Fixing the Wobbling Tailgate on my Datsun 240Z

[@phpn99]

The only sad part of this, is not getting an update from My Mechanics every week. I could watch you work all day long.

[@eugbrat]

Yeah it gets boring waiting for his content (both channels)

[@KayAteChef]

I just go to work and watch other people work. It isn't the same.

[@negative7888]

There is Patreon for something

[@ezechielgoldstein]

I mean look at the amount of work going only in this metal sheet. I bet its like 4-6 hours only work without editing etc.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

@@ezechielgoldstein Try days' worth.

[@StephenGoggin]

Sometimes I wonder if he ever has nightmares that there are sharp edges and the piece gets welded in before he has a chance to remove them :D

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Just once, since then I'm removing them all

[@leopoldsaroyan3439]

I wouldn't like to be a sharp edge in his workshop...

[@ArKritz84]

​@@leopoldsaroyan3439well, in fairly short order you'd just be a nicely chamfered edge. That doesn't sound too bad...

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

His wife keeps wondering how all the knives in the kitchen get blunt so quickly. 😂😂😂

[@rtr5301]

Sharp edges are simply not allowed to exist in his workshop on anything besides a properly working tool

[@dis-fuction1425]

0:43 didn’t think I’d ever hear your voice, so excited to see the end product

[@HailHydra27]

I love that the shear looks like it has seen a lot of use since its restoration

[@needtobuild]

This may actually end up to be the best 240 restoration in the world. The detail is insane.

[@lemonysnick5171]

The detail almost stresses me out lol. I'm like, how do you know how to put it all back together correctly? lol I don't know much about cars obviously.

[@DjFresh4lteFolie]

watch the videos in reverse lol@@lemonysnick5171

[@Timbershades]

Wonderful attention to detail in all elements of this restoration. I am sure I speak for all subscribers when I say we can hardly wait for the next installment! Top job - very impressive!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Well said!

[@urockitony2]

So nice to see some tools whirring and your familiar captions in the lower left! While I enjoy your daily blogs, I do sometimes miss the familiar "I make a new one". Thanks for another great video.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

There will a bunch of "I make a new one" come in the next episode on the main channel. I'm currently editing, will be ready soon

[@To.Ma.To_78]

I see time travelers 👀 (nah, I know how this works. but looks always funny on a "new" video 😅)

[@christophertrace1307]

KZbinrs could learn a lot from you, no intro, no irritating back ground music, just good info done well. I could watch you all day. Would you mind sharing some info on your mini sand blaster? Thanks

[@mymechanicsinsights]

It's a small box where you can fill in some glass beads and connect to compressed air. It's usually used in a small cabinet, but also works like this. Just a bit messy.

[@suterfamily5578]

When you have two pieces of sheet metal laying against each other like you had from the factory and still have now after your repair, it's a very good idea to use seam-sealer on the entire length of the overlap; it adds additional strength to help prevent the oil-can effect and also seals the small space between the two pieces to help prevent corrosion.

[@brettbuck7362]

Or use panel adhesive under the entire surface, seals it forever, strong, and effectively doubles the thickness. The original would have been OK had they done that.

[@Valoute_GS]

Can't imagine the grand final result of this restoration with such an attention to detail on a piece that does not necessarly need this much ! Such a simple but well executed upgrade 👌

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much!

[@infinitesquarez]

It's the attention to detail that makes my mechanics truly the GOAT.

[@WinchesterxNL]

Looking like a solid job. Would've gone with 2 strips of metal myself to encase it a bit and add strength that way. But that's cause I don't have some of the tools available. Beautifully done. And it's not often someone shows off a shrinker. Much love, and you've been missed on YT

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much, I really do appreciate it :-)

[@lizmartinez8042]

People gets upset very easy, I don't know understand why they are so impatient if they know your job. It takes time, a lot, but the results are always perfect. Don't rush the things, perfection takes time. Amazing work!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks you very much. I really underestimated the work on this car a lot! Already in 100 days on bodywork, but almost done and very soon a new episode on the main channel.

[@faktablad]

Always love seeing the Beverly shear in use.

[@little_grey_mouse]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that enjoys seeing her make an appearance!

[@MichaelThomas-be7gq]

Man and machines in perfect harmony. You are beyond an artist, and you bring so much joy. I hope Nissan is watching your sympathetic restoration of one of their iconic cars.

