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Carl, Congratulations on breaking the barrier at Ameilia Island. It is probably the 2nd most difficult event to be invited to and for your fine Z example to be included was a very good selection. The memories of receiving the official invitation, meeting people like Chip Foose, hearing all of the stories and memories that the viewers share about their Z experiences is priceless. Thanks for posting the pictures and sharing your personal stories. Well done! Bob Speights

Here is a link that includes a member profile another car club put together regarding what is in my garage. Enjoy http://battlefieldregionaaca.googlepages.com/meetmr.z%21

Don356 The correct window sticker actually depends on what year Z you have. The one Arne posted is one and here is another. If you are trying to make it as authentic as possible you will need to find an old typewriter as the actual vehicle information was typed in since computers were not as sophisticated. Good luck with it.

Paul Hollander is the Chief Judge for the ZCCA. From past experiences it has generally taken him a couple of months to do everything he needs to do regarding the scoring, creating the cover letters etc. Given the Oct timinig of the convention and the holiday season I would guess that he would have them in the mail very soon. But, I would suggest you drop him a quick email regarding your score sheets. Here is the email address that I have for him. p.hollander1@charter.net Good luck.

I was out of town for a few days and missed this posting but I thought I would comment on Dan's question about any points deductions. When my car was judged, for GM, it was done by the same judge each time. The exhaust system was brand new with the black protective paint on it as described earlier in the posting. I did not receive any points off for it. It was my understanding of the rules, which is basically what Chris commented on, that since it was off the shelve genuine Nissan parts the coating would not create a deduction. This ruling is also similar to the AACA judging standards. However, in the first attempt for a GM, I did loose a point because the exhaust manifold had been painted. Even though the paint was a cast iron color that same judge felt that since it did not come that way (either as production car part or replacement part) a deduction was justified. As long as the same judge always judges that category you can have consistency. But if a judge change occurs this interpretation may change as well. That is why it would be most helpful to all if the ZCCA would issue a more detailed judging standard. I hope this helps in the discussion but if anyone has any questions about my experiences in obtaining a GM just drop me a line.

Bonzi Lon wrote "It takes 9 bolts on my 73, if there is any difference for another year." Bonzi, since the frames are pre-drilled for the inserts the bolts should all be the same. Regarding the color, if you are tying to duplicate the original galvanized look, Eastwood makes a paint called Tank Tone that works great. Most of the replacement splash shields order via a dealer were black. Depending on what you are trying to do with your car either would look nice. Good luck with the project.

This is the part number for the splash pan. You should be able to order them from you Nissan dealer. 08360-51226

AZ240 wrote: Any thoughts on original vs. restored on NOS parts and finishes as seen through the eyes of a collector's or restorer's preferance? I am thinking of hanging all NOS chrome bumpers and overriders and would like opinions. Dan, I recently had a chance to through the Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg Museum in Indiana and I found the attached poster asking that same question about which is better. I hope you can read it but if not it basically says that you only have original once and that in many cases a restored car is really "over" restored as compared to how it came out of the factory. The comments about the bumper finish are correct in that the originals do have waves and a less deep chrome finish than what you get with a re-plated one. I know a chrome plater in CA that would ask, especially if you are a Corvette owner showing in the NCRS, how do you want it finished? Take care and I hope you are enjoying your fine Z. Regards, Bob

Can someone post the complete results for the Car Show? Thanks

"Any that are on the east coast" Banzai Motorworks is in Maryland and is extremely knowledgeable on Z restorations and has been involved in a couple of Gold Medallion cars so you might give Mike a call. They do have a web site you can check out that has their contact information. Good luck with it.

ONZEDGE Here is another thing for you to check- I once had the brass connector fail on the wire that goes to the distributor. It cracked and broke inside the clear outer protector, maybe yellow now from age, so if you looked at it you would swear the wire was connected. It would arc back and forth and make intermittent contact. Since it controls the ignition circuit going to the points it was like you turned off the key. If that connector is okay then be certain to check them all. Good luck

I mentioned in my earlier post the challenge of being a pioneer for Concours events. Hopefully his30.com and his fellow Z club members will take the offer to display at the Hilton Head event. It will interesting to see what class they are placed as from what I can remember from looking at the show information that a Z could be placed in the "Orphans" class. Hopefully they are changing their class layout to a more favorable one. I firmly feel that before a Z can be invited, with any consistency, to a "more notable" concours, Z's must participate at any and all concours that will recognize the changing times and invite them. I have participated in 5 different concours events, from Florida to CA, often the only Z in the show. This year I will miss the ZCON because I have the opportunity to once again be a pioneer and take my Z to the the Louisville Concours at Churchill Downs in early Oct. This is the first year for that event so hopefully in the future, as it grows, so will the recognition of a Z in the sports car class. More and more concours are indeed opening there doors to us. Carl's participation in Amelia is paramount for future of Z's to be included. Kudo's once again.

