KenMeri love, introducing my 1975 KHGC110 Hardtop :bandit:

[240k Style]

G'day all. Thought I'd post my coupe. Yes, I finally managed too find one. But I'll start from the start.

Part 1: The Find

I've been looking for a coupe for a long time. I've even bought one but that adventured turned south when the seller wasn't exactly honest. So no thanks. Anyway, I was invited to a Facebook group of like minded c110 people and loved seeing their cars.

After getting talking to one who was also looking for a c110 coupe we resolved to finding one each.

Well, I got very lucky when out of the blue I was asked, "how bad do you want a coupe?" It was a project car, but it was complete.

Very silly question. Well I was supplied four photos and an email address from this friend. I owe him so much for this.

The price range was a bit much for him but it was something I might be able to reach. This was very last minute. It was going on eBay the next day. He was passing this information to me!

Contact was made, photos seen and then the next day a deposit paid. Just like that.

The only problem was it was located in NSW. I live in Melbourne. It's only a distance of about 1250Km's. You know what that means??

Part 2: The Road Trip

Road trips can be fun. But 2500km's in 37 hours is painful lol. Big thanks to my father for the assist. Dad made a big effort to get the black wagon in top shape and she performed perfectly. We borrowed a trailer off another mate and we were off. 3 AM start and we covered approximately 1240km in 12 hours 45 min. Not bad all at.

Met Glen, the owner and we got talking all things Datsun. The car was a local car sold by a Datsun dealer new in a town called Gunnedah in NSW. A local fella kept it as his daily until upgrading years later. The coupe went to live in the shed. Then the children learnt to drive in her in their early teens. The blue was boring though so the ok was given to customize the paint. After this, the coupe again went to live in the shed until recovered a couple of years ago.

A quick look over. Money exchanged hands. Receipts given. I now had a car. Wheeled her onto the trailer, which took about 15 secs. Then took 1.5hr's to tie her down . Then began the long journey home.









The happy new owner!


Wrapped for the trip home


Got home at 4PM today.

I've got to inventory it all now, work out what needs doing and start organizing for stuff to be chromed, plated etc.

Home at last


The plan is a GTR replica with a 3L with triple webers. Long time from now



I'll keep you posted

[Yamahacam]

Think I saw this one in the background of another ad? Good work.

[240k Style]

He's sold four Yonmeri's recently. Luckily all those were raided for the coupe. Scored some extra goodies too which those sedans didn't get

[uras1]

alottttttttttttttttttttt of work ahead of you, goodluck.

[240k Style]

Thanks I know what's ahead of me. The rear quarters aren't pretty so flares are a go. I don't feel bad cutting them.

The price(considerably below market value) and its complete with a lot of straight stainless trim / bumpers and extra goodies like 5 speed gearbox and pedal box, hilux calipers and twin su's, meant I got a good deal.

And since I'm NOT doing the bodywork myself it made it all the more appealing. Just going to take my time with it all and leave sending the shell away till last.

I've got a great bonnet and boot and the doors, although a bit wrinkly, are fairly rust free. So I'll take all those off, paint strip them and get them into primer to keep them good.

I know I'm missing the front and rear windscreens and a drivers window. And I'm also chasing a new set of locks with keys for a coupe if anyone can help

But overall, I'm a very happy camper, just waiting on the C210 to sell!!!

[KID-K]

Awsome find, good luck....

[KID-K]

Rear glass on eBay...

[240k Style]

Found it. Thanks for the heads up. Made an offer on it

[240k Style]

Ok I had a couple of hours spare today so I decided to pull everything out of the car and see where I'm at. The car had been packed by the previous owner before I got there, so was wondering if everything had made it.

So out came all the pieces


In terms of the stainless trim, as far as I can tell I'm only missing a drivers side eyebrow and a right angle bit from the back window


Back cards are stuffed but will make excellent patterns


Inside plastic trim is ok, apart from one being snapped in half


Front indicator housing are gone, but the lenses are reasonable


Boxes with random crap like bonnet catch mount, sun visors, seatbelts, rad hoses, etc etc


Headlights are very good. Not cracked. I'll be upgrading from sealed units but ill hold onto these


Door cards aren't too bad, but will be easy to copy like the rear ones


Twin Su's. looks like they're not exactly the right setup but easy fix


And an awesome surprise. Factory AirCon install


There a 5 speed in the boot along with the hilux calipers. I'll need to look up a few things but I think the rest is there


Needs a massive clean, and it's raining so I can't wheel her outside to blow the crap out. There's mud nests from wasps etc on the block and dirt and crap everywhere else

That's all for now

[khughes]

Congrats on the find! that alone is a massive feat!

your road trip and pick up reminded me of my first 240k purchase back in 2004! I know exactly how your feeling! Hopefully we get to hear the rest of the story as time progresses!

i am using those same museum photos as my "goal".. i can't get past the idea of a 240k in red!

