I'm gonna regret this...Part II

[justaZcarguy]

Here's part one:

Ok, here we go,

The PREVIOUS owner of my '74 converted the rear light system to this somewhat Ferrari 308, of which I will have pic's of tomorrow for your review...

Has anyone seen this in the past?

I hated it at first, now it seems to be growing on me or I am getting lazy in the switchover. Or switchback whichever it is.

Give me some feedback on this, I will post the pics tomorrow.

I can't afford the Ferrari (yet) and (give me about a hundred years) I figure if I want a Ferrari butt I should get the dog too..

Let 'er rip...It's up to you guys / gals...

AND THE SAGA CONTINUES!!!

Here are the pics of the rear of the Z, I still can't decide, and I checked my stock and the tail asslembly I have is from a 280...

Here we go, and like I said, I'm gonna regret this....

Remember, I did not do this I am mearly seeking opinion....

Godspeed.

Bri

[26ounce]

I like it! If my Z had the same tail lights I would not convert back to the original.

IMO the tail lights of the earlier Zs is the one design aspect I don't really like that much. To me it kind of looks like an afterthought, particularly when compared to modern cars where a lot of time is spent integrating the tail lights into the design. Any tasteful attempt to improve the look of the tail lights is a worthwhile effort I'd reckon.

Thats my 2 cents worth (which rounds down to zero in Aus these days).

[EScanlon]

Modifications are like fashion. What one person loathes another can't do without, and others that just go along with whatever the masses do.

Personally, I like the original lights on the 240.

I'm not knocking the ones you have, they are different and they look ok. However, I'm no fan of the Ferrari Tail Lights either. I would personally have opted for something else if I had been forced to change the tail lights for whatever reason.

Would I change the car back to original? If that were my intent in cleaning / repairing the car, Yes. If my intent were only to fix it to a mechanically and structurally sound condition, then probably not.

You need to determine what your END GOAL is. If it is a pristine concours restoration, change the lights, paint the car, get the original wheels etc etc. If you are looking for a Custom Hot Rod built on a Z shell, then knock yourself out with the modifications. If you are restoring the car to period correct customization, then it might be fine as is.

2¢

[Rob]

I quite like them. Never figured out why Datsun didn't give the Z round tail lights. They gave them to the 240k after all.

Maybe the round lights were destined for the Z all along but there was a mix up in the design studio?

[Britt Boyette]

Are you sure they are not from an Opal GT? I do like the look of them but they look a little small to be 308GTB lights.

Britt

[Zedrally]

Silly question, but where are the reverse lights?

[justaZcarguy]

What reverse lights?

That's one thing that I do not like...

Not that I spend that much time in reverse.....

Although I wish I could in life.....

And Britt, I'm not sure what they are out of....Anton (previous owner) was at a show of some kind and this guy was sellling the setup. It's a one piece part that goes across the taillight portion....

Happy T-day....

And thanks for the feedback!!

Enjoy your families today and let's all be thankful for our Z's.

B

[dohc]

Just had to add that I do like them, no matter what they are from. I agree with the rest of the crew, I wouldn't change them!

R.

[gogriz91]

Don't feel bad if you like them. i wonder if they are from that conversion kit you used to be able to buy to turn an early model Z into a 250GTO lookalike? They seem somewhat bland to me, but I am in ove with the traditional look, so just "Enjoy the ride" whatever the tail may look like. As these cars get older, it's less a function of how the lights look as it is how well they work!

PS Where is Forest Grove? If you ever think you're having a bad day, I'll trade places with you. There's a lot of beautiful country in Oregon.

[Doehring]

I like that look. Similar rear lights were at the Ferrari 308. I heared that they were also used by Fiat at their 850 Coupe and other models - not that expensive!

Rolf