Bonzi Lon

Well let me tell how it used to be in the old days... There was no electronic fuel injection or computers of any kind in cars. Cars had carburetors and chokes. When you first started your cold carbureted car, it ran "OK" if you were lucky, and "poorly" if you weren't. If you were lucky, you could let it sit at high idle for a minute or so to warm up before you went off down the road, and if you weren't lucky, you had to sit there for a minute and nurse it to keep it running. Then once it was running well enough that you felt confident that you could pull out into traffic without stalling in front of someone, you could get moving on your way. As you put a few miles behind you and the engine continued to warm up, it gradually got better and better until it ran "good". This is the exact same routine I went through in the winters of 77 to 79 in order to get to college class on time, 73 with flat tops. Bonzi Lon

After driving my car about 3K miles, I couldn't stand the noise at about 2200 to 2700 RPM. Took it to a Mom & Pop shop, replaced from the header back with 2 1/4" pipe, placing a resonator in the center and a round muffler in back. The muffler was originally for a small tractor, 16 X 6 with center in & out finished off with a chrome tip 2 inches further than the bumper. Bonzi Lon

When I bought my car in 77 it also had an after market AM-FM 8-Track 'Craig PowerPlay' with 'Jenson' 6X9's in the tail finisher. The up-down switch had been moved to the inside of the glove box on the left side lip. I had no idea what it was for until a friend was playing with it and the radio was fading out then back in. I thought that was a cool 'hidden' feature for the car. We never wore seat belts back then, so the reach was no problem, unlike now. Bonzi Lon

A well experienced Datsun mechanic has always said, "If you can stop the fan at idle with a 'TV Guide', the clutch is not working." I would assume any magazine you didn't like would work. Bonzi Lon

My guess is he has several warehouses with project cars he has forgotten about. Bonzi Lon

I was told by the State of Kansas it 'must of been a legally issued tag', they require a photo copy of the plate being used before the plate is given an OK. The company offering the repo plates above have the wrong color for the 73 Kansas plate. Bonzi Lon

I figured it was some dissolved residue in the lines. Bonzi Lon

I may have posted that 'red kote' is popular with the farmers and ranchers around here, however I used 2 kits of 'KREEM' to do my tank. After it was done, many on the forums denounced the stuff, as coming off in time. The tank was done in the summer of 06 and didn't see fuel until spring of 08, more than enough cure time. I think that is as key as prep to having a good job done. The first year with 3K miles, the fuel filter was slightly brown, changed out and has been clear ever since, but still replace every year. Last year I was going to drop the tank for a fume leak and to look inside, but it was repaired without dropping it. Wonder if a camera on a snake could take a peek? Bonzi Lon

Mine had a severe shake at about 35 to 40 mph for quite some time. It was found the ny-lock nut, under the black cap, on the shock rod had decided to un-lock and un-thread itself. Half of the shock rod was gone and the 'D' shaped hole in the insulator was wobbled to a large round hole. Both replaced, no problem, however I do take the caps off now & then just to check the ny-lock nuts. Hang in there, you can do it, I did. Bonzi Lon

Taking the seat out helps with installation. I've used a hook shaped wire to remove the clevis pin, then I found a long set of needle nose plyers, they help in working the solid pin in and out of the clevis. A set of long right angle needle nose helped in putting the clevis pin back into that little hole, and to push the pin in or out of the clevis. In other words, its like watch & clock making, use the tools as your fingers. Bonzi Lon

...and its a beautiful shade of blue!!! Bonzi Lon

The very first Z-Car thread I ever read was about a hood cable breaking with the hood closed, that scared me. Like beandip, I made a new redundant cable out of picture frame wire, attached to the release lever, over to near the booster then down to the frame rail. Earlier this year when opening the hood, the cable snapped. In less than a minute, I was on the floor unhooking the redundant cable, one small pull and the hood was open. Boy did that feel good! Bonzi Lon

My very late, 7-73 has the flat tip. The antenna is always down for fear of breakage and no radio, yet. It was commented on / questioned at Branson. I never noticed it before. For such a small detail, I like the pointed one better. Bonzi Lon

^^^Agreed. Part #B6370-E4100, wiper blade, Courtesy Nissan 1-800-527-1909. They were $14.33 each in November 09, with the cool metal frame. Bonzi Lon

On the secret handshake; Does running original steelies and wheel covers make up for the picture window in the roof? Bonzi Lon

grantf, you can quit. I did it 15 years ago cold turkey, no patch or gum, wanted off of nicotine. After the first 2 weeks it got better, couldn't go back now. Best thing I ever did for myself. I imagine the sewing machine you have is way to light for the work you want to do. I've been around the sewing industry some years ago. It takes some heavy machines, some special, for carpet, leather and other materials. You might try to find an interior shop and ask around for what you are wanting to do, even though expensive you can ask and see what you could be up against. Only an hour away from me is the 'McPherson College Automotive Restoration Institute'. They offer a week long class on 'Upholstery & Trim' in the summer off season, one class I hope to attend. Bonzi Lon

That is a low engine number. Bonzi Lon

It is my understanding that all the plug and pipe type threads on our Z's are British Pipe Thread. This was mentioned in plugging off ports on the balance tube. Please correct me if this is wrong. Bonzi Lon

I will put out there, Physics. The viscosity of the oil will make it stick to the cam. With a properly adjusted valve train, the oil will be 8 to 10 thousands thick on the base circle ready to lubricate the rocker as it rotates. The spray bar in its stock position allows time to fill the base circle. The hole on the internally oiled cam is on the back side of the wipe so it also has time to fill the base circle. At least that is how I see it. Bonzi Lon

The coolant cap on my 73 has a '15' on the end. Could that be a pressure rating? It has not leaked since Dealership installed. The rear pipe T had been flattened & soldered shut. A long, long time ago, 1980 and 11K miles now. Bonzi Lon

With an internal oiled cam you will need block off plates where the spray bar was and verify there is a plug in the back of the cam. Bonzi Lon

Float might be stuck, like mine was. Tapped the top of the bowl lid no more sticking. Might need to see if it is floating or sticking. Bonzi Lon

Get the 2-1 piece coated after welding it is visible from the top of the engine bay, it would look odd if not coated. This compressor can run about anything. Bonzi Lon

There should also be a small brass filter in each of the fuel bowl lids, remove the banjo bolt on the lid to get to them. Bonzi Lon

Yep, that was Grandpa's concoction of choice, and a few choice swear words. Bonzi Lon