DatsunZGuy

I think this is the same seller. http://classifieds.hybridz.org/showproduct.php?product=262&sort=1&cat=14&page=1

I posted my instructions, comments and pictures on thread #5 and #9. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5489&highlight=steering+wood

Amen, Brother!!! Mine are not the best lookin' mats, but it's now confirmed they are period correct. :classic: http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=10097&size=big&sort=1&cat=500

Sorry about that, Tomohawk, I was able to read it when I posted it. Anyway, here's that article again, after I scanned it and used some OCR software on it to convert the jpeg to text. :knockedou ______________________________________________ Restored Datsun 240Zs take step back in time NEWSDAY Sunday, November 23, 1997 Vintage cars are almost always more fun to look at than to drive — no matter how well they were regarded in their day. They are object lessons in how much cars have improved over the years. And so it is with the aged cars around which Nissan has this year built one of the most unusual corporate identity campaigns: 1970 through 1972 Datsun 240Zs. They were Nissan's first sports cars, and they were a big hit for their swoopy looks and hot performance. This car was one of an openended number, about 150 so far, that Nissan, maker of Datsuns, is purchasing from private individuals and having restored by a company in Los Angeles called Pierre's Z. The restored cars, which began at about $3,500 new in the early '70s, are being sold for $27,000 plus freight through only 10 Nissan dealerships. The warranty is 12 months, 12,000 miles. The restoration involves a complete disassembly of the car and the repair of any part requiring it. Steering columns are replaced with more modern, energy-absorbing types for safety. Tires are replaced with modern radials — Bridgestone 195 70R-14s on the tester — wider than the originals. Each car gets a full-flow oil filter, three-core radiator and a clearcoat paint job — gray and beautiful in the case of the tester. Each interior gets full reupholstery and an- AM-FM radio, a pushbutton period piece that drifts off whatever FM station you try to listen to. For good and bad, everything else is original the thin, wood-trimmed steering wheel, two low-slung bucket seats, the view over a long, long, hood, great visibility through big rear and side windows and the pulling power of a high-torque, six-cylinder. Yes, and the seat belts that don't retract via springs into a case to keep them clean and handy and, so, tend to get caught in the doors or fall between the seats; the controls you can't see at night; the poorly backlit gauges and the nonpower-assisted steering that requires two strong arms in parking maneuvers. Even the odometers are left in their original positions. The restored 240 is an unusual effort by a car maker to keep alive a name that still carries a lot of goodwill. Considering the lack of air bags and other modern crash protection except for the aforementioned steering column and seat belts we kinda wonder how this one got past Nissan's corporate lawyers. But we're glad it did. We're not sure we could ever bring ourselves to spend $27,000 for a toy like this, but it surely was fun for five days to trip backward 26 years in automotive time. It also was a reminder of what a shame it is that the Z car isn't available here anymore. With sales declining, Nissan stopped importing the current model, the 300ZX, after 1996.

Sometimes I think we are trying have our cake and eat it too. We work hard to preserve our cars and advocate their virtues. We proudly display them at shows and put our best foot forward to the general public when questioned about them. I believe we want Zs to be respected by the collector car community. Of course, with respect and recognition comes interest and speculation. As a result, good old supply and demand kicks in and prices start to rise. All I’m trying to say it’s a tricky dance keeping a classic car affordable while praising it to the rest of the world.

I’ll reserve any email comment to SPEED TV until lot #408 hits the stage on Thursday (1/27). Maybe Mr. Yates and company will have some positive comments to express about the 240Z and other Japanese imports this time around.

The insulation was added to help combat vapor locking issues, which became prevalent with the later model “boat anchors” carburetors used in model year 1973-1974. My '73 had them.

Yeah, I caught the tail end of a comment about MR2s will never getting above two thousand dollars. I think that was the same attitude shared by the “experts” about the 240Z a couple of decades ago. A little verbal masturbation might be expected after endless hours of commentary from those talking heads. For the most part, I learned a lot. Anyway, B-J will be putting up some Zs on auction. I hope to catch these cars up on the block. I can’t wait to hear their commentary on them. :lick: http://www.barrett-jackson.com/events/scottsdale/vehicles/makelistnb.asp?auctionid=51&makeid=1791

to some official stuff: http://www.smogcheck.ca.gov/ftp/pdffacts/vehicle_model_years_subject_to_smog_check.pdf

This might be a good time for Burt to put his car back on the auction block. The recent WSJ article and this ebay sale might provide some much needed momentum for Burt to finally sell his car at the price he’s willing to let it go for. In fact, maybe the same bidder that just lost out to this red ’71 may want Burt’s silver ’71. :classic: I wish I knew what came of this car that was on ebay a couple of years ago. I think it had 14,000 original miles, original paint, wheels/hubcaps and even still had the original "OK" sticker on the passenger side quarter window. Back then it went to about $12,000 with the reserve not met.

HAPPY FESTIVUS, EVERYONE! frank.bmp

loop pile to me. For example, here's a shot from inside my 41, 558 original miles car.

The loop pile is the original.

http://zhome.com/History/colors.html

Back in the 1980's My dad had a couple of early Ford Mustangs painted using Imron. When applied correctly, the finish is spectacular. The big selling point of the paint was the fact you didn’t have to wax it as often and it was less prone to fading. Imron was also very tough. However, its toughness also meant that the paint didn’t have much give to it. A door ding often resulted in that section of paint chipping off your car. Also, I would highly suggest an external air supply versus just a respirator if you are applying it. When I was a teenager, I worked a summer at a body shop. I recall spraying Imron on some toy planes and rocket used for a carnival ride. I was wearing a mask, but the fumes still made me sick as a dog. Back then, I didn't know what OSHA was. I think that was the turning point for me not to seek a career as a body and paint man.

Sounds like you went down to Vista and bought Les' '71 with the CF hood. If so, nice ride!

that addresses this fairly comon issue. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6190&highlight=pillar+crack

My 1973 (purchased in 1992), which still had the orginal radiator, to include the stickers, was gloss black. Eastwood makes a radiator paint that is pretty dead on to the shade.

Yup, I have a set of those rubber “Z” logo floor mats that came with my car when I bought it (pic in my gallery). I want to say my green 73 I owned back in Colorado in the early 90’s also had the same style of floor mats, but it said “Datsun” across the front instead(like the ebay car). I did see a NOS set of these mats made by Amco on ebay a couple of years ago. Now I wished I had placed a bid on them! :stupid:

I think Zvoiture (a.k.a. Steve) has a great looking example :knockedou http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=8349&sort=1&cat=500&page=1

What scares me is: What little I’ve done, how much has already been spent so far and how much more I have left to do. :surprised

Carl, No impression of being criticized by your reply. I’m just pointing out the audacity of some of the collector car dealerships out there. I agree that $25,000 plus is a lofty asking price for a 280Z, even in that condition. You’re right in stating if it should sell, it would be the exception not the rule. IMHO, Burt’s 240Z and many others like it in mint condition would have to fetch over 30K before the market would bear a later-model Datsun in that price range. However, it’s nice to see a Japanese sport car priced right there with an Italian exotic…even if it’s somewhat a far fetched today. My 2 cents... Cheers! Ed

when a 1977 Ferrari 308 and Datsun 280Z were for sale with the same asking price. Times are a changin' :eek: http://www.vipclassics.com/stk2029090.phtml http://www.vipclassics.com/stk2012698.phtml

I'm on the same hubcap theme, but went with the angled, extreme close up