Tailgate Alignment - Customizing for the Perfect Fit (Datsun 240Z)

[@paulwitbeck5689]

It really is unreal how much further you are willing to go for perfection than anyone else doing restorations. That car when it's done ought to be put in a museum or driven daily, just as long as other people get to admire it. Cheers!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much, much appreciated :-)

[@TonyBullard]

I imagine that other car resto people happen upon this series and think "...this guy is insane". (In the best way!)

[@travisleith1146]

This may end up being the best 240z ever, even better than factory new!

[@josephlalock8378]

@@TonyBullard not really. any of us that take pride in our work do whatever it takes to line up body panels.

[@GrumpyIan]

This shows the difference between restoring a car out of passion and love vs restoring a car for a paycheck.

[@badgerservices9665]

This is why My Mechanics is the best restoration channel on YT. No matter what the item being restored is, a screwdriver, a vice, or a classic sports car, it usually ends up in better condition than when it came out of the factory. This ride is going to be soooo sweet.

[@AnteFuerst]

yeah, it will be beautiful.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

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

[@brekkoh]

im convinced MM doesnt actually have the word "good enough" in their vocab, everything that is even slightly out of spec is perfected

[@serenity6415]

Definitely better than factory. Flawless

[@Marpurrsa]

if my mechanics was a gym instructor everyone would leave that gym like a superhero

[@SudoYETI]

There are a lot of fake restoration channels and your channels are the gold standard for what a real restoration channel is. The work, the knowledge, and the attention to detail are amazing.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Wow, thank you!

[@artifex_amandalastname2297]

Anyone else run out of My Mechanics videos, go watch other channels, and then spend the whole time annoyed at them for not doing things right?

[@hafiezyusoff6677]

yes😢

[@Mimi-lv9bu]

🤣yes

[@tomarmadiyer2698]

Just found this. 240z GLORY!!! I submit This Old Tony for tax.

[@EDoyl]

"you didn't restore that! you disassembled and cleaned it! that's not nothing, but my mechanics would have fixed this part and that part and..."

[@Roguescienceguy]

This

[@Drax658]

There is a saying in my country: it works like a Swiss watch. Of course, this means that something is working precisely, perfectly. You are the embodiment of this notion of Swiss precision and perfectionism. Do not change, my friend, because you are a model of how to approach one's own work in every field.

[@ptizim]

The same here in France, we talk about Swiss precision (coming from the oldest "Coucou", clocks where a mechanical bird came out to announce the hours).

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you so much for the support, I really do appreciate it!

[@garrylearmonth9313]

The same thing applies here in Australia, like the other commenters "please don't change."

[@serenity6415]

Canada and the US as well. If something can do a whole bunch of awesome or useful things, we call it "the Swiss army knife of [whatever subject]." And Swiss cheese if something has a lot of holes, the more dark or sarcastic, the better

[@redcroft308]

​@ptizim we have a saying in America about Cuckoo birds too... very different meaning tho...

[@WheeledHamster]

This has gotta be the most addicting restoration on KZbin, seeing every dents straighten every cracks, every piece of rust being cleaned and primed. I want more.

[@zacharyirwin49]

You consistently amaze me with your technical prowess. I am beyond excited to see the other elements you have in store for us.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much, nice to hear that

[@fgriffintx]

Yes - more restored tools - please! - SOON!!

[@jondavidmcnabb]

I love watching his no compromise restoration. This is going to be an absolutely beautiful machine when he is done.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Nice to hear that, thank you :-)

[@moomae1]

Natural tailgate strut approved! 😊 It was interesting to see that the hinge rubber pocket had not disintegrated.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

This was a few months ago, but if I remember correctly you could see the age of that rubber when looking close. Think it showed some cracks. But yeah, overall not too bad compared to other rubber parts on the car.

[@maggs131]

I absolutely love when you narrate your videos. Hope to see and hear more as this car gets restored ❤

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Nice to hear that, thank you :-)

[@FFS__Dave]

I love your work. In this case I advise you to take care when aligning panels like this. Some relief is needed (maybe 2 or 3mm) to avoid wind noise when driving. You may experience a whistling sound caused by the air being split by the edge of the tailgate at this piston.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

fair enough, I'll look into this.

