fallenone121 Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 [August 2012] I guess I may as well get this over with... -steps out setting out his soap box and stands on it- My name is Charles McMillan, I am 29 years old and the only son of two retired military members. While growing up as a child I had few to no friends and well into my adult years it was the same thing. I graduated high school in 2001 in Clovis New Mexico, only a few months prior to the occurance of 9/11/2001, I was at a job interview in Lansing Michigan when the news broadcasted the twin towers attack. I worked a number of menial jobs prior to the employment rates beginning to plunge so I enlisted int he US Army in August of 2004.[/size] As a truck driver for the army I deployed to Iraq in December 2004, while in Iraq I drove semis supplying US Military with ammunition, food, and fuel. While deployed I bore mute witness to close friends dying and people being blown apart by IEDs. Occasionally I was placed in charge of cleaning out blown apart vehicles with human remains still within in 150-160 degree temperatures. When not on mission I had been selected to watching over local national drivers while passing through forward operating bases.[/size] Upon returning from Iraq I went through several depressing events including getting married, divorce, and bankruptcy. Also upon being discharged from the military for civil matters involving the marriage - I was granted the opportunity to utilize my experiences in driving semis cross country where I performed these duties for the next two years based out of Phoenix Arizona's Swift Transportation. While driving through South Carolina I had thought I had thought I had come down with the stomach flu but upon going to Dorn South Carolina VA hospital came to be misdiagnosed in the VA ER by doctors saying I had a bowel obstruction when in all actuality my appendix had burst and ruptured whereby I during a course of two months I had encountered four near death experiences in the course of eleven surgeries.[/size] Upon being released from the hospital my parents drove me to Bellevue Michigan where attempts to recover failed due to still being sick as a year after my release from South Carolina I basically relapsed when scar tissue wrapped around my insides. Several trips to the Battle Creek VA ER finally brought relief when Kalamazoo Bronson surgeons decided to operate to remove scar tissue and hernia left over knowing that it was no way to live.[/size] I am now a disabled veteran unemployable because I cannot lift over 10 lbs due to mesh in my stomach from losing so much weight due to the poison in my abdomen in 2010 in addition to PTSD and other military service related disabilities. Driving is my way of relaxing and escaping the extensive stressors that life throws in my path. Luckily my parents were in a position to help me to recover from the bankruptcy, divorce, and assisted me in the purchase of 'Sadie' an 06 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - a car which has born support for charities including Scoobies for Boobies, Keep a Breast and Wounded Warrior Project.[/size] -takes a deep breath-[/size] I do not presently live in the desert - I am actually a Michigan member - but I previously did live in Phoenix prior to getting sick as a truck driver while I was in South Carolina.[/size] Nor do I presently own a Z - though I want to more than anything - the Z's fine lines are comparable to a beautiful woman in my mind...it has curves and doesnt look like a breadbox like most modern cars. I also found out after I started working to try to get my hands on one that the Z is my mother's dream car though my project is first gen while her dream is third.[/size] I have bid on several cars since joining the forum, always losing, after having spoken to yellowdatsun over email before coming in when I was looking at a mildly rusty no title car. Since then I have lost two no title rusters between 300-500$ because of reserves because the condition just wasnt worth it, I lost three mint conditions because I wasnt as daring as some, right now I have a slightly rusty one with a title I am bidding on putting a 1500$ max bid towards it. Once I have the body itself I can start figuring out what pieces I will need. I have looked in some craigslists and not had any luck finding any and have contacted shipping companies who say due to where I live that it will be 2500-4000$ to ship a car to me especially if it doesnt 'run'. So I look at cars within range that the amount I would save from shipping could be repaired for the amount I save with maybe a little leeway to put towards pieces and parts.[/size] Whew...that was a mouthful![/size] Just before my birthday 2012 I was able to get my hands on a 1971 Datsun 240Z from New York that had small amounts of rust notable and small spots present when the interior was torn out in order to allow for a ground up build...