Gauging interest in engine bolts

[FastWoman]

I've already invested in a lot of stainless hardware (which I realize is mechanically more problematic). I'll be sticking with that for all the non-critical items like brackets, covers, etc. However, I think I would have bought your hardware set if I hadn't already made that investment and if I lived in an inland climate. I'd be interested in your hardware sets in the future for the more critical applications where strength is required.

re: Reddat: When I dealt with him, I simply negotiated shipping up front. I didn't have any problem. However, he's not the easiest person to deal with, and his hoarding practices are troubling.

There's a local guy who works on Z's who does the same thing. I asked him where I might find wrecking yards with the occasional Z, and he told me there aren't any -- that if I need a used part, I should come to him (translation: I have to come to him). He's stripped down lots of them. That's nice from a convenience standpoint, but I never trust monopolies and oligopolies, and I try not to do business with them as a matter of principle.

I hope to see more and more aftermarket sources like yours pop up to support our Z cars, as I think that is our only protection from the predators. I'll support your enterprise wherever possible.

[ajmcforester]

I wish I knew any manufactures that make the hardware that looks just like the original Z hardware. I would consider making kits to sell. However I might be wrong, but I herd Nissan made the fasteners from other forums. Does anyone know otherwise this could be a great piece of information?

I'm one of those that likes to use the old parts, but if I can help it not wires and fasteners, age is not friendly to these parts. With fasteners lousing tension, stretch and they develop miro-cracks they just start to brake, or work out. Then old wires like to burn up from time to time.

[Diseazd]

Why make them yourself when you can get the whole nine yards from Eiji? The kit includes....oil pan bolts,all front cover bolts, fan nuts, water pump bolts, timing marker and bolt, the two front head to front cover bolts, distributor bolts, valve cover bolts, thermostat housing bolts, front observation cover bolts, oil pump bolts, all corresponding washers and some I've probably missed...... all marked and packed as to what they are and where they go! The kit makes an ordinary motor special.

Edited October 16, 2010 by Diseazd

[Phred]

As an engine builder, I restore some rare Porsche ( and my own Z's ) engines. When I take an engine apart, I just clean the hardware, some of which is not available anyore, and have it replated. There are plating businesses in every city. The Nissan stuff is generically called yellow zinc. Plus, there are are always brackets and tidbits that can be done at the same time. Most platers have a min. charge of around $50. but still much less than buying new. Something to consider.

Phred