Fixing the Wobbling Tailgate on my Datsun 240Z

In this video I'm showing how I fixed the oil can effect on the tailgate on my datsun 240Z. Everytime you push the lock to open the tailgate the sheet will get pushed in as well. At first I thought something was broken off or defect, but turns out it was most likely like that from the factory. The sheet is just very flat there and not solid enough to withstand the force from pushing the lock. The flat support piece on the backside doesn't really help either.
I removed the support piece first, then removed all the rust down to bare metal. I applied some weld through primer for rust protection. I made a new support piece out of 1mm steel. To give it extra strength I've bent the edges up and also made the piece longer to support the whole length. To avoid any warping of the outer shell, I only welded it to the backside. This solution worked very well and the tailgate is now rock solid around the lock.
I hope you like my work and enjoy the video.
Huge thank you to all of my Patreon supporters and especially to:
Adel AlSaffar
Alfonso Baz
Amar.k
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charader
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repülő búgás
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William
If you have any questions about the process, machines i'm using or other stuff, just ask me in the comments. I read them all and i try to reply as soon as possible.
Sorry for my bad english, it's not my language. I try my best to improve my technical english.
Subscribe for more of my content. I'm uploading videos about mechanical stuff, as new creations and buildings and also restorations.
Thank you for watching :-)
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My Main Channel:
/ mymechanics
My Second Channel:
/ mymechanicsinsights
My Patreon Page:
/ mymechanics

[@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

[@HailHydra27]

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

[@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 😅)

[@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

[@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.

[@dis-fuction1425]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@infinitesquarez]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@meaninthemirror]

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

[@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.

[@TheScotchula]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :-)

[@IMatchoNation]

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

[@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. 🙏🏻

[@Null7Mereel]

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

[@gcl2783]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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 😊

[@murphychris9811]

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

[@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.

[@jannamarie3990]

So great to see you back 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@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!

[@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 :-)

[@bavondale]

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

[@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.

[@laurelhill3505]

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

[@DallasG83]

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

[@grahamking1036]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@grumpyparsnip]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@TheThriftyWoodworker]

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

[@_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!

[@brekkoh]

Love those revitalized shears you did getting work in!

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@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 ~

[@davouchi1]

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

[@jasonbenoit2277]

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

[@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!

[@mgollow]

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

[@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. 🤩🤩🤩

[@ScottDBarrett]

So excited for the finished product!

[@rocharox]

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

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

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

[@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

[@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

[@jumi9342]

The shrinker is such a genius tool!

[@advleon]

Great work! Seeing the weld through primer reminds me of Project Binky :)

[@joebesko5592]

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

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for watching!

[@snowstrobe]

Ok, I knew this was going to be a detailed process, now I realise that I had no idea just how detailed...

[@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!

[@leitecunha]

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

[@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.

[@mohammadalzubi201]

The plate you made, is perfectly finished like outside body. Impossible ❤❤❤❤

[@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!

[@SimonIAnson]

Quite possibly the most well-fabricated support brace in the history of car engineering and restoration.

[@MickYETi]

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

[@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 .

[@ktl711]

Ich liebe es, deine Arbeit zu sehen! Exzellent!

[@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!

[@ilvaporizzatore]

Man, the shrinker is soo cool

[@katiebellmichelle]

This car is going to be 10 times better than it ever was when it was brand new. Amazing 🤩

[@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.

[@dieterich6533]

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

[@Bziiit.]

It's cool but if you put that much effort in a custom support hidden inside the trunk,. The restauration will last for ever. Actually, I'm here for it

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Already in 100 days in the bodywork and the car wasn't in even really bad condition. But I'm almost done, blasting and video time soon.

[@TheCanary24]

You’re insane man! Good luck with your job✌️

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Appreciate it

[@andrewturnbull5897]

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

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Any time!

[@Christo_glenn]

Your craftsmanship and attention to detail is amazing. Subbed!

[@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 👍

[@PeeKay4Life]

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

[@michaelcorbeil81]

I'm really enjoying this build series, keep up the great content! looking forward to the next one.

[@BabaG]

As always damn... most people (OEM factories) would never bother to remove the sharp edges on a sheet that is obscured and never likely to ever be in contact with a human, yet the Maestro shows us all the right thing to do. Thats the level of detail that seems to be lacking as a work ethic in the majority of folks living on this planet.

[@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