Multiplying Projects

My projects are multiplying like bunny rabbits. I now have 4 project cars at my house, one of which is getting no attention at all. We have two Datsun Fairlady 240z’s, a Datsun Fairlady 260z, and a 1989 Honda CRX. All are legal, all are titled, but only one runs. Here’s a quick recap:

Problems with buying projects

I’ve been loving the 240z I bought (540z), but there are definite downsides to buying somebody else’s project. For one, the wiring is an absolute mess. I’m either buying a Painless wiring kit or rewiring the car completely in the near future.

Also, I was told that it had a 327ci Chevy v8. As it turns out, it’s a 1958 283ci v8 block but that doesn’t necessarily mean the seller was lying or wrong. A 350ci crank in a 283ci block produces 327ci of displacement (if my math serves me correctly). However, the stamp on the door and the stamp on the engine both suggest a 283 block, so I’m resolved to the fact that I have one of the smaller Chevy v8s. It’s making a clacking/rattling noise, which I need to hunt down. It could be a loose valve cover or exhaust manifold, or it could be something more serious (like a bent valve or piston slap). Hopefully I’ll know in the near future. If you think you can help, feel free to check out this video:

CRX = Camper Racing eXtreme?

Hans Reiser recently went on trial (in Oakland, where I work, coincidentally) and apparantly converted his ‘88 CRX into a driving futon, where he had been living. It’s actually an interesting project, but I think I’m okay with having not seen it before.

Fix those squeaky hood pins

When I bought my 240z, I had hood pins in the front and the back. Both were squeaky and wriggly. My

roommate had the killer idea of using spark plug boots as bushings, and it turned out great! If you have noisy hood pins anywhere on your car, grab some old plug boots, slip them on, and use a razor blade to cut them down to size.

This will not work if you drill the holes in your hood too big. The pins need to fit relatively closely to effectively grommet them.

Renaming ProjectCRX

I’m planning to make one final change to the design of ProjectCRX, then rename it and put it on my own hosting service. I’m looking for something slightly more generalized than “Project CRX” because I now own more than just CRX’s. Who has some ideas for a new name?

Project 540z

I broke down today and bought another project. It was actually meant to be my “tame” daily driver, but the starter went bad on me on my way home from a place called Chico, CA and as things turned out it’s a project. I’m going to let the pictures speak for themselves, but I bought a 1973 240z with upgraded disc brakes all around (the most important upgrade, if you ask me), really crappy suspension (a travesty that will soon be remedied) and a 327ci SBC v8.

Oh, and it’s louder than the Devil screaming at the top of his lungs. More info to come after I make space to get it in the driveway.