psdenno

I'll be 62 next month and first saw a Z in early November 1971 while walking through the Ginza in Tokyo while on my way back to the States after a year and a half stay in the Philippines. I had sold my '69 Pontiac Gran Prix in the Philippines before leaving and intended to buy a Volvo 1800 when I got home. Seeing the Z in an elevated display window changed all that. I can clearly remember the sounds, the smells, and the temperature at the moment I spotted that car - an amazing visual and emotional impact. Before the end of the month, I had returned home, found a nice new '71 240Z, and bought it - at way too much over sticker. I liked that Z so much that I still have it. For almost 20 of the 38 years that I've owned it, it sat, unused, sometimes in the driveway and mostly in a rented storage building. A couple years ago, I took it out of storage and began a refurbish project that, so far, has only cost a couple thousand dollars more than it cost when new. It sits in the driveway, takes me for a ride once in a while, and doesn't make too many demands. Our 38 year relationship remains solid. My 16 year old son recently got his license and is learning the fine points of driving a "stick" thanks to the Z. The torch is passed. Dennis

Since the carb insulator gasket from an Austin Healey is a direct replacement for the gaskets on a Z, is there also a AH insulator block that would work? Dennis

The door seals on my '71 had hardened and crumbled. I replaced them with seals from MSA. A very easy install. The doors were initially hard to close with the new seals, but in a few days began to close nicely. I should mention that I did the seals in the summer and left the Z in the sun. Based on my experience, hot weather works best in helping the seals conform. Dennis

I have the same set-up as sblake01 on my '71 Z with AC and have no problems in 110 degree summer driving in Palm Springs. You probably won't be driving in weather too much warmer than that. Dennis

Don't know about the 280ZX, but Letterman used to drive a quite slick Porsche 914-6. Dennis

Mally002 - if you need your Z information entered on a copy of the sticker shown in Arne's message #3 (not trying to step on anyone's toes who may be willing to crank these out - I'll gladly bow out if someone is already geared up for this) and other sources don't work out, shoot me an email. I did mine yesterday and everything is already set up to do more if needed. The sticker shown in message #3 is the ONLY one I'm prepared to do. Dennis

I just used Arne's sticker "shell" and the font Lucida Sans Typewriter to make quite a close replica sticker. I had to adjust the page size in PhotoShop just a bit. Dennis

Arne, I see your Z entered the US through Portland. Anyone know where other ports of entry were? I bought mine in Minneapolis.

I hadn't heard of plastic welding until I read your post. A quick Google search brought up a wealth on information - especially at: http://forum.doityourself.com/welding-metalworking/164855-plastic-welding.html I'll be interested in reading what forum members have experienced. The HF tool seem cheap enough to experiment with a bit. Dennis

Certainly, metal replacement panels would be the best way to go. However, fiberglass and a little filler can do wonders and last for years. It all depends on your skills, budget, local climate, and plans for the Z. Here in the desert, a good fiberglass patch can last for a decade or longer. I'm guessing you get a little more rain and humidity that I do. Dennis

Pass on this one unless you're willing to undo questionable bodywork (and the surprises underneath) and track down some slightly pricey parts - like both bumpers and mounting hardware, rear panels and tail lights. Dennis

How long do you think the previous fiberglass repair lasted? It's kind of discouraging to start knocking out rust and then realize that the paint was the only thing holding the fender together. I've been there. Dennis

Welcome to the group! Tell us more, maybe we can help. Dennis

In addition to all of those handling improvements, mine made a fairly good unintentional snow plow from time to time when I was living in Topeka in the early 70s. It only broke once when I hit a huge drift one dark and stormy night. Dennis

Looks like perfect Z weather to me! Nice photos. Dennis

Arne, here did you get the webbing you used? I'm due for a similar fix on my '71 and have looked at a couple alternatives. Dennis

The dual door mounted mirrors are a nice touch. Dennis

As mentioned earlier in this thread, clean & lube the wiper linkage, too. I just took mine apart and cleaned it today and I now have two speed wipers with the original motor - good as new! Dennis

The radiator on my '71 was recored as a three row after my water pump shaft broke in the late 1970s and the fan augered through the two row. The two row worked fairly well with the AC, but the three row kept me from having to turn on the heater in traffic to increase circulation. I installed a new AC system this summer and added an electric fan. No problems with the 100+ degree weather in Palm Springs. Dennis

I wonder if anyone has EVER had a restoration, or even a refurb, come in under budget? Thankfully, like childbirth, the memory of the pain generally goes away when you see the final product. Dennis

It's either the altitude or the proximity to the Coors Brewery - might even be a combination of the two going back generations. Dennis

Intriguing price. I suppose $99 is a good opening bid for a part made of unobtainium. The auction will be interesting to watch. Dennis

My '71 is Queen of the Driveway. The garage is occupied by the Porsche and the Avanti. Dennis

Covercraft is at the top of my list. I used to be a distributor for them years ago - still have a few assorted Porsche and Studebaker covers in the storage shed. Avoid waterproof covers as they tend to trap moisture on the inside of the cover and that plays all kinds of games with painted as well as exposed metal surfaces. A good poly-cotton cover allows trapped moisture to escape and is quite durable when used outside. They are also gentle on the painted surfaces. Wash the cover from time to time to get dirt/dust/sand out of it which can scratch the paint. Covercraft has custom fit patterns for just about any car and will even custom make one for you if your Z has the extended ZG nose or an exceptional rear spoiler/wing. My '63 R2 Avanti and '70 914-6 are snug in their Covercraft covers as I write this. Dennis

I chose the MSA kit a couple months ago when I replaced the old York compressor, all the plumbing, and the interior unit that had been installed since 1972. I'm pleased with the kit and was driving it yesterday in 95 degree heat with the windows up. Cool. Dennis