Project 1973 240z, LS/T56, S14 Suspension, Tube Chassis

[Turbojunky]

I started with a 1973 240z for the body, LS1 & T56 out of a 2002 Camaro, 240sx (S14) front and rear suspension and will be building a tube chassis to tie it all together.
 
Here is the car the day I got it. Relatively rust free and very complete.

 

 

 

 


 
I decided to build a chassis table out of an I-beam and 3 x 3 square tube. I will also be adding casters to the table at some point.
 

 

 

 

After a substantial amount of cutting on the car I mounted it to the table with some simple pinch weld clamps.

 

 

 

 

I built an adjustable fixture to hold the 240SX subframe at ride height.

 

 

Tires are Nitto NT05 275/40 front and 315/35 rear.

 

 

 

For wheels I went with a set of the American Racing VN477 with reverse barrels and custom offset. 17 x 9.5 up front and 17 x 11 in the rear.

 

 

 

 

The current plan is to build a set of 911 style flares out of steel and weld them or out of aluminum and rivet them in place.

 

I started building the front frame rails with 2.5 x 2.5 square tube. I decided to build a new front crossmember to fit the 240SX control arms and a mustang steering rack. I will need to build a new bracket for the alternator to clear the steering rack but everything else seems to fit nicely and the motor sits almost completely behind the front crossmember!

 

 

 

 

I also picked up a set of drop spindles.

 

 

[Lockleaf]

Are you flipping the knuckles from side to side? Aren't s chassis cars all rear steer knuckles, not front steer?

 

Cool build. Welcome. You and drummingpariah are doing similar body and suspension mods.

[Turbojunky]

Are you flipping the knuckles from side to side? Aren't s chassis cars all rear steer knuckles, not front steer?

 

Cool build. Welcome. You and drummingpariah are doing similar body and suspension mods.

 

Yes, knuckles will be flipped to accommodate the front steering rack. I will probably also modify the steering links on the knuckles to adjust the ackermann.

[Ratwagon1600]

Oh goody, this should be interesting.

[Ranman72]

this is the best way to start a build thread 

looking great 

[Turbojunky]

I cut out the rusted rocker panels and installed a new/modified set from Z-car depot. I filled the inside of the new rocker panel with 18 gauge sheet metal to allow it to sit flush against the new 1.5” x 3” rectangular frame rails.

 

    

 

 

I finally bought a tube bender! It's a JD squared model 32.

 

 

 

Now that the perimeter of the frame was in place I started on the trans tunnel using 1.5” DOM tubing.

 

 

 

I tied the trans tunnel to the perimeter rails with more 1.5” DOM.

 

 

 

The front and rear tubes fit to the underside of the frame rails and will also act as jack points.

 

  

 

The center tubes are bent so that the end is flush with the bottom of the frame rails.

 

 

[Icehouse]

So rad!!!! 

[petercscherer]

So impressive! Good luck with the build! LS-powered Datsun is my dream ride. Definitely following!
~Peter

[carterb]

Wow you make it look easy!   Should be done in a week.  : )

[Turbojunky]

Started the rear section of the frame!