[/size] 2600$ - Car[/size] 500$ - Pickup from NY[/size] 5000$ - RB26DETT Engine & RB25 Transmission[/size] 700$ - 350Z 6-speed transmission NOVEMBER 2012[/size] SUSPENSION:[/size] Bad Dog Swaybar Plates[/size] EXTERIOR:[/size] 1974 240Z Console[/size] Autometer Gauge Cage[/size] 1969 Corvette Brake Scoops[/size] 300ZX Hood Emblem[/size] Datsun Competition Spec Side vent Hood Scoop[/size] SOUND:[/size] (REAR) Fusion CPFR6930 - 450w 6x9 3W[/size] INTERIOR:[/size] 4" 11k 4 in 1 Tach[/size] Luggage Riser Trim (NOS)[/size] Speedhut 200mph Large Speedometer[/size] Speedhut Fuel Level[/size] Speedhut Boost[/size] Speedhut Volt[/size] AEM Wideband A/F (from a previous vehicle)[/size] Speedhut EGT[/size] Power Door Locks[/size] Billet Window Winders[/size] (2x) Cipher Auto 5 Point 3" Harness[/size] Fiberglass Door Panels (with speaker pods)[/size] Tomioka Racing Pro Series FPR[/size] JANUARY 2013[/size] INTERIOR:[/size] Nismo Steering Wheel[/size] BOSS Steering Hub[/size] FEBRUARY 2013[/size] SUSPENSION:[/size] Q45 R200/230 rearend[/size] Subaru Impreza steering rack[/size] SOUND:[/size] Vintage 6x9" Speaker Covers (Music Note)[/size] INTERIOR: Coated Items Ordered from Zeddsaver:[/size] Door Clasp[/size] Hood Hinge[/size] Hood Clasp[/size] Hatch Clasp[/size] MARCH 2013[/size] Ordered from Otaku Garage: ENGINE:[/size] Tomei Stroker Kit 2.8L (87.5 mm)[/size] * Piston (Tomei)[/size] * H Beam Rods (Tomei)[/size] * Crank (Tomei)[/size] ** Added Option: Cooling Channel[/size] Ordered from Defined Performance: ENGINE:[/size] ARP Main, Head, Rod Studs[/size] ACL Rod & Main Bearings[/size] Tomei Procams (Super High 280)[/size] Tomei Type C Valve Spring & Retainer [/size] Tomei Valve Guides[/size] APRIL 2013[/size] Ordered from Otaku Garage: ENGINE:[/size] Tomei High Perf Oil Pump[/size] Tomei Intake & Exhaust Valves +1[/size] Tomei Head gasket 87mm x 1.5mm (metal)[/size] Tomei Oil Filler Cap[/size] Nissan OEM metal gasket pack[/size] Tomei Oil Pan Baffle[/size] June 2013 Purchases:[/size] A big thank you to Radium Engineering for helping with pricing - after talking to Dave Klocek - I decided to pull the trigger since it was part of my July purchase list anyway...[/size] * Universal Radium Engineering Coolant overflow tank with attached swirlpot, 1.3 bar cap, and -6 AN connectors[/size] * Walbro 400 | E85 rated | inline surge tank with frame mount and fully populated wiring harness for the system[/size] July 2013 parts purchases[/size] Tomei Top Rail Fuel Pipe[/size] Tomei Strengthened Timing Belt[/size] Tomei Adjustable Cam Gears[/size] Nismo N1 Water Pump[/size][/background] ATI Performance Super Damper[/size] Greddy Pulley Kit[/size] Koyo Two Core Radiator R022352[/size] McKinney Rear Sump Oil 7 qt[/size] McKinney Throttlecable & Bracket[/size] Carbon Fiber Hood Pins[/size] November 2013 Products purchased...[/size] ST Suspension Swaybars[/size] Energy Suspension Hyperflex Master Kit w/ Extra Prelube[/size] Rear Trailing Arm Bushings - Inner Position[/size] Rear Trailing Arm Bushings - Outer Position[/size] Front Lower Ball Joint[/size] Outter Tie Rod End Passenger Side (98 Subaru Impreza)[/size] Outter Tie Rod End Driver Side (98 Subaru Impreza)[/size] Fusion 6.5" Component Speakers (Front)[/size] Hifonics 2000.4 Amp (Mid & High)[/size] Lizardskin Ceramic Insulation (2 Gallon)[/size] Lizardskin Sound Deadener (2 Gallon)[/size] 6 cans 8oz Eastwood Rust Incapsulator[/size] 6 cans 8oz Eastwood Frame Treatment[/size] 7" H4 Euro Headlight Conversion[/size] 55w (5000 Lumen) Hi/Low Xenon HID Kit[/size] Cipher Auto Racing Seats (2x) w/ Brackets[/size] Frame Stiffening Stage 2 Kit[/size] SALE! Classic Z Logo Floor Mats, Black, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z [/size] SALE! Stainless Steel O.E. Design Coat Hanger Kit, 70-3/71 240Z [/size] SALE! Z Logo Fender Cover [/size] Chrome Factory Door Handle, Left, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] Chrome Factory Door Handle, Right, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] SALE! Clear Headlight Covers, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] SALE! BRE Style Rear Spoiler, Fiberglass, Coupe, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] ZG Works Style Front Air Dam, Fiberglass, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z [/size] Type-2 Side Skirt Kit, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z Coupe [/size] Fiberglass Rear Skirt, Classic Style, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] Lock Pull Trim Ring, Black, 70-78 240Z-280Z [/size] Billet Aluminum Z Logo Lock Pull Set, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] Kick Panel, Right, 70-73 240Z [/size] Fully Automatic Antenna, Chrome [/size] Door Sill Vinyl Trim, Black, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z Coupe [/size] SALE! Polished "Z" Logo Hood Release Knob, 70-73 240Z [/size] Billet Aluminum Z Logo Turn Signal Knob, 70-78 240Z-260Z-280Z [/size] Interior Vinyl Replacement Kit, Black, 70-73 240Z [/size] Marker Light LED bulbs [/size] TTT Roll Center Adjusters[/size] TTT Tension Control Arms[/size] TTT Spare Tire Cover[/size] TTT Front Lower Control Arms[/size] TTT Rear Lower Control Arms[/size] Oil Drain Return[/size] Battery Connectors[/size] Another Glove Box Fairlady Z emblem[/size] Carpet Extra Deep - Black with MegaMat to replace the fiber padding[/size] Carpet Extra Deep - Black - 3 Yards purchased to do rear deck with[/size] AZC Front Diff Mount[/size] AZC Mustache Bar[/size] AZC Female Rod Ends[/size] AZC Axles[/size] AZC Steering Knuckle[/size] AZC Brace w/ Doglegs[/size] AZC Single Piston Parking Brake[/size] Rear deck mat[/size] Headliner, Pillar & Roof Rail Kit[/size][/size][/size] Quote Link to comment
Eagle_Adam Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 so many words.... so little pics... :P but thank you for your service, i hope you find the right one soon 2 Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted November 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 [ August 2012 Pic] [ August 2013 ] [ November 2013 ] Stripping down interior for frame repair, rust repair, antirust coating, primering, lizardskin heatcoat, lizardskin soundcoat, dynamat and interior and engine bay paint... 3 Quote Link to comment
