72 1200 Bucket Build in Texas

[datsunfreak]

Well, to be perfectly pedantic

 

I wouldn't have it any other way...   :rofl:

 

[dimlight65]

Actually, Godwin's Law states to the effect that "The longer a discussion on the internet goes, the more likely it is that Nazis will be invoked."

 

 

Oh, dammit!  You got me to do it AGAIN!

[datsunfreak]

You got me to do it AGAIN!

 

<-- Troll level: Expert

[Coda]

A few weeks ago, I picked up a rear clip from a local Datsun buddy. Back on page 1, I cut this out:

 

Today, I started working on the "new" rear clip. Ground all the rusty parts to see just what I was working with.

 

 

And while there is daylight showing through, it sure beats the original.

 

 

Don't forget your PPE!

 

 

Drilled the spotties out:

 

Chopping:

 

Before: 

 

Like a glove!

 

 

I haven't decided if I'm going to cut out and weld in patch panels or try out the POR15 glass mat repair kit. All it needs to do is hold a spare tire and jack. 

I am anxious to try out the bead roller and this would be a good project for that. 

Anyone have thoughts on the mat kit for the holes? Ever used it?

 

Thanks for looking!

 

[KiloTango1200]

Nice work. I used the POR15 mat patch onboth sides of the holes and it is hard as a rock using a couple of layers. Quick and easy, but kind of messy fix

[S30Jay]

Like a glove! Nice work. Not even painted and it's hard to tell it was replaced.

 

Never used the por glass mat before. I've used others though. If you go that route, you'll get the best adhesion on bare metal.

 

Doesn't look like it'd be hard to fab those paches though. Of course everything is easier when someone else is doing it! :)

[Coda]

You're right, Jay. Should not be a thing to pop in a panel. I'll probably just cut out the rusty bits and replace with maybe two pieces. Gives me practice on the bead roller so when I get to floors, I'll half-ass know what I'm doing :)

[Coda]

Warning - lots of Oics for minimal payoff  :rofl:

It's a rainy day in Texas, so I'm just experimenting with my new(to me) steering wheel. Datsunfreak had the fantastic idea of making an adapter out of the old wheel. The plus side of this method is that I get to keep the turn signal cancelling pins. Also, If I glue the horn ring back on with a non-conductive spacer, the horn should work as well. Here is my first attempt.

 

Feel free to weigh in. I think it may be a little sketchy this way, but here goes:

 

Cut the center out of the old wheel. Sizing up the adapter that came with the Grant wheel.

 

Chopping Broccoli:

 

Drilled and tapped the three Grant holes all the way through:

 

Remove excess material:

 

Test:

[/

 

Paint transfer for drilling new holes in modded Grant adapter:

 

Bolted together:

 

Installed wheel and horn ring:

 

Forgot to get a snap of it, but the steering shaft protrudes through with plenty of thread for the nut and a washer to go on.

Still need to loctite and grind down heads of two hex bolts on adapter so the wheel will sit flush on the plate. Also need to get some 5mm phenolic or plastic to make a spacer for the horn ring on the back of the original wheel hub.

 

If this works, the Grant wheel will only be 4mm closer to the driver at the base.

Thoughts? Better way to do it?

 

Thanks for looking!

 

 

 

[datsunfreak]

Thoughts? Better way to do it?

 

I like what you've done here.   B)

[S30Jay]

Looks good to me!

[Coda]

I like what you've done here.   B)

Looks good to me!

 

Thanks, Y'all!

 

I haven't completely ruled out the quick-release hub option (seems cleaner, although I lose canceling pins), but for now it will turn the shaft.

 

Not worth it's own update post, but I'm pretty excited about this:

 

Traveled North to drink a beer and talk Datsuns with KiloTango today. While I was there, scored a 510 Goon axle and a nice 1200 tank for a stellar deal. Thanks, Kerry! 

 

Thanks for looking!

[dimlight65]

... seems cleaner, although I lose canceling pins

 

You could install the pins on the back of the QR if so inclined.

[datsunfreak]

You could install the pins on the back of the QR if so inclined.

 

Then there's this.  B)

[Coda]

Threw the H190 under my Bucket to see what I'm working with.

 

 

Looks like the spring pads need to move 14mm or so.

 

 

I was afraid of the extra width with these wheels. but looks like I'll be okay with a roll and pull.