[@marcosblanes3508]

Man, I have worked at Brasil Volkswagen since 2007 and there is an aerodynamic reason for being like this, noise reduction due to wind resonance. I suggest leaving the back thunk llid lower. Congratulations, you're doing a great job in this restoration I have never seen before.

[@voked_one]

Awesome job! Just a little hint, you normally don’t want to have the doors and tailgate being flush because it can create whining wind noise. 1mm lower would be ideal, maybe the tailgate would work here because of it’s aerodynamic position but you‘ll find that out during the testdrive when you’re done.

[@kougerat5388]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who appreciates this kind of attention to detail, it's not OTT it's simply doing the job correctly ! Top work as always.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

My words, thank you

[@tasteapiana]

I appreciate your walking us through your thought process on small details like the hinge/tailgate alignment. It is fun to watch your normally edited videos but there is something much more personable about you actually talking your processes out. Yes, we, the viewers, get less ''content'' with this format but we also get a more fine grained comprehension of your underlying methodologies. Well done.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

There's even much more to it in the vlogs on Patreon. Here you just see the final solution I executed. There was a lot of thinking and figuring the best way out to get to this point. Thank you

[@mzigliara]

The level of detail is mindblowing. That's true perfectionism.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot for being here :-)

[@Pim3211]

Many here are amazed, I'm just glad too see some people still know how to work properly

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot

[@AudioTones67]

This entire build should be called "Datsun 240Z - I make a new one!". Love your work mate. Always have, always will. Greetings from Australia.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot for being here :-)

[@juanignaciocaino]

Very nice job, although most transversal body line gaps are aligned with the leading edge of the trailing panel sitting at least 1mm below the trailing edge of the leading panel, to avoid wind noise and turbulence.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Well, I could still lower it if needed. I'm not too concerned about wind noises.

[@juanignaciocaino]

@@mymechanicsinsights I think your alignment is perfect and will not add turbulence, if you pay close attention, even with the seal the trunk lid has the trailing edge ever so slightly rolled under the surface, like "deburred"

[@steveferguson1232]

I really like these short narrated videos. Your explanation is such that anyone can understand what you are doing and why. Love this series.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Nice to hear that, thank you :-)

[@flitcroftLA]

This series provides so much satisfaction. I love watching them with my 9 year old daughter. We both marvel at your incredible technical prowess and eye for extreme detail.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

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

[@Flecha57]

Who else notices a "tailgate misalignment right from the beginning"? My Mechanics of course... I would have never noticed it in one million years. 😛 Can't wait to see the final result, this is going to be epic. Happy 2024 everyone!!! 🥳🥳🥳

[@JushuaAbraham-sj2xl]

With this level of mastery in restoring the chassis, I wonder what surprises are hidden for us when rebuilding the engine?

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Me too

[@catriona_drummond]

"this engine block has signs of wear and tear. I make a new one."

[@mx3bigd]

I'm very excited to see the engine restore. The heart of this classic will be a MASTERPIECE!

[@b4d0n10n]

I've been following this Z restoration for a little while now; I can, with certainty, say that this will be the best Z on the planet! The attention to detail is incredible.

[@LFKGooner]

The length to which you are willing to go to achieve perfection is for lack of a better word, incredible.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Way to go ;-)

[@gdietz2]

When fitting new vehicles at the assembly plant, we are instructed to set all doors, hoods, tail gates(F-150s), lift gates(Escapes), and rear doors(Transit Vans) from 1mm to 3mm depending on the area to assist with wind noise. If, once it is put together, consider inboarding the lift gate to prevent air penetration.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Interesting, thanks for sharing

[@akihiko6256]

What I love about this build is how you improve the small things which others wont even think about it for a second. I am sure this car would be gorgeous and perfect in everyway for a car enthusiast.

[@harmlesscreationsofthegree1248]

Love the content on this channel, it keeps me going 🙂 this whole series is amazing and the building anticipation is already high. The satisfaction we’ll all get when she’s complete could cause some sort of a singularity. Of awesomeness.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

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

[@verdict1163]

240Zs are great but I would have loved to see this done to something like a classic Mercedes. I think you would have been really impressed with the engineering. Thicker metal and real 'nuts and bolts' quality that you don't see anymore.

