Should I use an early hatch on a '72?

[Zak's Z]

Heres my dilemma: I have a '72 Im refreshing and a late hatch and glass. I found a '71 for parts and have a very good condition 71 hatch with vents and early glass. My 72 hatch is all banged up. It makes sense for me to use the better hatch. Should I have the body shop fill in the vents, and use the later glass to give it that '72 look, or leave the vents and use early glass but be incorrect in mixing my earlies and lates.

Just trying to stir some dialogue here on this and get some opinions..

[hls30.com]

I'm using an early hatch and maybe glass on my 72. Not my original intention, but the later hatch I had was severely tweaked and though looking good would not fit the hatch opening well even with "extra effort". I tried my early hatch, and she lined up like she had been there for 35 years... I like the look of the vents, and though I will probably use a later glass(the car is being built to be a driver), I considered using a non defroster glass.

It depends on what you are doing with your car. Mine is going to be modified, so mixing year models(and knowing what part came on what year) adds interest, keeps rare parts in view, and does not detract from the car as it would in a true restoration.

Will

[barth4567]

Some early 1972's had the early glass. My march 1972 has the horizontal glass. My parts car( 1972) a November 1971 production car has the vertical glass. It is your car do as you want. Seems to me a shame to use a Series one hatch. Just my thoughts.

[Go240Zags]

I think it would be a shame to fill in the vents on a Series I hatch, but using one with maybe blocked off rear vents from the inside with the grills would be okay. I saw someone had used the early "winged" 240Z badges on a Series II and had hallowed out the black portions to allow the air vents underneath to remain functional. I always figured if I had a Series II candidate I couldn't pass up I'd use the early badges in this manner because I like the look. It's your car, but if I had a vote it would be to sell the early hatch to someone who needs one (they're worth more usually) and buy a nice replacement with the Series II features. My 2 cents.

[geezer]

Unless your trying to impress the critics, who cares? It will look good with either type. I wouldn't fill in any vents though. You can always change it out at a later date, if you happen across another. Just don't sell it with the wrong one or you will be referred to as the "dumb arse PO"!

[bkelly]

I've come to think this way very quickly- It's your car, do what you want with it. If you're building a museum piece to appease the snotty "Barret-Jackson" crowd, then you may want to use the original hatch. The rest of us "normal" people don't really care.

[Zak's Z]

Just don't sell it with the wrong one or you will be referred to as the "dumb arse PO"!

hahaha. I dont want to stop the trend though...because it appears EVERY po has been a dumbass!

I shouldnt fill in the holes, but I'll have to use that hatch if I cant find a replacement in the next few days.

[hls30.com]

I've come to think this way very quickly- It's your car, do what you want with it. If you're building a museum piece to appease the snotty "Barret-Jackson" crowd, then you may want to use the original hatch. The rest of us "normal" people don't really care.

I have never seen anything but modified Zs on Barret Jackson-I doubt any member of their typical staff would have any clue what would make up a "museum piece" Z. They are a somewhat portable used car car lot, and are after money. Originality, and modification are no issues to them-as long as the car sells.

If you want to impress the right "crowd", building a 300 point ZCCA stock class winner would do that, and mixing and matching parts won't get you there(though it won't keep you from 300 points in the modified classes). Unless someone has a head cold, "snotty" won't come into that crowd.

Make the car what you want it to be, garage/trailer queen, grocery getter or anywhere in between. If she brings a smile to your face when you think of her, and an ear to ear, pulse quickening grin when you're behind the wheel, any argument about what you did to your car from anyone is lost.

Will

[EScanlon]

Ditto what Will said.

Just remember this phrase when being grilled by someone who insists a given part / mod is not "correct" for your car .... "Hmm, it works for me."

That's what I use and it's subtle enough that there will be times people will repeat their pointed observation and after the second or third time even the most determined will get the picture.

But I agree on modifying or in essence, destroying a rare and otherwise difficult to obtain part in order to replicate a later more common item ... that is don't. I'm sure that amongst this group there will be someone that can help you out with a Series II hatch if that's your wish.

FWIW

E

[e_racer1999]

why not see if someone wants to trade?

[Panamared]

Hey Zak. I like the series one look (vents). But if you´re not to sure yet what to do get one from a yard. I got one from bad dog parts and it was a very fair deal. Keep the old one just in case.

My 2cts.

BTW you are doing an excellent job.

[Go240Zags]

Zac, I'd trade you straight across for a '72 hatch from one of my old parts cars - no vents, horizontal defrost lines. Unfortunately, although I live just four miles from Canada I'm all the way west near B.C. and shipping would probably kill us both. Heck, I'd give you the hatch if you want to pay for shipping. Although I wouldn't mind having a spare Series I hatch. Let me know if you want the 72. Not sure what one weights and then it would need some protective packaging, but it's yours if you can't find anything closer. Figure shipping from Oroville, Wash. USA 98844.