[@Kinsfire]

I love it when I see a new video from you on either channel. And it's especially nice to see you use tools that I watched to renovate in a previous video, such as the Beverley Shears.

[@tomcatfoolery]

I can't tell you how glad I am to see you have a Beverly Shear. You have great taste in tools.

[@asfanshirim9769]

He restored it

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Video on my main channel

[@nxsmotorsports]

Your unwavering attention to detail and uncompromising approach to this restoration is alluring. We can all learn from your efforts and apply critical thinking and patience to our own projects in life. I really look forward to seeing this build come to fruition. Best of luck to you and keep up the incredible work!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much!

[@nxsmotorsports]

@@mymechanicsinsights You're welcome! Happy to be along for the ride. 🙏🏻

[@gcl2783]

I love it when he makes a new one, and really like seeing the previous restoration projects contributing to the new ones!

[@gsbe561]

I really like how clean and uncluttered your shop and work bench are. Using only what you need for the job at hand. Keeps things simple and focused like a surgeon.

[@TheScotchula]

I wish more people would do videos to this level of detail and perfection.

[@AsitShouldBe]

I like how the most liked youtuber in his field, in this channel seems like one of us, with almost amateur content and close to the audience, great!

[@aynrandish9106]

The secret to this man’s success (besides his brilliant mind and ability to understand the physical world) is his patience. I learned from him that being patient can solve so many problems you encounter in your daily life.

[@Bushmills21]

It's so awesome seeing Bender's great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great great grandfather in action!

[@IanM18]

I absolutely love watching you work/create. Considering English is not your first language, you probably speak it better than me and I am English! 😁 Brilliant descriptions and detailed commentary. Thank you for sharing your work.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks so much 😊

[@Null7Mereel]

love seeing the beverly sheer still being used in the shop all these years after you fixed it up!

[@IMatchoNation]

Wake up everybody, my mechanics insights dropped a fresh Datsun 240Z progress video!!!

[@chriswareham]

Following this series with considerable interest. I'm restoring a 1976 MGB GT, and now that the mechanical side of it is complete, I'm looking at the bodywork. I will have to get someone with experience to carry out any welding, but the techniques you use to remove rust pitting and then protect the metal are things I will try. I want my MGB to be better than new, as these cars were not built to last when originally manufactured!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Good luck :-)

[@brianbarnes2166]

I’ve been anxiously awaiting this video, seemed like an eternity since I have watched mymechanics content!!! Great work as always!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Happy to hear that!

[@marcusott2973]

Much awaited, much appreciated looking forward to excellent work as always from you.

[@saschma3543]

This is going to be one of the best 240z out there. I really appreciate the love you put into it. But to be honest: i didnt expect anything else. As always great work. Cant wait to get the next update.

[@theelectricmonk3909]

Superb work as always! Having done some body work in my time, it's one of the hardest things to do - especially the visible panels, which will show every single blemish when painted. Although I expect you'll have the opposite problem - the panels will be so shiny and perfect, the paint won't stick! 😆

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Nice to hear that, thank you very much :-)

[@chadstorm92]

You never take any “shortcuts”- awesome work.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Always!

[@Arterexius]

shortcuts are for people who love doing the same task on the same piece, twice or more

[@murphychris9811]

this is going to be the best restored datsun 240 z ever

[@TheThriftyWoodworker]

I know almost nothing about welding, but I think your solution is brilliant.

[@jannamarie3990]

So great to see you back 😊

[@CollectionCorner]

I restore antique four wheeled and two wheeled vehicles and watching this channel is just inspirational. It really helps me understand that the attention to detail is everything. I could watch it forever. So well done. Thank you!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

That is awesome!

[@DallasG83]

I'd never heard of a shrinker before this video but now I need one.

[@Inside_out_coconut]

what a generous guy, even made sure to give us temporary welding vision to keep us from getting arc eyes.. what a lad.

[@adampurcell7119]

Where have you been man!! I feel like a junkie starving for his drugs waiting for your video. Please keep them coming. I've watched countless videos and there a none that come close to yours

[@mymechanicsinsights]

After 100 days on bodywork I'm almost ready and episode 2 is coming soon.