[@sobradelonos]

Only two words... "Museum quality" Amazing

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Many thanks :-)

[@micahparsons9036]

My most anticipated drops of 2023 were this restoration... I can't wait to see what you do with this

[@Timbershades]

This gentleman is a genius. Every project he attempts provides the optimal quality results. Can you imagine an auction of this Datsun 240 Z after completion? It would be the most valuable of its type ever made as you would just know that the attention to detail is extreme. Absolutely fantastic to see every detail being considered.

[@arnelachivar6743]

The best. Excited to see the final, finished and fully restored 240Z.

[@lizmartinez8042]

Another episode of "the cleanest Datsun 240z in the world" just dropped, nice Love your work!! It's really amazing how you're fixing every single detail, it is so satisfying

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Much appreciated!

[@Mad9977]

Hands down the best restoration channel out there 👍

[@mymechanicsinsights]

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

[@emdumont]

Again you make my day. Your attention to detail is an inspiration. Cheers!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much :-)

[@rayhensley9537]

Thanks for the voice narrative. I like hearing your thought process. You could make a ham sandwich and still get a million views, you're that good.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much :-)

[@hpcrewsmith22]

Every time I watch this guy’s videos, my thought process goes like this: “man he’s really precise! I wonder how he’s able to- oh right. Swiss-German.

[@ddmddmd]

Absolutely necessary. That miss alignment destructed my inner peace and once you fixed it it makes tons to this project. It's the details that matter the most.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for watching, much appreciated

[@niklasschmitt]

Must be pure satisfaction to fix the little things like this 🥰

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Well, I wish they were right to begin with ;-)

[@johnsrabe]

5:31 Wow! A fix us mere mortals could do! Happy New Year! Thanks for another year of great content.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Happy new year!

[@wohnai]

Personally sir, I enjoy these narrated videos more than the ones on the main channel. Lately the main channel was a lot of dremel, griding, hammering, and sanding which are not among my favorite things to listen to. Just letting you know I appreciate these!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for the feeback :-)

[@motocross4198]

Your English is perfectly fine and you are easily understandable so do not worry about these things ^^

[@Vickie-Bligh]

Perfect job, as usual, MM. Such a simple, yet elegant way to fix the problem that would never have occurred to me. Well done. The alignment of the hood, doors, and now tailgate look fabulous.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Many thanks!

[@meaninthemirror]

I mostly complain and feel uncomfortable about things done in other restoration channels.. This channel is an exception.

[@jl8217]

This is next-level dedication to the perfect job.

[@FTgetriebe]

Mark my words, this project will take 3 years to finish, but at the end it will be a unlike Datsun. This man are creating a new standart for restauration

[@sharonkatope9885]

Always fascinating to watch first the analysis of the issue, the problem solving and then the execution. Thanks for another great episode. Looking forward to the next as always. Great job, Herr M I!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

There was a lot more to it behind the scenes. At first I wanted to customize the hinges, but that solution made much more sense and was easier too.

[@sharonkatope9885]

@@mymechanicsinsights Understood. I saw the amount of rust when you removed the hinges. Your solution made the most sense to me and I know nothing of car repair or customization. Looking forward to seeing more. Thanks and Happy New Year to you and yours!

[@Zardwark]

Been subscribed to my mechanic for quite a while and it is always good, but this restoration is going to be *the* show piece!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot for being here :-)

[@ninovulkan9815]

I think 99% of people would have left that panel as it was, that’s why you’re the best.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Many thanks for watching :-)

[@brianreddeman951]

The amount of adjustments shows the amount of work that goes into designing a car, variations between each car and what passes as "good enough" by the manufacturer.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

I know right?! And this was done all before computer designs. Pretty crazy, huge respect!

[@marcclish]

The restoration God speaks.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

I have a bunch of narrated video on this channel.

[@jamescollier2456]

This is why no one doubts Swiss precision. Well done!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

I appreciate that

[@nickdockery7181]

Fabulous attention to detail on even the smallest bodywork details. I know show-winning Datsuns that are less detailed than this restoration will be. Keep it up!