 

 

 

Cutting it close, but it should work. 

 

Anyone know of disc brake options for this behemoth of an axle? I searched the 1200wiki and poked around Ratsun, but didn't find much. I'm fine with the drums, but I'm starting to get the "while i'm in there" syndrome.

 

 Thanks for looking!

 

Edit: if my math is correct, looks to be a 3.90:1 ring gear.

[cleverusername]

Threw the H190 under my Bucket to see what I'm working with.

 

 

Looks like the spring pads need to move 14mm or so.

 

 

I was afraid of the extra width with these wheels. but looks like I'll be okay with a roll and pull.

 

 

 

Cutting it close, but it should work. 

 

Anyone know of disc brake options for this behemoth of an axle? I searched the 1200wiki and poked around Ratsun, but didn't find much. I'm fine with the drums, but I'm starting to get the "while i'm in there" syndrome.

 

 Thanks for looking!

 

Edit: if my math is correct, looks to be a 3.90:1 ring gear.

Mid 80's Maxima disks and calipers with custom brackets are a good disk swap.

[datsunfreak]

Anyone know of disc brake options for this behemoth of an axle? I searched the 1200wiki and poked around Ratsun, but didn't find much. I'm fine with the drums, but I'm starting to get the "while i'm in there" syndrome.

 

There have been brackets available to use 80s rear discs on that diff. I may know of some still available...

 

 

 

Edit: if my math is correct, looks to be a 3.90:1 ring gear.

 

 

I believe it's listed by the factory as 3.89:1, so yeah. 

[Coda]

There have been brackets available to use 80s rear discs on that diff. I may know of some still available

PM sent

[Coda]

Burned an hour in the garage this morning. Cut the spring perches off both axles and mocked up the 190 again. I needed the stock perches so I could use the shock mount. They are a tad smaller due to the difference in axle tube diameter, so I'll need to work them a bit before I weld them on. And that wont take place until I have the drivetrain in the car so I can set my pinion angle. 

 

 

Trying to get all this stacked up and bolted down by myself was truly a Rube Goldbergian experience.  :rofl:

 

Thanks for looking!

 

Edit: upon further inspection of the pic, it appears that I have the perches on the wrong sides as I think the shock mount biases inside.  :sleep:  

[Dguy210]

If you get the wagon rear shock mounts the diff is basically a bolt in, you just need to ream out the rubber bushing a bit to fit the larger post on the bottom shock mount. You'll need a longer brake soft line also.

 

http://nwdatsuns.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=63&start=160

[Coda]

If you get the wagon rear shock mounts the diff is basically a bolt in

 

Not on mine - could be because it's a Sedan, but the spring perches were 30 mm (total) too narrow and had to come off to be moved. I'd love to have the wagon shock mounts, but Datto parts are scarce in the dirty south.

 

I read through your build, though. I'll be doing a KA as well. Cool project. Looks like you are getting close!

[Coda]

Small update. 

Spun to car around so I could start on the right side frame rail replacement. Haven't seen the passenger side of my Bucket since I brought it home.

 

 

Cut out a bunch of rust.

 

 

Not the best pic, but the passenger frame rail is tacked in. Car is on full Flintstone status right now. Gotta order some rockers from Datsun Garage and get those in before I can build the floors. 

 

 

 

Thanks for looking!

 

[S30Jay]

That almost looks like northern tin....except it's still there.

 

You're rocking on this thing, going to be a big day when it rolls down the road under its own power!

[Coda]

That almost looks like northern tin....except it's still there.

 

You're rocking on this thing, going to be a big day when it rolls down the road under its own power!

Yeah, she's pretty crusty on the bottom few inches.

Thanks for the encouragement. Trying to do something on it every day. 

[datsunfreak]

Not on mine - could be because it's a Sedan, but the spring perches were 30 mm (total) too narrow 

 

Must be. Fit okay when we tried it in a Coupe as well. Seemed to be maybe 4-5mm too wide but a little push on the springs got it to settle down. 

[Dguy210]

Must be. Fit okay when we tried it in a Coupe as well. Seemed to be maybe 4-5mm too wide but a little push on the springs got it to settle down.

Huh, didn't know the sedan and coupe varied that much. My experience was almost exactly the same as Datsunfreaks' bit of shove on the springs and it was good to go.