questions about gauges & knobs

[e_racer1999]

hey all... i'm a newbie to Zs and i have a couple questions. i just purchased a '72 240 and i was wondering how i can remove my temp/oil gauge and plug it back in.

also, there are a couple knobs under the dash that i have no idea what they're for. they are on either side of the car (driver/passenger) and i've been scratching my head over them. i figured they were for air vents but i'm not sure....

[MikeW]

Originally posted by e_racer1999

hey all... i'm a newbie to Zs and i have a couple questions. i just purchased a '72 240 and i was wondering how i can remove my temp/oil gauge and plug it back in.

The safest way to get to the gauges it by removing the heater control panel. It's a bit tricky, however, because of the cables that got to the control sliders. The other option is to go through the glove compartment. That's easier but you're likely to damage the cardboard glovebox trying to get it out. If that happens to you just let me know.

also, there are a couple knobs under the dash that i have no idea what they're for. they are on either side of the car (driver/passenger) and i've been scratching my head over them. i figured they were for air vents but i'm not sure....

The knob beneath the speedometer resets the trip odometer. The other knob is a rheostat (dimmer switch) for the instrument panel lights.

[EScanlon]

The knobs he's referring to are the Fresh Air Vent Controls.

Enrique

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by EScanlon

The knobs he's referring to are the Fresh Air Vent Controls.

Enrique

Those should have been EASY to figure out. Operate knob while driving car...........note function.

[TomoHawk]

It's not that easy. I pull mine (280Z) to open the vents, and I can't tell if there's any air coming out.

I think I will try to fit a hose to the vent outlet. Maybe hook up the hose to the side vents then.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by TomoHawk

It's not that easy.

It should be.............unless a rat has built a huge nest in the duct.....or O.E.

[MikeW]

Originally posted by Bambikiller240

It should be.............unless a rat has built a huge nest in the duct.....or O.E.

Actually, mine are difficult to open. I think the cable is binding. It's hard to pull and when it does open I notice that the baffle barely moves.

Speaking of the vent knob, I notice that there's an extra threaded hole in the dash right above this knob. It looks like some sort of bracket should go there but I don't see anything listed on the parts CD for this location. Any idea what this hole is for?

[e_racer1999]

thx for the replies, and it is the fresh air vents.... as for removing the heater panel, i tried it but it seems like it's stuck. are there some other things keeping it in besides the four screws?

edit: oh ya, the reason that i need to get to the gauges is that my temp gauge isn't working. i checked the sensor and it's not that, and i was just wondering if there was anything else (electrical?) that could be causing it to not work (besides it being unplugged)

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by MikeW

Speaking of the vent knob, I notice that there's an extra threaded hole in the dash right above this knob. It looks like some sort of bracket should go there but I don't see anything listed on the parts CD for this location. Any idea what this hole is for?

I have no idea what those threaded holes are for. It does look like the rod tha your vent knobs mount onto, is corroded somewhat. Maybe some Kroil, or Penephrite would help the operation of the vent control.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by e_racer1999

i checked the sensor and it's not that, and i was just wondering if there was anything else (electrical?) that could be causing it to not work (besides it being unplugged)

Broken (cut or damaged) wire.

[e_racer1999]

Originally posted by Bambikiller240

Broken (cut or damaged) wire.

greeeeeaaaaaaat.... thx

[EScanlon]

That bolt hole is what secures the bottom outside edge of your dash to the car's frame.

That you have a "scuff" mark roughly rectangular in shape that surrounds that bolt hole tells me that the support that you can just start to see through the bolt hole, should be BELOW the dash and not above it.

As far as the fresh air vents, they are held to the kick panel (way up there closest to the firewall and cowl bucket corner by three screws. It is easiest to reach them with the dash out, but it isn't totally impossible to do it with the dash in place, just be ready for some yoga calisthenics.

Once out of the car you can check to make sure the plastic sleeve is still intact and not broken, and that the cable that operates the flap is operational.

Enrique