Metallicar's Revenge on Rust - 1973 to Present

Metallicar · August 8, 2007

I could or would have never begun this project without the help and kindness of my friend VinhZXT. His generosity is unmatched, his patience is amazing, his talent is awesome. Thank you again, Vinh!

This project is a 1973 240z, that looked okay on the surface. Once the surface was broken, the true condition became apparent. A ripple effect began. Finding one ring of rust, lead to another.

I started by removing everything but rear suspension from the shell. While doing this, I found the majority of rot that the car was suffering. It seemed pointless to sandblast the shell. I just started to cut out the cancer, strategically, replacing and reinforcing the metal work as I proceeded.

This is just the beginning. I am collecting and saving every piece of rusty metal and every ounce of rusty dirt that I sweep off the floor as I go. I will gather it all up and weigh it in, once I am satisfied that the removal of it all is complete. More than anything, I just want to be able to say that I removed "x" number of pounds of rust, from this beast.

So, I so far have installed new 2 1/2" front rails with 2 1/2" x 1 1/2" rear rails that connect to the cross member that the rear sway bar mounts to.

I have replaced the floor pans with "skid plate" 16 gauge galvanized sheet, against the advice of some. I have done the same in the battery box. I have installed new rocker panels and dog legs. I have been able to MIG fill some small holes in the rear fenders. I have piece-mealed the tail/hatch deck successfully, I think.

I am doing this without a rotisserie. Since I left the rear in, I can lift up the front high enough to get to it all.

Still more to go.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa195/jonelby/ImportedPhotos00003.jpg?t=1186623819