1/12 Datsun 240ZG

Hey guys,
This is my latest project, need to give the 1/25 a spell......my eyes aren't as good as they once were.....:frown:
Picked it up recently off ebay at a reasonable price. It's been a "want" of mine for years, so I'm pleased I got it..

http://images47.fotki.com/v1400/photos/6/63306/7073322/112240ZG001-vi.jpg

Comparison shot along side a 1/24 Fujimi 240ZG...

http://images45.fotki.com/v1421/photos/6/63306/7073322/112240ZG003-vi.jpg

This is also what I wanted the Watanabe's for....:smokin:
I started by making up the centre "spokes" from thin sheet. The spokes were then built up till I got what I think is pretty close to what they should be..
The inner and outer rims are from an old Porsche kit and are 16 inch. I'll be making these up into 16x8.5 and 16x9.5, front and rear respectively.

http://images42.fotki.com/v1447/photos/6/63306/7073322/watanabe007-vi.jpg
http://images45.fotki.com/v1426/photos/6/63306/7073322/watanabe004-vi.jpg

I'm also going to make my own tyres....225/45VR16 and 245/45VR16's.

It's going to be a long road, but one I really want to get done.....Stay tuned....

Thanks for dropping by
cheers
Greg

W O W ! Nice and interesting start :iceslolan

Robi

Great job with the wheels!

Nice progress, and nice to see you back building. I think you should resin cast the wheels as many people including myself would want a copy.

Thanks guys..:)
Thought I'd better give you an update..
I have the wheels almost ready...the pic below is the same centre, with both size outer rims in place...I'll cast the centre and wheel back half as one.
http://images29.fotki.com/v318/photos/6/63306/7073322/newwheel-vi.jpg

These were my options for it.....
Bottom left = Stock wheel/tyre, bottom right = Tamiya "spare parts" wheel/kit tyre....and top = my version....
http://images42.fotki.com/v1466/photos/6/63306/7073322/wheeltyre001-vi.jpg

TYRES......
Ok, this was always gonna be tricky....
I built up the two sidewalls from .010 strips, once I got to the size needed, the tread layer was added. I still have a layer or two to go, these will form the actual tread...
I left them hollow, to give it some room to squash under weight...if it's too heavy, I'll cast them solid..
http://images49.fotki.com/v1456/photos/6/63306/7073322/wheeltyre005-vi.jpg

After some smoothing (rather difficult without a lathe..) and putty, this is what I have.....
Stock height....
http://images47.fotki.com/v1473/photos/6/63306/7073322/wheeltyretest1002-vi.jpg

This is where I'd like to get her sitting..maybe a tad lower. It rubs the front when steered, but hopefully some more sanding/shaping will cure that...
Lowered height....
http://images45.fotki.com/v1430/photos/6/63306/7073322/wheeltyretest1004-vi.jpg

More soon guys....
cheers
Greg

Wow great job on the wheels, will bring the kit to life, way better the the stock wheels. I remember doing this kit about 30 years ago, brings back memorys!!

Nice wheels!

MMM looks sweet lowered. Keep us updated, and don't let it die.

Looks great!!!!

But, where can I buy the Tamiya "spare parts" wheel/kit tyre ??

Thank you

Best regards robotec

Looks great!!!!

But, where can I buy the Tamiya "spare parts" wheel/kit tyre ??

Thank you

Best regards robotec




Go to their website and find the Phone number or contact info. In the USA you can call them with the kit and tree numbers and they usually have the part if the kit is not out of production.


TW

Looks great!!!!

But, where can I buy the Tamiya "spare parts" wheel/kit tyre ??

Thank you

Best regards robotec

Hi Robotec,

Yes, you could try direct through Tamiya as Twowheelsrule has said, or
keep an eye on ebay.
I found mine there, they pop up every now and then...

For what it's worth..they come with snow tyres, not street as I've shown. The kit tyres I mentioned are from the 240ZG kit.

