Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Continuing progress on the cleanup and would like to post pics and updates. Which thread should I shift this over to?

Thank you!

Totally fine with just continuing with this thread. Maybe request to Steve (admin) to give it a new title?? or not.

Just carry on and keep us posted!

Reply back and let me know if you would like this moved to Members Rides.

I don't mind leaving it here.

I started cleaning up the car from the back forward. A lot of light sanding, rubbing compound, chrome polish, and degreaser. I don't have the $ right now for a new paint job and rather than just spraying some rattle can paint on it I decided to take off the oxidation and surface rust and go for that patina look with a few heavy coats of clear to seal it. Plus it lets me see what's underneath. So far no bondo and just the usual dings and dents for a 40+ year old car.

Here are some pics of the back end and the inside of the trunk so far:

Here's the inside of the trunk. I'm currently cleaning up the original rubber mat as well.

That seems to be cleaning up really nicely. Great approach to this project!

Thank you! So far I'm enjoying the heck out of it. Only concerns so far are the rust spots on the pans and at the bottom of the windshield braces/brackets inside the door. Will deal with that once I get up there.

And you don't seem to have the 'usual' crack in the trunk/boot floor.

Ya, looks like a really solid platform to build from... Ain't this fun! The tail lights look brand new. Are you doing a Krylon paint job? There was a thread a while back, and at least one member who did it and it came out pretty darn good!

While you have the trunk apart, drill a hole under the latch in the trunk floor and run a cable through for a remote release in the case of latch failure - common and destructive to overcome... Easy now... Search on here for pics...

Original lights. New rubber seals. The chrome is cleaned up with Turtle Wax Chrome cleaner, a bunch of old rags, and a lot of elbow grease.

Using a combination of 220, 600, 800 grit sandpaper, and #0000 steel wool to remove the oxidation, crusty original paint, and surface rust. Spraying 2-3 coats of Duplicolor clear acrylic enamel from PepBoys to seal it.

Cleaned up the original trunk mat

Amazing what a good thorough cleaning can do to old parts.

mraitch wrote:And you don't seem to have the 'usual' crack in the trunk/boot floor.

As far as i can tell the 70 was upgraded to a larger reinforcing plate or doubler, common to the "hook channel", twice as wide and extending beyond the rear panel to the rear splash. Better late than never,,,