An Everyday Datsun.

[bloodontheapex]

This won't be much of a project (at least not compared to what other folks are doing).  I wanted to create a place to show my car, take in opinions and critsism, keep track of my plans and cash, ask questions.  I also think a project thread creates some amount of accountability to get some shit done.

 

Anyway, I bought this 810 last year (Around June).  Used it as my daily and road trip machine.  Cost me $1200.  I traded it away a few months later and just got it back with a new alternator, master cylinder, rebuilt rear brakes, a bit more rust on the front fenders, and a big box of parts.  I traded an old 2 door Volvo 240 for it.

 

Plans for now:

 

1) Rebuilt the suspension.

2) Sort out some wheels (Z steelies, paint, baby moon caps, white walls)

3) Round eye swap.

4) Fix up the rust.

5) Thinking that I'll never find replacement seat covers, so some Z seats with matching fabric should do (I think this brown was available for the 280).

6) Whatever I cook up next.

 

I don't have dreams of crazy horsepower or moar low.  Just want a simple, nice daily that I can be pround of.  I would like a nice suspension under the old girl, though.  Looks like KYB is still making strut inserts and rear shocks.  Not sure about springs, if uprated ones or available or any at all.  A larger swap bar in the front should help things.  I think the 910 sway is a bit bigger, not positive though.

 

Pictures:

 

[Skib]

some 280z brown...

 

 

 

and some 280zx brown...

 

 

bit of Z32 leather brown...

 

 

 

and even some RX7(fb) brown...

 

[bloodontheapex]

So much brown.  Brings back the Carter administration.  I think the 280z brown is the bet match.  Looks more comfortable too.

[ggzilla]

280Z came with light brown or dark brown

[ArchetypeDatsun]

A way is to get those seats fixed is to find a Mexican guy that has a shop that does interiors to reupholster your seats those guys do an awesome Job and cheap.

[bloodontheapex]

Any recommendation on springs?  I guess ZX springs would be too short.

 

Also on whether the 620 moon caps fit a 240z steelie?

 

I've got a line on some 78 door cards from a member on here, too.  I think they're much more attractive, styled after the Z.  My passenger door card is from a 78, for whatever reason.

[ggzilla]

What's wrong with your springs?

[bloodontheapex]

What's wrong with your springs?

 

I just find this car's suspension to be very "waterbed," if you know what I mean, though that will be improved by the shocks.  The springs are 30 years old.  From the many old cars I've taken apart, I do believe they wear out over time.  The front springs that I'd take out of old Volvo 240s would be all stretched out, a lot longer than they should be.

[bloodontheapex]

Okay, so my steering is complete shit.  Replaced outter tie rod ends, no improvement.  Going to replace the inners as well.  What I'd really like, though, is manual steering.  What can I scavenge a rack from?  I doubt this steering system is 810 specific. 

[ggzilla]

Why replace parts that make no difference? Find the problem and replace what needs to be replaced. Steering linkage is easily tested.

[dotdat]

I replaced my 810 rear shocks ( KYB )  last summer. What a world of difference that made. Rear trunk access to fuel tank will give you a chance to drain out the crap.

 

Mine is a good daily driver but does not handle well in ice and snow.

 

Damn few 810's around.  Glad to hear you got yours back again.

[bloodontheapex]

Why replace parts that make no difference? Find the problem and replace what needs to be replaced. Steering linkage is easily tested.

 

Will do these checks.  Idler arm bushings are new and tie rod ends as well.  Since I've had the car, full lock to the left has caused a horribly disturbing, loud popping noise, right when you get going.  Only to thr right, pops twice.  Turning the wheel while stationary (I guess the only time I can hear it), produces a creeking sound.  I guess I'm afraid it's the steering box.

[bloodontheapex]

I replaced my 810 rear shocks ( KYB )  last summer. What a world of difference that made. Rear trunk access to fuel tank will give you a chance to drain out the crap.

 

Mine is a good daily driver but does not handle well in ice and snow.

 

Damn few 810's around.  Glad to hear you got yours back again.

 

I'm sure mine would be terrible in the snow, if it ever snowed here.

[MikeRL411]

  Since I've had the car, full lock to the left has caused a horribly disturbing, loud popping noise, right when you get going.  Only to thr right, pops twice.  Turning the wheel while stationary (I guess the only time I can hear it), produces a creeking sound.  I guess I'm afraid it's the steering box.

 

 

A complete front end lube job might just eliminate the sound effects!

[datzenmike]

Springs don't 'wear out'. They may sag a bit over time but they don't get softer. This is a luxury car don't forget so the ride may be a little 'softer' right from the factory. The 810/Maxima was built on the z/zx platform so it shares a lot of it's suspension parts. Replacing the strut insides with inserts will go a long way to fixing the ride. I have a set of '84 Maxima goon springs and worked out the spring rate to about 150 pounds per inch. My 710 goon spring rate was about 100 pounds per inch.  While changing the strut insert maybe cut one coil from the springs. To prevent lowering it put a 1" rubber spacer on the spring perch. You can also add an extra flatter leaf to the pack.

[bloodontheapex]

Well,  I'm gearing up to do my rear wheel bearings.  I've got a few questions for the wolves.  My FSM mentions using a slide hammer, bearing puller, etc.  I don't have any of these.  This being Ratsun, I'm sure someone knows the redneck method and maybe even has a write up?

[Davec]

sounds like the lower ball joints are bad in the front suspension, a part that gets easily overlooked.