Datsun Roadster: 2020 Challenge Build

In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :

That is going to be a wild ride at 100 mph.

So i got the body back off of the chassis (very easy, exactly as designed - woohoo - we'll see if it goes back on easy) for hopefully the last time before the challenge.

I have a list of things to do while I'm here, before the final mating. Things like cutting off sharps, and necessary welding, and making the nhra wind deflector. This was I think the first time I welded body panels, much thinner than what I'm used to. But I went slow and I think it turned out ok enough.

This metal came from the piece I cut out of the trunk lid, so the curves matched up really nicely and it has the great crease running up the middle to match the rest of the car. And most of the paint still matches!

416 hours.

Nicely done! Looks like a beaut. I'll be watching you for the NHRA wind deflector construction, for Riggamort next year.

Since it's a single seater wouldn't your trunk relocated thingy count as a wind deflector?  It looks at least 5x12.

Robbie this is such an awesome build! Any budget left for a 50-75 shot for the 1/4 mile?

In reply to Stampie (FS) :

yeah, I apologize if there was confusion. That IS my wind deflector. And even though mine is almost 4x that size at ~9x22 I don't even think it has to be that size as the 5x12 is listed for a specific class. NHRA basically says it has to be fireproof material and has to direct wind or liquids over the driver's head. Oh and IF the deflector is see-through you are not allowed to put stickers on it that can be used as a staging aid. 

OneSickGNX said:

Robbie this is such an awesome build! Any budget left for a 50-75 shot for the 1/4 mile?

Thank you! There might be budget left but I don't think there is time. My list is still long and we leave in 5 days. In the future, anything's possible!

Robbie (Forum Supporter) said:

The "cowl bump" is awesome! Love it.

BTW, is the tilt at the front a working feature now? So cool.

If you have time maybe a couple plastic flaps screwed to the body inside to keep the driver from being pelted with gravel might be nice

Patrick (Forum Supporter) said:

If you have time maybe a couple plastic flaps screwed to the body inside to keep the driver from being pelted with gravel might be nice

i left the two floorboards for specifically that purpose. But I will say that I thought it was going to be a problem when we ran the autox with no fenders and no body, and it really wasn't.

Many more hours in today, but mostly small inglorious stuff.

Like sanding sharp edges into slightly less sharp edges. Hours of sanding.

I did get everything on the frame final painted, including the chain guard.

Also, both front fenders were loose at the bottom due to rust. 3 whacks with the rivet machine each was my prescription.

Next, the hood needed pinned. So back to the project scrap bin I went. I think this was part of the original shifter maybe? I really can't remember. But it will work!

Then.

And.

John madden says BOOM.

I also took the time to find a nut for the fender fastener that was missing one and I found better hardware for the front hood hinges. A little bendy bendy with a prybar and the hood lines up ok too!

Next up, mounting the wing. Today I got incredibly lucky. The short thick aluminum brackets came with the wing. Not only are they too wide to fit my wing brace, they are also spaced too far apart on the wing.

Luckily, I just happened to have these L brackets in the garage. And they just happended to have the exact same hole spacing as the original brackets. AND, after installing them like this, they just happened to be the perfect width I needed - holy crap. Mom always says, better to be lucky that good.

Added some thickness to the front ones, it would be really difficult to assemble with these washers if they weren't welded on.

Finally, I wanted to smooth out the flow, since this is the bottom of the wing after all, and smooth is better than rough.

425 hours 

Down to the wire Challenge builds are the best. Amazing execution on this.

Headlight (I did clean up the connector a bit more haha). Hooked to the factory high beam circuit so you even get a blue light on the dash when the light is on.

This headlight is a halogen bulb I think so it is quite bright. I got this in the GRM new years exchange a few years back, so I will need to get an FMV. I got two and only one works today, so this is actually a perfect application.

Taillight. This is a cheap LED strip from Amazon (like $9!) And has tail, brake, and turn signal both directions. Just stick it on with the supplied adhesive tape. I hooked them all up (including the turn signals) just for giggles.

Fitted the wing and trunk lid.

Even was able to knock out the trunk hinge pins to make the lid quick release.

430 hours.

In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :

Car's looking great!

I sent you a text about some Challenge mufflers. ( Hope I had the correct number )

In reply to Robbie (Forum Supporter) :

You really need to plate it & take to Cars & Coffee sometime. 

Holy friggin E36 M3. This is amazing.

The field may be a bit small this year, but getting to see this in just a few days is better than 100 cheap answers. Looks great. I'm stoked. 

OjaiM5 said:

I'm loving this project.

I wonder if the body will need to be cut at the bumper /door line?

* Edit - Good point about no front engine - new and improved with front aero 

I'm hoping I got pretty close!

I think you need to cut the hood and give it that scoop treatment if it will fit. The looks alone would be worth it.

You nailed the wheel fender spacing on this thing.   It sort of reminds me of one of those tommoroland speedway cars on steroids.  I also really like the exhaust.  

I agree on the hood scoop/duct idea.  That plus a splitter would look the buisiness.  I'd be tempted to cut the back of the body off bellow the rear wheel cutout.  like draw a line straight back from the top of the wheel Arch and cut straight around the car at that height.  Would give it a BMod car sort of look and expose the mid enginedness hiding underneath.  

nocones said:

You nailed the wheel fender spacing on this thing.   It sort of reminds me of one of those tommoroland speedway cars on steroids.  I also really like the exhaust.  

 

I agree on the hood scoop/duct idea.  That plus a splitter would look the buisiness.  I'd be tempted to cut the back of the body off bellow the rear wheel cutout.  like draw a line straight back from the top of the wheel Arch and cut straight around the car at that height.  Would give it a BMod car sort of look and expose the mid enginedness hiding underneath.  

Yes do that, too!

The good news is that you can accomplish the scoop and the "slice the lower back of the car off" in an hour.

I am stunned at how normal this looks in the photo above. Just a lowered Datsun roadster. I vote yes on the front "Ojai scoop" but no on trimming the rear fenders. Keeping the rear fenders keeps the "Just a Datsun" theme better. I would use real headlamps in the original locations too, partly to keep the air out of the wheel wells.

In reply to TurnerX19 :

I agree. cutting the rear would look less like a Datsun. I like it!

Definitely block headlight holes, don't cut the body.  Worry about aero next year after you're tested and know what works.  If the right driver pilots this you have the potential to ftd by 2 seconds putting you in excellent position to be in first place after racing even if you run a 13 second drag pass.