MidMazar,
No chance I'll let this one die man.......I'm right into it..:wink:

Thanks very much guys...more soon...

fantastic work with the wheels :iceslolan

i was woundering however, does the kit come with the normal frontend as well or just the g-nose. ive always been a big fan of 240z's and have owned two 1:1's in the past. i have thought about getting this kit but have held off since im dont care too much for the g-nose. if you could answer this for me that would be great.

thanks

fantastic work with the wheels :iceslolan

i was woundering however, does the kit come with the normal frontend as well or just the g-nose. ive always been a big fan of 240z's and have owned two 1:1's in the past. i have thought about getting this kit but have held off since im dont care too much for the g-nose. if you could answer this for me that would be great.

thanks

Unfortunetely the kit has only the G-nose. Like you I prefer the regular Z-nose but that won't stop me from building the kit i have in my stash.


Kris

Absolutely correct you are Kris.
This kit is G-nose only, but you could get hold of the "rally" version and combine them.....:wink:
The other big + in doing so, you get to swap engine parts......triple webers.....:smokin:

Ahhh, the rally version, brings back memories.

I was going to buy that when I was 13-14 years but it would cost me 6 months allowance so I had to save up for it. Went to the store twice a month to drool over it until I finally had the money. Then my parents wouldn't let me spend that much money on a toy. Arrrgh

Kris

Great work with the wheels and tyres so far Greg. You really do need to get yourself a lathe - you'd go nuts with it!:naughty:

fantastic work with the wheels :iceslolan

i was woundering however, does the kit come with the normal frontend as well or just the g-nose. ive always been a big fan of 240z's and have owned two 1:1's in the past. i have thought about getting this kit but have held off since im dont care too much for the g-nose. if you could answer this for me that would be great.

thanks

I agree. I love Z's and this kit has an insane level of detail for 1973! But I've never warmed up to the ZG extended front end. We never got the ZG in the USA so it just doesn't look "right" for a 240z. However, about all you need are the headlight buckets and bumper from the Safari car to make it a regular 240Z. Not positive because I built that Safari in 1976! You might need the front indicators and since the Safari has only a screen covering the radiator you might have to scratch the grille bars.

The body and hood are stock Z. I'm suprised nobody has offered the conversion parts in resin for this kit.

Unfortunetely the kit has only the G-nose. Like you I prefer the regular Z-nose but that won't stop me from building the kit i have in my stash.



Absolutely correct you are Kris.
This kit is G-nose only, but you could get hold of the "rally" version and combine them.....:wink:
The other big + in doing so, you get to swap engine parts......triple webers.....:smokin:


I agree. I love Z's and this kit has an insane level of detail for 1973! But I've never warmed up to the ZG extended front end. We never got the ZG in the USA so it just doesn't look "right" for a 240z. However, about all you need are the headlight buckets and bumper from the Safari car to make it a regular 240Z. Not positive because I built that Safari in 1976! You might need the front indicators and since the Safari has only a screen covering the radiator you might have to scratch the grille bars.

The body and hood are stock Z. I'm suprised nobody has offered the conversion parts in resin for this kit.

Thanks guys for the quick info.
Ive tossed around the idea of kit bashing the two kits together. I had not realized that the safari version came with the triple webers. :naughty:
I think that Im going to have to think about it some more....:evillol: :evillol: :evillol:

Thanks again guys, and Stump, keep us posted please.

No worries Spideyman..:wink:
Updates wont be quik in coming, but it will all get done.....:)

CrateCruncher,
"The body and hood are stock Z. I'm suprised nobody has offered the conversion parts in resin for this kit."

Now you're puttin' ideas in my head......:naughty:
Might have to look at getting a Safari kit too......
Y'know....I'm pretty sure (almost 99%) that the front indicators are shared as well....only the headlight buckets are different, and the indicator is just behind where they join the fenders.....

Wow great one Greg, I have the Safari version of this one, how did U do the Minlites or Compulite wheels I'd luv set of them for my Rally version.

Dingo :cool:

Wow great one Greg, I have the Safari version of this one, how did U do the Minlites or Compulite wheels I'd luv set of them for my Rally version.
Dingo :cool:
Thanks Dingo..:biggrin:
Yeah, the rims have a few hours invested in 'em....

