Another New Guy -- ME!

[SandyI]

Hello to all. My first post. My first 240Z. A gift from my father-in-law. He purchased it new in 1970. Upgraded to a 260 engine some time in the '70's. (Have to go through the receipts.) The car is terrific. Drove it home today. I know nothing about Z-cars. Here are the first of many stupid newbie questions --

1.) Recommendations on mechanics in West L.A. or the SF Valley who know these cars inside and out. I'm not much a DIY guy. I like to find an excellent mechanic I can trust to get the job done right the first time.

2.) Wheels on my car are 14". I guess they're six inches wide? I know the tire selection for 14" is basically non-existent. Are there 15" or even 16" wheels for these early Z's? And how wide can I go with my tires without rubbing on the stock fenders? 205's? Wider?

3.) Brake upgrades? If I go to bigger wheels, is there a simple solution to a brake upgrade from a later model Z?

4.) Seat belts. My father-in-law removed the fixed shoulder belt thirty years ago and drove with just a lap belt (he raced Corvettes in the late '50's with a lap belt so it felt natural). I'd like to retrofit retractable 3-point belts into the car as soon as possible. Ideas on this?

Thanks for the help. I'll need plenty.

[JonnyRock]

Welcome! Hope it's got round tops on it, otherwise that'd be the first switch you should make!

1) Good question, I can't help you there but this board definitely can.

2) Answers to this question are easily found with the 'Search' function. I don't know the specs off the top of my head other than to say yes a number of wheels are available.

3) Again easily answered with the 'Search' function. I believe the most popular solution is 80's Toyota Pickup calipers and discs or 80's Maxima calipers.

4) There are a couple of seat belt options. I have a great retractable 3 point setup in my car. Im not sure what it is, so I'll check on that and try to get back to you.

Once again, welcome to the forum! This is an amazing place and essential to fully enjoying your new Z!

[SandyI]

Cool. Thanks. Will starting searching.

Have you ever bought anything from motorsportauto.com? They seem to have a ton of stuff for Z's.

[conedodger]

Welcome to the madness! Nice gift. If I were you though, I would learn to do the basics because it can be tough to find shops that work on these cars. Perhaps I am just picky though...

I have practically bought out Motorsport Auto. Thank goodness they found more stuff. You can trust them. I am waiting on an order right now.

[ConchZ]

Bought lots of stuff recently from motorsport. All positive. They sell a nice seatbelt kit that bolts right in. I have it, but haven't installed it yet. It seems high quality, tho. Very heavy and solid mechs.

[SandyI]

Welcome to the madness! Nice gift. If I were you though, I would learn to do the basics because it can be tough to find shops that work on these cars. Perhaps I am just picky though...

I have practically bought out Motorsport Auto. Thank goodness they found more stuff. You can trust them. I am waiting on an order right now.

My problem is that I'm DIY-challenged. I'm the kind of guy who screws up the job and breaks the tools. And I'm picky too. My daily driver is a '69 Porsche 911E. I've got a world class mechanic (Otto's Venice) who wrenches it because I track the car regularly at Willow Springs & Cal Speedway with the Porsche Owners Club. I'm looking for someone to inject a little black magic into my Z the way Otto does with my Porsche. By the way, this Z is WAY faster than my Porsche. Fun!

[SandyI]

Bought lots of stuff recently from motorsport. All positive. They sell a nice seatbelt kit that bolts right in. I have it, but haven't installed it yet. It seems high quality, tho. Very heavy and solid mechs.

Cool. Thanks. I saw that set offered. I'm going to purchase (2).

My first step down the slippery slope...

[SandyI]

Welcome! Hope it's got round tops on it, otherwise that'd be the first switch you should make!

Excuse my lack of knowledge but... What are "round tops?"

[Carl Beck]

Hi SandyI:

I guess I'm somewhat like your Father-In-Law, in that I bought my first 240-Z in 1970. I'm somewhat like you because prior to buying the 240-Z I was driving a 67 Porsche 911S (also had a 55 T-Bird at the time). I had planned on buying a 70 911E.. but the Porsche Dealer blew me out the door with a silly offer.... So I happened to pass a DATSUN dealer on the way home, where I saw and then drove my first 240-Z. I've been driving them ever since.