Whether I am a participant or just a spectator at car shows I find them very enjoyable. As a spectator I mostly enjoy seeing how an owner personalizes their car or truck. Many times I will see one that brings back good memories for me. That is also one of the key rewards I get when I show mine. Hearing the stories about someone else's fond memories of owning, driving or riding in a Z sometime in their lifetime. Regarding my favorite type of show, it would most likely be a Concours event. Maybe because I enjoy the challenge of being invited to them but hearing comments like " I can't believe that car won, afterall it is Japanese!" I have participated in nearly 80 shows of all types (only 16 were Z Shows) and have over 60 awards so believe it or not it is not about the actual trophy it is about the positive reactions the Z brings to the crowd. Congrats to Carl for breaking the barrier at the Amelia Island Concours. It is good to see the Z continue to gain the respect it deserves.

Mikewags and Mike B I am curious if when you finally got the dash out if you found any Japanese Kanji (script) on the bottom side of it? When I did my dash a couple of years ago I found it in my car. I understand it was common for assembly line personnel to do this. I had mine translated and it meant "Spring Time". Here is picture of it. I hope everything goes well on the re-install.

If you want the silver look then Eastwood makes a paint called Tank Tone that really gives it an original look. It comes in a spray can and is easy to apply. It dries to a more of a flat finish than a gloss. Generally you will find that the original color on the pans that were installed at the factory were a silver color and the black ones are the ones that were replacement parts from a Datsun dealer.

Carl, I find it interesting that the Saturday morning car cruise concept is finally making its way to Florida. Actually, it is nice to see that an organization like duPont is hosting it. These events have been going on in Southern California for years every Saturday morning. While I lived in So Cal one such event I often attended them with my Z. One such event is known as Donut Derelicts. Cars start showing up about 5:30AM in the morning at a local donut shop and it over by about 8:30AM. It has been going on for about 40 years. Thanks for sharing the Florida experience and hopefully everyone will do all they can to wave the Z flag whenever possible!

The parts book supports Fred's comment about the key holder being included in the lock and Key set. It does list the part number separately which is: 80690-E8200. Dan good luck with your search. Bob

Here is the part number for the clip 79907E4101. You might check with your local Nissan dealer to see if it is still available in your area.

If you are not trying to build a "totally" correct Z one option is to take it to a custom exhaust shop. I have seen them take some flange stock and make a new flange and then custom build and weld up the 2 into 1 pipes. I do know that Nissan no longer has any in stock and Nissan Japan has stop making them as well so the only other options for a genuine pipe are eBay, used or if you were really lucky in finding one at some obscure dealer somewhere like Mike B found. Good luck on the search.

Dan, I looked at some other photos I have and also on Kats website since his is a 3/70 and all I see are the washers I described earlier. None were as you described with flat edges. That is not to say that at some point in time they may some changes in producton which tended to be a common occurance. That is one reason why it is so hard to pinpoint when parts changed during the production cycle of the Z. The carpet I have now is the set Les had made for me. It is a wool cut pile. If you go that route you will have to install the snaps in the front. I did remove my A/C candidly because it was a R143 system and it used a rotary compressor. This was a quick 10 point deduction for GM judging. The system worked fine but again due to judging standards it had to come out. I hope this helps. Let me know what you find out about the washers. Regards, Bob

Dan, The did have lock washers and flat washers. The flat washers are not cut off at the bottom. They are only slightly bigger than the lock washer so they do not have a clearance issue. As far as bolts with a phillips style head you will find them on the hood hinges. It is easy to mix these up when the car is taken apart. I have had to correct some on mine as well. Take care and I hope you are getting a chance to drive your Z.