Are you thinking standard narrow wheels, or wide ones like I made..?
I have two of the standard Watanabe/Minilites from Tamiya.....I only bought a pair, just to see what they were like.....:frown:

Small update :
Did some more smoothing and filling yesterday and today....looking a lot better. Also sorted out my wonkey sidewall...both are now matched up and the rims fit real good....:wink:
Also started to add my tread detail...Can someone please remind me why I'm doing this.....:runaround:
They will loosely resemble some TOYO's....(read, my version... :biggrin: ) Not sure bout the centre bead, but once I get some more tread blocks on, we'll see....
http://images23.fotki.com/v870/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread001-vi.jpg

http://images46.fotki.com/v1453/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread003-vi.jpg

That's it for now...I hope to get this tyre completed this week...It takes some time glueing all those little blocks...:screwy: :evillol:

Stay tuned guys.....
cheers
Greg :aus:

Also started to add my tread detail...Can someone please remind me why I'm doing this.....:runaround:

Cause those rims and tires look sweet as hell! :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes:

Keep the good work coming. :wink:

Geag I guess being a safari car it would have to be a narrow set what do you think although if I built it as a weekend warrior then a wide set would be the go oh heck I dunno???
.

Dingo :cool:

Thanks Spideyman...:wink:

Hey Dingo,
The ones I'm making are 16 inch diameter, as apposed to the stock 14 inch...
These are the Tamiya "spare parts" wheels I got. These are 14 inch and come with the same snow tyres as in the Safari kit...
http://images23.fotki.com/v803/photos/6/63306/7073322/wheeltyre002-vi.jpg

The pic above shows the S/Parts wheel with one of the ZG tyres...
I'm guessing that Tamiya had, at some point..the R/Control version of the Safari car...?? I've never seen one, but the parts rims have a different mounting method as well...which made me think that may be the case...?
I found these 14 inch minilites on ebay...searching thru 1/12 stuff. I see them pop up from time to time...I only got one set (pair) as that's how they were advertised...

Greg, What would you charge me to make a set for me those wnaabees look real good and I want a set for my Safari car which is actually going to be just a straight forward ARC car now I'm not having it as a Safari Car anymore, I might even make it as a dedication to the Late Stewart McLeod a South Australian many times champ and an Australian rally champ as well, I rallied against this guy many time in the 70's the same as the Late Peter Brock and also Colin Bond but that's another story Greg.

Dingo :cool:

Great wheels you build there
if the whole kit goes like this it will be very ,very nice
done one ZG myself

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=925303&highlight=haman132

Great wheels you build there
if the whole kit goes like this it will be very ,very nice
done one ZG myself

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=925303&highlight=haman132
Thanks mate.
I just checked out your build.....that looks just outright AWESOME !
I really like the induction set-up....Is it Ferrari kit-bashed ?

Oh dear.....I have an old F1 sitting on my shelf....badly in need of some TLC (rebuild)...........OR...................:evillol:

you are spot on there

a bit ferrari ,some copper wire and a lot of datsun

:cheers:
Kool, thanks for confirming that. :thumbsup:
Ok....time for Mr Ferrari to come off the shelf....:naughty:

Thanks Dingo..:biggrin:
Yeah, the rims have a few hours invested in 'em....

Are you thinking standard narrow wheels, or wide ones like I made..?
I have two of the standard Watanabe/Minilites from Tamiya.....I only bought a pair, just to see what they were like.....:frown:

Small update :
Did some more smoothing and filling yesterday and today....looking a lot better. Also sorted out my wonkey sidewall...both are now matched up and the rims fit real good....:wink:
Also started to add my tread detail...Can someone please remind me why I'm doing this.....:runaround:
They will loosely resemble some TOYO's....(read, my version... :biggrin: ) Not sure bout the centre bead, but once I get some more tread blocks on, we'll see....
http://images23.fotki.com/v870/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread001-vi.jpg

http://images46.fotki.com/v1453/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread003-vi.jpg

That's it for now...I hope to get this tyre completed this week...It takes some time glueing all those little blocks...:screwy: :evillol:

Stay tuned guys.....
cheers
Greg :aus:

Sweet mother...have you hand cut the Toyo text? You're madder than me! :)

Sweet mother...have you hand cut the Toyo text? You're madder than me! :)
:grinyes:
Yes, cheers man..
The T and the Y are cut free-hand, the two O's are sliced from tube..:runaround: :naughty:

:cheers:
Kool, thanks for confirming that. :thumbsup:
Ok....time for Mr Ferrari to come off the shelf....:naughty:

i maby have another set (it was a 12 cyl afterall)
then mr, ferrari will live on:rolleyes:

i maby have another set (it was a 12 cyl afterall)
then mr, ferrari will live on:rolleyes:
:cheers:
Nah, all good, thanks man..
I have the triple carb set-up from a Safari issue which I'm pretty sure will make it's way into this one.....:naughty:

cheers
Greg :aus:

Can someone please remind me why I'm doing this.....:runaround:


I think it was something about giving your eyes a rest from fiddly details:rolleyes:

I think it was something about giving your eyes a rest from fiddly details:rolleyes:
:grinyes: :lol:
Yes...yes it was..But they are easier to see at this scale... :wink:

Weekend is almost over, and I was hoping to at least have this tire finished by now...:shakehead
It's half done...and I give it a gentle coat of flat black, just to see what it looks like...
I'll get a pic up soon....

