psdenno

Other than comfort and support, the big consideration with non Datsun seats is fit. Width is limited in the Z so take careful measurements. I got BMW seats for my '71 Z and like them. You're on your own for mating the seat fore/aft sliders with aftermarket seats. Dennis

Do you ever use voice to text feature on your tablet or computer? Usually it's pretty good at picking the right words out of context. In fact, I'm dictating this response to you. Dennis

Nice start! As for feedback, the "48 years as a credentialed teacher" part of me recommends having someone proofread your text before uploading to the site. While I can spot the errors in the writing of others, I usually miss my own. Watch subject/verb agreement and use of the words their/there as seen above and on the site. Have fun with the site. Dennis

Interesting that the front and rear spoilers are listed as standard equipment and also that they are black and not painted body color. There have been a few discussions in the past on whether they should be body color or not. Dennis

I needed a replacement mirror for a relatively rare door mirror on my Studebaker Avanti many years ago and had one cut to size and shape by a local glass & mirror shop that did bathroom shower doors and other home glass replacement. Didn't cost too much and just needed to be sealed in place. Dennis

Author: Randy Rundle His Site: www.http://fifthaveinternetgarage.com/ Tech tip appeared in Turning Wheels, June 2015. Dennis

I was going over back issues of a car club magazine pertaining to another old car I own and came upon this piece of vapor lock advice for cars built in the last century. "Adding a pint of diesel fuel per 10 gallons of gasoline will raise the boiling point of modern gasoline, helping to prevent vapor lock." The article went on to say, "In addition, the diesel fuel will help keep the gaskets soft in the carburetor and fuel system. The engine will not smoke and the diesel will not cause any problems as an additive. Modern fuel is formulated to vaporize at a lower temperature to help with emissions." I had never seen that advice before and have no idea if it's valid, urban legend, or voodoo magic. Anyone have experience or opinions? Dennis

Yes, it would. But if my daily driver was a $70,000 car, what would my "fun" car be? Dennis

Keep in mind that when someone restores a car and later sells it, they're lucky if they recoup 50 cents of every dollar spent. If you look at the other cars listed by the company selling the Z, you'll see they carry fairly inflated price tags as well as enormously inflated wordy descriptions. The Porsche 944 and the Volvo 1800 are priced almost double the going rate for equally nice cars on the open market. Dennis

Aftermarket shifter knob, leather wrapped with Datsun logo, instead of factory wooden knob with shift pattern. My work here is done. Dennis

As if it's not funny enough in print, read it aloud with an English accent for full impact. I may have to subscribe to this thread just for giggles. Dennis

If it shifts fine through all gears without the lever contacting the metal around the cutout area, you should be good to go. Does it hit the center console when that's installed? Some of the 5 speed conversions hit the console along the forward vertical face of the console shifter opening. Looks like you may have to "massage" the trans tunnel cutout a bit (where it was hacked) in order to securely fit the proper style rubber shifter boot in place. Should all be easy. Dennis

The bottom picture looks like what you need. The metal retaining rings show up on eBay from time to time. For mine, I traced a pattern, including screw holes, using the boot at a guide and had the retaining ring made by students at the local high school metal shop class. Dennis

When I updated my 4/71 Z to a later model 5 speed, I had to enlarge the shift boot hole in the floor panel and use the later style rectangular boot that is held in place with a screw down metal frame. All easy to do and the boot will keep the interior of your Z clean, dry, and a little more quiet by blocking road dirt, water and noise. Dennis

Crazy weather here, too. I live in the desert and it's been raining for several days. Roads closed due to flooding, the roof leaks, and snow in the local mountains. The house has two HVAC systems that are both putting out heat to keep us warm. Not a typical week in the desert. Dennis

Here's what you need to do. 1. Go to the beginning of the responses to your original question and read all of the posts. 2. Go to the beginning of the responses to your original question and REREAD all of the posts. 3. Turn on the "voice over" accommodation in the browser software and have your computer read each response to you. If you're more comfortable with Spanish, use Google Translate. 4. Do what's been said about solving the problem. The answer is there. Other than coming to Panama and doing it for you, there's not much more help to offer. Use the advice you were given. Dennis

What's the build month on the new '71 project? The picture of the interior shows a later style center console than my April '71 Z. Dennis

Gaskets don't cost too much, invest in a new one and take the earlier advice about cleaning the housing surfaces. Should not have to use RTV. Dennis

It's been so many years since I last changed my thermostat, I have no idea what the temperature rating is. What temp range thermostat was installed in the factory? Were there alternates depending on what part of world the Z would be shipped to? Since the purpose of the thermostat is to make the engine run most efficiently and reduce wear on parts, is it bad to use a different temperature rating than what the engineers felt was best? Enough questions for one day, but I look forward to any answers. Dennis

The RTV may have been used if the metal surfaces of the thermostat housing were corroded and the paper gasket didn't make a good seal. Check for smooth clean surfaces when you put it all back together. Dennis

Thanks for sharing. However, I was interested in learning about the OP's thought process with this issue as he seems to be very indecisive and often overwhelmed by ongoing maintenance issues experienced with his Z for the last three years. FWIW, my experience with aftermarket thermostats is the opposite of what you've noted. I've always had good service with aftermarket brands in the domestic and imported cars I've owned. Go figure Dennis

Written description says flares are just taped on....$150 additional if desired. Dennis

Good question. Let me add a couple questions to that. Why would the filler neck need an overflow tube when the upper opening serves the purpose by spilling gas down the side of the car and onto the ground? Could #18 be a vapor recovery hose for the fumes in the filler neck? So many hoses, so many questions to ponder as we head into the New Year. Dennis

Why? Just curious about your thought process on this project. Believe it, or not, the coolant in your radiator won't know the difference between a Nissan OEM made in Japan and a Stant made in the USA. Dennis