What do you think about a print version "Tips, Tricks, and Mods" guide?

[billyjarrell]

My name is Billy Jarrell and I have been a member here since Feb. 2006. I lurked on this site and other Z car related sites for a while before that. One thing I've noticed is the the information on these forums has been invaluable to me and building/maintaining my Datsuns. I have been a Z car nut since before I could drive, my first car was a 75 280Z 2+2 I bought at age 15 for $750 and have owned 3 more since. I've been kicking an idea around with a friend of mine in publishing and he likes it so I'd like to hear your thoughts. I would like to collect all the tips, tricks, modifications, or any other specialized information that the factory service manuals or owners manuals don't give you and compile it into a print book. Things like engine swap specifics, brake options, electrical upgrades, ect.. I know I wouldn't be able to just copy posts, but take the information and clean it up in my own words giving credit wherever due, and asking permission from individuals or websites to post any pictures. Obviously giving credit to any websites or individuals that make special contributions also. I think it would be nice to have all that information in book form, what do you think? Thanks, Billy

[psdenno]

I think it would be nice to have all that information in book form, what do you think? Thanks, Billy

That's kind of what the internet already does, with the added advantage of instant updates, additions, and the ability to be interactive. Paper & ink books are nice, but they're becoming very "last century" as we move along with the advances in technology.

Sorry to say, I can now do more research with my cell phone than with a visit to the library or book store.

Dennis

Edited November 28, 2009 by psdenno

[geezer]

I think it would be a massive undertaking to compile this information into a single book in a manner that would relay useful information as effectively as is done online today. I would certainly be interested in looking through such a book and perhaps even buying a copy, but I'm one of those guys that still appreciates the benefits of hard copy over computer stored files for the convenience of quick reference, or just for an enjoyable read. The problem I see with a subject such as "tips, tricks and modifications is the relatively short amount of time before the book would be considered "dated" and not something someone who is interested in "getting it done", would buy. Tips, tricks and modifications is an evolving subject and for the best up to date information, people will turn to the internet. It would be a noble project putting this book together, but in my opinion, not profitable enough to publish.

[Mikes Z car]

The value of a book like that for me would be if it focused on how to replace parts no longer available with parts possibly from other makes that are plentiful and reliable. A complete brake assembly replacement then ideally would be a bolt-on from a car that was made in large numbers and is known to be reliable. In this line of reasoning the assembly could come from any manufacturer foreign or domestic.

Mike

Edited November 28, 2009 by Mikes Z car

[billyjarrell]

Thanks for the replies. I do understand what you're saying about the internet more or less replacing paper and ink books, but I personally prefer these versions. I know not everyone would feel this way but it just seems more comfortable to me. As for the information being dated, I do think that would be an issue on some subjects to a degree, but these cars have been around for a long time and I think there are some fixes that are almost universal like doing the headlight relay upgrade or adding a ZX alternator and ditching the voltage reg. ( which I did on my car with help from this site and it works great! ). As for the brakes, most people know about the toyota 4x4 caliper conversions but every Z forum still has somebody asking what parts are needed and how to do it. I am not a business guru by any means, so you may be right about it not even being feasible from a cost standpoint ( I have my buddy working on that now ), what I'm most concerned about is gaining the permissions needed, then maybe start researching a little more into how much usable information I can come up with.. Just looking at the electrical questions alone that have been answered on this site it would seem like quite a bit. Again thanks for the feedback, Billy

[Zs-ondabrain]

If you were to do it, even with help, you're probably looking at a 6 to 12 month process. Compiling info, pictures, rewriting info in your own words instead of copywrite infringement or "Verbatim" text, etc, etc would take some time.

Me and Leah, my Wife, have actually discussed this very subject. Considering how much time I spend writing answers, responses and questions here at CZCC, we both figured that my time should be worth something. If we were to write a simple book, with model info, upgrades per model, years and part numbers of other cars that have parts to work with the 240Z or other S30's, it would take a considerable amount of time.

Getting permission from every contributor, recognizing all who have added the needed info and what have you would also be very time consuming. But if you got time, by all means, have at it.

Dave

[Mike]

Yes, it's a good idea. But, I don't think it's a practical. Tips tricks and mod ideas will always be changing. A book is a static resource that doesn't change. There is also a huge potential for copyright issues if you take internet media and start printing and selling it as your own.

[billyjarrell]

Thanks Mike and Zs-ondabrain, first let me say thanks, you both have been a huge help on my personal car and countless others i'm sure. Mike, as an admin do you think people would be cooperative or do you forsee problems. My thought is that if someone posts something in a public forum then they are obviously not opposed to sharing information. As for the time spent thing, you're absolutely right, time is valuable, and having written tech articles for a local magazine ( octane magazine ) I do understand its not easy. I guess the motivation comes from seeing countless books in the bookstore and thinking "wow.. someone was paid to print this.".. ha ha ha. If nothing else I guess it would be nice to just have read all of that information for myself. Again thank you, Billy

[=Enigma=]

I definitely believe there is room for a book or guide like this, but I'm not sure about the profitibility of it when all is said and done. As you pointed out there are several common practices, swaps and general improvements that could certainly be documented more clearly with all bits and pieces in one place. And yes, all of that can be found on the Internet, but if someone could get a jump start and reduce the amount of time needed to compile the necessary information and make some much needed improvements to their vehicle then why not. "How to Modify your Nissan/Datsun OHC Engine" is a perfect example of this IMHO. Most of the info is out there on the net somewhere but being able to sit down and read about it over a cup of coffee while parked at the beach is great.

As Mike and others pointed out however, some of these "common fixes/swaps" rely on parts that are becoming increasingly scarce, so whatever data you include could become quickly obsolete if it hasn't already. For example, when was the last time you found an 300ZX R200 CLSD in a junkyard, or a Maxima rear caliper bracket? I've never seen either so I went another direction with aftermarket parts that could be fleeting as well. Cross references to other possible replacement parts for both stock and swapped/improved parts would be a plus. A section on custom tools or alternatives to proprietary tools would be nice as well.

Cheers,

.

[billyjarrell]

I think you're right Enigma about some parts becoming increasingly hard to find, so I think I will include not only the O.E.M. replacement parts but also things like the aftermarket brackets to use 240sx rear brakes, or the custom mounts used to mount the Infinity differential. ( Modern Motorsports, and Arizona Z Car ) I would like to do a step by step installation guide for a lot of the aftermarket parts also. I think most people have an idea how to do most things, but when parts get custom or things need modified it may be hard to find clear instructions. I've decided to go ahead with the research part of this project, so don't be surprised if some of you get emails or PM's asking to use your pictures or questions about some post you may have made. Thanks again everyone, Billy

[rjracin240]

Think it would be a great idea, being an occasional visitor to this site hybridz and other Z and 510 sites makes it difficult at times to find some pretty common answers.

I am in to buy a book if you do it, maybe I am just "Old School"!

[fiveleaf]

I prefer paper as well. I think a printable function may be useful on this website, actually.

A few months ago, I went to the printers and individually clicked on the many, many pages printed from various sections. From the incredibly informational "shock and strut" pages, to Differential stickie(s?), to the more practical "wiper motor upgrade" (thanks Dave) or "Fixed the door slamming issue".

My apologies, as I have certainly mixed up articles from hybrid and classic z.

If there was a more printer-friendly way of doing this, I'm going to feel like such an arse... because it might have been your tax dollars hard at work.

Edited January 17, 2010 by fiveleaf