[240k Style]

I don't know what it is about that car.....it's like gravity. Can't resist it

[240k Style]

I'm still checking out if I need to get things before I start the resto. A good thing too as I'm missing some of the stainless trim

Drivers side is ok


The back window is all there. Although it appears I have got a sedan rear section as well



Passenger side is also good.


Just missing the front windscreen top section. It turns out I'm also missing a drivers side eyebrow but I've located one of those already from another c110 owner. The rear eyebrows are pretty badly bent so will need some love.

Once I source a top section it'll all come off and go into a box to await being sent for straightening and polishing.

[240k Style]

Sold my skyline...



















The C210 that is.

All to fund the C110 coupe

[uras1]

nice Christmas tree

[240k Style]

I've been disassembling my front indicators lately to clean them up. The gaskets are rock hard so I've ordered some more from Japan. The lenses I can use so ill polish those up. The plugs are stuffed so ill cut them off and send the housing off for plating. Blue zinc is closest to factory. Hopefully I can drop these off soon. I'll use some novus plastic polish on the lenses



The stuffed plug. Narva should have something similar


Some more goodies came today as well

2nd hand rear windscreen. Because my coupe didn't come with one. The condition is great!!!



Nissan tool kit


NOS breakdown light


Repro badges for the coupe


And some very original books to go along with the car. These came from my C210. Never seen other ones of these


Got some key blanks coming from Thailand, so ill pull the ignition barrel and get keys cut soon.

And I'm chasing a tail light panel that's correct for the GTR look.

I've sourced a drivers side eyebrow so only need the top windscreen piece then ill have it all. That then can be boxed up and sent for polishing

Plenty happening slowly. Stay tuned

[c110coupe]

nice find mate! is this Facebook page a private page? ive been looking for some local pages with fellow 240k owners but cant find any!

[240k Style]

Yeah it is a closed group. You require admin authority to get in. It's called C110 skyline owners & resto club. Great place to swap knowledge and find those hard to find bits. Lots of the guys here are on there.

Love to have you come in c110 coupe!!

Recently just got over 100 members from all over the world! And we all are mad for Kenmeri's and Yonmeri's

[khughes]

i must have missed the link.. *edit* duh.. facebook search

[240k Style]

I see you've worked it out now Kent

[EuroDat]

G'day all. Thought I'd post my coupe. Yes, I finally managed too find one.

The only problem was it was located in NSW.

Met Glen, the owner and we got talking all things Datsun. The car was a local car sold by a Datsun dealer new in a town called Gunnedah in NSW. A local fella kept it as his daily until upgrading years later. The coupe went to live in the shed. Then the children learnt to drive in her in their early teens. The blue was boring though so the ok was given to customize the paint. After this, the coupe again went to live in the shed until recovered a couple of years ago.

Just read where you found your coupe.
Cant believe you found a coupe in Gunnedah of all places. When I did my apprenticeship in the Hunter valley, a school mate got his up at Gunnedah in the local coal mine. Spent quiet a threw weekends with him up there and Tamworth in the eigthies. He actually found a couple of australian rambler hornets in a shed on a farm. Lucky bastard.

Goodluck with the restoration, a truly lucky find going by the photos.
Chas

[khughes]

I see you've worked it out now Kent

i Sure have it is a bit strange having a whole community of people with real names rather than screen names.. it is going to take a while to work out who is who

[Mastadd240K]

i Sure have it is a bit strange having a whole community of people with real names rather than screen names.. it is going to take a while to work out who is who

Tell me about it

[khughes]

that was my equivalent of apologising upfront for acting like i don't know you guys on there

[240k Style]

Apology accepted Kent lol.

Chas the car was located in a little town called Manilla, which is about 10 mins north of Tamworth. I've spent a bit of time up Tamworth way as well in my Military days back in 2002-03 so i was surprised to be heading back there to pick up the car.

I have a few things to share coming up just waiting on their arrival, so stay tuned

[Datsun Des]

Keep the thread updated and detailed Adam as it makes my resto easier!

[Mastadd240K]

wow Adam, you have had the car for a few weeks and have done more than me in 11 months

[240k Style]

Christmas is coming so I'll have to down the credit card lest invoke the wrath of the minister for war and finance (the wife).

