Questions about 2+2s

[Hype]

Hey all, been lurking here for awhile but it's time I made my entrance. Been a Nissan guy for some time, but I may well be finding that S30 project I've been interested in for awhile!

From what I can gather, 2+2s were offered in 74, 75 and 76. Furthermore, they were actually separate chassis from the 2 seaters. Am I correct so far? Some cars with a 2+2 option basically put a cushion and a seatbelt in place where the package tray would be. The Z31 has different quarter windows, but it seems that S30 2+2s aren't any different from the outside.

Basically, I'm looking for a CA smog exempt 2+2 S30. Does that limit me to 74 and 75 year cars? Is the difference solely in the interior, or are there chassis differences? I'm not afraid of a little sourcing/fabbing, especially since there are plenty of abandoned project cars here in SoCal one step away from the junkyard :disappoin.

[JonnyRock]

Welcome to the board!

Not many people own 2+2s so you'll be of a select few. I used to really dislike their looks, but the quirks have grown on me.

The Z31 has different quarter windows, but it seems that S30 2+2s aren't any different from the outside.

I don't know very much about the 2+2s but the S30's are in fact a good deal longer, as evidenced by the broken roof line. Datsun most definitely didn't just throw a back seat into 'em. Check out those quarter windows and the panel following the door too.

I've attached a comparison photo. Coupe on top, 2+2 on bottom.

BTW, that right there is the.best.looking.2+2ever. Period.

Edited February 20, 2009 by JonnyRock

[Weasel73240Z]

That is a great looking 2 + 2! I've never seen one I liked before but that is sweet.

[sblake01]

If I'm not mistaken, this is the same car. Love that rear view!

[MikeW]

Some cars with a 2+2 option basically put a cushion and a seatbelt in place where the package tray would be.

That certainly sounds like a "poor man's" 2+2. The first time I ever rode in a Z car was in high school in the hatch of (I think) a 260Z. I know I've carried people like that in the past but without the fancy cushion or seatbelt.

I've never seen anything like what you're describing. It certainly wouldn't be legal.

[ggarrard]

I believe S30 2+2's were available from '74 on. They're essentially a s30 Coupe stretched 12 inches to accomodate a rear seat, mechanically identical except for the driveshaft length. I think the doors may have also been stretched, but I'm not sure.

GWGarrard

[sblake01]

Everything from the doors back was different body wise except the rear panel IIRC.

[WalterMondale]

In the U.S., the 1974 260Z was offered as a coupe and 2+2 , the 75-78 280Z's were also available as a coupe or 2+2.

In the 2+2 car, the tool boxes found in the coupes were deleted and small seats were installed. The back of the rear seat folds down over the seat cushions. This make for some convenient package transport.

The 2+2 is about 11 1/2" longer than the coupe. The doors are longer and so is the space between the rear edge of the door and the rear wheel arches.

The qtr windows open in the 2+2.

The 2+2 weighs about 300 pounds more than the 2 seater.

IMHO, the 2+2 car can look very nice in certain colors. It looks terrible in brown, but great in grey, green, and orange.

[gnosez]

And of course the tail light finisher trim has two vertical lines near the license plate so you can tell if it's a 2+2 before you pass one....

[sblake01]

So even the rear panel is different contrary to what I said in post 7.

[WalterMondale]

The rear finish panels are longer on the 2+2, and the rear of the car is 3/4" wider than the coupe. Bumpers are wider (longer) too. The bumper end caps are different some how, but I have never figured out how, other than part numbers are not the same.

The rear hatches are not the same. The hatch windows are not the same shape/size.

Front windshield part numbers are not the same, but I have read here or somewhere (by TonyD, I think) that the front glass will interchange.

Suspension in the 4 seater is rated for the heavier car with a 4 person payload. The Rear Sway bar in my 2+2 is 1 1/8"!

Edited February 21, 2009 by WalterMondale

[Hype]

Awesome, so much information! Thanks to everyone who replied. I kinda had my flame shield on, expecting to be told "SEARCH!", but as I said before I've found conflicting information.

The 2+2 weighs about 300 pounds more than the 2 seater.

Hmm that would put me at the same weight as my current 2+2, the 240SX. Add to that the difficulty in sourcing 2+2 specific parts... still, I'm bent on the idea and I'll see where it gets me.

EDIT: The Z didnt get t-tops until the 280ZX, correct?

Edited February 21, 2009 by Hype
added t-top comment