Patcon

Chas is right Small pieces of plywood are relatively weak. Use some solid blocks. You can even use some blocks behind the bearing and screw them together so they won't move around...

I understand. It is always more fun to do a car if you don't feel like you're wasting money, just don't get your hopes up, but with these cars appreciating the way they are you should be able to more than break even if you do a good job...if you don't, just enjoy the ride...

If you decide to go 5 speed, it is easy enough to reverse if someone wants true originality...I wouldn't run anything but a 5 spd in todays traffic if it's up to me...

$300 is doable considering the last time I saw an early MC it was mid $200's or higher...

RIP...

Hagerty says this #2 vehicles could win a local or regional show. They can be former #1 vehicles that have been driven or have aged. Seasoned observers will have to look closely for flaws, but will be able to find some not seen by the general public. The paint, chrome, glass and finishes will all appear as excellent. No excessive smoke will be seen on startup, no unusual noises will emanate from the engine. The vehicle will drive as a new vehicle of its era would. The one word description for #2 vehicles is "excellent." $33,400 #3 vehicles could possess some, but not all of the issues of a #4 vehicle, but they will be balanced by other factors such as a fresh paint job or a new, correct interior where applicable. #3 vehicles drive and run well, but might have some incorrect parts. These vehicles are not used for daily transportation but are ready for a long tour without excuses, and the casual passerby will not find any visual flaws. "Good" is the one word description of a #3 vehicle. $16,000 #4 vehicles are daily drivers, with flaws visible to the naked eye. The chrome might have pitting or scratches, the windshield might be chipped. Paintwork is imperfect, and perhaps the body has a minor dent. Split seams or a cracked dash, where applicable, might be present. No major parts are missing, but the wheels could differ from the originals, or other non- stock additions might be present. A #4 vehicle can also be a deteriorated restoration. "Fair" is the one word that describes a #4 vehicle. $7,200 I think these numbers are optimistic. Grannyknot just sold an early car that was very nicely done and it was in the $20's It is hard to make money restoring cars. They make it look easy on TV but it's really not. We mess with these cars because we love them, not because there's money in it... Realistically you will have $20k in a good restoration where you do it all yourself; $30k if you have to pay for paint and interior work....

They may have assembled it a 180 degrees out...

I agree you shouldn't have to get to know everyone to ask a question. Many of us have been here for years and we know the "regulars". We all try to help the new people but you shouldn't assume he was being insulting with his recommendations. If you respond in a way that comes across as insulting to a long time member the help tends to dry up. Just trying to point you in the right direction; not be an @$$ . As for your car... Rust is the enemy! I would buy about any reasonably complete car for $1500 if it's not eaten up with rust. Reasonably complete to me is some seats, a dash, drivetrain. I can source the rest. You need to look at the common rust areas: dog legs, quarters, wheel arches, floor boards, under the battery and front frame rails. Be careful of the car in primer. I would check those problem areas with a fridge magnet, not too strong. Looking for body filler, the magnet won't stick. Body filler is not rust repair! It is only rust postpone... Pictures would probably help with getting opinions

I agree... Another method is to wet the panel down with wax and grease remover or lacquer thinner. The sheen it gives the panel helps find the flaws the way the shiny paint does...

How do you know CanTechZ isn't one of the experts your looking for??? It's impolite to come into a group and be demanding until people get to know you... and I believe his recommendation was trying to help you...

I use Eastwood's "After blast" to prevent flash rust while waiting for primer

psdenno I saw they're website. Any idea of the cost to sleeve a master cylinder?

My 2 cents If chemical stripping was so risky or had such a high failure rate would anyone still chemical strip a car. There are lots of high end restorers who chemical strip cars. I think like many things, if you follow the proper steps and don't cut corners the end results are good...

Congratulations, Happy retirement

You better be little if you're gonna wear that...much less the cash.

Take a magnet to them. They may attract but it will be weak if it's stainless

That was what I was wondering, I have no idea but maybe ITM is a product line made by them and these are the same pistons with different stampings. IE "the generic"...

I agree Jim, we seem to be loosing the really knowledgeable people. I guess this is bound to happen as time goes on but that doesn't really help much. Make the most of everyday and let the people around you know you care. By the way guys, I care....you all have a great day!

Not surprising...

OOOOOOOOOkayyyy, I love dogs, but as a canine I am not sure they are the most discriminating when it comes to taste. One of my Danes likes to walk around the house with a dirty sock from my teenager... The other one is always licking some hidden spot, well you know...Just saying I am not sure I want my dog picking my flavor of beer

Ahhhh the perfect food, I mean luggage, beer...

I wonder if those pistons were in a properly sized hole? Maybe too tight, maybe too small...got jambed up or tight and cracked off the ear on the skirt. Anyway mystery solved. For what its worth, cracked piston skirts and rings will make your Datsun smoke...

I understand...your best bet is craigslist in the south west. Look in Arizona, California, Nevada. The rubber will be shot but the metal will be better

Is ITM it's own manufacturer or are they made by someone else?

Good luck, that is still a tall order even for a rolling shell...