[@adampurcell7119]

Cant wait mate

[@michaelcherry8952]

I love how other 240Z owners "fix" the oil can problem with blocks of wood or random pieces of metal and My Mechanics takes the time to analyze the problem, come up with a comprehensive solution and then carefully fabricate and intstalls the part Datsun should have used all those years ago. THAT'S why I love this channel!

[@gonecywers]

Of the many available channels on KZbin, yours is the premier restoration channel, in my opinion. I truly wish there were more people whose work would come close to your attention to detail and technical achievement, but I have not found them. I look forward to your videos all the time, although they have been more far between than in past. I guess this new project is the reason. I am watching your car restoration with great interest, because I know the finished product will be a work of art, and well worth waiting for when the videos come out. I wish you all the best.

[@geckomoshpit]

So I'm gonna throw a bit of a curve ball at you... but have you heard of Martijn Doolaard? He's doing a "restoration" of sorts... two old stone huts in the Italian Alps. I know, it's neither mechanical detailed craftsmanship, nor cars or other machinery. In that sense it's not comparable. But from a philosophical approach I think MM and Martijn have very similar ambitions in tackling their projects: Take time to reach a best possible result. Martijn's work is also impeccably shot and edited and just very beautiful and meditative. And the biggest plus, he releases videos like clockwork, every Sunday one new video of between 30 and 60 minutes length. It might just be something you enjoy.

[@ArniVidar]

That was great. Now I'm looking forward to the next main episode even more!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Even more... I have 3 more videos also for the second channel. Thank you very much Arni

[@meaninthemirror]

This is the only restoration channel that I can rewatch the process multiple times.

[@dragostalks7501]

I love your videos with voice! Thanks for the step up! I don't think there is anlther conparable youtube channel. Great work! Making the internet a better place.

[@mgollow]

i really love hearing your thought process on how to fix issues

[@nickdockery7181]

Fabulous solution, much cleaner than other fixes for this issue i've seen on the likes of Ratsun and other Datsun forums. This is a problem that persists in most of the 70's Datsun cars, including the 510 and B210. I think it happens due to one too many heat cycles during season changes, the metal just flexes more overtime than from factory. Great stuff, cant wait for more Z content

[@bavondale]

Great work. Your patience to do the job right is amazing

[@jasonbenoit2277]

The attention to detail and the ability to create solutions that seem perfect are satisfying!

[@sharonkatope9885]

Herr M, love the step by step analysis, planning and execution of the repair here. I keep watching the series and am looking forward to the outcome. The Datsun 240Z was a coveted vehicle in the US during the 1980's. The design had strong influence for a decade or so on other car brands. Great work and craftsmanship. Seriously addicted to your channel.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much, I really do appreciate it :-)

[@glassvial]

Not gonna lie, I would be one of those "block of wood" solution guys, HOWEVER, nowadays we have better materials like composite decking pieces you could use (ie. Trex here in the US) that would probably outlast the car 🤣 Your attention to detail, as always, is impeccable. It'll be the smallest things that will take up the most time with a project like this, and that's OK, we're here for it!

[@gonzalotoscano3310]

Dude so talented and taking on new projects, next year before you know he is restoring a ship, the year after a sub and after a satellite, there is no ending to this guys talent.

[@walmartdog1142]

Nice to see this update. I was worried that you had lost enthusiasm for this project, and handed it off to someone else.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Never, I started it and I will complete it :-)

[@walmartdog1142]

great to hear@@mymechanicsinsights

[@davouchi1]

I absolutely love it. You truly are a jack of all trades and master of all

[@AP518]

I work in the automotive industry, and your solution is exactly what I was going to suggest. Having come across many different variations of the "palm dimple" you idea is similarto a recent part I worked on for reinforcing around the gas fill door.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad to hear that, thank you very much

[@tedayer1823]

Excellent job and execution. Details like this are why restorations cost what they do. Keep the updates coming.

[@rogermoore8361]

Wow You learn every day, I have never heard of a shrinker and already looking online to find one for my shop. Once again thanks

[@ArniVidar]

His was quite cheap, I believe. An Ali find. It's both a shrinker and a stretcher in the same product. Just change the dies.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Not from Ali actually, but just only for pretty cheap.

[@_Kovayne]

We all know that this car is going to look amazing when it's finished. You are always showcasing superb work! Good luck with the restoration, friend!

[@laurelhill3505]

I love how all of your previous restorations have led to this moment!

[@pa347613]

You are my favorite channel along all these years. Really like the idea of restoring a car, looking forward to see impressive videos like this one. Wish you the best as always!

