SCCA Production Build

[sactofabco]

So my Pops and I are building a SCCA Prodcution Club Race car. Here's a couple pictures of our project.

[Byron510]

Tin worm really does suck, but I see you are putting an end to all of it!
It's nice to start with clean metal, especially when doing repairs. Good work with the bead roller, this really helps the panels stay a bit stiffer, and not wrinkle when you weld them!
Keep us posted; this will be a good build from the ground up.

Just wondering - is that a patch panel on the rear quarter, or did someone make that up?

Byron

[defdes]

Wowee. Post a bit more info about yourself, such as your location so we know which state not to purchase a 510 from ... joking, of course. Lots of work there, keep it up and keep the pics coming. Good on you for saving a Datsun from becoming one with the earth.

[sactofabco]

We're in Sacramento, but we don't know where the car came from. I would guess a salty snow state. The panels were imported from Canadia. A little work and anything will fit. Inner fenders in process. And a bit more cancer to remove from the trunk. Wish we could have found a clean car. No worries, we'll make it work.

[Byron510]

You are saving a 510, and that can only be a good thing.
Keep us posted on the progress.
Byron

[andrew.lori]

Your Friendly Canadian Panel maker link below .... I just ordered a pair for our BC Shell we are restoring this Winter.


http://www.alfaparts.net/datsun.html

[Ash510]

nice work on the metal, I love metal work, but I hate body work. keep up the good work. and keep the pics coming.

[defdes]

Your Friendly Canadian Panel maker link below .... I just ordered a pair for our BC Shell we are restoring this Winter.


http://www.alfaparts.net/datsun.html

And you had no problems with fitment? I have seen nothing but negatives posted here about the product.

[sactofabco]

Finished one inner fender well with a little work. Here's a couple pictures.









And for the rear quarters, a couple slices, hammerin, and welding, the fit just right.

More to come.

[andrew.lori]

Your Friendly Canadian Panel maker link below .... I just ordered a pair for our BC Shell we are restoring this Winter.


http://www.alfaparts.net/datsun.html

And you had no problems with fitment? I have seen nothing but negatives posted here about the product.

Hand made arw never perfect and Yes you have to masage them to fit .... If you have another supplier making 510 quarter patch panels I am Open ????

[sactofabco]

Time vs Money is the trade-off. The Canadia patches worked for this application.

Here's a couple photo's of this years venture. 300hp 78' Rabbit.

[sactofabco]

The inner fender well kicked my ass, but we're done. I think two panels instead of one continuous panel would have made it easier. Note to the wise, use two pieces of aluminum instead of trying to form one panel.

So we finished up the last of the trunk cancer. I'll admit, it's difficult to make mirror image panels when the shell isn't straight. I'm ready to be finished with the sheet metal work. Just receive a 100ft of .095 1.5" OD DOM. The roll cage is next on the list.

Here's a couple picture on the trunk patch.

[Byron510]

That type of repair does suck - I've been there; feel your pain!
I'll be caging another 2 510's this winter (5 projects in all by April on the schedule... somehow!)
Last year’s order was 600' of DOM, looks like I'll need another 500' this year. Keeps me on a first name basis with the local supplier.
Keep us posted. Great to see a build from the ground up.
Byron

[sactofabco]

Quick question for those of you experienced with body work and replacing sheet metal panels, do seems need to be completely welded or will spot welds suffice? The reason I ask is that, although I welded a 1/4 inch round from the rail to the back of the rear fender opening, I’m concerned that the bondo might crack where the replacement panel was attached. Thanks for the input.

[duke]

I would completely weld everything. Being that the 510 is a unibody car, every panel is structural. Completely welding seams will help with chassis stiffness, regardless of weather the car is caged or not. Also, it is the right way to do it in my opinion.