psdenno

A double digit VIN is probably worth trying to save. As others have mentioned, do as much of the work yourself as time permits. If you farm the work out, you probably won't recoup 50¢ on the dollar if you eventually sell in the next 30 years. I'm familiar with at least one rare Porsche being reconstructed around a VIN from a car that was too far gone to rebuild. Something to consider, depending on how you define the soul of a car. Dennis

Clever! Dennis

On behalf of those of us who buy and hoard parts for more than one classic car, I'd like to say....Hello, my name is Dennis and I have bins and shelves of parts for my '71 Z, my '70 Porsche, and my '63 Studebaker Avanti that I may never use, but were way to cool to pass up. I am powerless, but fortunately married to a licensed psychologist. What time's tomorrow's meeting?

Have you done a search for "replace floor pan" or "replace rails" on this site? Lots of info if you look for it. If you click on some of the vendor ads on the site, you'll find pats sources. You may find additional rust under the nice paint. Do you plan to check the car in person or have some check it for Bondo patches that may be covering rust in all the usual place on the body? Dennis

Is there a bigger version that works on Porsche owners? Dennis

Nice Z, nice video. Dennis

As you've noted, you have unique requirements and expectations that you feel preclude the use of the readily available "straight forward kit". There is little to no hassle to use one of the ready made kits available for the Datsun Z from Courtesy or MSA. Custom fabrication to meet your somewhat unique requirements results in "hassle". Have you contacted Vintage Air directly? When you raise the bar, you have to jump a little higher. Dennis

That may be, but I suspect it might be this O'Reilly Auto Parts item: http://tinyurl.com/4pjborm Dennis

Did you try a Google search for "JTR"? Worked for me. Dennis

Hopefully Oiluj can give you some tips on how he did his control panel. Dennis

Now, if you could just can and compress some of that -30º and save it for use in the summer.......... Dennis

I doubt that there is one "best kit" in the market, but rather different kits that are "best" for meeting the needs of various buyers. If you ask me which is best, I'll tell you it's the one I have from MSA. If you ask Oiluj, he'll tell you the best is from Vintage Air. It's kind of a case of pay your money and make your choice based on factors that pertain to you and your Z. Are you able to do the fabrication work yourself? Will someone else be installing the kit? Is cost a factor? How important is it to use the sliders to control the AC? And more. All of the kits will make your Z cool and comfortable, especially if you have a set of rear window louvers. Only you can decide which is best, in part, by using the recommendations of others in this group. Based on my 41 years of owning an air conditioned 240Z, I can attest that the MSA kit provides ample cooling when the outside temperature is 118º where I live in the desert. Good luck on your search! Dennis

Hi George, My mechanic did the installation for about $600. The cost included removing all of the old AC components from 1972 - York compressor, etc. Here's the link to the Courtesy AC unit: 1970-1973 240Z A/C (R134 freon) :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com Instructions are minimal. I suppose they assume the buyer will either have the skill to figure it out or have it done by a pro. I bought the kit through MSA, but it was shipped from Texas, leading me to believe it came from Courtesy - same price both places. Dennis

No. The heater panel controls can only control your vents and heat. Your car is 41 years old and wasn't designed for factory HVAC. Honest - most cars actually didn't have AC when early Zs were built. Hence, aftermarket AC. I first had AC installed on my Z in 1972 for $325 parts and labor. I replaced that unit a few years ago with a current kit from MSA at a cost of a bit over $1,600 parts & labor. Dennis

Courtesy Nissan kit $999.99 - made for your car. However,you stated that you want to use stock dash controls to operate the AC. That won't happen. None of the stock sliders are made to supply switched power to the AC or adjust the level of cooling. The existing sliders merely close and open ducts and valves. The AC kit is not obtrusive and can be placed under the dash, out of sight. Dennis

Courtesy Nissan has the complete AC kit for your car for $999.99. Check their web site. It will duct the cold air through your existing dash vents. No added vents under the dash. MSA also sells the kit and I think it's drop shipped from Courtesy. I have that kit in my '71 Z as a replacement for the older AC I had installed in 1972. Dennis

Other than the things that are wrong with it, it's perfect! Wonder what he did to lose the finger on another Z. Ouch! Dennis

Quite nice! Dennis

Where does one store a tank collection? Dennis

I suppose much depends on the image you want to convey. Race car? Custom car? Clown car? Stripes and other paint schemes can express an image or an attitude. What's your intention? Have you looked through the archive to see if what others have done squeaks your duck? Dennis

Use the forum search box and enter "Datsun dealer list from 1971". There are several responses in that thread listing dealerships from various years. Dennis

I used a silver Sharpie on my '71 center console and it did a very good job of replicating the original silver trim accents. See pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/nx2cjo4 Dennis

He also says, "idk know anything else really". As someone famous once said, "We hold these truths to be self evident". Dennis

Welcome! Haven't noticed the acceleration jerk on my '71 during the last 42 years, so can't help you there. As for blue plates, California is working on reissuing blue,and even black, plates. So just Google California blue plates for more info or check the DMV web site. As for the orange air cleaner housing, eBay and Pick A Part will be your best source. You can also look at the parts for sale section of this forum. Dennis

Thanks for the additional pictures - looks like more than a little time was spent polishing up the engine compartment. Dennis