SSSEXXX

@bmoneyms3 - ha ha! Thanks man. I have nothing but love for you man, but I am not a role model. I have made a lot of mistakes along the way. I have read a lot and been fortunate to have a great team of people here on the forum to give me feedback. The guys and girls here will help you out if you read and respect the culture. This thread is stalled due in large part to my traveling, but even more so because the shop that has my car right now is not being the most responsive. I can't get updates and because I can't get updates I can't keep everyone else informed either. I am super frustrated, but I plan on resolving this problem very, very soon. I'll be in town for about a week and a half before I head to Europe again and I am going to either get the build moving or get a new shop. Period, end of story. If I could do it again, I would tell you that the L series engine is simple and can provide more than ample power for a 2100 lb car. If it were me, I would skip having to learn about things like rewiring a modern engine to a '68-'73 model year harness, re-routing fuel lines, custom exhausts, and new drive shafts. You can build the suspension up of your car, learn about a great engine, and get to know and appreciate the heritage of the brand and the culture first. I am not saying that an sr20det isn't fun, but it is a project and one that will take you away from the wheel for a while and you have to live in the dream for months if not years. Build some memories with your baby first and then go to meets and car shows. You won't regret it.

Yes sir!! Bumpers are 110% going on. I'm 50/50 on bumper guards too. It isn't as clean of a look, but pays homage to the JDM roots of the car. I would love to find some of those all rubber JDM ones. That black dime just looks better and better every time. So clean and well done.

@dennis - Damn man, I see what you were saying with regard to body work. That thing looks extremely well done. I only hope for that kind of shiny finished product. It always makes me wonder why people don't use the bumpers. I think the chrome would really look good on this car too. To each their own I guess.

That's okay, I'm asking for opinions here. I just saw a black SSS Coupe from Japan with bright, clean chrome and it looked stunning. I'm still thinking Alpine White with a super shiny clear to make it pop. I want it to be timeless you know?

Got more updates today. Going to head down there on Friday to figure out if I am going to pull the project. I expressed my unhappiness and the shop said they were more than willing to do the work any way suggested, but it was a bit early to judge them. I'm indifferent. Dennis' opinion has never failed me though. On a happier note, what are your thoughts on color?? I was planning on BMW Alpine White, but a recent black SSS from Japan has me thinking about Jet Black instead. Hit me with picture inspiration!!

So gentlemen, I welcome opinions. Do I need to go get her and find a better paint/body person? If so, who??

Damn it!!! I'm so angry right now. I had a fit instinct, but this pretty much confirms it. I need the name of a good shop. And he is chargin me almost $7k.

Sooooooooo, may I ask how much you paid for yours???

This I did not know! I have a '69 Canadian Dash I believe. It is all metal. I don't really care about the A/C controls. Know exactly what is different?

Looking for a 1968 SSS Cluster and hoping you crazy kids can help me out. Anyone know of one for sale? Have one hidden away? Want to donate or sell? I'll love you forever and ever. Here is a picture for the unassociated:

Okay, so finally got progress pictures from the shop. I am not the most experience paint and body guy in the world, so I welcome criticism. Good, bad, ugly. You tell me your thoughts... This is the inner, driver's side fender well. There was accident damage that was repaired poorly. You can see better pictures of it earlier in this same thread. The shop said that bondo was the best option because reshaping it in metal would not be cost effective. Youre thoughts... Battery tray needs to be removed. Whole engine bay was treated with aircraft paint stripper and sanded down to the original brown primer. Brake booster, drive shaft and the rest are to be removed soon and work is to begin on the body. Hit me with thoughts and opinions people.

Stock L motors don't have a huge worth outside the Datsun community, but I would have loved to work on mine more. I don't have space or time at this point. Great motors, simple, and ample parts. The sr20det was definitely ambitious for a starter project and I am so swamped with work, the new house, and so many other projects that the Miracle Whip has been moving slow. Pictures to come this week of her progress at the shop. Not going to be making JCCS this year, but plan on having her ready to drive to the event next year.

@Shagy - What up buddy!??! Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I have been so, so busy working. I haven't seen any progress yet. How does my baby look??? I miss her lol. That cover looks awesome man. I am going to need more pictures ASAP. @Katalyst - Thank you kindly. Just one step at a time. I'm very much still a rookie.

