Hi to everyone from Adelaide, South Australia.

[Nissanman]

Milestone time
Today, after several hours of juggling and the occasional piece of bad lingo, the body and chassis were buttoned up together.


They have been apart since 22/9/2002
Everything looks to be in the right place and aligned perfectly, well as good as the factory did in 1965.

What I have discovered during the restoration is that the body has been stamped at the front LH corner 8 - 63.
I assume that the body was manufactured then and wasn't mated to a chassis until sometime in 1965!

Now we are on wheels, the car will go back to Kustom Bodyworks to have the doors, front guards, boot and bonnet trial fitted before top coat is applied.

Time and a half is going by but I am confident, barring unforeseen circumcisions, that I will have it ready for the Bay To Birdwood Classic Rally on 29/9/2013.
http://www.baytobirdwood.com.au/
I think I can, I think I can.............................

[notoptoy]

Really starting to look like something now. It gets faster from here - really!

[Nissanman]

Yes, that is what my mentor, Travis, has said.
There is much more TLC before the final act but I am getting there!

[Nissanman]

The Bay To Birdwood entry form this year is requesting a CURRENT photo of every car entered.....


This will have to do



Well she's off to have the remaining panel trial fitted at Kustom Bodyworks.

[Nissanman]

Here are some current pics. of the car.
Waiting for a lack of rain before we truck her to the paint shop: -






Time to get into prep and paint mode again

[Nissanman]

The car should now be back at the paint shop and I will start on the body tomorrow.
Meanwhile, I have been busy re-assembling the clutch and transmission to the engine.

The inlet and exhaust manifolds have been fitted up to check for clearance etc.

So far everything is going together just fine

[notoptoy]

What is that transmission??

[Nissanman]

The stocky 4 speed as fitted to the '65 SP310!

[Gregs672000]

Ya, I was wondering the same thing until I saw the motor, then realized it must be a 1500... guess he says that in his tag line!

It's coming along!

[Linda]

Not to add to your work load, but are you going to paint the exhaust manifold?

Linda

[Nissanman]

Yes, once I determine the spot for the AFR O2 sensor bung I will demount the manifolds.
The plan is to get the exhaust manifold ceramic coated a light grey so that it will look new and stay that way

[Nissanman]

RIGHT! Now we are getting serious
Guide coat applied, a charcoal powder.


And much sanding is happening.

[Gregs672000]

This is where it starts getting exciting... And tests your patience when you find those spots that still are not quite right!

[Nissanman]

Spent the day prepping and painting the body in 4 coats of sand-able primer.
Next week will see a LOT of sanding going on






I'm really enjoying this experience, my tutor is great and everything is happening to plan

[notoptoy]

This is going to look so good. Great work, keep enjoying the experience, so you can then enjoy the ride!