Andrew and others,
I've just had a very informative chat with 'Feral' Errol Smith and recommend
you seek counsel there.
Errol also buys and sells competition parts and accessories so is also worth
contacting if you are after some 'proper' comp. bits, i.e. not Hyundai Excel
body kits!
To get started you should locate the factory comp. preparation manual. I
didn't even know that they existed for Datsuns, Errol has a copy of the
Stanza manual and homologation papers, I didn't ask about the P510 stuff.
The Datsun comps. dept. went to great trouble to find out where the car
needs strengthening, and importantly, where it doesn't (to save weight),
and how to improve the handling, traction, and power. They make this
information available so that privateers, people like you and I, (nb.
everybody stand up and salute, damn you) will win in a Datsun and bring
glory to the Datsun name.
This was a very effective form of advertising, at least in the good old days
where the best car could win without being handicapped vis. Mini Cooper,
Phase3 GTHO Falcon, Sierra Cosworth RS500. Why did we choose a Datsun - how
much was the decision based on reputation and how much of it was
disinterested engineering inquiry?
There have been improvements and refinements since these cars first took to
the forests and roads, and we also have to realise that factory comp.
vehicles were only built to compete for one season, so enthusiasts should
build their cars stronger and tougher.
I am looking forward to getting a copy of the Stanza comp. manual and will
tell you if it lives up to expectations.
Regards,
Nick.
----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Monday, June 26, 2000 10:44 AM
Subject: Re: Competition body prep. (long)
> Nick, I reckon these are good questions. Sorry I cant help,
> because I am after the same answers but for a street 1600!!!
> Can anyone help us??!
> TIA Andrew
>
> > List members, I have some questions regarding seam welding and general
competition body-shell preparation.
> > I have located a reasonably good Stanza shell and have an L20B ready to
go in. Before it does I would like to seam weld and strengthen the body
shell to prepare it for the rigorous thrashing it is about to receive.
> > I have had a look at the very good Ford Escort site at
www.osella.com.au.
> >
> > 1. I would like to use an oxy-acetylene welder to do the seam welding -
I don't have access to a MIG. The application of heat is so much slower with
an oxy set than with an arc welder, will excessive annealing take place? - I
am specially concerned about front strut towers and chassis rails.
> > In simpler language will my body shell be stiffer or softer after seam
welding with an oxy set?
> >
> > 2. The general technique recommended by the Ford works rally department
in the 70's (see website above) was to seam weld 1/2 inch, then leave 1 1/2
inches, then weld 1/2 inch, etc.. Leaving gaps prevents cracks spreading and
I suppose the size of the gaps offsets any annealing or embrittlement.
> Any comments or suggestions?
> >
> > 3. I have inspected a Datsun 1600 rally car and noticed a long plate
reaching from the bulkhead to the front crossmember) welded onto the
outside of the driver's side chassis rail (i.e. inside the wheel well). This
plate was supposed to reinforce the steering box - I don't see how it does
it,
> it could be there for another reason, any ideas? An angle bracket inside
the car mounted from the steering box to the body shell / chassis rail would
be better.
> >
> > 4. Should there be gusset plates from the bulkhead to the chassis rails?
Again, see the Ford Escort site for details. However, the Datsun is designed
differently in this area, the bulkhead slopes away to the rear of the car.
> >
> > 5. The front radius rod brackets take a fearsome hammering and could
probably be pulled out bolts-and-all from the front crossmember. I've seen
it happen on a (rusty) 200B. How can this area be reinforced?
> >
> > 6. Are there any known weak points in a live-axle Datsun?
> >
> > Any help or advice would be much appreciated.
> > Regards,
> > Nick
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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