New owner from the Houston Area

[BDJeff]

Greetings gang, I'm the proud owner of a new-to-you 1971 Z I won on BaT. Looks to be an early Series II.  Been wanting a Z for more than 20 years and so I finally went for it.  I've also got a restored 1969 SRL311 so I'm no stranger to cool Japanese cars.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-datsun-240z-38/

This is a bone stock car, the only exception is the air pump and piping have been removed.  I flew to Minneapolis and drove it home!  No issues until I got to Dallas where it started losing power.  I originally thought it was an air leak in the fuel line but turns out it was just a clogged fuel filter.  Made it home safely otherwise.  Also just discovered the battery date was 06/06!!  Amazing I made it home.  Just proves once again how these old Japanese cars are the most reliable vehicles out there.   I think I'm getting a grip on where to get parts, however, where can I get the threaded wheel center cones (check out the pictures)?  The hole is 3" which doesn't seem to match anything.

Thanks for this great community

[S30Driver]

Congrats on your purchase and the drive home!   Very nice 240 you got at a great price.

If its the center caps you are looking for,  those shelby alloy wheels were a very common dealer sold item,  I have never owned a set but a number of members here have them and should be able to point you in the right direction.

[Mark Maras]

 The wheels that came on my early 71 were made by US Mags. 3" hole, screw spacing is 3 5/8". Your wheels look the same as mine. US Mags is still around. You might try them for replacement centers. Good luck.

[Mark Maras]

I'm looking for the centers on line. The centers that came on my old wheels look identical to US Mags Part # 1002-20. I'll keep looking for a 4 screw model. 

[BDJeff]

10 minutes ago, Mark Maras said:

 The wheels that came on my early 71 were made by US Mags. 3" hole, screw spacing is 3 5/8". Your wheels look the same as mine. US Mags is still around. You might try them for replacement centers. Good luck.

Excellent!  That looks to be exactly right.  Thanks for the info, looks like they sell thru dealers so I'll be able to go by and point at what I need. 

[Mark Maras]

@BDJeff Notice that the ones that are available are 5 screw. Your wheels, being 4 bolt, use the 4 screw centers.

[Mark Maras]

@BDJeff Be sure to check the lug nuts that came with those wheels. The original lug nuts have a long straight shoulder (no taper except at the tip) that makes them a PITA to remove and replace. (use anti-seize thread lube) Frequently, the originals were replaced with lug nuts that were not designed for those wheels.

[BDJeff]

Yes, I'm finding it difficult to find the four lug.  I've contacted wheelcentercap.com and asked if they have some (wonder where they got that name?   )

[Mark Maras]

 @BDJeffDon't limit your search to US mags. I suspect that many wheel companies back then US, American Racing, Fenton, Ansen sprint, Appliance, Cal Chrome, Cragar, ET, etc used a universal plastic cap. Searching while i'm writing. Possible SCORE. akhwheels.com in Ellensburg Wa. has 8 of the US Mag 4 screw centers. Be sure to verify the dimensions. Good Luck.

[BDJeff]

Scored.  Four U.S. Mag center caps on their way.  Thanks for the assist!

[grannyknot]

Congrats, I was watching the auction, looks like a very clean car with only a few minor paint issues. You will have to get use to all the thumbs up you will be getting now, have fun.

[BDJeff]

Thanks, it is a nice car, real original.  But it definitely needs some mechanical work.  I need to replace all the bushings/rubber parts in the front and rear suspension.  It sort of "hops" around in lane at freeway speeds so tracking is a bit of an issue.  I dumped the points and installed a Petronix system (have one on my SLR311) what an improvement!!

Any suggestions on who to get the bushings and lower ball joints from?