Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey everyone,

In light of the fact that many projects start with an unorganized, unplanned and frenzied tear down followed by an ebay sale entitled "No time to finish...project car for sale", I'd like to lay out a plan for my project before touching a single tool in the toolbox. I don't want this to be me!

I am looking for some basic universal information on the steps / stages that every roadster project (off frame) should include. Obviously if one project includes an engine swap and another keeps the original then the steps are different but we can categorize both into an engine category. With me so far?

I also know that some things will need to be done on some cars and not on others, e.g., rust repair (okay bad example...its a Datsun)

Anyway, I don't really know what order to tackle things and I am looking for some guidance.

Help.

are you talking a frame off, or just a quick repair?

Phil

Frame off.

This isn't really the "steps to take", but if I could make one recommendation, it would be to photo and video document the tear down. Put all parts/nuts bolts in ziplock bags, then in boxes. Mark the bags and boxes well. Try to categorize them. Dash, exhaust, interior, etc. etc..

I found it easier to take out the engine/drive train before the body.

Kyle

Those are actually excellent "steps".

I had planned on a systematic approach of going around the car taking photos and notes and again with video before I tear anything out.

Then on disassembly, I also like your advice on taking detailed photos and notes on the areas of the car when it isn't absolutely obvious how things go back together...likely most of it. hahaha.

Try not to let to much time pass before reassembly!!!
Looking back at pictures and videos are still a B!TCH!!
Definately still great advice take as much pics and vid as possible and bag and tag everything.

As you are pulling off parts acess eveything and make notes of things that need to be replaced ie: ball joints, tie rods " u" joints rubber ect.

I put all notes and reciepts in a folder so they will not get lost.
Most of the time notes and reciepts are the first to go buy buy.

Keep everything in one place and well organized so pieces wont get lost.
I like to set up some shelves on one side of the garage.

If you are planning on a engine swap you will need to do all of the mock up be for you pull the body to get the engine placed right you will even need to put the hood and latch back on.

Kevin

Good stuff Kevin. Keep it coming people.


...no engine swap for me but good point.

Here's my 2¢.

Have a detailed plan of what you want to end up with, paint, trim, wheels etc. The more detailed the better.

Evaluate the car - make a list of what is good and what needs work.

Figure out your budget - and if possible have the money ready and set aside. Many projects stall due to lack of cash.

Get as many of the parts that you know you will need before you get started.

I've been told to save the engine work for last, especially if the resto will take a while. Better not to have a rebuilt engine sitting for a long time while the rest of the work is done.

Take lots of pictures of your tear down. Make notes and digrams. Store everything really well so you can find it easily.

One approach is to clean and restore the parts as they come off the car. This way, when the car is finally all apart, it's ready to go back together. Put the subassemblies back together as soon as possible so you don't forget how they go together. Much more fun ot tear everything down at once!

Best tip: have another running roadster for reference and inspiration in the middle of the project.

Great tips Leigh. Thank you.

Can enyone tell me what order they do the paint? I have seen engine compartments painted first, then the engine goes in and then teh rest of the car is painted. I have also seen the entire car painted and then engine put in. ???

shifty wrote:Here's my 2¢.

One approach is to clean and restore the parts as they come off the car. This way, when the car is finally all apart, it's ready to go back together. Put the subassemblies back together as soon as possible so you don't forget how they go together. Much more fun ot tear everything down at once!

Leigh, That is one of the best ideas I've heard in a long time. The discipline to do it that way is tough, but the ease of reassembly would make it very worthwhile. I was given a spare frame by MGSlayer, if I were to do the restoration, I'd prep the frame, and follow Leigh's procedure, remove parts from the old frame, restore, and onto new frame.The only thing I would add, if space allows, a parts car can be a great help. Personally I would pick one beyond repair, saves the temptation to fix it. This gives, as Leigh said, a reference and also a set of spare parts. It can also be a test stand to run in a new stock motor, and a mule for an engine swap, if that's the route you take.

Sounds like you have a plan. Now to pick a color!

DatsunDave wrote:Great tips Leigh. Thank you.

Can enyone tell me what order they do the paint? I have seen engine compartments painted first, then the engine goes in and then teh rest of the car is painted. I have also seen the entire car painted and then engine put in. ???

Kinda depends if you're doing frame-off or partial.....paint shop or DIY....etc, etc.

As far as when to paint what, If it were me, I would complete the chassis, install the drivetrain and exhaust etc. I would then complete the underhood stuff on the body, such as brake lines, wiring heater box as much as possible, and then lower the body onto the frame with the engine in place. I don't know if you could clear the carburetors with the body.

I was always paranoid about swinging an engine into a newly painted car, and then all the wrenching etc to complete the install around fresh paint.

ppeters914 wrote:

DatsunDave wrote:Great tips Leigh. Thank you.

Can enyone tell me what order they do the paint? I have seen engine compartments painted first, then the engine goes in and then teh rest of the car is painted. I have also seen the entire car painted and then engine put in. ???

Kinda depends if you're doing frame-off or partial.....paint shop or DIY....etc, etc.

DatsunDave wrote:Hey everyone,

I am looking for some basic universal information on the steps / stages that every roadster project (off frame) should include.

+ likely paint shop

After searching the interwebs for more info on this I FINALLY found a site that had a pretty good breakdown.

It doesn't quite address when to paint what to facilitate reassembly but overall the best I've found so far.

http://www.theymightberacing.com/Restor ... ation.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

There was some sound logic in the article(s). Thanks for sharing.

Speaking of DIY restoration, I came across this site. Check out the extensive photo documentation of this guy's DIY resto on his 1959 Cadillac and 1963 Jaguar XKE. I especially enjoyed the body and paint sections on his Jag.
http://www.mckennasgarage.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;