Fuel Door Knob Discussion

[Mckrack]

Hello all. This may be a stupid question but someone said once that there are no stupid questions just stupid people or stupid answers. I forget how the last part goes but here goes with the question.

The fuel door knob on the Datsun 240z at least the 69, 70, 71 and maybe 72 has the edge or what I call protuberance in the middle of the knob. In the latched position where the fuel door cannot open without turning, does that edge face in the north/south position or the east west position.

The reason I ask is that I bought one of those original series one ads and I am going to frame it and hang it up. The one with the blonde in the passenger seat that you may be familiar with. Anyway it appears that in the ad the knob's edge which is in the middle of knob itself in the latched position is in the north/south position. Now I always assumed because of the lines of the car that the edge on the knob should be east/west. I am trying to get my car right down to the smallest detail if possible. The fuel door opening on my car for some reason is missing the opening for the knobs hardware to key in to. I don't know why. Maybe the last owner did something to the opening, filled it in or whatever. So I want to set the knob in the correct position.

Now this may be one of the most bizarre questions you've read but if you know the answer I would appreciate the help. :nervous:

McKrack

[240jetjoc]

McKrack,

It's not a stupid question. I have two early 1971 Z's, and both have the fuel door knob center grasping ridge in the verticle (North/South) position. My assumption is that it was done that way because it is a more natural grasping postion for the thumb and forefinger.

[Mckrack]

Thanks Roger

McKrack

[geezer]

This is what the latch fits to. Is this what you are missing?

[Mckrack]

Yup that's it. I think the fuel door is from a different year car. It has the spring so it can open and close with out the knob although it doesn't have the lip. So the knob is basically a holder if you get my meaning. Thanks for taking the picture I appreciate the effort.

McKrack

[geezer]

I've got an extra door if you want it.

[Mckrack]

Thanks Geezer but the car is about two months from being done and I just can't take much more of the refresh/restore project. I'll live with what I have.

It's very nice of you to ask and I do appresiate it. Hop I can help you someday.

I've gotten some responses from some folks about the position of the knob off the site and they all tell me the latched posi5tion is east / west. So now I don't know.

[kats]

Hello Mckrack,

I attached two pictures,the one green is the earliest knob sits north/south when it is closed.I took this picture in the convention last year,the car belongs to Mrs.Anne HLS30-00346.I guess this knob is only for 1969 240Z and Z432R or very early 1970.Part number should be -E4600.

26th-Z said this looks plastic made.

The one orange is later type,sits east/west when it is closed.Also this shot was taken in that convention,the car belongs to Mr.Dan Banks his car is 1971 Z.This knob is familier for us.We always see this knob in the 1970 to early 1971.Anyway I am not sure this is -E4601 or -E4602.Looks different from the green one,you can tell the green one is simple,but this one is little bit fat and metal.

My understanding is,the earliest is -E4600 and sits north/south with simple finish.

But I do not know what is different about -E4601.

Is -E4601 sits north/south with fat and metal made? Or,

Is -E4601 sits east/west with simple finish plastic made ? Or,

Is -E4601 sits east/west with fat and metal made (just same as -E4602)?

-E4602 is now on ebay,I bought the one from the seller and that is very very fantastic one.

Am I talking about what you are looking for?

kats

[kats]

Hi,

I want to tell you this,

this knob was not made only for Z.My friend reported, in Japan we can see exactly same knob is used for a door opener of an office book shelf.Seems Nissan did not made this,another manufacture(not related car) made.

Not only this knob,we can find many parts which is not only for Z car.Bolts nuts clips etc..

kats

[Mckrack]

Thanks Kats. Somehow my knob doesn't look like any of those. The edge does not stick out that far.

McKrack

[geezer]

These two in the pic both face east-west when latched. The one on the left came off my 10/70 and the other came from an earlier parts car. You should be able to see the difference in the pic. The one on the left takes a concave shape where your thumb and forefinger would fit when opening. I just noticed this difference now. What does everyone else have?

[Mat M]

My 01-71 is a locking fuel door.