[@Picsou728]

Beau travail! J'ai hâte de voir le résultat final!

[@dave3156]

Amazing work on this Z. As soon as I watch one episode I can't wait for the next one. When this is done, it will be better than new. Superb workmanship--thanks for sharing your talents!!!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a bunch!

[@a12b41]

amazing work as always!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks so much :-)

[@davidklauer3422]

Always a pleasure to watch you work Looking forward to the full build

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for stopping by

[@tracybowling1156]

I imagined I was doing this job. And I tried to think about how I would fix it. My first thought was to remove some material. It was fun to see that we had the same idea. And that it worked! Yay!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Right on

[@txikitofandango]

I love watching this progress. I'm really hoping this car ends up not like a mustard yellow but a deep orange or moss green color. Or as close to the original brown as possible.

[@LionTree]

This will be the defacto standard for 240Z restorations! I have two of them and will definitely be rewatching this series.

[@johnwooldridge9994]

Your attention to detail is to be commended my good man.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

That's nice to hear, thank you!

[@scottkew6278]

When you are giving something your absolute best people take notice and sooner or later quality will stand out and be noticed. Wonderful work !

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much

[@PSPMHaestros]

Such level of detail... this build is going to turn out incredible!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks for being here :-)

[@brianroanhorse5274]

You Sir, are the standard on all the restoration videos I watch.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad to hear that, thank you

[@breezyjr]

This restoration is going to be better than when it was new. Amazing attention to detail....

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad to hear that, thank you

[@napalmarsch]

Always a Pleasure to watch a New Episode

[@GrumpyGrobbyGamer]

Nice attention to detail. This car is going to be so much better than it was new from the factory when you are done with it.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

That's the plan!

[@scottshowen]

So nice to hear your voice. Please do more of that. Love the Z, looking forward to the rest of the project.

[@dontcallmeuncle]

Amazing to watch such a skilled artist

[@FearlessLeader2001]

So wonderful how your restorations aren't restorations, they're genuine improvements for the most part. Other than a few personal modification choices I disagree with personally, this is genuinely gonna be a better looking car than it ever has looked in its lifetime.

[@nickp3173]

Can't wait for the next video! Checking every single day! Lol

[@1mic3]

As always, nothing less than absolute perfection is good enough. 👍👍

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much

[@BuffaloBillsSon]

Come on!!!! I need the part 4!!! Are you trying to get people on to a patron check?

[@mjamesw2]

These videos are too short man. Was initially not into you starting car stuff, but I’m super into all the body work you’ve been doing

[@ericstoever9577]

This was a problem with my 240 as well. Your grinder is better than what I had 40 years ago: files.

[@asarand]

Originally I was going to say this was a great job. However, after reading all of the comments about wind noise, I now must change my opinion. It's still a great job, however I have a sneaking suspicion that you will be lowering that lid a millimeter or two to get rid of the wind noise. That said, this is a great learning experience for you and me both. I was never aware of the wind noise issue and I never paid that much attention to the difference in height between the body and added parts before.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Never heard about that wind noise issue before and to be honest I can't imagine this making a huge difference. If it really should than I could still lower it a bit.

[@asarand]

@@mymechanicsinsights I will be watching with interest to see what becomes of this once you have the car drivable. I'm sure you will then know if there is a wind noise issue.

[@wl9399]

Well at least there is more room for fine tuning the gap adjustment after the trimming.

[@lolman77]

On the 240Z, the most challenging part of the tailgate, in regards of the alignment, is the bottom. For 99% of them, one side is always sagging a little. I can't wait to see your tricks to do it right!!!

[@TheColinChapman]

this is a perfect example for a question every mechanic has to answer when it comes to an oldtimer restoration: Do you want to be as true to the original as possible or do you want to make it as good as possible? When I restored my Isetta, I decided to make it as good as possible, regardless of no longer being as true to the original as possible - and so do you. :)

[@Farooq_Bhai_]

As soon as your very first video came out about restoring this car, I saw a few other channels working on the same car. Insane how they copy your work. I first noticed this when you made a billiards ball...

