Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hi,

I hope to be getting my freshly painted roadster body back from the paint shop soon. I would like a few opinions on whether it is better to install the body on the chasis first then install the engine. Or is it better to mount the engine and transmission to the chasis and place the body over the engine etc. as the final step. I have never done this before and would like a few opinions as to what is the best way to do it. originally I removed the engine and then separated the body from the chasis. Is there a better/safer way of doing it.


Thanks Tim Dvorak

If it were me doing it, I'd install the engine and transmission last. That will allow you to get all the wiring and hydrolics taken care of without interfearing with the engine. Also installing the engine with the intake and exhaust will save you many headaches as well. You might even be able to do it with the carbs on as well. Some cars you can others you cant. With the small oil pan you should be able to no problem.

Will

Hi Will,

Thank you for the insight. I originally took the engine and transmission out as a unit with the exhaust and everything else intact. It sounds as if I was very lucky. I just don't want to ruin my new paint job. If you think of any good tips, pass them on. Like I said, I am learning as I am going. The shop manual is almost worthless. It assumes an awful lot.

Thanks again Tim

I just installed a 2000 engine with the 5 speed, comp pan stock intake and exhaust manifolds in my 67.5. You may get a scratch or two in the engine bay (certainly on the chassis), but they are minor. It takes time and a leveller on the engine hoist is almost mandatory, but it can be done with care.

If you wrap the engine and tranny in an old quilt, even if you bump the paint, it won't scratch...

TR, That is so simple and logical. I never would have thought of that.

Growing up on a farm, I learned every way to bash something together the quickest and easiest way, we had all varieties of hammers, some even home made...Since moving from the farm, I have spent every year since trying to protect things from the hurry and slam it together mentality that has been hard to give up...

Bigger hammer and smoke wrench are very tempting tools. I do alarm and DC wiring for a living and have to shift from "get it done" to "make it nice" when wiring the car. Wirenuts are so unattractive under the hood.

I just went thru this process on a ground up restoration and I mounted the engine and transmission first along with all the other frame components. Then I dropped my freshly painted body onto the frame. When finishing off the engine bay I removed the front fenders and hood for very easy access.

Thanks Vince for the response.

I havn't quite decided as to what I am going to do. I think it will come down to how many sets of extra hands I can chase down.

Thank you
Tim

After thinking about it a bit more, I would mount the drivetrain less the oil filter, alternator, and carburetors then drop the body over it. I think that would be the easiest method...

We put the drivetrain in the chassis, and then dropped the body on with no problems. See:



Wade

I don't have one of those...

Me either, but I want one. Hell, that much floorspace would be nice without the lift!

Slobber...slobber...drool...drool...

...but you can still do it w/ a cheapie wood lift and hoist as has been discussed here already;

http://www.311s.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2035