What is the Correct Early Series 1 Rim Size

[HS30-H]

.....wider steel wheels were theoretically available from the dealers' parts department but never came factory installed. The wider wheels were 5.5" wide, and were part number 40300-E4600, list price of $13.50 each in 1971.

Arne correctly discusses the existance of 40300-E4600, a 5-1/2"x14" steel road wheel shown as optional, however I have never seen one either. It is not listed in the Fairlady parts catalog either.

One of the Nissan 'Sports Options' lists for the HS30 includes pressed steel wheels sized 5.5j x 14, and with part number 40300-E4200. I would have thought these would be identical to that E4600 version? I wonder why the different part number?

Interestingly, the same list includes pressed steel ( 'street' ) wheels sized 8j x 14, with part number 40300-E7200. They are quoted at zero offset, and are notably different to the magnesium eight-spoke Kobe Seiko ( 'race' ) wheels also sized at 8j x 14 and zero offset that are below them on the same list. 10j x 14 magnesium KS eight-spokes were also listed.

I saw some wide Topy steels ( the 8j I think ) on an early Fairlady Z in Japan some years ago. I'm sure I took some photos of it........

[Arne]

One of the Nissan 'Sports Options' lists for the HS30 includes pressed steel wheels sized 5.5j x 14, and with part number 40300-E4200. I would have thought these would be identical to that E4600 version? I wonder why the different part number?

Indeed. Why two different part numbers for what would certainly appear to be the same thing? I wonder if the E4200 lacked some US-DOT code or something?

[geezer]

Indeed. Why two different part numbers for what would certainly appear to be the same thing? I wonder if the E4200 lacked some US-DOT code or something?

Thinking out loud here. Do you think it might have been because of a slight difference in the wheel specs for the fitment of snow tires? Maybe a slight alteration in the bead seat/mounting or perhaps a slight offset to provide better snow tire clearance? There are two TSBs listed in my index that I am missing. TS70-8 dated 03/02/70 relates to Approved Rim and Tire Size Combinations and the second is TS70-33 dated 08/31/70 relates to 240Z Car Snow Tire Sizes. Anyone have these TSBs?

PS - What wheels were used with the snow tires for the "Cold Weather Testing"?

Edited November 21, 2008 by geezer

[JohnnyO]

Johnny'O,

Just FYI, I came across this ad for 4 steel wheels for Datsun 240Z on Craigslist in Fort Collins, CO........ but it might be worth an inquiry.

Gary S.

Thanks Gary. I emailed the seller hoping to "fish" for info before I meet my guy. You never know, they may be stamped 01/70 and I won't need my guy.

[Carl Beck]

Indeed. Why two different part numbers for what would certainly appear to be the same thing?

Hi Arne:

Chris reports 40300-E4200 as a 5.5" magnesium wheel for the PS30

Alan reports 40300-E4200 as a steel wheel in the HS30 Sports Option

Catalog.

Isn't that two different wheels for the same part number, rather than two different part numbers for the same wheel?

40300-E4600 seems to be consistantly reported as 5.5" steel.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[geezer]

40300-E4600 5.5"x14"

?

[26th-Z]

I think Ron is on to something. E4600, optional in North America for snow tires. I see the E4200 wheels listed in the sports option catalogs, but I can't read them as they are in Japanese. The pictures show a wheel that looks to be a Watanabe. There are part numbers for 6J, 7J, 8J, and 10J wheels.

Here are some good pictures of correct coloring. The outside face is a satin black. and the other surfaces are silver grey.

[geezer]

I would like to see those two TSBs I mentioned in post 15. For some reason they were removed from my set. They could provide a clue. Another thing to consider is the common practice of using tubes in extreem cold conditions. I will have to try to track down tire part numbers and tubes.

[JohnnyO]

The seller that I am meeting next week said the rims have silver on the inside and black on the outside. Does that mean something special or were all rims that color scheme?

[Arne]

The seller that I am meeting next week said the rims have silver on the inside and black on the outside. Does that mean something special or were all rims that color scheme?

That's normal, as shown in Chris' post above.

[mbarjbar]

My 1970's original spare rim is dated 4/70, size 41/2 x 14. 14 x 6 slotted aluminum wheel were on the car first when sold.

Mike