[@wildnature0.0]

Hi, regarding the hinge adjustment, my impression is that the hinge is bent and that's why alignment is not good, check this maybe works. If I look better also the hinge wings with holes screw are a bit twisted. Love your content and attention to details!👍

[@Nehemoth_G]

Came for this comment. I don’t know (yet) if the other side have the same bend but certainly I would compare before doing something else.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

I don't know how you can see from the video that the hinge is bent. Where is it bent? I can't imagine this 5mm thick steel to get bent by some opening and closing the tailgate. Also both hinges are identical. I did look very precisely what's going on there and how to solve it. I did not just "start with the dremel" like you said. The lip from the seal at 1:10 is indeed a bit bent. But you can't take anything from that because all these seal lip on the whole car are not nîce and straight. Theay're all wavey and bent.

[@wildnature0.0]

Hi, true I am not sure just had the impression, but if I look at 0:29 I see the car body under the hinge was bent, I assume somebody jumped or something heavy on the tailgate which deformed a bit the hinge or maybe from factory the hinge was not properly bent to make the alignment. Or the car suffered in the past which cause the misalignment. But as you said you look it better and you have the whole picture in front of you ( in video I can see less) and if I see the work you make - I have no doubts you made the right fix :). I am enjoying the passion and level of details you are sharing for the beautiful work you are making here. Wish you a Happy & healthy New Year!

[@kent....]

We could understand it it all without words. Nice wörk!

[@hemarabadia5890]

Such attention to details. This is why I love this channel.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot for watching :-)

[@chadhelmer3835]

This will be the best looking 240Z the world has seen.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad you think so :-)

[@messylaura]

check the inside of the tailgate where the hinge is bolted / welded on, see if there is any damage from the tailgate being opened too far the miss alignment you corrected is common in doors / tailgates etc from over opening as well, sometimes it bends the hinge slightly, not enough to see but enough to drop the flush gap. glad you mentioned the seals, always important, sometimes the difference is not returnable if its not checked esp when welding new metal in those areas some old cars the seals make contact with the door and boot trims too fitting everything on before or at final primering saves a ton of headaches when you come to fit it up after paint great vid

[@rjung_ch]

I am loving this build/restoration work that you are doing. Thanks! 👍💪✌

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Many many thanks :-)

[@deebee3901]

Loving this content! Sending you regards and much respect from Australia!

[@haphazard1342]

It's definitely important to do alignment with the seals/gaskets installed, but that amount of difference indicates that your hinges have a lot of play in them. The single pivot design will not have quite as much play as the complex hood hinge geometry, but you may want to check the back hatch hinges and consider refreshing them. Very nice work so far. I love your attention I detail and appreciate the narration on these shorter videos.

[@Blaquer17]

This is going to be the Singer version of the 240Z. When your mantra is “everything is important” you end up with something amazing.

[@minementalx]

I love that you show us the many detail work! Greetings from Germany!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thanks a lot for watching :-)

[@kevin409galv]

I always love when he cuts to the lathe to machine a screw

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Well done. What a great idea Nissan had with a complete rubber pocket rather than just a gasket. Cheers, Stuart 🇦🇺

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@dixonqwerty]

Wow man you are really excellent with your restoration.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you :-)

[@oxcart4172]

Can't wait to see it finished. I have no doubt it'll be the best 240Z on the planet

[@jeffreychan525]

Thank you for bringing this satisfaction, you are an artist. Bravo.

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Thank you very much!

[@MrVivelagratte]

I love when you say chassis ! Keep it the good work ! I love theses videos !!!

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Happy to hear that!

[@CGJ7755]

I for one cannot wait to see this Z fully restored and painted..I hope he does it in black

[@张昭-m9u]

迫不及待想看这车的巅峰时刻了。。。。多么强大的修复技术啊，就像医生、艺术家一样了。。。让人极度舒适！

[@Kristina_Sundkvist_Sweden]

With eyes for details and a mind that sees the solution. Happy new year to you. 🎉

[@mymechanicsinsights]

Happy new year

[@themechanic49]

Grüess us ruum Bülach ;) 🤝🏽 Echt geili Projekt und Videos! Würd mich freue de Z irgendwenn uf de Strasse gseh!