Assembling early 260Z

[Rainman]

Starting a thread to share the reassembly progress of my early 260Z after the rotisserie refresh.. I've posted some photos of the progress in various threads but want to consolidate this into one spot for the remainder of the process. This seems like the right place for it so here goes...

After some major massaging, finally got the R/T Mount installed and the driver side rear suspension is hanging as well. Couldn't resist the urge to put a wheel and tire on it.

[LeonV]

Absolutely fantastic work, Tom! That is going to be a stunning 260Z, great job!

[madkaw]

Liking the blue color- nice work!

[Rainman]

Thanks Leon and Steve... I've been busy bending new brake lines.. Previous owners used a pair of pliers/vice grips a few too many times on the originals. A couple photos showing the carnage as well as the nice new piece. The hard lines that run behind the rear backing plate from the flexible line to the rear wheel cylinder take some time to recreate. I started with a 24" section of new tubing and used all but 8" of it.. One of the lines is stock and the other I bent. Not bad for a pilot!

[Rainman]

Finished up the rear suspension installation with the exception of the sway bar. Rear brakes and e-brake installed as well. Should be off the rotisserie tomorrow!!

[Bonzi Lon]

Dang it Rainman, you are giving me too many ideas. I'm liking the silver in place of black.

Bonzi Lon

[Gary in NJ]

Simply outstanding.

[rcb280z]

Nice job! Keep the pics coming.

[LeonV]

Beautiful!

Don't forget to do the final torquing of suspension fasteners with the car on the ground and at full road weight.

[GraphiteZ]

I love your attention to detail, makes me want to strip mine and begin to do the same.

[Rainman]

Thanks for following my work guys! I'm enjoying the process of making this car better than new after owning it for the last 19 years..

I like the silver suspension pieces as well Bonzi Lon, it really stands out against the blue underside of the car...

Thanks for reminding me about the final suspension torquing Leon, I'll make sure it's done when the car is on the alignment rack. I've just 'snugged' the suspension pieces for now.

It's a long road GraphiteZ but it is very rewarding to touch, clean and renew every part on your car..

Looking back through my photos, the car has been on the rotisserie for 12 months 2 weeks and 3 days. It has certainly come a long way in that time. I'm so happy to have it back on it's own four wheels!!

Got the stub axle bolts torqued to spec today, filled the differential with gear oil, installed the half shafts and rear sway bar. Assembled the front hubs, brakes and calipers. The undercarriage is ready to go with the exception of the final torquing as Leon pointed out...

Not so many photos today but it does look like a 'car' again!!

Edited January 22, 2012 by Rainman

[ollie]

That looks amazing! I'm going to use the pics of the ebrake to help me re-install mine.