bobs77

That was the most beautiful Z I've ever seen--but I agree, she should have jumped all over the $45000 bid. No idea why some fool would have paid that much, plus buying fees, but some people have more money than brains..... Meanwhile I can't sell my '77 because it doesn't have air conditioning. Seriously.

Thats what I heard too. MSA thinks they're supposed to be shipping again in March.

Thanks Steve, that's what I was hoping for. When I bought this car I removed the "dead" aftermarket system and it didn't seem too complicated.

I think the reason she pegged the reserve at $60000 was because that was what she spent on the restoration. It's a beautiful car.....but she should have jumped at the $45000 that the bidding got up to. I can't see her getting anywhere close to what she wants. But I hope she can for the rest of us....

Better yet, here's a link to the Mecum site for this car: http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=CA0811-113491

Yep--I have the flyer from the auction. I'll scan it and attach it tomorrow.

Thanks Dennis. Any idea how long the installation took?

I'm thinking of installing the MSA air conditioning kit into my '77 S30. Anyone here who has installed one willing to share their experiences?

I went to the Mecum auctions last August in Monterey, and saw a '78 280 that had just been restored by the original owner. New hardware throughout, rebuilt 2.8l from a ZX, rebuilt tranny (her original 4 speed--no idea why she didn't drop a 5 speed into it), "Mercedes" carpet, she had power steering, mirrors and windows installed, upgraded the stereo system and topped it off with a beautiful new paint job and 16" wheels. She showed me the appraisal paperwork..........$61,000! It went on the block the next day, and bidding actually got up to $40,000, but didn't meet her reserve of $60,000 so she's going to drive it for a year and put it back on the block next August.

What was the original engine compartment bellypan color? I've seen discussions on it several years ago but couldn't come up with a hit when I did a search. Thanks

Thanks Mike.

A couple of months ago there was a discussion about the best/lowest cost suppliers to buy parts from, and someone (Will or Arne?) listed a comparison of costs for a new console from various sources and posted it here. I've tried searching for the thread but can't find it. Anyone know where that link is?

That's crazy. You should have a policy that will allow you to drive your car--for pleasure--whereever, whenever you want to without having to notify them. Go to Hagerty.....

I vote Cool Dad! And I'm with Overdrivex, restore it with your son. I read a series of articles a few months ago in Classic Motorsports about a Triumph Spitfire the author rebuilt with his son; great learning experience for his son, and gave them a project to bond over. Wish my dad had done that with me when I was young....

Carl--shouldn't the gauge go between the filter and the inlet to the fuel rail?

Don't mean to beat this dead horse again, but I wanted to find out if I'm asking too much or did I just get a jerk at Courtesy Nissan. I bought a new FPR from Courtesy, installed it and instead of the fuel pressure increasing to 36.3 psi, it dropped to between 26 and 30. Thinking I got a defective FPR I called Courtesy and was told I'd have to take the car to a local dealer to have it tested. And, oh yeah, I may get charged for the test. Before I call the Parts Manager at Courtesy I wanted to find out from you guys if asking them to replace the FPR without getting it verified at the local Nissan dealership is asking too much, or was the parts guy at Courtesy trying to blow me off. (The FSM is pretty straight forward about it--if the pressure is below 36.3 psi, replace the FPR.) If the pressure is even lower after the replacement the new part is defective. I buy all my parts from them and haven't had problems in the past. I know they support the Z community, but the attitude of the guy I talked to is making me re-think that. Thanks

Thanks for the feedback Stephen. Outside of this one issue the engine runs fine--starts quickly every time (even though the fuel pressure only goes up to 32psi, and drops to zero within a few hours of shutting the engine off), runs smoothly and doesn't over heat. I'll continue to work on this but won't lose any sleep over it.

I just installed a new Nissan FPR and started the car. The fuel pressure was 30psi; when I clamped the return line it jumped to 55. So this means the new PFR is bad?

Thanks for the suggestions: --I replaced the Water Temp Sensor 4 years (5000 miles) ago.

I replaced the check valve in my stock pump ('77 280Z) and it still bleeds down. Fuel pressure is a little low at 32psi, not 36.3. It runs well most of the time, except on warm days when I try to re-start it after driving for a while. When it starts the idle speed is only ~600 and it runs rough. I have to bring the idle up to ~2000 for 10-15 seconds and then it's fine. I tested the regulator per the FSM and it passes, and there are no visible leaks anywhere so is this a sign the pump is showing it's age?

Nice timimg--I just got the latest Eastwood catalog. Thanks for the info and pic!

Dave, what aluminum polish and clear coat did you use? Bob

Yep, started it yesterday, using 1000 grit. The flat surfaces aren't too bad but there are alot of pits that'll take more work before I move up to 1500. Think I'll pick up dremel polishing bits to take care of the lettering and pits. Here's a couple of pics of where I am now. (The stripping gel in the background is for the next project, cleaning up a set of ZX wheels)

How did you guys clean/polish around the letters on top of the valve cover?