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Yes, retiring was my idea. I'm doing some part-time work till they find my replacement, but it under my terms. So nice not to fight the commute traffic every day... I'm really looking to spend more time driving the Datsun, as well as finally installing the 5-speed. Before that can happen, we need to finish moving into the new place. The house is on a 1/2 acre lot, and my 1st big project is to design & manage installation of hardscape in the large back yard. Part of the project is to also build a 16' x 22' workshop to house my wood, metal and automotive tools. I've always wanted a dedicated workshop! Next year I'm thinking of restoring another Datsun, perhaps a roadster.

Maybe it was Monday morning,

So I'm now retired. Big changes. We also relocated from the SF peninsula to the far East Bay, (Brentwood), about 70 miles. Drove the Z to it's new garage today in a light rain. It wasn't an easy start though, (literally). My battery was dead and wouldn't accept a charge. Had to buy and install a new one before I could drive her to her new home. She ran great and I declined a street race with a brand new Maserati coupe. Really? The guy wanted to race, "in heavy traffic", in the rain! We did both rev our engines inside the Caldecott tunnel. His engine sounded cooler, but my car got a lot more thumbs-up from people in other cars, (especially those who saw I wouldn't go along and do anything stupid. After about 10 miles he finally got bored and zoomed-off, zigging & zaggiing through traffic. Good riddance!. I'll need to wash her when the weather clears. Don't like the idea of salt and wet grit from the road coating everything... Pics of the Z in it's new garage to follow. Julio

Take your car jack and spread the lower control arm about a 1/4" maybe a little less, it will spring back but it will give you enough room to install the bushings.

I've had an automatic z for 18 years and love it. I never considered putting a 5 speed in it. It is best in slow stop and go traffic and accelerating away from stop lights.. The automatic allows me to have both hands on the wheel to steer that stiff steering because i've got wide wheels. Electric power steering would be a very nice upgrade for mine. My reverse gear clutches recently went bad and have a replacement transmission ready to install. 2n'd gear clutches and reverse are the weak part of this Jatco automatic. The turbo 280zx automatic trans has more clutch packs, sportier gearing, higher stall speed and is considered an upgrade. Is that orange 240z a Southern California car?

Some comparisons. It's a little cleaner and I know what's in there.

This is a very promising idea like someone said above. I half assed it am happy enough to put it back in until I do a full restore. I want to drive! Some taped over the crack and come in from the bottom side with the ABS cement and it works like a charm. Like I said, with a little more effort I could have made the cracks unnoticeable. (I think )