im new to the forums and im not quite sure how to get everything looking good but here goes nothing. Im just a teenager and i plan on keeping this car until it looks as good as the top ranked 260s on this site. this is my first car and ive already learned alot from having it, cant wait to see where i go with it.
This is my 1974 Datsun 260z its an automatic, im the 2nd owner, got it for $1000 up in northern cali.
Not much work has been done with it but it doesnt really matter because funding to really make it into something was and still is non-existant. I have managed to replace a few of the essential things (starter, cap and rotor, sparkplugs, tranny pan and valve cover gaskets, ignition coil, mechanical fuel pump , and rear wheel cylinders). the previous owner put on dual webbers but im unsure of their condition. and the previous owner also hit a deer which explains the non 260 hood.
But it has really turned around from when i first got it.
It still needs new suspension, a new exhaust system, and almost all new interior, mainly the dash, the tach and speedo have worked on a few occassions, its got a bad exhaust leak you can smell it in the cabin, my right headlight is out, im missing my front running lights, and the fuel sender is bad just to name a few things. There is a tranny leak coming from somewhere but i cant seem to find out where it is. the gas tank got bent in somehow, i just havent got the guts to fix it... yet.
I want to drop a new engine in it but im not really sure whats worth the money and what i am capable of doing as a mechanic.
Here are the pics i could find of it, ill try to put them up from newest to oldest. And yes there are alot of pictures. there are still a few exterior problems but ill get to them. i am having the most trouble with the intereior... youll see. if you leave me any comments, suggestions, or where to find parts it would be much appreciated. Im just a teenager and i plan on keeping this car until it looks as good as the top ranked 260s on this site.
ill keep this thing updated and try to take pictures as i move along.
(the descriptions are for the picture above it ... fyi)
Stuff i want to get done *as of 5/24/10*
- repaint block (light blue) and headers (gloss black) with high heat paint.
- reinstall hoses, intake, headers, and carbs
- repaint door jambs, deck lid, and under hood to also match new paint (black)
- finish making carpet for the passenger and driver side area.
- new weatherstrip from a kia sportage, volvo 740 wagon, rx7, cavalier, intergra, maxima, or eleantra
- Sound deaden the car the cheap way http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7eIF4cgFx4&feature=PlayList&p=B85248DEC4F8DE5C&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=92
- refurbish my dash, get a cap/map, or get a replacement.
- order the y pipe from msa
- msa twice pipes
- tokiko suspension all the way around
- zg flares and rims
- all new bushings
*Update* 5/27/10*
found out today that the paint on my headers was not high heat. i was about to put everything back together but noticed the paint flake away as i was going over everything with the air compressor. so i sandblasted the headers along with the intake manifold from my dads 1970 delta 88. sandblasting and degreasing took most of the day and i ended up cleaning my entire backyard... sheesh... as said previously i dont have the usb cable to my camera but pics will be up either tonight or tomorrow.
Flaking noticed while still on the block
taken off..
lightly sand blasted
*Update* 5/26/10*
Had to return the velcro, goop, and autozone weatherstrip because i realized that i had either overpayed/ could find them cheaper somewhere else or i didnt need them.
But today i managed to take some pictures of the pieces my car is in now and i managed to make my own gaskets for the balance tube and carb to intake join. i have it done pretty much step by step but i cant find the cable for my camera so they will go up this weekend.
materials needed : gasket material from autozone, calipers, scissors, pencil, paper, and one of the hand held hole punchers
step 1. figure out what needs a gasket.
Step 2. put a piece of paper on the part needing a gasket and run the pencil from side to side to get a stencil
Step 3. cut out the stencil with a small amount of excess
Step 4 use the hole punch to get a rough area for the bolt holes. and snip out the big areas with scissors.
Step 5. transfer stencil to the cork gasket
Step 6. cut out with razor blade/ scissors
did it with my carbs
there's the carb
cut out
transfer
i found that making starter holes in some spots can allow you to use the scissors for a faster cut
gaskets together
did some final snips after the test fit and they look and seal great.
*Update* 5/25/10
Bought alot of small items for my car(mostly for interior and engine compartment) which totaled around $110
from walmart
Replacement Carpet. 3m Velcro. and weatherstrip (for the hatch) .
replacement carpet. $8 ... looks good, easy to cut
3m velcro $6 .... too expensive
im keeping the strip on the left and returning the one on the right because ill just get the seals i need at a junkyard.
from Autozone
Goop adhesive. Campertop weatherstrip (also for the hatch). around 30 feet of vacuum, coolant, and fuel hoses. upper and lower radiator hoses. "make your own gasket" material... (rubber sheet and cork sheet.)
goop $4
from home depot
assorted ring hose clamps for the newly purchased hoses.
34 clamps... $28
*update* 5/24/10
oh gosh... i know its been a while.... but i got the car repainted a high gloss black, made new carpet for the rear hatch area, rebuilt the carbs, got new headers, reclaimed all the badges and emblems, and bought new upper and lower radiator hoses. I will get the pics up as soon as i figure out where they are... =/
reclaimed badge
used headers 6-3-1
new hose paired with old hose... to be installed later
old hose from the engine bay.
