Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

You ever had those days where you wish you didn't go out to the garage? Laid out my rear axles and all the parts, thought I had it right, and didn't notice until I was about to press on the 2nd bearing and retainer before I noticed I put the backing plate on backwards. Not happy, to say the least. After I exercised my 4 letter vocabulary, I took the one axle back apart and press the 2nd one together correctly.

Returned to the garage inserted one axle and went to put my cleaned up finned drums on and they were hitting the backing plate. Came to be I used the backing plates off the '67 car and then noticed that the ones off the '69 had a different backing plate lip. Anyway, it's all a learning curve. I modified the backing plates and drove forward.

I had to press the axle retainer back off the axle. The new retainer was only on the axle for 20 minutes. Can I reuse that retainer or do I need to replace it?

A little while back I got some Datsun 240z appliance mesh wheels, 14x6, I think. I just cleaned them up this past weekend. Polished the lip and painted the centers. I think they turned out good.

I had a few questions. 1st, tires. I did some research and saw on the wheel and tire discussion that most are putting 185/60R-14's on 14" wheels. Any other thoughts out there?

2nd question is about lug nuts. I've already swapped out all of the stock studs for longer, 7/16 x 20 studs. What type of lug nuts are used with these wheels? Did some searching and didn't find what I'm looking for. Someone said not to use acorn style nuts. Why? I was wondering if someone out there had a link to a website or part number. I've attached a section view of the stud hole in the rim with the dimensions.

Appliance wheels need special washers and lug nuts because the holes are so big. Find them on EBay, about $40.
Also on tires the PO1 185/65/14 tires by Sumitomo are nice.
Linda
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cleaning up R-16 engine. Tore down the external parts for cleaning and paint.
See picture below. How do you know when it's time to replace the timing chain?

Best time to replace an unknown timing chain? When the front cover is off!!! Like NOW! Check your gears for excessive wear, though it may not be as big a deal as on the U20? Look for pointy teeth and those that look like Christmas trees from being undercut by the chain.

It's been a while since my last update. The end of the school year for a teacher is just too busy.

See the pictures for current status. Complete rolling chassis. I need to finish frame brake lines and then onto the body. Hope all goes smoothly.

I do have a question on the rear axle assembly. I might have missed it, but in my searches I found nothing about my next question. When inserting the rear axle seal into the housing, does it need to be greased? The new axle bearing is greased. I bought one from DatsunParts.com that came with one side sealed. I installed the washer looking plate, the seal, and then the axle with the bearing with the sealed side facing in towards the 3rd member. I have not yet filled the axle housing with oil but have read the threads about the proper amount. When I move the car around in my driveway I notice squeaking coming from the axle and I'm almost positive it's coming from the seal rubbing on the axle. Is this normal or did I miss a set like greasing the seal? I know, from what I read, that the grease and oil should not mix.

thanks for your help.

A light film of grease or 90 wt on the mating axle surface or inner dia of the seal would have been a good idea. Sorry..

Time to get back into this. I've got my rolling chassis with drivetrain done. Now it's on to what I've been putting off. The body

I got a new bead roller and I'm going to give a go at making my own floor plans. I'll post some more pics when I get those done.

fantastic work, thanks for posting your progress!!

You are making a lot of good progress. Nice work on the body patching. Keep it up. We are watching.

Steve

Question for you guys. What's the difference in the front clip between the '67 and the '68-'69 years besides the low windshield? I think I heard the fender flares are different. Are the fenders, hood, and doors interchangeable?

The fender ends where they meet the windshield are very different.
good references: The Rallye website in general and http://www.datsunroadster.com/INFO_PAGES/what_year.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The hood latch pin on a real 69 is off center a bit to accomadate the safty hook. The hood will fit, but will not latch. If you you can patch the inner fender lower rail, you can mod the hood or cowl to fit.

After I get the floor pans done I'll move on to test fitting the different front clip parts. I'm working with which parts need less work. I'll let you all know how it turns out.