Richard McDonel

I have a '70 240 that I restored over a number of years. Not a bad job I think. It's even won a couple of first-place 240/260/280 trophies at the local annual show. But it's not on the same planet as this one. In a concours, this one would win, hands down. On the topic of concours, I was at the Pebble Beach Concours a few years ago, just tagging along with one of the judging crews. Came to a 1927 Mercedes four-door convertible. A large red car, with brass and black being the only other colours visible. A car that even someone with no interest in cars would stop and stare at. Gorgeous. One of the judges looked underneath to convertible top where it was attached to the support struts. "Phillips screws there I see?' he says. The owner looked rather blank at the judge and nodded agreement. "You know those weren't invented until 1931,don't you?" At which point he put a -1 mark on his notebook. Dare I say that even that judge would have trouble finding flow with this 240Z.

Thanks to everyone who replied. Once I had the part # I scooted down to the local Nissan store, and there it was. Odd that they have parts that fit a '71 but don't have an on-line catalogue that covers parts like this. Cheers, Richard McDonel

Over half a century I've removed, cleaned, greased and replaced I don't know how many front hub bearing assemblies on how many different cars. But this time I'm stuck. For no apparent reason the dust cover on my '71 240 fell off as I was changed wheels. I put it back of course, but it fell off as soon as I backed the car out of the garage. Slides right on, but won't stay on. Worn out I guess. Local Nissan dealer has no parts catalogues for anything pre '75. Local parts store had one marked Ford but it looked to be almost identical - a few-thousandths in diameter perhaps. But it was a few thousandths too many, as after half an hour of trying, I haven't been able to get it on. Any suggestions? If so, many thanks. Richard

It can be a real challenge figuring out how and where exhaust is coming in. Mine was bad but with a new hatch seal and clear plastic between the tail lights and the rear trim piece it is much better. But, when we're dealing with carbon monoxide fumes, any is too much. I always turn the heater fan on full blast. Pressurized the cabin and I get no fumes.

Patcon, Pictures coming! Cheers, Richard

Thanks Dutch, I'll stop by the body shop, and if they still haven't begun work, I'll take some photos. Cheers, Richard

Thanks so much for your comments fellows. Sounds like I may not need a new roof after all!

Looks like I'm out of touch with Z Club technology. It posted before I said anything. Soooo, my wonderful little 240 that I restored from the ground up, and only a couple years ago won a first-in-class at a Datsun show has a problem. For embarrassing reasons I won't discuss now it has a substantial dent in the roof. Most of the driver's side, and as much as 2 inches (5 cm) deep. The body shop that my insurer uses declined the job. The manager of body shop that painted it 8-9 years ago didn't think his guys had the necessary skill set. I finally went to a shop recommended by a friend in the local vintage auto club. Yes, we can do that! But after a month, they still haven't. My minimal understanding of dents is that they stretch the metal. Therefore I have a greater area of roof metal than I used to. If they simply pound the dent out from the underside, the dent will be replaced by a bulge. I have heard from other sources that there are people who by using heat, cold, and fine touch are able to restore the original shape. Other options? Cut the roof panel off a beyond-help rust bucket and weld it in place of what is there now? Would Nissan/Datsun be able to replicate the roof? I'm in a quandry. Would appreciate hearing anyone's thoughts. Richard

I come seeking advice and wisdom

Wow, great story. Keep us in your loop One thing I noticed in particular - the dash. No cracks. Aftermarket replacement?

Thanks for the background information Namerow. I happened into the TV room (watch very little myself) when this ad came on and my wife asked "isn't that your car?", that being the 240. And thanks for the link Cheers, Richard

I see Hagerty Insurance is featuring the 240z - along with another old Japanese sports car we won't mention - on its latest on-line ad. Also, it only ran for a couple of days (mind you I don't watch that much TV so I might have missed some) but Nissan had an ad featuring a full fleet of Z cars on a car-carrier semi, driving through the mountains. Front and centre, high above the tractor unit, was a yellow 240. At the back, the loading ramps were lowered while the rig was still in motion, just to let the latest model join the ride. Neat. I don't remember any car maker featuring a 50+ year old model in their ads. Cheers All Richard McDonel

Still in original packaging. $10.

Phot says it all. Sand, paint and ready-to-go $25