zbane

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1970-JDM-FAIRLADY-Z-RHD_W0QQitemZ220055435808QQihZ012QQcategoryZ6187QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Buy it now $5900, but it seems to have some "issues," not the least of which is the poorly written description.

The Century is such a beautiful car, I wish so much that they had been sold here in the US. Of course, I wish the same for the Skyline, and many, many others, but what can one do (besides import)? In the glamour casino shot, I can fully imagine Diplomatic plates and fender flags on the car, and I imagine that was the destiny for many of these. Your friend did very well getting this car, it seems to be in truly magnificent condition. By the way, Alfadog, are you a photographer? If not, you should be. Thanks for giving us yanks another reason to be jealous. O, my favorite one is the shot entitled "This is JDM"

Thanks for the diagram, TomoHawk. Ya, those speakers are worth it, easily mounted, and discreet. You can mount them up high, by the sun visors, or down low over the dash, anywhere inbetween. Those I linked to were marked at $99, and I saw others for $30, but who knows about the quality.

Max, (and everyone else, of course) My sister has a pair like these in her Miata. They are one inch speakers, that, when combined with normal type speakers, really add punch to the system. With the top down, you can still hear the stereo, even on the Highway. I imagine they would do well in our Z's with the windows down, and the best part is-they mount on the A pillar with clips so you don't have to cut into anything. These (or something similar) would go beautifully with Dave's strut tower design. FWIW http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Polk-Polymer-1-Composite-Dome-Tweeter-DB1000/sem/rpsm/oid/126420/catOid/-13641/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

Did it taste like Garlic?

I think one of the simpler ways to deter theft would be to install a battery disconnect switch. While most of these devices are located around the battery, I think it might be possible to set up a system where the switch is located in an easier to reach (yet concealed) location, say under the dash. Just an idea, nothing more. Welcome to the club.

Brendan, your enthusiasm and willingness to jump in and help out as you have in your first couple of posts is commendable, and your ideas are along the right lines, but I would imagine that Sporto has either given up on the car, or on this site, seeing as his post is from 7 months ago. Hopefully, he got the problem figured out, but we may never know. Don't worry, I think most of us have accidentally brought up an old abandoned thread before, I know I have. Anyway, why not post some photos of your Z, as well as any questions you may have-I'm sure someone will be able and willing to help!

Deborah, welcome to the club, I've got a '79 zx, so you're not alone. Occasionally, we (the zx owners) will be given a hard time, but it's all in good fun. Everyone here is full of information, inspiration and great ideas. Feel free to ask questions, explore the site, and become accustomed to the search feature-lots of advice there that applies to all Z cars, including the 280zxs.

I concur on the steering wheel-it just doesn't look good in there. First, it's just too shiny (in contrast with the otherwise nice interior); second, it's got (and brings) the wrong attitude to the interior. The flame job, while not my style, is nicely done. It's non obtrusive, the blending into the yellow seems smooth-overall quality paint job. Maybe it's not right on a Z, but I've seen worse flame jobs before, and this one seems tastefully, thoughtfully done. What I hope they deal with before auction are a couple little things. Maybe I'm nitpicking here, but there seems to be something wrong in the hood area. Look at the rough edge on the under-hood right side area of the photo, and the metal piece that lines the black bars, notice the stuff on the bumper that should have been cleaned up before the photos were taken. Next-passenger side rear corner-looks as though it has been mangled, then hammered/forced back into place (almost), then painted. This should be a smoother line, no? Also, the veriticle rubber peices on the bumper seem to be coming loose from thier mounts. Makes it look as though they were just slapped on with the minimum adhesive. The hatch-is it open (but not lifted) or is it closed (but tweaked)? The left taillight looks of kilter in comparison to the right, though in fairness, this could just be the angle of the photo. Yes, these are all little things, but for a car going to auction, with the hopes of getting good money, they are things that should have been addressed already. How you handle the little things speaks volumes about how you handle the big things.

Here's my contribution to the snowy list.

Look at your Z as a long term commitment, the more you put in, the more you get out. Sometimes it's a give and take, and sometimes you'll get mad, but ultimately, once you've come to your senses, you'll have a stronger bond with your Z and be able to appreciate her more. Try to spend some time with her, tinker a little, put something together. One thing at a time, just to show yourself some progress.