[@andreacrashe9894]

*I love how you stop, think, stop & think again how to get it to work... your process of thinking thru an idea is good.🙂.*

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Always good to have a detailed plan before starting :-)

[@FugueSt4te]

I (literally) cannot wait for more content man :D Your commentary adds a lot and at the same time doesn't distract from the visual. This little gem of a car is in good hands!

[@grumpyparsnip]

This project is epic. Looking forward to more videos in the series!

[@JiaWenwu-ds6kb]

You are so so so so SO innovative ! I can't wait to see your next session of this series. All your videos are artworks ~

[@ScottDBarrett]

So excited for the finished product!

[@brekkoh]

Love those revitalized shears you did getting work in!

[@grosbeakmc]

More of the excellent work we've come to expect from this channel. Very well done and thanks for sharing - a new video on this project is always exciting!

[@rsage_]

Excellent work, as always! Sometimes having so many solutions to a problem can cause your brain to overthink things. Your decision to make it slightly thicker along with the 90° bends definitely sorts it out well with zero compromise and avoids any issues with warpage etc; the solution looks like something the factory would have done in an update. I'm always tempted to use stainless to avoid rust in the future, but I know that if the mating surfaces aren't the same you run a large risk of galvanic corrosion. I daily work on old Land Rover Defenders, with that, I have the benefit of solving problems with exposed connections/rivets/etc. This allows me more options to solve things in a functional manner with less of a focus on form... my large issue is mating different metals together. When it comes to fasteners, I almost always use stainless along with a small amount of silicone or other basic form of "insulation" to avoid corrosion of dissimilar metals.

[@danmenes3143]

Beautiful work! Minor English lesson: I believe the correct English name for that machine is a "leaf brake." A "press brake" folds the metal with a die that moves up-and-down, rather than rotating. A machine similar to yours, but with the upper clamp piece made from several removable fingers, would be a "finger brake" or "pan and box brake."

[@pixelpuppy]

oh wow that shear!! I remember when you restored it! a little sad to see it's scratched up now, but super cool you are using it!

[@tracybowling1156]

This video was so good, I watched it twice. I like learning how things get figured out. How you make them work. I like learning about new tools (new to me). This was a really cool video!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hglimshire8356]

Does anyone (besides me) really want to know the man behind the scenes more? I see him as a cross between Bob Ross and Mr Rogers and MacGyver. His level of expertise is phenomenonal.. You Sir are an incredible craftsman. Taking perfection to new heights

[@dwftube]

10:30 only on this channel would a piece that is never going to be seen get a better paint job than most new cars. 😍

[@Christo_glenn]

Your craftsmanship and attention to detail is amazing. Subbed!

[@maggs131]

This is going to be not only the finest Datsun on earth but dare i say the most meticulously restored vehicle in history. ❤ and not to critique a master but 1 or 2 surface spot welds will prevent that from vibrating

[@daveharris39]

...or perhaps use a syringe to inject some seam sealer between the panels.

[@maggs131]

@@daveharris39 yes some butyl rubber would work too

[@mymechanicsinsights]

That's the plan. After blasting let some thin epoxy primer fill the gaps between the panels. Also apply seam sealer on the edges.

[@leitecunha]

I have a feeling that all the great master artists, Michelangelo, Leonardo, would be very impressed and consider mymechanics one of their own!

[@Broniify]

Great video! Funny enough Datsun realized this was an issue later on, the 280z rear hatch has a Z bar support that sits between the outer sheet metal and the inner structure. Your solution looks great and will help with that annoying “oil canning” for sure 👍

[@dieterich6533]

Patiently waiting for the Datsun videos. It’s been awhile since you posted something. Excited to see the results

[@caribmedical57]

The moment MM started to describe the problem I knew he was going to "make a new one"... 😂 I was missing the videos. I could watch them all day. 🤩🤩🤩

[@trevorgreene5059]

I have been watching your channel as I have slowly come to appreciate the restoration channels, you being among the top channels, and the efforts that go into it. That being said, my immediate thought was, that tailgate needs some ribs to reduce the amount of flex.

[@jaredm450]

That was an amazing bit of work for a part that will live inside the bodywork panels, never to be seen again! 😄 Very impressive. Just an idea, you can add ribs or dimples to flat panels like that to make them rigid (not suggesting your solution wasn't already way over the top though). Ribs can be done with a bead roller or a hammer die, dimples you can buy tools that do that or DIY - could have been a cool "my mechanics" style project with your lathe!

