geezer

Every day I learn something new about the 240Z I'm restoring. The single most appealing thing to me is the shear simplicity of it all. Not much in the way of Bells & Whistles. But it captures everything that defines a true sports car. Easy to learn about (but you never stop learning) and easy to work on. Guess you don't stop doing that either! They just grow on you. I love them all, but just happen to have a 240Z. I am one of the members here that had the pleasure of driving one in 1970. I was smitten from day one. I didn't buy one back then, but my friend did. He made a regular habit of trading off his Z, so he could ride my bike. I got the better end of that arrangement. I guess it just takes me back to precious memories.

That's great news Randy. It will be like Christmas all over again (including the bills :eek:)). Don't get the coffee & donuts too close to the car! :classic: Looking forward to seeing the pics.

Stephen - I'm glad you brought this subject up. Just one more of the things I've been mulling over. First off, do you or anyone else know the dimensions off hand, of the originals? I have mine stored elsewhere. I had a pair of seats from a 1999 Misubishi Eclipse given to me. I was told they were a good fit for the 240Z. I just never got around to comparing them to confirm that yet. I measured them: - The base is 20 1/2" at the widest point. - The back is 20" at the widest point. - Total height to the top of the back with the brackets 35" It doesn't look like the base could be lowered much.They have full tilt and slide. They are very comfortable with excellent support.

It all depends on what your expectations are. You say, you would like a little more power out of it. Triples will do that for you, at a price. You had better become an expert just to bring them to the point where they work well together and be able to maintain peak performance. Otherwise you can count on a fair share of downtime and frustration. Or you can pay someone to do this for you (not cheap). Even then expect downtime. They are not in the least bit, practical for a daily driver. Another thing that will come into play, is all the other parts you will want and need to complete the package, in order to reap the benefits. There really is no end to it. Now, if it's not a daily driver, I say great, go for it, learn all you can by reading books and talking to others running similar setups and have fun with it.

You could be right on both counts. I have designed and built some custom units. Everything from motion detection, RF signaling devices to a current silent system that will automatically call a list of predetermined cell or phone numbers. The one you have there, seems to be someone's homemade (adapted) version of whatever they had in mind. Normally, the unit you have found, would not have an aligator clip on it, but instead, would have been routed through a simple hidden toggle switch and ultimately connected to a door (or more than 1 door) switch. Anyone opening the door before disarming the ground signal with the toggle switch would set off the alarm. The "capacitor" type module you found going to the yellow wire...is it 2 legged? Of course, I haven't seen or tested this thing so don't put too much stock in what I've said.

I can elaborate some, if you want to test out my theory. With your 12V feed (fused), connect to the red wire, connect the yellow to a test light and ground the test light. The light should turn on (and I suspect pulsate). You can instead, just check for continuity from the yellow & red wire. Now ground the black wire and the light should turn off. The black wire is supplying a ground to the control side of the relay which in turn when connected will not allow continuity to the yellow wire. The yellow wire then can be used to control the 12V control side of another relay, or supply 12V to anything when the aligator clip is removed. This device probable has another feature built in to create a 12V pulse. Have fun!

A bit tough to decifer from the picture, but I'll venture a guess. It could be a normally closed relay which could be used to flash the lights and pulse the horn relay. The black wire with the aligator clip was probably used to arm it. Try feeding it a fused power supply and also, do a continuity test. It looks to be a pretty simple device. Any one else?

I have been playing catch up, on the discussions, research and work put into this effort so far. With the combined efforts of Arne, Carl & others, all of us will be able to make a better informed decision. I'm not ready for struts & springs yet but it has been just one more question in the back of my mind. Thanks to this forum and the input from everyone it will be easier to figure out. In a previous thread this week a member resurrected the debate on Tokico shocks/springs. Questions will continue to be asked about the nature of Tokico's products because of the lower price. Everyone saves a buck whenever they can. Personally, to me, the price would be a secondary factor. First I want to achieve the desired results. I'm sure many will be very happy using them and get the results they want. Just as many others will swear by their particular combination. In that thread Jeff Grauer offered to do a spring rate test on the springs supplied in the Tokico HPK 251 Kit. He is going to do this in a few weeks from now and then post his findings.

Dean - You would be able to see the tell-tale signs, if the vinyl was changed out. My guess is, it was originally white. I can see your dilema (dogs & white vinyl don't mix). These days a white interior is even more stunning to me because of the rarity, and the ladies love it too, as long as it is clean. If it was mine I would go white, but I don't have a dog anymore. You can take precautions to protect it no matter what color you choose. Tough choice, you can't leave your best friend behind.

Will - In my case, JDM Optional Parts not for my model or year. But after looking the choices over again I think you do have that covered with 4. Another case of my fingers outpacing my brain. :stupid:

Crack it open and lets have a look inside.

Will - I couldn't find an apropriate box to check but went with 1,3,5,6. I am using many performance enhancing pieces that were available around the same era, but not nessessarily correct for the year or country. Appearance wise, as correct as possible with the exception of wheels & tires.

Hi Vic - Did you try to get copies of the original pics before publication? That might be a lot easier. I kinda like the partial image effect.

This is a wild guess, but there was a company by that name that made car alarms. Drive it like you stole it!! :bandit:

From reading all these links to other sites and here, I can now see that Jon Mortensen had this debate bagged and tagged long ago. The only problem is Tokico, using the same part number for two distinctly different products.

Jeff - Just shoot me a PM when you want them. Hopefully we will be able to help someone out.

Better Late Than Never

Jeff - I am only a half an hour away from you and can swing by anytime. I can drop a new set off for you to test if you want.

Randy - I hope I didn't give the wrong impression. I value the opinions of the members here above all else. It was more of a slam against Tokico for not representing this particular product better than they do. The results you get from using any combination of struts & springs will be subjective to the individual user anyways. I have learned all I know (which amounts to not much) about the intracacies of the Z, from the members here and other sites I frequent on the web. And I learn more every day under the expert tutelage of the collective membership.

Another question arises. There's a rubber nipple-like piece that sits in a hole I've been wondering about that picture too! Questions about putty and all? But I checked Steve's profile and his last name wasn't Crackpacker so, were safe I think. :stupid:

Jeff - With everything I have read the past few days, that is the most logical explanation so far. Apart from what suits each individuals handling/ride preferences, there probably has been some apples & oranges comparisons made. I just think it's sad that a definitive answer with test/spec. data isn't even available from the manufacturer. Without a load test done on these springs the only thing we have to go on, is the collective feedback from any members who are or have used them.

Wow, these are great! This is the thread I look for first when I sign on. Thanks for sharing guys, and keep em comin! 26th might have a great idea there. A little incentive to get creative.

That's great, but that last entry is more than anyone needs to know! ROFL

Had to edit this Post - Didn't notice year of your Z

You can see it in the coil. It is so obvious, a second look isn't needed. I would post some pics but I loaned out my camera. I have Koni struts that I'm having rebuilt and ST springs, but they might be a little harsh for just toolin around town. This car isn't going back on the track.