Our build of an SCCA E-Production 240Z race car is underway.
Build tools
Miller 175 MIG Welder
Hypertherm Powermax380 Plasma Cutter
Tubing Bender
Tubing Notcher
Tube Fitting Tool
Drill Press
We started with a clean 1971 Datsun 240Z.
Date: 05/2002
The spare tire well was cut out and rails installed to mount the fuel cell.
(Time: 4 hours )
We completely removed the interior. This included sound deadening material, wiring, hoses, lines, brackets, etc.
(Time: 12 hours ) Date: 11/2003
The main hoop for the cage requires precision measuring to get the bends right as you only get one chance.
(Time: 2 hours ) Date: 01/17/2004
The floor pan had a fair amount of rust holes that needed to be patched. More weak areas were identified and fixed as we worked.
(Time: 6 hours ) Date: 08/2006
Trial fit of one of the fiberglass fenders. Most of the time involved removal of original fender. The front fenders will be held in place with dzus fasteners.
(Time: 1 hour ) Date: 09/08/2006
Trial fit of one of the fiberglass rear fenders. We need to cut out the inner fender and a portion of the exterior fender. We will then tub in this area so the tires have plenty of clearance. The fenders will be bonded or riveted to the body.
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/12/2006
Gutting of the passenger door. Need to clean up the edges and finish closing in the top.
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/15/2006
Cutting out the rear fender well for clearance for the lowered car and the wider racing slicks. We will weld a strip between the inner and outer fenders. This will tub in the area so we are compliant with the rule where no additional openings may be created between the wheel well and the passenger compartment by removing original material from fenders.
(Time: 1 hour ) Date: 09/15/2006
The frame was checked for square using a frame pick. It was dead on.
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/18/2006
Cut out the stock rear strut tower mounting points in preparation for the adjustable camber plates.
1/4" mild steel adjustable camber plate, top spring keeper, strut shaft adjusting plate with spherical bearing and original strut tower piece that was cut out.
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/18/2006
The rear camber plates have been welded in.
(Time: 1 hour ) Date: 09/19/2006
The left side inner door has been removed
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/20/2006
The left side fender and inner well has also been removed
(Time: .5 hour ) Date: 09/20/2006
At long last I have the car home and started working on it. Date: 07/25/2009
I used a 1x4 for a guide for the plasma cutter
Makes short work of even complex patterns
Left Front
I boxed in and attached the four main hoop down tubes. This was a time consuming process because I made a mistake when I first tack welded the four tubes to the floor. The cage was tweaked a bit to the left. I had to cut three of the four tubes from their welds and I used 2x4s to force the cage into its correct location. This required me to change how the rear left tube was attached. After it was done, the cage fits much closer to the A-pillar and the roof so I am very happy with it.
Forcing the tubes into place
Left Rear
Right Rear
(Time: 10 hours ) Date: 08/01/2009
The problem with working in my garage is that I have to pile things up to make room for my Wife's car.
With these I'm able to move the car around and when I finished working on, roll it up against the wall.
Design a pattern from cardboard
Tubing bender mounted in my trailer hitch
Bend is right on
The lower bend had to be recessed into the floor
Manufactured the seat mount supports. Still have to make the tabs to bolt the seat to. Also managed to get the rear downtube plates welded to the top of the rear strut towers.
Here is the rear seat mount
I used a 2x4 and a level to make sure the left brace was even with the right brace. The tube fitting tool makes for a finding the right angles.
The left brace was welded to the box structure and I added a brace to keep it from sagging from my weight
The seat bars and are in place and ready for the tabs to be fabricated
This is one of the strut tower plates where the rear down-tube will be welded
(Time: 4 hours ) Date: 08/22/2009
Mounting tabs welded to seat rails
Installation of seat rails. I still need to add braces and finish welding
Seat is in
(Time: 3 hours ) Date: 09/27/2009
Pedal mount is fabricated and held in with a C-clamp to check for location. In order to be effective with heel and toe I need to move them up about an inch and to the right about 3/4 of an inch. I also need to cut out the firewall for clearance for the clutch reservoir.
