Basic 240z education needed

[Zthing]

First off....let me say thanks to all the people involved in making this site as wicked as it is. I have not been a member here long, but in the short time that I have been stumbling thru....I have been genuinely impressed.

I soon will start the restoration of a 1972 240Z, and am trying to absorb as much information as I can not only about the restoration process whether it be mechanical or body repairs, but also the differences within a particular model year (which may be few.....I don't know). What I am saying is, just surfing about the site I am hearing terms such as Fairlady, Samuri, L88 Head casting, etc...... and it makes me wonder just how many differences, if any, there were in a particular year. Were there in fact differences just as Chevrolet had the RS,

SS, Z-28, in the Camaro line all in one year. Or when you purchased a 1972 240Z 4 speed.....was it identical to every other 4 speed on the lot of that same year (other than interior-exterior color scheme of course).

I so far have acquired the original engine service manual, chassis and body service manual, and the Wick Humble Z-Car restoration book, but would love to find a book....or site....that would educate me on the differences, if any, within a single years production, or even a model span (all years of 240). If this is an ignorant query.......put your seatbelt on.....it's gonna get worse before its all over. Thanks people.

[Z_Chaz]

JK,

Welcome to the best Z site anywhere (IMHO).

Get the CD containing the microfiche (on this site) and start exploring. I can't think of a better, more comprehensive listing of dated changes to the Z.

Good luck and enjoy!

[beandip]

Basicly , the 240s are the same. Having said this , mostly I am talking about the major components, engine trans and so forth. '70--'72 were the closest in that there were not effected by the emissions as much as later years. It is hard to answer your questions because there have been little changes made during the same years . The interior trim are different from '72 to '73 and again '74 and of cource the engine being a 260 . You would be best to ask of certain year of Z . The history of the Z has been well documented .

[DatsunZGuy]

This is a must read:

http://zhome.com/

[Bambikiller240]

"Fairlady Z's" were not officially imported to the US by Nssan/Datsun. Some of the models that you mentioned were available in other markets around the world.

Certain head castings were used in certain years. A Buyer could not specifiy which head he wanted his 240Z to have (unless the dealer just happened to have a car with that head in stock).

[Ed]

Something else that might help you identify the differences betwee the 240's. Is a parts catalog either from Victoria British or MSA. Most of the other information can be found here on this web site. There is TONS of info here.

Welcome and have fun with your restoration.

P.S. one thing I recommend before you start your restoration is start buying parts now. :classic:

[Zthing]

Thanks for all the great info. DatsunZGuy.....the site you mentioned looks good. I will check it out. Ed....as for the Victoria British catalog, it just came this week. I will keep my eyes peeled for the MSA one you spoke of. All of the feedback is greatly appreciated.

Hope ya'll don't mind if I stick around for a while.

[Carl Beck]

Zthing Ask:

>...snipped..

>but would love to find a book....or site....that would educate me on

>the differences, if any, within a single years production, or even a

>model span (all years of 240).....

Hi Zthing:

For the 1972 Model Year see the "Series III" notes at 09/71 and below:

http://zhome.com/History/DesignChanges.htm

I think we have most of the minor differences listed there.

What is the VIN & Build Date on your Car?

FWIW,

Carl

Carl Beck

Clearwater, FL USA

http://ZHome.com

[mperdue]

The interior trim are different from '72 to '73...

Beandip, could you give a little more info on the interior changes from '72-'73 that you know of? I know the dash changed and a few minor dash/control panel features but do you know if it went beyond that? The reason I ask is I pulled a butterscotch interior from a '73 that will eventually go in my '72 - I'm wondering if there are any differences that won't match up. Thanks -

Oh and zthing - welcome to the site. Don't avoid the flame wars completely because sometimes interesting stuff is ejected from the explosions.

Michael

[26th-Z]

Check this site out. http://www.geocities.jp/datsunz903/ Kats is a member here and he deals with early car issues, but when it comes to nit-picky details, Kats is my hero. Get a Datsun parts book - one is sold here in CD form and pay close attention to the difference in part numbers and applications for your model. That will help. Otherwise have a good time and welcome aboard!

Oh yes, make a good parts survey for your restoration plan and start buying parts as soon as you can. Good advice. It will save you $$$ in the long run.

[Zthing]

WOOOHOOOO!!!! I struck a gold vein of information. Thanks again people.

Carl, the plate in the door jam reads 3/72 and HLS30-73112. Same HLS number as the ID plate in the engine compartment.

I am trying to get the Datsun in the garage asap. Right now it's under the car shelter. As soon as I can get it in there, I will start making my list of needed parts. Hope to have it in the door by the weekend. I have the garage from hell. Boxes of PC parts, Motorcycle parts, etc. stacked everywhere. This shall be remedied soon. At any rate...

you people are a great help. Thanks again. I will check out the recommended sites above.

[Bambikiller240]

Beandip, could you give a little more info on the interior changes from '72-'73 that you know of? I know the dash changed and a few minor dash/control panel features but do you know if it went beyond that? The reason I ask is I pulled a butterscotch interior from a '73 that will eventually go in my '72 - I'm wondering if there are any differences that won't match up. Thanks -

Michael:

You'll have zero problems installing a 73 interior into a 72. I installed a 73 interior into a 1971 chassis without any problems. It all fit fine.

No visual differences that I can recall (except the Flasher sw location and lighted Heater control panel that you mentioned)

Carl