May also have a career change in the wings so may have an extended break. But I'm hoping to get some work done to the car soon, instead of buying all the bits.

I keep forgetting you guys have been at this for years lol I shouldn't be playing catchup ..... Or maybe I can

[Mastadd240K]

may also have a career change in the wings so may have an extended break.

pso?

Tmu?

[240k Style]

Full time CFA

[240k Style]

Update time...

My key blanks arrived from Thailand



But the top of my ignition barrel is stuffed...so I may have to order a new one.



But i've managed to secure some parts which my coupe was missing. But also more extra goodies. GTR C110's are exclusively are 1973 model cars. But mine is a 1975 which has later model round vents and a different centre console compared to the 1973. So sourcing these parts through YAJ was going to be an expensive prospect...



...until i was contacted by a friend who had decided to part out his 1973 coupe as it had been in a fairly serious accident. These are what i managed to secure for my coupe.


The missing Stainless Steel trim piece across the top of the windscreen. Now i have all the SS Trim for the car.



In here is a Drivers Door glass, only need a front windscreen now



The early square drivers side vent. A little piece is broken out of it but i'll still use it until i can afford another.



The early style glovebox with square vent



And an early Centre Console...complete with Factory Radio and Cassette player !!!!!!




I've been polishing the indicators lenses and they look like they'll work ok. I'll hit them with some clear to keep them from getting worse. I'm still waiting on the gaskets to come from Japan for those too. I'll need to cut the plugs as they've disintergrated and put new ones on. Narva make some so that's sorted. Just have to send the housings away for plating...

...so some progress is happening, although that will slow for christmas.

Good times.

[Laggy6]

Is that an 8 track player or a cassette player?

[EuroDat]

Adam,

If you looking for a set of lenses and don't mind repros, you might want to try David at Street lens in Minto, south sydney. His workshop is a bit chaotic the last time I was their, but he makes all kinds of lenses and might just have a mould for the C110 somewhere? He does answer e-mail just takes a couple of days.
davidaz@ozemail.com.au
Streetlens - clear lenses for your street car
Just a thought.
Chas

[240k Style]

Bought a spare dashboard..


It's special. Those of you in the US would like this one




It's an rare early dash. It has MPH on the inner ring of the speedo

[EuroDat]

Thats indeed a rare find. There wasn't many of them around to start with. Does the face from the later units fit?

[240k Style]

All interchangeable I'm led to believe

[240k Style]

Thanks for the support :wink:

I was at work the during the week and checked Facebook and saw an ad from a mate selling some 240K seats...... Now mine are...a little unhealthy


So I snapped them up. Only about 1000% better! There is some stitching that needs doing but overall they're great, especially compared to what I had!


My son gave them the tick of approval after a brief clean


Also scored another drivers side guard, as mine was pretty much flat


And some finned drum brakes


Overall pretty happy, and very unexpected to find those seats. I was not looking forward to paying huge chunks of cash to get them fixed. So a great result

Also Merry Christmas everyone from sunny Australia

[240k Style]

In a moment of boredom my dad and I said, "stuff it bet we can get the coupe running!"

Now the car hasn't been run in the nearly 10 years or so the previous owner had it, so I had my doubts. There were masses of custom crap wiring everywhere, dust and debris, not to mention half a mud hornet nest on the block.

So we started by a general tidy up and cut out the crap wiring. Then off came the air filter and checked out what we had. The manifold was held on by only 2 bolts! The exhaust header was in the boot and all the fuel and vac lines had been cut!!! Pretty piss poor effort that.

Borrowing from Wile E Coyote's school of acme engineering we adapted what we could. This wasn't meant to be long term (I'll pull the engine for a full rebuild) but was just a case of can we do it?







Headers went on, now 5 bolts holding it all on. Had to make a fuel line from the pump to carb using the return line. Made an ignition switch from the coil to the battery out of the junk wiring we removed. Made another wire to the starter to jump start that. And borrowed a zed alternator adjustment bracket and put that in instead of the lump of wood holding the belt tension. Couple more little things and we're ready.....now where's that battery?? Didn't come with one, perhaps tomorrow then.

Today we had another go, with battery this time, so we hooked it all up. Pulled the plugs to turn her over on the starter to move the oil around (it was still full). Also checked spark which we definitely had (got zapped, again :roll: )

All seemed good, quick final check. Rigged up a tin can as a fuel tank (tank is out) and this is the result!
240k hardtop first turnover - YouTube

Helps when you connect a ignition switch to actually flick it on ops:

Round 2
240k hardtop It's Alive!!! - YouTube


All seemed good so far. We've come this far, why not get her really going. In order to do that needed to fill the radiator.. So we pushed her outside since I didn't want to pull the bottom rad hose inside the garage.





