installed-

IMG_6317.JPG.33aaf82b333bfa60edb650abb57d9866.JPG

 

Looking Sideways in car -checking Roll Bar Height

IMG_6332.JPG.96176d3cda91902c76290426624a2000.JPG

 

Looking Forward at Roll Bar

IMG_6323.JPG.a5f176e6f2946b57abab69c3c9928863.JPG

 

Viewing the Right Inside Wheel Well

IMG_6324.JPG.3b8bf3e35404269a09e44343a820b3b5.JPG

 

Left Side Looking Back

IMG_6331.JPG.c28e0285b80bd9b4da7c82da4a127577.JPG

 

IMG_6330.JPG.8b385f69cceeb4ae27dede3058b4dd9a.JPG

 

Passenger Seat Looking Backwards

IMG_6329.JPG.2e6fa0ac525aad0afe507ef814cc55ae.JPG

 

View from Rear forward

IMG_6323.JPG.56e65d837f66f0662613b92df58a4f63.JPG

 

I posted a lot of pics of the Roll Bar installed so people can see the clearance available with this model.  Many Custom Roll Bars don't have enough clearance for Tall Drivers.

 

Interior View of Roll Bar without seats installed.    

IMG_6320.JPG

Edited by toolman
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$150 is a steal — nice find!  IMHO, the Autopower bar is the nicest roll bar produced for the Z…it’s what I’ve had in my last two cars.

 

Thanks for the update!!

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  • 4 weeks later...
Posted (edited)

Wrapping Door Handles with Parachute Cord-

IMG_6496.JPG.0a9ab365df945508c1463c0d8686e65c.JPG

  When I installed Aluminum Sheets to replace the Factory Masonite Panel, the Original OEM Door Pull Handles had to replaced.   The Diagonal Handles were replaced with Aftermarket off Road Jeep Parachute Cord ones.   However, the Horizontal Door Pull were fabricated with 3/4" x 1/8" Mild Steel Strap.   It performed ok but did not have any padding so they lacked the correct feeling.   I considered using Large Heat Shrink Tubing to cover the Pull Handles but decided on Wrapping the Handles with Parachute Cord.    It was only about $10 for 50 feet of Black Paracord on Amazon so figured to give it a try.  For this project, I used about 15feet of Black Paracord to perform this wrap per handle.

 

               Door Handle finished wrapping-side view

IMG_6512.JPG.9cd56266da59edfc45d59d1e9fa8f121.JPG

 

                Bottom view of Wrapped  Door Handle

IMG_6513.JPG.1b94ba4ff6ac602d73799d6cb7ddc268.JPG

 

                                     Side View of Wrapped Handle

IMG_6514.JPG.8c45be1d9af8cb04499ca9c10f4a02e9.JPG

 

                   Wrapped handle on Right Door

IMG_6491.JPG.66fa3df5f2753075655d8405e61736e2.JPG

 

                    Outside View of Right Door Handle

IMG_6490.JPG.23a2447e4eb986f06c4155f9a1ddf426.JPG

 

As this was the first time that attempted Paracord wrapping, it took me about an hour to do the wrapping.  I kept checking each knot to make sure that I did it right.  I used JB Weld Fast Drying Epoxy after the First Knot and at the end of the wrap, I fold over the cord and applied epoxy to glue the cord from unraveling.

                                        

                                   Overall View of Right Door

IMG_6493.JPG.1b03726def17251011f244909009de96.JPG

   

                                        Vjew of Wrapped Left Door Handle 

         IMG_6492.JPG.5c2ef470b7d12945146ed2dfa43d69a2.JPG                                     

 

 

 

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Posted (edited)

Sorry for the lack of photos in the previous post on Wrapping Door Handles.   I had trouble loading pics

with the new IPhone Update.   However, I now installed photos that went along with that posting.

 

 

 

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  • 1 month later...
Posted (edited)

Replacing Passenger Side Mirror-

 

     This topic is slightly off topic as my side mirrors are from &2 Camaro.   But figured, some people might be interested in the process anyway.   My Passenger Side Mirror fell off one night after I hit a Pot Hole.   Not just the mirror itself but including the plastic mounting plate behind it.  So I could not just purchase the Mirror itself.    I would have to fabricate a swivel mount for the mirror and be small enough to fit inside the mirror housing.

 

IMG_6569.JPG.4cbe32a82a767fb3e51958421e21ac62.JPG

                                            My Camaro Mirror missing its mirror

     First, Ebay had the Replacement Mirror for 70-78 Camaro for $18.29-BurcoMirror Glass #2121. 

IMG_6613.JPG.4ea96f726a5cf9f759825a95cf826fbd.JPG

 

 Only thing wrong was the mirror didn't come with a Backing Plate.   So I traced and made a Template  out of  cardboard.   I traced the Template over a piece of 16 gauge sheet metal.   Shears was utilized to cut out Backing Plate.

IMG_6615.JPG.5c94adf3b352493289c9fba5b0645da5.JPG

 

 

A 1/4" x 1" bolt was tacked to the rear of the Mirror Mounting Plate.  

IMG_6644.JPG.78d0ea9e40a2ca167981703950de5519.JPG

             

  New Mirror attached to New Baking Plate   Below that is the new Created Mount and new Swivel Mount

     The New Swivel Mount was located on Ebay.   It was a Universal Swivel Mount for small camera on tripods.  Two Mounts were only$8.00.   The main features were the mount was threaded 1/4" male on one end and 1/4" female threaded on the other end.   Also, the Swivel Tension and Mirror Height could both adjustable.  This feature was especially important in a custom installation.

IMG_6658.JPG.79b6fd2fe8376f2f362979c890ae2d6c.JPG

                                             Note-Dimensions are on the left side of picture

 

IMG_6599.JPG.6b82a15498fed04a88e2176400b9a104.JPG

                       Original mirror Mount Dimensions  

 

IMG_6651.JPG.513d3ccdd43f521cea4f90b3228d0f90.JPG   New Mirror Mount for Swivel Mirror Plate

 

                       New Swivel Mount

IMG_6655.JPG.a318334b777835dc2764d78cce886675.JPG

 

Swivel Mount attached to New Mirror Plate

IMG_6646.JPG.944b4967f9d580da524e711dbe2b27a4.JPG

Note - the Mirror Depth can adjusted by adding or deleting washers between mount and mirror

 

 

IMG_6650.JPG.061960480ebecda04730d190218fe367.JPG

                   Note-Phillips Screw on Swivel Mount adjusts tension on Swivel.

 

IMG_6652.JPG.557ce5f0e8785ba4e294289dedce8fb8.JPG

  This pic shows the Double Plating on Mount Base to prevent Mirror Vibration.

 

IMG_6654-Copy.JPG.3e1bf9f69265d722fd6202087695eff6.JPG     View of Mirror Assembled and Mounted

 

IMG_6653.JPG.336f018e22887d7630d24552de9e8e87.JPG     Closeup View of Completed Mirror

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