240Z NOS wheels still in Nissan boxes

[24 Ounces]

Hey All...saw this listing on Ebay (I regularly search for "240Z Original") and thought it was pretty cool. I'm one of those "purist idiots" who wants to keep everything on my 240 original, and thought there might be a couple of others on here with a similar mindset. My '72 still has its original skinny steel wheels and they appear to have been painted a semi-dull black from the factory. The wheel shown was wiped down with WD-40, so it appears shinier than it should.

Best regards to all...Alex

http://www.ebay.com/itm/240z-NEW-OEM-wheels-original-boxes-SUPER-RARE-/221013241389?hash=item33756a6e2d&item=221013241389&pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

[26th-Z]

I wonder what they are dated. Your original wheels are / should be date stamped, Alex, with a date equal to or just prior to your build date. It would be nice to see pictures of the inside - silver?

[24 Ounces]

Hey 26th Z (and 27th...figure the odds!):

My 240 was built 3/72, and 4 of its wheels are dated 2/72. The backs of the wheels are a dull silver or gray. The spare wheel (still with its orig. Toyo tire) is dated 3/72. I just asked the buyer to post the date codes of these wheels. They are located in Trinity, FL, so maybe you or Jim Frederick will end up with them? BTW...love that avatar!

[Arne]

Also note that the seller doesn't mention the width or part number. There were 3 different widths for 240Zs - 4 1/2", 5" and 5 1/2". As I recall they used 4 1/2" through 8/71 and 5" from 9/71 through the end of the 280Z. The 5 1/2" was available as a "performance" option from Nissan Parts, but never factory installed for the North American market.

[24 Ounces]

Arne:

We always get interesting info from you. I have a couple of early Z questions I want to post on here...I'll take a couple of photos and get them on here in the next day or 2. I need to check out your Z blog...is it aimed at original Zs?

[Carl Beck]

The 5 1/2" was available as a "performance" option from Nissan Parts, but never factory installed for the North American market.

Hi Arne:

I'd go a little farther than that even. Not only were they never factory installed for North America - they were never shipped from the factory to the U.S. via Nissan's Parts System.

I tried to order the Optional 5.5" wheels from Nissan in 1970, 71, 72, 73 and finally gave up in 1974. I worked for a Datsun Dealer in 71, 72, 73 & 74 and the Parts Managers did everything they could to try to get a set of the subject wheels shipped from Japan... it never happened.

For several years as "Vintage or Historic" racing gained popularity in the 90's - we tried again to find any documentation that a single set had ever been sent to the US. So that the Z's could run wider wheels against the competing Porsches / Madza's etc. Again no luck. Narrow wheels and relatively small brakes put the 240Z's at a disadvantage against newer model competitors in venues where they had to run "stock" spec.'s

Ron Johnson {Nissan competition Parts} sent me the following from his research back in the 90's

- - Quote - - -

The 5.5" optional steel rim (40300-E4600) was first shown as a option

in the 12/71 update of the (US) Z parts book. It was carried thru

subsequent updates until 12/72 when it was shown as "out of production".

There is remained until the 12/75 update when its reference was deleted

entirely. A Datsun in-house memo (dated June 2, 1970) indicates that the "

..... optional wheels have passed the FMVSS standards." Also, if you look

on the spec page of the 1970 Z sales brochure (dated 2/70), you will note

that the 5.5" rims are shown as an option. FYI, suggested list price for

the 5.5" rim in 1970 was $13.50 each ($US).

RJ

- - - - -End Quote - - - - - -

The Nissan Sports Option Catalog 1973 shows a "Road Wheel" PN 40300-E4200 5 1/2J x 14. Again, we never had any luck getting a set sent though the Nissan Parts system to the US.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Edited May 2, 2012 by Carl Beck

[Carl Beck]

Also note that the seller doesn't mention the width or part number.

Hi Arne:

There is an answer to a question there now - - 1/79. So these wouldn't be of much use to anyone wanting date correct wheels for their 240Z. Maybe good for someone restoring a 280ZX-R.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Arne]

Arne:

I need to check out your Z blog...is it aimed at original Zs?

Sort of. It tracks my time and experiences with the 240Zs. The first one was intended to be a mild rest-mod, but the focus shifted to more original after I bought the red one.

[Arne]

Hi Arne:

I'd go a little farther than that even. Not only were they never factory installed for North America - they were never shipped from the factory to the U.S. via Nissan's Parts System.

I tried to order the Optional 5.5" wheels from Nissan in 1970, 71, 72, 73 and finally gave up in 1974. I worked for a Datsun Dealer in 71, 72, 73 & 74 and the Parts Managers did everything they could to try to get a set of the subject wheels shipped from Japan... it never happened.

For several years as "Vintage or Historic" racing gained popularity in the 90's - we tried again to find any documentation that a single set had ever been sent to the US. So that the Z's could run wider wheels against the competing Porsches / Madza's etc. Again no luck.

Carl, don't forget about the semi-mythical set of 4 that was on the R&T test car in the July 1971 issue.

Edited May 6, 2012 by Arne

[Taz0162]

Ok I have to admit that is pretty cool. Just proves that there is still a lot of nos items still out there.