Eagle_Adam Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 maybe i spoke too soon....... Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted November 26, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 maybe i spoke too soon....... Just a tad ^_^ I have more pics on my computer...just need to figure out what ones to post up. 2 Quote Link to comment
Kirden Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 Oh my. What a story. Glad to hear you are getting back on your feet and you have found what looks to be an amazing project. Good luck to you :) 1 Quote Link to comment
]2eDeYe Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 Welcome aboard. Moar pics! :D 1 Quote Link to comment
ArchetypeDatsun Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 Nice 240z RB swaps are awesome wish I had that kind money to put one in my 810! 1 Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted December 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2013 Tore down my fenders today during my stripdown process and found the driver fender was welded in place and the passenger was rusted there...so after a bit of work I got both off... I also dug deeper into my floor panels and found out that the floors werent really floors...they were fiberglass laid out across window screen... Went through Bad Dog for rails and Zedfinder for floors...now I am in the process of trying to locate good condition fenders... 2 Quote Link to comment
Eagle_Adam Posted December 2, 2013 Report Share Posted December 2, 2013 wow........ thats a new one on me, ive seen fiberglass patches. Even used em in a pinch but laid over window screen is BS Quote Link to comment
Kirden Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 That's crazy. I guess atleast now you can flintstone it around your shop... Quote Link to comment
ArchetypeDatsun Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 That's a first, window screen huh? Quote Link to comment
Busta Nut Posted December 3, 2013 Report Share Posted December 3, 2013 Just a tad ^_^ I have more pics on my computer...just need to figure out what ones to post up. Just post'em all!!!! Trust me.....we're not gonna mind. 2 Quote Link to comment
Eagle_Adam Posted December 4, 2013 Report Share Posted December 4, 2013 i 2nd that ^^^ Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted December 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Went to work more on stripping it down today after spending the last few days looking into the idea of fender replacements... 650$ for a pair of new metal fenders...or 150$ for a pair of fenders in worse condition than the ones I will be showing here...so I think I will try to recover what I have... But I took some more pics! Mmmmmm Engine bay... More Floor... 1 Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted December 5, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Doors are clean and clear... Fenders on the other hand are not...but are at least repairable compared to some of the fenders people have offered to sell... Going to take up the spare tire tray and flatten it out across the interior of it...will put two batteries in there with the TTT spare tire cover over them and a bracket with two computer fans to keep the batteries cool... ...and that is only the beginning. Quote Link to comment
Busta Nut Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 I like where this is going!!!! Quote Link to comment
Kirden Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 Every time there is an update to this thread my work computer screams in pain at it gets hit by the huge wall of photos. We need more pic heavy threads around here :) 2 Quote Link to comment
Eagle_Adam Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 X2 i love being able to scroll through a thread and read it by pics!!! looks like you ended up with a good battery tray! 1 Quote Link to comment
]2eDeYe Posted December 5, 2013 Report Share Posted December 5, 2013 What these guys said. Keep up the good work :D 1 Quote Link to comment
datrod Posted December 7, 2013 Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 Wow long intro read, But thank you for your service and I'm glad you getting better. I did where you are taking this car. Are you going to keep the red interior? That is my favorite, Silver & red. Welcome to Ratsun, And thanks for the pics. Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 I am going to be changing up the colors... Black interior with the Nissan R32 version of blue with metal flake for the exterior (BNR32 TH1) A basic idea of the color: Quote Link to comment
datrod Posted December 7, 2013 Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 That works... Quote Link to comment
jser12 Posted December 7, 2013 Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 I pass by Bellevue when I go home sometimes from college (depending if I take 69 or 94). I would love to see this thing in person Quote Link to comment
fallenone121 Posted December 7, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 7, 2013 Its at a shop in Kalamazoo right now while I wait for the body panels I need so I can have the shop weld in what I need to replace the rusty stuffs. Easy visitation :) Quote Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.