rear hatch alignment

[ezzzzzzz]

My 240Z was restored by it's PO. I'm plagued by the notorious exhaust fumes when driving which appears to worsen with the windows down. I know the hoses/grommets that come up through the body to the recovery tank are a big source of these vapors and must be addressed soon. One other thing I've noticed is the rear hatch is not flush with the body, on the drivers side, when closed. It can be assumed that the gas strut is forcing this edge upward(?). While driving, I'm guessing the hatch is pulled upward by negative pressure and possibly causing a leak as the gasket sealing in reduced or compromised helping to introduce exhaust gases. That said, is there any way to properly adjust the rear hatch such that it fully closes on both side of the car? Whew, that was a long winded diatribe...

[240ZX]

Replacing the weather seals on the hatch might help but definitely address the fuel tank vent hoses. Also, I've seen earlier Z's (with only one gas strut) with hatch hinge failure! This would be the hinge closest to the gas strut. The hinge may just be cracked but weak enough to allow the force from the gas strut to prevent the hatch from completely closing. I guess a worst case senerio would be that the chassis is racked from a prior accident and the hatch just doesn't align well! It just never made sense to me why Datsun put just one gas strut on one side, when people typically will pull the hatch closed from the center of the hatch, creating a significant load on the one hatch hinge!!? As we know, Datsun later changed to two gas struts....hummmmm!!?

[ezzzzzzz]

On the note of two struts vice one, can this be done to the eazly Z? Has anyone upgraded using later Z struts and brackets?

[240ZX]

Yes it been done. I believe all that is required are the right side mounting brackets/gas strut form an appropriate donor car or possibly new parts. Of course you may have to modify the interior panel to clear the lower mounting bracket.