Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

spl310 wrote:Now stop that! You are going to give Bob a bigger head than he already has!!

I'm sorry.

I too really admire the work. It's so cool that you can do this... How rewarding is the journey...

i can't wait to run by and see it. looks fantastic Bob.

Great Butch! Take pics and report back to let us know if Bob's head has really swelled!!

Bob knows I am just ribbing him. All in good fun! He is doing awesome work - and yes, I am insanely jealous that he has the skill to do it.

I have been running all over the country with work but did find a little time over the Memorial Day weekend to squirt a little paint. This is just the basecoat, Jet Black. I will paint all the individual parts (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid, and miscellaneous pieces) and then put the car back together. I will wet sand it with 600 and then hit it with another basecoat of black and then 4 coats of clear. I have already cleared the engine bay and trunk area.

I have also spent some time making my license plate trim tabs and fitted it and the side trim to car as well as made sure my headlight bezels fit perfect.

I also shot the bottom side of car, under hood, and trunk lid with Lizard skin sound proofing and ceramic insulation. It looks pretty darn close to the original.

Later!

This is going to be stunning I am sure! Completely Subscribed....

Oh man, she looks beautiful!

She is going to look great Bob! You are building a car that is going to look beautiful and last and last.

James

Looks amazing so far. Great inspiration for my project.

It looks a lot different than it did a couple months ago when I was there. Did you get those Solexes tuned?

Skyman wrote: Did you get those Solexes tuned?

I sure did. I am sure they will change once the motor has some weight to pull around, but it runs so much better now. I tossed the O2 meter and went back to sound and reading plugs.

Thanks for the comments guys!! Its starting to take shape now. I painted all the fenders, trunk lid, hood, doors, and small pieces and have put it all back together now. Sorry for the blue tape!! I had to tape the edges so I wouldn't bump and scratch parts. I will wet sand it this week and lay the final coat of base on it and then clear it.

Overall, I am pretty happy with the long hours I spent on the body. Its all hammer/dolly and no filler except where the lead was removed. Its as straight as a sheet of glass now and should look really good once cleared. I have one small ding that I didn't notice until paint. It will be under my license plate and can't be seen.

I know that I will use stainless fasteners on the fenders, but undecided on the door hinges. I had all the original hardware zinc plated and intended to leave them in the natural zinc form. I am thinking they will start the rusting process in a few years and regret it. So do I go stainless on the door hinges or paint over the original zinc bolts? Keep in mind that I am building this one a little off from original. I am chroming the interior trim bits, and chromed the 67.5 black gauges. Im not doing anything that a new owner couldn't quickly change to make it "original".

I also forgot to mention in the earlier post that used Eastwood internal frame coating in the hidden areas. I sprayed it in the rockers, A-pillars, inner fenders, and the little triangle boxes under the parcel shelf. So all the hidden areas should be protected from future rust. We will see how it works. I know it was pretty messy applying it. It finds every little crack and leaks out. I also used POR15 inside the doors. I will add sound control to the doors and quarter panels soon.

Whats your opinion on Roll bars (show bars)? I am on the fence here also.

Bob

I would go stainless - it is stronger and will last a lot longer. Overall that's what you want a strong long lasting car. If you're worried about originality then just keep the original fasteners in a tackle box forever.

Cheers
James

jamesw wrote:I would go stainless - it is stronger and will last a lot longer. Overall that's what you want a strong long lasting car. If you're worried about originality then just keep the original fasteners in a tackle box forever.

Cheers
James

Stainless is weaker!

fj20spl311 wrote:

jamesw wrote:I would go stainless - it is stronger and will last a lot longer. Overall that's what you want a strong long lasting car. If you're worried about originality then just keep the original fasteners in a tackle box forever.

Cheers
James

Stainless is weaker!

Not if you have ever tried sanding and polishing it.
Maybe it is more brittle, but I don't think it is weaker.

disclaimer; I am not a metals expert.

To stay on topic, the car is looking great. you should be proud of your accomplishment.

well,,,,50/50 an old guy once told me. if the door latches and strikers are plated,,, go plated on the hinge bolts.
Then again, who will scrutinize the door jambs? There will be so much more to feast ones eyes on when this jewel is rollin!!
Nice work Bob!!