Small update...

Ok, I know there's not enough time to finish this before the weekend runs out...I gotta go watch some car racing...V8 Supercars 09 season has started...:wink:

Sprayed some colour coats, just to make it easier to see.....??
The rim looks nasty, but it will smooth out alright....
The centre is gunmetal (probably what it will be when finished)
The tread (half tread) is not very symmetrical, but I think it looks ok...should pass for a road tyre..with slight ware....too many fast corners...:grinyes:
http://images49.fotki.com/v1458/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2006-vi.jpg

Centre....
http://images17.fotki.com/v295/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2003-vi.jpg

Ride height and turning check...
http://images47.fotki.com/v1462/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2008-vi.jpg

http://images49.fotki.com/v1459/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2010-vi.jpg

I will most likely re-do my TOYO label, as it has all but disappeared from sanding and paint.....:shakehead
That's it for now...I'm off to the tele....:wink:
cheers
Greg :aus:

Have you thought of casting the tyres from the 1/12 Nissan Skyline by Fujimi?

Bridgestone Potenza RE71. Supposedly 225/50 37mm x 19mm

Have you thought of casting the tyres from the 1/12 Nissan Skyline by Fujimi?

Bridgestone Potenza RE71. Supposedly 225/50 37mm x 19mm

Hi Mal,
Yes..I have one of those kits too....:wink:
That was my very first thought and test fit...but they just didn't look right....:grinno:

Edit:
Oops....you may be onto something Mal.
The kit I have is the Veilside version with 245/45/18's....THEY, look wrong....
Thanks for the heads-up...I'll have a look around.

I have one here that a mate wants me to build. It is the GTR Axes one.

You also have another pm.

I have one here that a mate wants me to build. It is the GTR Axes one.

You also have another pm.
Thanks Mal,:biggrin:
PM replied too, thanks Mal.

your work is awesome, by any chance are you thinking of you making some sets to sell?

your work is awesome, by any chance are you thinking of you making some sets to sell?
:grinyes: :naughty:
Thanks Rollin', yes I am....
I've looked into getting all the stuff I need myself (rubber, resin...) as well as contacting a local resin guru down here in Australia....
I just want to get an idea of my best option (least expensive VERS best quality..)....which I guess will be, get'em done professionally....

:grinyes: :naughty:
Thanks Rollin', yes I am....
I've looked into getting all the stuff I need myself (rubber, resin...) as well as contacting a local resin guru down here in Australia....
I just want to get an idea of my best option (least expensive VERS best quality..)....which I guess will be, get'em done professionally....

well greg, im in for a set when you make some for sale. i wouldn't mind adding detail masterpieces of other modelers. :iceslolan

well greg, im in for a set when you make some for sale. i wouldn't mind adding detail masterpieces of other modelers. :iceslolan
No worries Rollin'...
I appreciate the enthusiasm mate. To be honest, I was not sure how popular they may, or still may not, have been.....:dunno:
But I'm really pleased with you guys response so far...
I'll keep you updated mate.

BTW, I just finished the rest of the tread...I'll sand and prime tomorrow arvo, the give you'll a look at a nearly complete tire....

cheers
Greg

This is doing it the hard way but the wheel looks great Stump. BTW do you do masochism lessons as well??

Very cool! I am really enjoying your work on the tires - and to think in your first post you said you were going to do a 1:12 because your eyes weren't what they used to be... wow! I need to go look-see some of your 1:24s. I can't wait to see what in store for the rest of this project. Keep it comin'!