[@MickYETi]

I waited so long for the next vid, so excited to see the rest! Keep up the great work! 😎👌🏽

[@ktl711]

Ich liebe es, deine Arbeit zu sehen! Exzellent!

[@grahamking1036]

The worldwide Datsun Z community are all all holding their breath with anticipation of a PERFECT restoration.

[@rocharox]

YES!!! New content!!! I love your videos!! So many details.

[@revon0521]

"The Shrinker" made my day. I fantasize finding The Shrinker and "The Stretcher" available in a package deal, someday. 😊

[@Vickie-Bligh]

He does have a stretcher too!😁

[@ArniVidar]

That's exactly what he has. Table-mounted stretcher and shrinker (just exchange the jaws) that he bought from Ali I believe for quite cheap.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

This one wasn't actually from Ali ;-) but was fairly cheap too

[@RestorationsFOD]

Hi, I am addicted to your videos! Your attention to detail is unparalleled!! On an unrelated topic would you ever consider doing a video on your camera setup and filming process? I am trying build a channel and have taken a lot of inspiration from you. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Ryan

[@dhebert111]

Just a thought for future projects, but when welding two pieces of metal might cause warping, try a bit of "JB Weld". JB Weld is one of those old, common, tried and tested materials that we often forget about. As a kid, I fixed a cracked block on a snowblower we had, that my Dad wanted to throw away. To everyone's surprise, the blower started well, and it was actually usable! More surprising though, is that we used that blower for 2 more seasons before she sh** the bed for the last time. It definitely made an impression on me, and now that I think of it, was probably one of the projects that got me interested in building things over the next few decades.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

The filing master is back with a new video ;-)

[@danielf3623]

Would have also worked to just use a thin layer of some bituminous adhesive between the panels to support it better. Might have even worked with the original plate. The problem with the support plate is that it's doesn't actually increase the bending stiffness much since it's not attached all along the entire length. Also would have stopped the metal-to-metal contact sound that you still have when pressing on the lock.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

After blasting and primer I'll apply some very thin epoxy glue between the sheets to fill the gap and properly seal it.

[@satch7123]

That's what I needed to hear! Fantastic project. Can't we all just come over and watch? 😃😃😃😃@@mymechanicsinsights

[@Jaraldo]

Always a fun and educational part of my lunch break. Thanks for the high-quality content! Cant wait to see the Z come to life.

[@rhodesm6683]

As always.....love your content. I owned one of these way back in the 1980's when I was stationed near Tokyo Japan. Mine had the same problem with "oil canning". I always called it a Lift Gate. Tail Gates are on pick-up trucks. Hope to see more progress soon. Cheers from Guam USA👍

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for sharing!

[@j.l.emerson592]

Actually, it should be called a hatchback...

[@rhodesm6683]

@@j.l.emerson592 I stand corrected. Cheers from Guam USA👍

[@Vickie-Bligh]

And if you would read the repair manual, you'd find that Datsun called it a tailgate. In fact, almost everyone in the world, except us from the US calls it a tailgate.

[@pesterenan]

Awesome work! Even though the part is not showing, you still takes care of it like it was a display piece haha, the attention to detail is incredible!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much!

[@PeeKay4Life]

This car will be better than new when he is done. Love love love the videos.

[@joebesko5592]

Can’t wait to see the finished product, always interesting work! Thanks for sharing

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for watching!

[@probbins2000]

So relaxing watching you work. It makes me feel very content that you do everything so precisely and well

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad to hear that, thank you

[@andrewturnbull5897]

Bravo! A brilliant solution executed with ingenuity! Thank you for getting back to us!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Any time!

[@christophermock359]

Excellent job! I like seeing you use tools that you have restored. Don’t ever stop making videos.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks, I'm glad you like it :-)

[@christophermock359]

I’m a faithful watcher of all of your videos .

[@stephenprocter9424]

Very good modification. A little over the top, but that is what you are all about. Great piece of work. Thank you for sharing.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

MM excellent work as always. Thanks for sharing this. You did it the my mechanics way!😁I'm glad you mentioned not welding around the lock so you wouldn't be overly questioned about it.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad to hear that, thank you