psdenno

That's kind of what the internet already does, with the added advantage of instant updates, additions, and the ability to be interactive. Paper & ink books are nice, but they're becoming very "last century" as we move along with the advances in technology. Sorry to say, I can now do more research with my cell phone than with a visit to the library or book store. Dennis

A list like this will never make everyone happy. Case in point, Cobra owners when they see that the Factory 5 replicar made the list. Dennis

I have no experience with the Vintage Air unit, but after having the MSA unit in my '71 for over a year, I can offer some insight. The price was good, the kit was complete, the installation took less than 10 hours including removing the old 35 year old York unit, it cools the Z adequately in 110 degree desert weather, consider installing an aux electric cooling fan and larger than stock radiator (I had the radiator & added the fan). A set of rear window louvers will also help with the cooling process by reducing the "greenhouse" effect. Dennis

At the expense of scaring you away, allow me to say that I think you're being a little thin skinned on this one. The first two responses to your question listed 10 places to find "parts" that make Zs "look better than they did when they rolled out of the factory" - just as you asked. Then you responded, "but i have visited all those sites and have yet to find all the parts i need". Perhaps, you should have been a little more specific about what parts you were looking for. That would have brought more specific answers from the generally friendly and helpful members of the forum. There's a "learning curve" to posting "Help Me!" questions. Don't be shy or easily discouraged while mastering the skill. We all went through the same process. We'll help you. That said, what exactly do you need? Dennis

I felt bad about finding a later model turbo Z in the Pick-A-Part last year. It was complete, including the turbo, and had no body damage or broken glass. It had nothing that I could use on my '71. I hope someone came along later in need of just about everything before it went to the crusher. Generally, the early Zs I see are pretty well picked over by the time I find them. But, I'm heading out tomorrow to see what I can find. Dennis

Motorsports Auto, eBay, Pick-A-Part....the list goes on. Dennis

I agree with those who mentioned that the owners of new Zs probably don't make the connection between Nissan and Datsun. Or, they're egocentric twits. I don't spend too much time worrying about it. Dennis

I think we're all pondering this with a basic lack of knowledge. For clarification of terms, remember movies, books and music CDs are also "released". Unlike fish that are released into a lake, you can't do what you want with them after you catch them. Intellectual property rights belong to the original creator of the property. So, the right way to go about reproducing the posters is to contact Nissan and ask for permission for "Club" use or ask about a licensing agreement. I use factory photos of Porsche automobiles from the 1970s in a newsletter I produce. I asked the factory for the photos and they gave them to me with permission to reproduce the images in the newsletter. I can't, however, print individual copies of the press photos for resale. I also reprint magazine articles about the cars from that era in my newsletter. Road & Track, for example, gave me written permission to do so within a limited time frame. I've been doing this for almost 30 years and have only had one bad experience - when I didn't get clearance to reprint a magazine ad for a clothing company featuring a particular Porsche. The photographer for the ad shoot still owned the rights to the picture and was on me in a heartbeat. What were the odds he would see the reprint in my obscure newsletter 25 years after he took the picture? Obviously, better than I thought. Dennis

Someone, somewhere, owns the rights to the artwork and will come down with both feet and a couple good lawyers on anyone who makes copies of the original if they find out. Trust me, I know from personal experience. Dennis

Doesn't look that bad unless the chassis is bent. All of the above advice is solid, take your pick. Dennis

More than likely, it's the brake booster. I had the same symptoms on my '71 and replaced the booster about a month ago. Dennis

Since you're driving 1978 technology, you may as well be communicating with it also. However, if you tell us that while you're doing this you're planning to wear a polyester leisure suit and only listen to the BeeGees on the cassette player, be prepared to get some mental health referrals from the group.

The CB radio that hung under the dash of my Z in the mid '70s has been resting peacefully on a shelf in the garage since, well, the late '70s. I no longer get my ears on, Good Buddy. )

Today, I used my windshield washer. The last time I did that was sometime back in the late 1970s. Before I could use it, I had to replace the tubing and the "T" fitting near the driver's side squirter. As others have noted, aquarium tubing from WalMart ($1.49) works great. The "T" fitting came from the local True Value Hardware store ($1.30). So for $2.79 plus tax and about 15 minutes of labor, including re-aiming the squirters, I can now wash the windshield for the first time in about 30 years. Sometimes the easy jobs take the longest time to accomplish. The Z is a pleasure to work on. Dennis

Other than locking a cat, some kibble, and a litter box in the car, you might want to try a Google search for "storing a car for the winter". A couple good sites that come up are: http://www.popularmechanics.com/how_to_central/automotive/1272486.html http://www.techguys.ca/howto/winter.html Mothballs seem to be frequently mentioned as a deterrent. Catching enough moths has always been a problem for me, however ) Dennis

The worst was the first Porsche 914 that I owned - a 1974 1.8 liter. I never drove it farther than I cared to walk home. I was on a first name basis with AAA tow truck drivers in my area until AAA threatened to cancel my membership. My apologies to the current owner. When it was stolen, I should not have reported it missing. Dennis

When the clutch on this Z needed to be replaced almost 30 years ago, I was under the car and doing the work. For some reason, I no longer bend as well as I did in 1981. I think this will be a job left to professionals. Dennis

That's about what I've figured. Since the working condition of the 5 speed is unknown, I feel more comfortable having it rebuilt before installing, rather than installing and then having to pull and rebuild it. The next task is finding someone to do it. Thanks for the information. Dennis

My mechanic has had it in a back corner of his shop for years and planned to use it on his Z. He just sold his Z and the 5 speed is now "excess". I've talked to him about buying the transmission for a couple years and now the time has come. Dennis

I'm picking up a close ratio 5 speed this week and plan to swap it for the 4 speed in my '71 Z. I'd like to have it rebuilt before installing. What's a typical price for a rebuild and any suggestions on who does good work in the Orange County or Riverside area of SoCal? Dennis

I've had one in my '71 since about 1972. When I refurbished the center console last Spring, I had it rebuilt with new foam and upholstery. Not only is it a nice place to rest the right arm, but it also makes a nice lid for the coin tray on the console. Dennis

I vote with the "None of the Above" group. The BRE style has looks and function and can be shipped to your door in a nice box - no need to fabricate unless you have a need for personal expression. In which case, our votes really don't matter. Dennis

That's probably easier than using a Dremel tool to cut the openings to make a Series I into a Series II Dennis

Three times in 38 years. The First (1977): Fan belt broke about 10 miles from home. I limped home by driving until the temp needle climbed to the danger zone, turned off Z, waited for it to cool, repeat. The Second (1978): Fan through the radiator a couple miles from home. Towed home by a friend. The Third (1983): Main pulley detached from engine and rolled into an empty field on the way to work. Fifty miles from home, recovered pulley, walked to nearest house to call AAA, towed to a shop that made it all better, tow truck driver took me to work, picked up Z at the end of the day. Dennis