Rust-Free Chassis Build

[nissanman04]

I picked up a rust-free 1990 automatic hatch with 90k original miles in Kentucky while I was working in Indiana over the summer. My KADE-T hatch has some significant rust on the frame rails and other various places, and it really isn't worth putting any more time or money into. I am now back home in NY, so all the good parts on my old chassis can be swapped over to the new chassis, along with some other cleanup items like wiring and maintenance items while the engine is out. However, I will not be running the turbo quite yet on the new chassis, as I need the car to be down for as little time as possible. Also, the car wasn't running quite right when I put the car away, and I don't feel like dealing with it at the moment. This is my DD and will hopefully get in three auto-x events before winter.

Pictures of said vehicles:





So here is what will be moving from the old chassis to the new chassis, I hope to be finished in a couple weeks:

-GC/Koni coilovers-SPL arms-Whiteline sway bar w/ PDM end links-S15 LSD -'91 KA24DE w/ MT-5-lug setup-Wheels/tires (MB Competition 17x9 +17 with 255/40R17 Bridgestone RE-01 tires)

Other loose ends to tie up:

-Clean engine bay-Look into keeping A/C (probably go with a custom bracket and use the SOHC stuff)-Fender roll/pull to fit wheels-Repaint front bumper/lip-Replace pilot/throwout bearings (clutch only has 5k miles, but while everything is out, why not?)

I finished swapping the coilovers and suspension arms over and this chassis feels way better already. The clunks in the front end that were in the other car are no longer present. Another great thing about this car is that bolts actually break loose rather easily, and don't snap off. I actually had to cut off my tension rod bolt on the old chassis because it was seized to the SPL arm. See the difference below (this is the one that actually came out, but you get the idea):



After suspension swap:



You can see the scuff on the bumper and lip from the previous owner that will need to be taken care of...



LOL wheel gap ^^^ (yes, the engine is still in the car!)

I'll probably do the LSD swap tomorrow and get the DOHC engine ready to pull...
Modified by nissanman04 at 7:34 PM 9/1/2009

[mRodiek]

lol Looks like a CRX in the last pic, you sure its not on jack stands or something?

[Johannes]

I bet if you remove that spoiler, there'll be rust around where the holes are. =)

Oh yeah, your other 240, is that the original paint?
Modified by Johannes at 4:55 PM 9/1/2009

[HoosierSX]

nice, where in Indiana are you?

[nissanman04]

I bet if you remove that spoiler, there'll be rust around where the holes are. =)

Oh yeah, your other 240, is that the original paint?

Modified by Johannes at 4:55 PM 9/1/2009

Nope, already checked for rust there . I am debating removing it and filling in the holes, just because I think it looks cleaner without it.

Both cars have original paint...
Modified by nissanman04 at 9:00 PM 9/1/2009

[nissanman04]

lol Looks like a CRX in the last pic, you sure its not on jack stands or something?

I'm positive I removed all jack stands, haha

nice, where in Indiana are you?

I was in evansville co-oping for toyota, moved back to NY last weekend.

[hai1206vn]

swap the wingless hatch over to the new one

[nissanman04]

swap the wingless hatch over to the new one

Considering this also...but I kind of like my functioning rear wiper, lol

[hbpignosePA]

i always loved your car man!

glad you found a new shell.

[s14derrick]

nice upgrade man. too bad the paint is different. i liked tthe rusty shells color more

[Nvkreationz]

sweet score man. what you going to do with the other one? wanna part with the turbo set up?

[nissanman04]

sweet score man. what you going to do with the other one? wanna part with the turbo set up?

I'm probably parting out the other chassis...

Shoot me an email about the turbo setup, I may be upgrading to a top mount in the spring.