I wonder what the Heads of Ferrari think about this? I think it'd be great if they invited this guy to Modena (or wherever) for a photo shoot with the 1:1 scale version, maybe let him do a lap in it...

To start with, I'd want the designers to think about the fun/cost ratio. The original Z line (stopping at my ZX) all had the price right. Fair quality, fair to excellent handling dynamics, and favorable MPG, tucked into a usable, stunning package. Mazda got the formula right with the mx-5 miata, and GM hit pretty close with the Solstice/Sky. So far as design traits, I am tired of the whole "Cab Forward" design. Give us the long bonnett, let us sit closer to the rear axle than the middle of the floor pan, and for goodness sake, don't even think about a 2+2 model. Sports Cars Are For Two People Only! (Otherwise, it's a sport sedan, damnit) Do not offer 6 different trim levels. Infiniti can sell a decked out version (with a decked out price), but Nissan should sell a bare bones performer at a reasonable price. One last thing (for now) Give it a STRAIGHT SIX, and get BRE involved with some aftermarket items or modification, like BMW did with John Cooper. Doing so would show respect to the originals, a respect for history.

ktm, yes I realize it's modified, and I actually respect it on this one. The time and trouble that the owner went through on the body is impressive, and I think it turned out pretty well, unlike the yellow Camaro conversion that some may remember. Both these listed auctions are trying to sell thier cars for what they put in them, and that's the funny part, not so much how their cars came out.

Oh, I don't know, Will. I think this one tops you post. I especially like how the front end from a Firebird was grafted on. Somehow with the new front end, the car picks up a Porsche 944 feel, I really don't know what to think, other than it's a mess. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1973-DATSUN-240Z-WITH-MODIFIED-CHEVY-350-VERY-FAST_W0QQitemZ320051988093QQihZ011QQcategoryZ6187QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem All this for a BIN of 12,000!

Something new every day, thanks for pointing that out, Arne.

My thought on this would be an electrical issue, especially since it is happening with the new pump. So, I would start looking at the usual suspects-Fuses and connection points. Take your time and be thorough.

Welcome to the group, there is so much useful info here, not to metion the fun to be had with like minded folks. Get yourself used to the search function, it will guide you to many solutions (and more questions). You might want to reconsider restoring #4312, a lower number car is nice to have. Anyway, welcome to the site, Z you around.

Well, Ian, you know what's best for your particular situation. You also know that you've got our support, no matter what. The Protoge will do right by you, just check the CV joints if you hear any clicking.

I agree with 76Datsun280z wholeheartedly. Ian, I did a quick autotrader search for your area and found this-ecclectic, reliable, good winter driver, sporty, worth looking at (or at least thinking about) http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/dda/detail.jsp?result_car_id=208110013&dealership_view_name=www.richscarcorner.com&car_id=208110013&dealer_id=1155008 It's a 1982 VW Scirocco, a sporty little demon in its time. Save your 240 for a time in the future when you'll be able to get her back on the road. I gave up a 75 Fiat Spider because I "didn't have the money" to fix her, but I had the money to get another car. I still kick my arse over it. I relate to your money/car situation (we all do), and I can assure you that if you were to part your Z and get something else, you'll regret it FOREVER. You've already committed yourself to spending 1500, so why not get yourself a beater, and keep the Z in one piece? Come on now. You know it's the right thing to do! edit-the thumbs are just representations I googled. the actual photos wouldn't come up for me on autotrader, but those are '82 models, so you know what it looks like.

My pleasure-How's the unpacking going? ...Wait a minute, that's why you wanted to know who else from the boards is near...I'm onto you and your evil plans...

Just did a quick "las vegas" search and came up with these, but I thought there were more. eddyonelv 77JAPAN richard1 clutchdust A thought for the future-would there be any way to compile a list of member's locations? It would be neat to see where our membership is located. Such a thing might be useful for anyone in Russell's situation, or anyone travelling (with/out thier Z). Just a thought.

Is yours one of those automatic climate control units, or is it the traditional variety? Not knowing much about this, I'll hazard a guess-if it's an automatic unit, perhaps the temp sensor is out or malfunctioning. If this were the case, then the fan wouldn't know when to come on. Perhaps it's a problem with the ECU. Have you got a Factory Service Manual? If not, I'd suggest hunting one down, they've got great troubleshooting guides.