Project Time Machine: March 2010

Rear Latch Mounting on OEM Hardtop

Hardtop Restoration Begins

I removed all the latches from the top. Rusted, but thankful that the screws were easily removed after soaking them with lubricant spray.

Rear latch mounting bracket

Original Datsun Fairlady Hardtop Photos

I decided to take some shots of the hardtop for documentation purposes. I'm planning on restoring it once again with a new color...white, black or red.

Top Gear Philippines Features Project Time Machine

Mikuni PHH40 Re-installation

One down. I just took my time re-installing the carburetors.

It was pretty much straightforward. Just had to put a thin layer of gasket maker on the isolator's surface prior to bolting the carburetors on the intake manifold.

Presto! Twin Mikuni carburetors finally installed and running well! I just had to tweak the Pilot Screws and the Idle Screw for a smoother idle. Engine runs great and smooth throughout the rev range. I can't wait to test it further in long road trips.

I also repainted the inner left engine bay where the air horns are to protect the metal from rust and backfires. Gas pedal is a bit firm though...maybe it just needs to be stretched out and used more often! Fun run!

I also cleaned up the new Purolator in-line fuel filter I added a few months ago. It was full of dirt and gunk from the fuel tank!

Bought it at an old auto supply shot selling new old stock parts and accessories for old school rides. This is a good quality fuel filter that can easily be cleaned and reused. Looks good too...adds to the vintage feel of the engine bay.

New Stainless Steel Nuts, Bolts, Washers, and Screws

New stainless steel nuts, bolts, and washers to mount the carbs on the intake flange

New stainless steel screws and washers for the Mikuni PHH40's

I can't wait to put the new screws and bolts into the carbs! Should look sweet!

New screws look great and are definitely more durable

I hope everything works well upon re-installation in the engine!

I also cleaned up the air horns with carb cleaner to remove the fuel stains.

Cleaned Up Mikuni PHH40 Carburetors

I had a hard time using the wire brush to remove the dirt and gunk from the surface of the carburetor. I used a 3M carb cleaner, soaked the carbs for a few minutes, and brushed the dirt off...very effective, but time consuming. But it's worth it.

I'll be buying new screws and bolts before I install the carbs to the engine. I'll try to find stainless steel ones for durability. I can't wait to attach the Mikunis and drive away!

Mikuni Carburetor Cleaning

It was such a pain removing two screws from the right side of both front and rear carburetors! I had to use a Dremel to grind new and deeper grooves. And then I had to buy the biggest screwdriver I could find that would fit those grooves. Man! What a nightmare! But at least it's all done...I finally was able to open the float chamber and check out the needle valve.

Nice and tidy...polishing will be next!

The needle valve on the rear carb was rusty. I'm soaking it in carburetor spray solution overnight to flush out the rusted areas. The tip looks in good condition so I'll just clean it up and put it back into the valve.