Thanks Martsmodels and Willimo...:)

Nuther small update...
Well, didn't get to shoot any primer yet....this is still raw, unfinished.....tho it has been sanded..:wink:
Toyo logo added to second side, unsanded at the moment.....

http://images44.fotki.com/v1469/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2a005-vi.jpg

http://images45.fotki.com/v1480/photos/6/63306/7073322/tread2a003-vi.jpg

I hope to be home on time tomorrow, so will prime it up then....now I gotta start on the rear....:naughty:
More soooon........
cheers
Greg :aus:

Awesome work. The wheels is fantastic and perfectly fit the bodywork. Bravo !

R :)

Still awesome, Greg :)

Stevenski

Thanks Robi and Stevenski..:naughty:

Well, work on the rear tire has begun...and whilst waiting for glue to dry, I kicked into making an exhaust system..tubular header manifold.
I started with 3mm plastic rod, but after throwing the first set in the bin, I knew I was going to waste way too much...:banghead:
So, off to the hardware store for some 3.2mm solder....

The end result is far more satisfying....Two pair of triple pipes, 3-pipe collector (ex-Ferrari..:evillol:..) These will then extend right to the tail in a duel system.
http://images49.fotki.com/v1460/photos/6/63306/7073322/headers001-vi.jpg

http://images47.fotki.com/v1485/photos/6/63306/7073322/headers003-vi.jpg

That's all for now..I should get the exhaust tidied up over the weekend...
Thanks for stopping by..

cheers
Greg :aus:

Sweet :grinyes:


:wave:

wow :cool:

thats what i had in mind to,started also withplastic pipe but ended with the
original manifold

good idea with the soldeer,maybe i make a new one

you did not break up mister ferrari did you :nono:

Thanks Spidey and Haman..:wink:

Haman132,
Yes, I'm really pleased I decided to try solder..:)..give it a go...:wink:

by Haman132
you did not break up mister ferrari did you

Oops...:redface:...I was very gentle with it...Mr Ferrari hasn't even realized they're missing yet.....:evillol:

Minor update....
This exhaust work is very exhausting....:uhoh:..(sad attempt at humour....)
I made up a 2-bolt collector, after considering the 3-bolt style more common on muscle cars...I figured the 2-bolt was more along the lines of "stock"..
Also made a hotdog style centre muffler, the rear muffler is a modified one from the kit..."U"-bolt is hand made.

http://images47.fotki.com/v1484/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem002-vi.jpg
http://images49.fotki.com/v1460/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem007-vi.jpg

Hotdog....

http://images49.fotki.com/v1457/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem004-vi.jpg
http://images47.fotki.com/v1484/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem009-vi.jpg

Rear....

http://images49.fotki.com/v1458/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem013-vi.jpg
http://images47.fotki.com/v1484/photos/6/63306/7073322/headerssystem011-vi.jpg

That's all for now guys..there's a few more pics in the Fotki album..
More soon
cheers
Greg :aus:

Looks fantastic, Greg! :thumbsup:

Wow Greg how did U do Ya mufflers they're great wouldn't mind doing the same for my Safari Car and those bolts they're smashing.

Dingo :cool:

Wow Greg how did U do Ya mufflers they're great wouldn't mind doing the same for my Safari Car and those bolts they're smashing.
Dingo :cool:
Thanks Stevenski and Dingo..:)

Dingo,
The hotdog is made from aluminium tube, had to find a piece the correct size to fit snugly over my plastic tube..The trouble then was, my next size plastic tube was still too tight to fit over the aluminium......
So I sliced it down one side, opened it up just enough to allow the aluminium tube inside. I then cut a section of spare plastic tube to fill the gap..
The rear only has new end discs cut to fit in either end. The kit muffler supplies these ends, but the inlet/outlet are offset...I wanted straight thru style..:biggrin:

Fairly basic, but I hope it helps you out some Dingo..:smile:

wow!! it's all i have to say bro. keep up the great work.

Thanks for that Greg I'll give it a go when I get to start on my 240Z BUT that will be a while down the track now as we have unfortunately fallen into a hole with money ( bloody scout camp, anyway that was good fun) I'll get back to it at the end of the year, I have save some of this thread to a Model Workshop on my harddrive so it won't be lost or forgotten. Thanks again my firend it's wonderful what U'r doing.

Dingo :cool:

:yikes: In the words of Dr. Emmett Brown.... "Great Scott!!!" :yikes:




:wave:

Thanks muchly Rollin, Dingo and Spidey....:)

Hey Dingo, hope things work out in your favour soon man....good luck.