Which parts would you start hoarding ?

[Unkle]

This is a scenario : Knowing the end is near for some common parts to no longer be available , what would you buy right away befor becomimg extinct ? Or , what parts are getting really hard to find, and it's now time to get them ? Specifically for the early 240z , but mention other possible NLA stuff as well !

[d240zx2]

I would suggest crunchable things, like front turn signal housing/lenses. I was able to get a replacement, but the pickin's were slim.

Headlight buckets might be another item. Sheet metal??

Anything else????

Frank

[Walter Moore]

How ironic is it that this discussion is taking place under a banner ad that proclaims "50,000 Z and ZX parts available"?

But if pressed I would suggest that the hard to find parts will be the plastic lenses for the turn signals and running lights. After that you would want to save parts that are difficult to rebuild, and are specific to the particular year of car you own.

Personally I expect that parts for the S30 will be generally easier to get in the future than the S130 or the Z31/Z32 because the early cars have more of a following. (And the Z31/Z32 are still new enough to be the target of future cash for clunkers boondoggles.)

[geezer]

I don't know if this is considered hoarding but I am constantly on the lookout for any parts that are NOS or in a much better condition than what I have. This has resulted in a sizable stash of extras, but not new parts. Every single part on my Z that is not new is subject to be replaced when something better comes along. Other than that, I dont really hoard parts. If I did, and wanted to remain stock, I suppose it would be the parts that are not easily replaced by an aftermarket supplier, such as early wheel cylinders or brake drums. The original mechanical parts supply has held up well and also has been covered by aftermarket replacements, but original Nissan parts are still considered to be the best. Cam followers immediately come to mind here as well when it comes to unmatched Nissan quality & durability. I think I would put them on my hoard list if I had one. There are many parts that could be put on such a list, but I am more of a go get it when needed guy than a hoarder.

[lonetreesteve]

I would say '70 -'71 Ash tray assemblies. '70-'71 consoles, "D" wheel covers, 240Z rear tail lights in good condition with good chrome trim, Series I steering wheels, rear hatch glass (either the very rare clear glass from early Series I cars and the '70, '71 and very early '72 rear hatch glass with vertical defroster lines. Additionally, sets of early stock steel wheels with matching dates. NOS 240Z horn pads and NOS 240Z outside rear view mirrors are a couple of other items.

[psdenno]

I agree with the items lonetreesteve added above. Those plus the four corners (headlight buckets, and all lenses) that are prone to crash or bump damage. Window metal trim pieces will also hoard well.

Dennis

[Unkle]

Err , maybe ''hoard'' describes something negative . How about squirrel away ? I got rid of an early Dec 1970 parts car , and now I think I should have removed some of the items listed in the above replies ! :stupid:

[richard1]

original radio face plate, antenna electric switch, stainless window trims, door lock mechanisms, antenna nut and plastic insulator, map light lense plate........just a few among others.

[FastWoman]

Mine is a 280, not a 240, so I'm building a different parts inventory. I'm strategizing based on how the life expectancy of parts compares to my own life expectancy. Like Ron, My #1 consideration is whether there will likely be an aftermarket source. I have already decided to make my life much simpler and strive for a goal of "mostly OEM," not "100% OEM." I'll be willing to engage in retrofit solutions where necessary, but keep to OEM where possible. The one exception might be the fuel injection system, which I think is important historically as a 1st gen Jetronic system. (I'll try very hard to keep it intact without mods.) Anyway, my parts accumulation strategy is based on numerous decisions, including my long term objectives for the car.

Given the popularity of these cars, I think anything required to keep the car running will eventually have an aftermarket source or a reasonable mod/retrofit procedure; however, that will quite possibly be with a serious change in the OEM configuration. For instance, the 280Z might have to be carbureted. I recently bought new air intake boots for my 280 and have them sealed in a plastic bag. I just bought a fuel injection computer off of Ebay pretty cheaply and will be testing it over the next few days. I'll eventually acquire a spare air flow meter.

For plastic parts, I may be learning the art of molding/fabricating my own using polyurethane resin. The stuff is sort of expensive, but certainly cheaper than the parts.

The complex padded surfaces, such as the dash, can be done by companies specializing in that art.

There are aftermarket sources for the body parts. Headlight buckets come in either metal or fiberglass. The fiberglass ones will survive anything but a wreck.

Other crunchable parts, such as the grill and the air cleaner (in the 280) may have no aftermarket source. I might look for spares for those.

With so many Z's out there, enthusiasts will either find or create ways to keep their machines on the road, at least during my lifetime. That's why I decided to own a Z and not, say, a Jaguar E type (which I think is ultra-cool).

[CoastGuardZ]

How ironic is it that this discussion is taking place under a banner ad that proclaims "50,000 Z and ZX parts available"?

Pretty funny. I guess a subtitle to the thread could be "Parts 50,001 through ~ 50,020"

I would agree with all who mentioned the Turn Signals and 240 Taillights with good Chrome.