"Mechanix Menace": An LS7-motivated, chopped and heavily modified 1973 Datsun 240Z

[chevyz240]

This weekend I measured the various dimensions of the cockpit mockup using a laser, a tape measure, a level, a steel square and some other stuff. I will use this for my CAD model. Earlier this week I created an accurate center line of the body which was the base for all measurements and which will be used when building the chassis. The height measurements are easy to do, I just point the laser at the point to be measured and read the height on a tape measure that I have taped to the garage wall. The lateral measurements are a bit trickier, I need to set the laser up along the center line, and then measure to it. If there is something in the way of the tape measure, I need to rig up a level vertically, so I can measure from it.

The longitudinal measurements are the really tricky ones. First of all, I have decided to use the highest point on the roof as the zero point for all measurements. With the laser it is transfered to the trans tunnel mockup. Then I rig up a straight piece of wood 90 degrees from the center line at the zero point, using a square to line it up from the center line scribed on the trans tunnel. At the exact width of the point to be measued, I rig up the level vertically and mark the height with the laser. Then I can measure the length coordinate with the tape measure. When I am going to build the chassis, I will probably need to rig up some kind of horisontal plane to measure from.

After all this was done, the wooden cockpit had done it's job and I tore it down. Soon it'll be time to purchase tubing for the chassis.

[chevyz240]

I am currently drinking beer, listening to music and tweaking the Datsun model in Blender. I have added the rear window and made a rough grill opening. I am making progress! Slowly, but still progress!

[wfo guy]

All of today's items look good to me!

[chevyz240]

All of today's items look good to me!

Thanks! Some of the items tasted good as well!

[chevyz240]

Datsun progress! Very small, but nevertheless... While working on my Chevy C10 outside, it rained a few times, so, wild and crazy as I am, I went in the garage and cut the remaining parts of the floor off from the rocker panels. I couldn't sleep very well tonight either, so I started thinking about the Z, and the direction I should go. I really would like to build a chassis out of aluminum honeycomb sandwich panels, which would be very stiff and light, but the swedish vehicle inspection doesn't allow that.

Also, I am contemplating making the car more track focused again, as I initially planned. This led me to thinking about maybe making a very simple chassis for inspection purposes, and then building the car the way I want it. This would mean that the body would bolt on to the chassis. I will have to mull this over... If I decide on going back to a racier car, I would skip the stereo, AC, and other comfort stuff, simplifying things. If I get the car light enough, I could also tow it on a trailer legally behind the C10 when going to track days.
As usual, my ideas swing back and forth... The last word is definitely not spoken (or last thought thought) on this matter... Suggestions are welcome!

[ed1le]

Awesome build. Currently helping my Dad restore his '71 240Z that my folks bought brand new. Your work on this is amazing. Keep it up!

[chevyz240]

Awesome build. Currently helping my Dad restore his '71 240Z that my folks bought brand new. Your work on this is amazing. Keep it up!

Thanks Ed! I haven't done much in a long time. I have been working on my LS engined 1964 Chevy C10 pickup truck. I hope I will be able to continue work on the Z soon. The next step is to measure the suspension geometry and decide on the placement of the rear subframe and start designing the double A-arm conversion of the front suspension.

Cool to have a one owner Z in the family!

[Josh@Ridetech]

Very cool build! I love these cars. It's nice to see some actually being built!

[chevyz240]

Very cool build! I love these cars. It's nice to see some actually being built!

Thanks Josh!

[Michaels 69]

Very cool build Henrik, you're a great craftsman and have A LOT of Patience!! Keep up the great work.

[chevyz240]

Very cool build Henrik, you're a great craftsman and have A LOT of Patience!! Keep up the great work.

Thanks a lot Michael!

[ed1le]

Thanks Ed! I haven't done much in a long time. I have been working on my LS engined 1964 Chevy C10 pickup truck. I hope I will be able to continue work on the Z soon. The next step is to measure the suspension geometry and decide on the placement of the rear subframe and start designing the double A-arm conversion of the front suspension.

Cool to have a one owner Z in the family!

Yes it is, I was brought home from the hospital in it when I was born in 1975. It was put in storage around 1983 and just brought out last year to be restored so looking forward to seeing it on the road again.

Good luck with the other build, also sounds like a great project!

[chevyz240]

Yes it is, I was brought home from the hospital in it when I was born in 1975. It was put in storage around 1983 and just brought out last year to be restored so looking forward to seeing it on the road again.

Good luck with the other build, also sounds like a great project!

Very cool to have that Z in the family! The C10 is a more low key patina type project. Is your Firebird done, or are you working on it?

[ed1le]

Very cool to have that Z in the family! The C10 is a more low key patina type project. Is your Firebird done, or are you working on it?

Is any project ever truly done? LOL The firebird is a driveable project that I've been autocrossing with the last couple of years and fooling with. My Skylark is more of a true project/build but on hold and in storage at my parents right now due to lack of time (3 little kids) and space. We're about to put our house up for sale and looking at places with a second garage or room to build one so I hope to have the Skylark back where I can play with it soon!

[chevyz240]

Is any project ever truly done? LOL The firebird is a driveable project that I've been autocrossing with the last couple of years and fooling with. My Skylark is more of a true project/build but on hold and in storage at my parents right now due to lack of time (3 little kids) and space. We're about to put our house up for sale and looking at places with a second garage or room to build one so I hope to have the Skylark back where I can play with it soon!

I wish you luck with your projects, Ed! I know what it's like to have too little garage space, my truck sleeps outside year round.

[chevyz240]

I'm not dead, I'm just moving slow!

In parallel to Christmas cleaning the house (or more truthfully, instead of) I have continued designing the chassis for Mechanix Menace. So far it's just a rough outline. Previously I thought about making the chassis out of aluminum honeycomb panels, but due to problems registering such a chassis here in Sweden, I have decided on a steel tube chassis. However, part of it will still be consisting of sandwich panels. Most surfaces in the passenger compartment will consist of aluminum sheets glued and riveted to both sides of the chassis tubes, with a glued foam core between them. This way, I will both increase stiffness and thermal and sound insulation compared to a single surface of sheet steel or aluminium. Hopefully, SFRO, the organization approving home-built cars will approve of this.

[andrewb70]

It's only been 4 years...LOL

Andrew

[chevyz240]

It's only been 4 years...LOL

Andrew

2 actually! (But I admit that I didn't do that much then...)

[Motown 454]

Always like your updates, I'll keep watching for more. I love this project.

[chevyz240]

Always like your updates, I'll keep watching for more. I love this project.

Thanks Wayne!