HELP: Need original lower front valance, grill

[sopwith21]

Hi all;

Please take a look at the nose of my '74 260z. It has been heavily modified for racing, but it is so low to the ground that I can't load the car onto a trailer without tearing it up. And since this car races at less than 125 mph, the aerodynamic advantage isn't that great.

I would like to restore the front end to a stock appearance as inexpensively as possible. I just want the car to look like it did from the factory; nothing more.

Can anyone tell me where I can find these parts? The basic grill and lower valance is (I think) all I need.

Is there a source of used parts that I should consult? Thanks for any direction you can offer.

[sopwith21]

Just to clarify visually...

Here is the front valance that I have.

Generally speaking, this is the type of front valance and grill that I want, or maybe this.

[cbuczesk]

I'd stick with the air dam. Don't you use brake ducts? I have the same air dam on my 280Z race car and 240Z race car. The nose on mine don't sag. Somethings wrong with how your air dam is mounted or maybe your front end is tweaked?

Chuck

[Zed Head]

The one that you said you wanted is the stock later model S30, big body 280Z style. Do you have a late or early 260Z?

I think that you'll have to hit the wrecking yards for that piece, or those pieces. There are three pieces - the middle section and the two ends that attach to the fenders. The middle section is typically jacked-up from skimming parking curbs or bushes, it's hard to find a good one.

The "or maybe" valance is on an early body and looks kind of like the MSA unit.

Motorsport! Fiberglass Air Dam, With License Recess & Ducts, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

[sopwith21]

The one that you said you wanted is the stock later model S30, big body 280Z style. Do you have a late or early 260Z?

I think that you'll have to hit the wrecking yards for that piece, or those pieces. There are three pieces - the middle section and the two ends that attach to the fenders. The middle section is typically jacked-up from skimming parking curbs or bushes, it's hard to find a good one.

The "or maybe" valance is on an early body and looks kind of like the MSA unit.

Motorsport! Fiberglass Air Dam, With License Recess & Ducts, 70-8/74 240Z-260Z - The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts

My 260 is an early production.

[sopwith21]

I'd stick with the air dam. Don't you use brake ducts? I have the same air dam on my 280Z race car and 240Z race car. The nose on mine don't sag. Somethings wrong with how your air dam is mounted or maybe your front end is tweaked?

[ATTACH=CONFIG]66210[/ATTACH]

Chuck

Yes, I use brake ducts big time. I think many of the stock mounting points were taken out by the original racecar builder because like you said, the valance sags. Looks awful and can barely get it on a trailer. Plus, the grill has been gutted.

The front end is not tweaked. The car has never been wrecked.

If my front end looked as good as yours, I'd leave it alone! Are you sure we have the same valances?

[cbuczesk]

If my front end looked as good as yours, I'd leave it alone!

You sure know how to make a guy blush. I usually get complimented on my rear end.

Chuck

[cbuczesk]

Yes, I use brake ducts big time. I think many of the stock mounting points were taken out by the original racecar builder because like you said, the valance sags. Looks awful and can barely get it on a trailer. Plus, the grill has been gutted.

The front end is not tweaked. The car has never been wrecked.

If my front end looked as good as yours, I'd leave it alone! Are you sure we have the same valances?

My air dam mounts to the bottom of the fenders and head light buckets. Maybe 5 bolts per side. Since that picture was taken I've added an aluminum sheet to connect the upper center section of the air dam to the radiator support to better direct air.

My air dam sometimes rubs on the ramps of the trailer.

Upon further inspection I don't have the same air dam. Pretty sure mine's a Xenon.

Chuck

[sopwith21]

Upon further inspection I don't have the same air dam. Pretty sure mine's a Xenon.

Chuck

Well then what do I do with this thing, guys? It's a royal pain and I need some parts from somewhere. Ideas? Tx!

[DougN]

I've got spares of the front under valence (middle and two ends with blinker holes) from a 240Z in good shape if you need them.

[kjohnson2444]

I bought a fiberglass replacement at Classic Datsun Motorsports. I'm very happy with it.

[gnosez]

I have a complete FG center valance and corner valance one piece unit which you could add a period correct spoiler to if you want.

Is your current front end urethane? If yes, then that's why it's sagging. It needs an inner back brace to support it at speed. Early Zs lift after 60-70mph. leave the rear spoiler while keeping the front stock will only make it lift more. From your photo it seems you may not have one.

Have you thought about either making changes to your trailer ramp (a simple addition of a 2x8 board under each wheel) or attaching your front clip with zues fasteners?

As to the brake ducts, unless you are running more than 40-60 minutes, a good set of pads won't overheat. Unless you use them too much.