If your 240-Z is in pretty good condition - I think you'll find that they are so mechanically simple, that you can develop some DIY skills in support of them. Especially if you gain a few knowledgeable Z Car friends that will help you with the small projects.

I've always loved the early 911's for what they are - but I have to say that in almost every measure the Datsun 240-Z was a superior offering. Although it is hard to beat a rear engine/rear drive car on the ice or in tight 180 degree turns..

I'm sure that as you drive the 240-Z more - you'll really enjoy it. Good thing that your Father-In-Law gave you the car - - - your wife can't really get too bent out of shape when it takes time and money away from of her nest...

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Excuse my lack of knowledge but... What are "round tops?"

Round top S.U. Carbs are from the 240Z's. The 260Z's typically came with a "Flat top Carb which is huge, bulky and difficult to keep tuned and rebuild. The Round top S.U's are easy, built for performance, not emmisions like the flat tops.

Hello to all. My first post. My first 240Z. A gift from my father-in-law. He purchased it new in 1970. Upgraded to a 260 engine some time in the '70's. (Have to go through the receipts.) The car is terrific. Drove it home today. I know nothing about Z-cars. Here are the first of many stupid newbie questions --

NO such thing as a stupid question around here, especially if you need an answer about the Z car.

2.) Wheels on my car are 14". I guess they're six inches wide? I know the tire selection for 14" is basically non-existent. Are there 15" or even 16" wheels for these early Z's? And how wide can I go with my tires without rubbing on the stock fenders? 205's? Wider?

I personally run 225/50ZX16's on 16" X 7.5" Aluminum Alloys. That's almost pushing it but I pounded the fender lips (on the inside) to roll them a little and the wheel travels beautifully with no rubbing, And my Z is lowered 1.5"s all around. You can also run a 17" X 8"?? with a 40 series tire. You might rub a little but most who run that size have converted to the adjustable springs, As they are a smaller diameter and gives a little more clearance for wide tires.

3.) Brake upgrades? If I go to bigger wheels, is there a simple solution to a brake upgrade from a later model Z?

I, as well as hundred of others, run the 85' Toyota 4X4m, nonvented rotor, 4-piston Calipers. They bolt right on!! And the Raybestos brand come Loaded with decent pads for everyday driving. They run about $75 each side and readily available. But you need at least 15" wheels to start with. Even Baer? makes a complte set-up for about $1500 to start.

4.) Seat belts. My father-in-law removed the fixed shoulder belt thirty years ago and drove with just a lap belt (he raced Corvettes in the late '50's with a lap belt so it felt natural). I'd like to retrofit retractable 3-point belts into the car as soon as possible. Ideas on this?

Thanks for the help. I'll need plenty.

MSA does carry the seat belt kit you need. They also have all the 240Z Electrical upgrades to bring your 240Z into the 21st Century. They sell My Headlight upgrade harness, Parking light upgrade harness, ZXP (280ZX alternator upgrade adaptor plug and the Sidemarker Conversion plugs that turn your front sidemarkers into marker/turn signals, for safety and that "Cool Euro" effect.

Welcome to the club..

Dave.

Edited February 5, 2009 by Zs-ondabrain

[260zCaliCar]

Hi Sandy, welcome to the board. I live in Westlake Village, around the corner (sort of) from you... There is a shop in Canoga Park called "precision z", they have been working on z cars since the 70's and know their stuff. They are not cheap, and you need to go in with a specific goal (don't say something like "just give it the once over" they will charge you a bunch of money and I'm not exactly sure what they do) but their pretty good with specific tasks. http://www.precisionz.com/

21417 INGOMAR STREET

UNIT 3

CANOGA PARK, CA 91304

818.716.6744

They did work on my car both a in 1978 and also a few months ago so I know they have been around.

At minimum, they are worth knowing about, and it maybe worth driving over there and just introducing yourself to the owner so when you need something he knows who you are.

Mike

[ConchZ]

The 73 240s had flat top carbs, too, so watch that you don't buy a set of original 73 carbs. For more info on carbs and just general tips like repairing a cracked console, replacing a differential mount, adjusting your valves, etc get the Ztherapy Tuneup video. http://www.ztherapy.com It helped me learn a lot.

Don't know if that thing is on DVD, but get that if it is. Searching through VHS is a pain.