forward console panel

[sjcurtis]

I found the attached picture of a fully configured late model 240z fwd console panel. I am not sure exactly which country a fully configured panel is commonly found in. Most of the 240z vehicles in this age range that I have seen have only the black inserted plastic blanks or maybe one option(the demister switch). I thought it would make interesting viewing. What have you seen in your area.

Steve:classic:

[sjcurtis]

try again

[EScanlon]

That forward console cover is considered 72 and later here in the U.S., although some late 71's had the panel.

The console that accepts this forward piece has the ash-tray located in the receiving cup for the choke / throttle assy in the early 71 and prior.

The late 71's and forward did not have the hand throttle cable, and the choke cable was different.

Again, this is for U.S. models, other countries probably differed from what I'm stating here.

Thanks for the input.

This is the best part of having people from all over the world. We've had input from the U.K., Australia, and the U.S.. What about some of our European Continent or Latin American members? Anyone from the Far East?

Thanks guys!

[Mr Camouflage]

The change in centre console design I believe was beacuse of the change in gearbox from the 69-71 to the 72-73 models. I 'm talking 5 speeds here, dunno about the 4 speeds, but apparenltly the gear sticks were in slightly different positions, causing the ashtray to be moved and the console to be redesigned.

My 72 had 3 switches on the forward pannel, but they weren't connected to anything and had no labels on them.

[sjcurtis]

That change over of consoles to accomodate the gearbox change sounds like it is on the money, more reactive change on the Z production line. The timing sounds about right as my 12/71 has the ashtray/lighter forward and choke/throttle in the middle with switch blanking plate behind. I have no electrical swiches on the console.

Steve:classic:

[DJACEY(UK)]

Following on from this previous discussion. Is it possible to use the series 1 consule design with a 5 speed gearbox ? I have a 1970 240z with a 5 speed box but would like to use the original console design if possible - has anyone done this - what mods are required ?

[sjcurtis]

DJACEY(UK),

It all depends which 5 speed gearbox you have fitted.

A 1970 A series 5 speed gearbox will match perfectly to an early console in a 1970 Zed.

If you have 1972 240z then you would need to run a B series (late series) 5 speed gearbox and a 72 or later console.

Mixing the two, is tricky as I believe the shift lever are centered diffrently, so the console match may be difficult.

I am interested in your Z, you say it is a 1970 240z, what you have is pretty rare in the UK, is it a left hand drive import or a special import from ?.

Is thier any chance, could you tell me more about your Z, the body number, engine number and colour scheme from the factory the numbers should be on the data plate in the engine bay please tell me any other information that may be interesting about it.

You can send this information by private message if that is more acceptable.

I may be able to help further if I can narrow down the exact age and body style, LH should start HLS30- and RH drive should start HS30- or S30- if it is a home market model.

cheers

Steve:classic:

[DJACEY(UK)]

Hi Steve,

My Series 1 240Z (HLS 3012585) was imported from California to the UK several years ago. It lay in someones garage for a couple of years until a bought it to use as an historic racer combining together my love of Z's and competition racing. However, I didn't bargain on caring so much about damaging the car (and my bank balance !), that unfortunately I was much to uncompetitive so I therefore decided to stop. Another couple of years later lying in a garage (mine this time), and now I working on it for fast raod/track use.

The body is excellent but the electrics were rubbish so I've ripped the old loom out and got an aerospace technician friend to put a new one together for me - taking the opportunity to uprate the wires for later and higher spec. electrical equipment e.g.

more powerful headlights. I'm also uprating the suspension with lower springs and tokico shock's plus thicker sway bars and harder bushes. I will also be switching to electronic ignition but will be keeping the standard carb's for now.

Can't decide what colour to paint the body though ? It's currently in 'Samuri' (UK 'Big Sam') colours but the original colour is orange (was it called 'Mexican' orange ?) which I must admit I have always liked and may return it back one day.

Hope this answers your questions.

Thanks for the information on the centre console.

Dave

[frank13]

Hey guys, in my experience with my Z and the breaker yards I have not seen the stlye fuse box cover in question on anything earlier than the '73. My first Zed was this year('73), and that is exactly what went over the fuse box. The seat belt lamp was tied into some sort of pressure switch under the seat bottoms, and the seat belt buckles. The choke lamp has a pin switch under the consul at the choke lever. In California I personally have not seen this set up on the '72's.:devious:

[frank13]

Also the 240 here diddn't come with five speeds. The early style 4 speeds for the early 240's had a straight stick shift lever. That ran straight up throght the tranny tunnel. Later 4 speeds like the '73 had slightly different bends to the shifters, as well as the updated 4 speed, with the non adjustable clucth slave cylinder.:devious:

[DJACEY(UK)]

Would it be possible then to modify the 5 speed stick so that it can be offset to line up with the 4 speed console ? What offset would be required to bring it into line i.e. what's the length difference between the neutral positions of the 4 and 5 speed sticks ?

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by frank13

In California I personally have not seen this set up on the '72's.:devious:

I have a 1972 titled 240Z, mfg 11/71 and it came with the pictured Fese box cover panel. There is nothing connected to the seatbelt warning indicator on my panel, but the lense is there.