Dropped the bottom hose, which still had rusty water, and flushed it out a bit before reconnecting. The battery we were using wasn't that healthy so we had to use the black wagon to jump it but here goes

240k hardtop outside - YouTube

Now needed another hand so I had to put the phone down this time.

240k hardtop running - YouTube

Sorry for the crap video.....

Now it's only running headers, with air leaks literally everywhere....but she runs!! Got warm and the thermostat even opened before the tin can emptied. So not a bad exercise in acme engineering.

Got to thank my dad for the assist on this. His old datsun racing trickery coming to the fore on this


That's probably all for this year with the holidays about to kick off. Hope to get some minor bodywork done early on next year and finish my bumper assemblies off.

Merry Christmas and stay safe on the holidays!

[EuroDat]

Congrats starting the engine. At least you know what you have before you start your rebuild. Now you'll be able to sign up as a mechanic for Bathurst next year.

Mery (not too hot) christmas and good luck restoring in 2014.
Chas

[240k Style]

First post back from Christmas...and not too much to report.

But i have finally locked in what sort of build i am going for, engine wise, and I've decided on an RB26DETT running a RB25DET gearbox.

I have to comply with ADR's (Australian Design Rules) in order to get it engineered so I'm going through the process of getting those.

Goal is to have the turbos top mounted and still run Aircon and an IC (should be tight, but managable) in the small gap prior to the radiator.

I'll also try to retain the duel exhaust tips to give it a sleeper look. A GTR replica with the perfomance of...well, a GTR!!

I've also locked in the paint scheme and will post a picture shortly.

In the process of ordering a front windscreen and a few other things like dash badges etc. but things are happening slowly.

Stay tuned.

[240k Style]

Here it is!!!





A little bit more inspiration. I'll keep the chrome trim, with the black bonnet, mirrors, flares, wheels and rear wing

[Mastadd240K]

Doooooo it!!!!!

[240k Style]

It's locked in. Got some drawings already of how I want things. Hope the chrome trim will look good on it

[Mr Camouflage]

GTRs only came in Red White and Silver

[240k Style]

I know . Problem is everyone seems to have silver or white....and Kent blackmailed me into not having Red, so.......

...i wanted to be original and stand out from the crowd!!. Should looks the goods.

I'm refraining from doing it purple with glitter flakes through the paint because Adrian shotgunned it first

[c110coupe]

ohh I was thinking the same colour for when I do mine! I rekon it will look great! yours will be done well before mine so I cant wait to see it!

[240k Style]

Ok so I've slowly dragged my feet this year. Had a lot on at home with the young fella. But I've started to sand back the areas of the body that cause me concern.



It's actually looking quite good so far. Although using an orbital sander because my compressor blew up isn't fun. More dollars to replace that. And delay buying more parts

But since I've come to the realisation I want to get my hands dirty and weld up what I need to on this car I decided to get serious with her.



All the interior is out bar the dash and the door glass. This is helping me to find out what will need replacing with new metal. Although it seems the previous owner loves using a rust proof tar a lot. That's going to be bloody annoying.

I've got a GTR fiberglass grill coming along with a few other bits and pieces so hanging out for those

But a massive positive is a company in Sydney are offering to make new rust repair panels for these cars if they can get their hands on a good car. Luckily a good friend has one in Sydney!! Score. So there is a chance that soon I can buy new rust repair sections to weld in, saving me huge headaches, and hours of frustration, poorly attempting to fabricate new ones.

And then my dad sends me these




Now I'm back to square one on colour. The red is amazing.....

That's all for now, just rapt to be doing work on the Kenmeri again

[khughes]

Don't make me go and get the horses head out of the freezer...

[240k Style]

Awwwww you've been saving that for little ol me??? Mate that car is literally perfect in my eyes....hard to resist.

On a side note. Airmail from Japan arrived today...

[khughes]

yeah its pretty sweet.. it makes me reconsider going a non-original red (i was pretty set on the R35 GTR red)..

The only datsun pic i have seen that was better was a grey 240Z, with black chromed trim.... soooooo nice..... shame i am not modding mine now

[240k Style]

The r35 GTR red is very close. And a lot easier to get made up

[Mastadd240K]

You all stay away from RED!