Holy thread revival Batman!!! I would agree that the massive brakes I went with (see build thread) are way overkill, but with a very highly modified SR going in I wanted to be safe. I spent a lot on all safety items. I plan on driving this car hard. I do not want a show / trailer queen. I want long drives up PCH, track days, and burnt rubber.

Gonna give it a run. Thanks man!! This build thread has gotten so long and drawn out. Is it still worth following?? Sometimes I wonder if it is worth continuing.

@Laecaon - can you break me off with some specifics? Grit? Type of polish? I don't want to polish that, just the center section and the outside portions without texture. @SR20DETdatsun510 - B Projects Japan. I'm pretty sure you can find them on eBay. $300 + $44 shipping.

No, going to mask over it now and then spay a couple of new silver trim layers. Then clear it all. I don't mind the gloss black to be honest. Thinking maybe of doing the JDM '73 grill the same way. Then powder coating the center steel grill in gunmetal to match the Watanabes. What do you think bud? Also, the paint on the center is drying now. It isn't very smooth. Can I sand it down? Like a cars wet sand? Hopefully will have bodywork updates soon.

Should I respray then? Do I coat in clear? I really don't like the way it is looking right now.

Sooooo let's get to it. What's wrong besides the overspray??? Some 320 grit will solve a lot of life's problems... Then it was glass black paint to the rescue.... And that is where I wrapped for the night. Early prediction is that I'm going to have to spray the second set of lights too. The originals are not going to match since they are the unpainted original black. Anyone have any good ideas?

These lights and the garnish are no where near the great shape of my other lights, so I had to try and see what I could do... The back, specifically the mounting brackets were rusted to shit too... Did some shopping at home depot and $40 later I came home with this lovely mix... Side by side shot of my first set of GL lights next to the 2nd set's center garnish. Clearly I am way off....

New parts in..... NOS JDM bullet fender mirrors.... SR20DET s13 transmission crossmember for Datsun 510 And because I could not find a GL center garnish, I had to buy a second set FML....

I know, I know. You damn near pleaded with me. I couldn't take all of the dirt and grime anymore. There are some things I know I need for sure. I need to have holes closed up in the engine bay. Anyone have a few holes they can suggest or perhaps a good before and after picture? I also need to modify the 1968 wiper motor bracket to clear an SR and the hood at the same time. Not going to be easy. Spoke to Icehouse briefly about that one. Having the rear light opening prepped for the GL lights, despite the cry of many a '68 lover. Speaking of which I did order some new goodies. OEM NOS JDM fender mirrors, new parking light housings, a custom transmission crossmember and a second set of GL lights complete with that damn center garnish I couldn't find anywhere. Now I have a set of GL lights for sale with no center garnish or possibly a back up set. (Woooooht!!!) Pictures to come tonight of the parts that have come in. Also early word from the shop is that the engine and transmission are out and have been lovingly given to a fellow Datsun lover free of charge (Give back to our community boys and girls, maybe the SR conversion gods will give us good karma.). The engine bay will be power washed, but so far it looks like almost zero rust!!! The shop will then reassemble the front end and decide what needs to be done. Dennis, you know I trust you and would have preferred to do it that way too, but much like you I am going through some things that have been making it hard to work on the car. I was hoping, sincerely, that this would get me back on track. I don't want a show car, I want a driver's car.

Couldn't take the stagnant build anymore and despite my better judgment sent her off to paint and body. Shaggy gave me a good recommendation and after a few consultations we decided on a plan of attack. All rust and bodywork will be done, a few modifications, the whole underside will get truck bed lining and I'll have a sexy BMW Alpine While body to work on!!! My wallet hurts, but Im super excited. Icehouse, if you're out there buddy, I need to know how to modify the '68 wiper mounting location to work with the SR. Also need to know what holes need to be closed up in the bay. Saying goodbye to her gave me such anxiety!!!!

Spoke to him, he is a no go for new jobs for the interim future. :(

@dennis - did everything you said, but still felt uneasy about it. Headed to the machine shop tomorrow. Also taking the 280zx strut tubes. Never got around to that 4" grinder and I would prefer them to be done on a lathe if possible. OCD is a pain sometimes. Got parts back from powder coating today. I know a lot of people may not agree with what I decided to do, but it is something I wanted to try. I spoke to GReddy before doing it and I should be fine. The only thing I didn't plan on was the powder guys coating the inside of the lower oil pan. Generally oil temps don't get hotter than 300 degrees at most and this is rated to 400, but does anyone have any thoughts on this being a problem??