Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Refurbished some later style rear springs for the '66 stroker project per the recommendation of Mr. Premo. Put all new pads in I got from Dean. Finished them up using Eastwood Chassis Black. I am happy with them. Ready for install when I return to the mid-west.

Steve

We got out of California before they locked us in. The trip back was not too scary. Motels were open and drive throughs for food. Diesel was pretty cheap which kept the cost down considerably. Glad to be back in the Mid-west where social distancing is the way we live naturally. I finally got caught up with all the little things need attended to after a long winter. We had three huge piles of limbs to pickup and burn. I had to mow twice and use the yard rake to scoop up the hay field twice. Looks like we live here again now. Put in a new instant hot water heater. New kitchen faucet and both tubs needed new drains.

So now, I am back at the 66. Need to go through the frame and clean it up, paint and put all new bits on it. The sora blue car sitting next to it will be going on the frame once it is done. The stroker is ready as well as the 5 speed. I really would like to get this done so we can attend the Lake Garnet Grand Prix in October. Should be doable if I do not get side tracked. A few shots-just started taking the rear end apart today. I had to use the propane torch and a sawzall a couple of times. Rusted parts are sometimes painful to get apart. More to come as I progress.

Welcome back home, nice progress- she's looking good!

S Allen wrote: Wed Feb 19, 2020 5:13 pm Refurbished some later style rear springs for the '66 stroker project per the recommendation of Mr. Premo. Put all new pads in I got from Dean. Finished them up using Eastwood Chassis Black. I am happy with them. Ready for install when I return to the mid-west.


Steve

What's the difference between early and late?

According to several of the long time roadster statesman the later springs were more robust than the earlier springs. Less prone to sag. I heard that from several folks whom I trust know what they are talking about. I cannot afford the mono-leafs.

Steve

Steve, do you not have oxy-acetylene? much faster than either a Sawzall or propane. Quick, the flame wrench!

No, that is one tool I do not have. Suppose I need to get one sooner than later.

S

A little more progress today. Got the leaf springs out and rear end. So, the back part is stripped. Next up the front suspension. I quit early today as I want to watch the NASCAR race.
More to come.............

Steve

It has been a busy morning. I pretty much have the front suspension stripped. Broke a few bolts in the process. Even with heat some of them were more than stubborn. Ended up drilling and tapping a few. Found a few PO sins along the way as way. Going after the idler, steering box, tie rods this afternoon.


More to come.

S

Success-got the front suspension and steering all removed. All the parts are ready to be cleaned, primed and painted. A few days of blast cabinet work ahead for sure. A few highlights of the sins of the PO's. Nails where there should be cotter pins, hose clamp holding the right side of the sway bar to the lower control arm, and a square nut holding the lower ball joint to the control arm instead of a locking nut. I have a box of new bits ready to bolt on once the frame and parts are ready for re-installation. Project is moving along nicely at this point.


S

Oh my goodness, look at that box of goodies ready to go!

Yep, Christmas during the pandemic.

S

No pictures of the last few days but I have gotten plenty done. Took the rear axles apart so I can put new bearings and collars on. I always use the cut the collar method and smack it with a BFH. The bearings were actually seized to the axles on both sides. Generous amounts of heat and whacking them with a punch and a hammer they finally came loose. Removed the front rotors from the hubs which is never fun. Again-lots of heat, a brass drift and a big hammer. I soaked them for several days with PB Blaster first. Had a snapped off bolt on the front sway bar mount. Drilled and tapped it out. I got pretty much all of the front suspension bead blasted and the rear brake shield and drums. Drums are within tolerances so I will reuse. Going to prime and paint with Eastwood Chassis Black Epoxy. Tomorrow if the weather cooperates I will hook the frame to the engine lift. Drag her outside, power wash and tend to any rust spots and paint it with Eastwood Rust Encapsulate. Then I can begin reassembly. Pretty happy with the progress. I did have to do some work on my blast cabinet. Replaced the crappy cabinet florescent lights with some 3200 lumen LED's. What a difference!! Bright and I can see. I also flipped the glove mounts around so the clamp holding them in place is on the outside instead of the inside of the cabinet. Another big improvement. More to come.......

Steve

A little more progress today. Got most of the bits cleaned up. Primed and painted. Missing a few key components but should get them in the next week. Mounted the new rotors on the cleaned up and painted hubs. Just need to pack the rear wheel bearing, install with a new race and seal and they will be ready to install. Hopefully the weather will cooperate so I can drag the frame outside, power wash, prep and paint. It has been raining/storming pretty much all week. Planning on beginning the reassembly by next week if I can get the frame painted.


Happy with the progress.......

S

Looking good Steve!