ITS MINE

[240k Style]

Ah that old photo. Never seen a newer one. Does that car even exist :P

[brianj87]

Hey buddy just wondering how you went with air mail on that front grill? I've been wary of ordering parts that size because I figured the shipping would be horrendous, also did you use import monster?

[240k Style]

Hey Brian. I organised that through a friend who paid for the shipping, so i have no idea what the cost was. And since it was through a mate i cut out the middle man. But i usually use Jason from JDM factory (its in my signature).

Sorry i couldnt be of more help

[240k Style]

Has anyone else done this?

With the a young family it's hard to find dollars for the project, especially with bills and the mortgage etc.

So grabbed a jar, emptied the wallet (it's pay week) into it and broke out the market and tape.

End result


It's a start


Hopefully it's a start on funds to get the shell repaired and painted. I've got other money happening elsewhere but everything counts!!

I've got some flares and a rear wing on order from Restored in Japan, so hopefully those should arrive soon.

Picked up some more parts cheap as well


Basically spares but they were the right price. Needed a front apron as a guide to repair my other one. The trim is slightly better than what I have now.

Still chasing a windscreen, but have a few leads. May have to raid the jar soonish lol.

Slowly but surely I'm getting the parts.

Sometimes I wonder why I just didn't buy a Z...a lot more around and I'd be driving it by now

[Datsun Des]

54722 Nissan 240K Coupe 1973 TO 1978 2DR Coupe Front Windscreen NEW | eBay

????

[240k Style]

Thanks Des I'll look into it

[Mastadd240K]

I thought that place in Clayton had them dude

[240k Style]

That's still my preference mate. Haven't called them yet.

This one would be $270 delivered to me so I'll call that mob soon Adrian.

Just sussing out the prices

[240k Style]

Ok been doing a little bit to the car lately. I've started tidying up underneath and in the rear wheel wells. Need to buy a new grinder then I'll get seriously stuck in to it. I've also sourced a welder from a mate to fix up the holes. I'm thinking of getting the car running with the body as is and then GTR clone it later on as I'm hanging to drive her after being allowed to drive a mates coupe.



I've managed to come across a few more spare, tail lights, complete rust free straight doors inc glass, spare boot, more window glass, ss trim etc. been very lucky, as the doors seem to be much better than my wavy ones I had. The prices were too good to pass up.





So I thought I'd mount one of the doors to see how good it was....unfortunately it showed me how many dents the body REALLY has





I've completely stripped the rear bumper, inc the number plate light assemblies. Also stripped the front indicator housing. All off the be zinc plated. Remembered to bag and tag.



And I was at my dad's place snooping around and found these babies! Genuine factory wheels!!! Will need these for the GTR look. 14x5 of factory awesomeness. Just need 3 more! Will look good for car shows. I've already had them blasted and etch primed, just need paint. Here's a photo on Nissan's museum C110 GTR so you know what I mean.







I'm all over the shop with paint choice, as I want to stand out from the crowd and still be uniquely me.... So more thought required.

Stay tuned.

[240k Style]

Adam did a bad, bad thing.....short trip next week

[khughes]

you finally came around and ought a 240Z!!! NICEE!!!

Adam did a bad, bad thing.....short trip next week

[240k Style]

NEVER!!! only because i don't have the room

[240k Style]

It worse....

Bought this!

[Yamahacam]

Welcome to the dark side.

[Yamahacam]

Looks a lot like the colour of the first one I had 15 years ago. Where did you find it, how did it happen?

[240k Style]

Through a friend out in Nhill near the SA border. 4hrs each way today!!

[Yamahacam]

My blue and new parts car where 3 1/2 hours each way but you gotta get em when you find em.

[240k Style]

Yeah know the feeling.

The coupe is still having the underside wire wheeled and then painted. Just cleaning all the surface rust up. But since I know have a cruiser I'll take my time with the rust repairs and may even send it out as around the back windows isn't good. And I'd love to unpick the wiper plenum and check that out

[Red Rocket]

Solid looking car that blue one, great find!!
Much to do to register?

[240k Style]

I'll talk about the blue one in the Yonmeri thread

[240k Style]

I'll just leave this here as an idea...

[Mastadd240K]

is it done yet?

[240k Style]

Want to help?

[240k Style]

I have so much to do to try make a car show with the Yonmeri on Nov 1st the Kenmeri is being a bit ignored.

So this should help, I bought the basis for my race motor.



L28e out of a '81 280ZX. It has a N42 head with and F54 block and was apparently rebuilt about 10km ago. Looks really clean inside.






This will be an L30 (to fit in with car club championship classes) running Triple 45 Webers. Should do well