A small update. I have been crazy busy at work, so little time for the Datsun.
I figured out why the 8.8 I got was never used I think. The guy had it narrowed to 47in wms, 2 inches narrower than a stock roadster axle, I think to use a zero offset wheel? Anyway, the explorer brake caliper hung far enough inboard, that the slide bolt hit the corner of the frame rail on compression. I was going to probably wait and get wilwood fixed caliper kit, but am trying to get this thing to driving without spending another grand on brakes.
So, I did what any self-respecting guy with a welder would do, and made room for the caliper.
Doh. That not good.
better?
I also cut the rest of the boxed inner fender out and replaced with some tubing I had around. Doubled the sheetmetal with 18g where it hits the firewall and welded along the inner fender. Welded up a bunch of holed and cuts in the footwells, and finished welding most of the pedal/master cyl support. Still need to build a lower steering column support and a cover for the pedal area of cowl.
Just a little more and I can put the body back on for the duration.
This is the other reason I haven't been working on the Datsun as much.
java230
PowerDork
5/17/23 2:24 p.m.
Looks like you are getting pretty close to me!
This last weekend I got a little done. Remounted the driver's seat that wouldn't slide back far enough.
Made a little bump out in the trans tunnel to give the offset shifter a little room.
Made a mounting point for the steering shaft where it goes thru the firewall and finished closing up the rest of the holes.
And, put the body back on. Again. With any luck, it doesn't come off again until at least I've driven it a season. Also, I brushed on some satin black rust-stop paint from the hardware store on some of it.
