xxjoeyxxeb Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Hey guys, Before I tackle my Z as my first ever body project, I am going to practice on some junkyard panels. My question is what type of cars have sheet metal comparable to the Z. I have some panels from a 86 BMW 5-series, any other opinions on what to practice with? Thanks, Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismopick Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 What kind of "practice" are you going to do in the junk yard??? Do you have power tools available there? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxjoeyxxeb Posted September 7, 2006 Author Share Posted September 7, 2006 Its not going to be IN the junkyard.... they're gonna be FROM the junkyard.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
veritech-z Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Everybody's a comedian on hybridz these days... I expect most cars of similar vintage and country of origin should be close enough, like 280zx's, older toyotas, maybe some old mazdas? There should be plenty of those in most junk yards. You are talking about welding patch panels and so on, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxjoeyxxeb Posted September 7, 2006 Author Share Posted September 7, 2006 Sorry for not explaining more... I have never hammer and dolly'd before so I'm looking to practice. I'm pretty much going to strip, straighten, and paint a couple of panels before I get to the Z. Get familiar with the different ways of fixing and smoothing panels. As for welding, I'm not sure if I'm going to take the car to a shop for the rocker panel replacement, and for the BD frame rails to be put on. If the price gets rediculous I might go ahead and buy a welder and start practicing.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Metallicar Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 If the price gets rediculous I might go ahead and buy a welder and start practicing.. You better start shopping for a welder..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Challenger Posted September 7, 2006 Share Posted September 7, 2006 Just get a rusty z and practice on the panels. Not meaning to destroy a Z for no reason, you can find a really cheap Z with bad panels and use them and then use the mechanical/interior/etc for parts. You could practice on exactly what youll be working on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wickiewicked240z Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 get your self $60 dollars go to the sheet metal supplier get your self a 4X10 20 gauge sheet metal i got some for my 240z restoration and im done and still get a lot left over Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcelectronics Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 I thought that early Z's were made from 22 gauge to save weight? This was one reason that they rust through so quickly!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismopick Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 This was one reason that they rust through so quickly!!!! The reason they rust so quick is because Datsun didn't use good sealant / metal treatment until the mid 80's. Same for Toyota. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boodlefoof Posted September 8, 2006 Share Posted September 8, 2006 Everybody's a comedian on hybridz these days... Yeah, if you want some comparable thickness of metal to test on, just grab a few soda cans. Yes, joking... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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