GotzenDatsunn

Fiberglass work is now complete and I have a clever solution to mounting it! I removed the metal "endoskeleton" of the factory dash and took an angle grinder to it, cutting off everything except the top panel. Next I used a 2 part epoxy resin and 3'4" wood blocks a spacers to glue this metal panel to the underside of the new dash top. Now I have factory mounting holes and support for the stock speedo and tach. Now, how to upload pics into this thread? Ken

I am currently making a fiberglass dash that looks just like the factory version, including the textured surface. First I removed the cracked, nasty, factory dash, leaving all wiring harnesses and gauges in the car. I then purchsed a plastic dash cap on eBay for $99 and am currently fiberglassing the underside with 3 layers of mesh + resin. This is necessary because the dash cap is extremely thin ABS meant to be a 1/16" skin on an existing dash. The trick is to lay the cap on its front top edge to prevent flopping, warping, or any kind of deflection while the first partial layer (only on the underside of the dash top) hardens to provide rigidity. Since I am using aftermarket gauges in place of many of the stockers, I am glueing very thin cardboard cutouts over the holes from the inside. Then fibergalssing over the backside of dash + cutouts to provide a thick panel over the gauge holes. Later I will use a rotary tool to open the holes to the desired diameter for gauge mounting (note: 2-5/8" gauges fit very well). Tonight, I will be finishing the first complete layer of glass. I'll provide progress pics of the project if anyone is interested. Ken

If you have converted to 4 wheel disc brakes, I have found an amazing brake pad combination for road course driving/racing. Raybestos ST-41's up front and ST-42's in the rear. The car bites hard when just touching the brake and I was unable to get the slightes fade during my 4 - 25min NASA HPDE3 sessions at Sebring last weekend. These pads completely blow away the Carbotech XP-8 pads I was previously using. The Ray's are even responsive cold! @_@ If you are using a common caliper (i.e., Willwood Dynalites) you can order the pads online, otherwise you can trace the backing plate of your current pads and send it in for a custom grind. I got mine at speedtoys.biz but there are several vendors around... Ken

Just bought a '71 240 with a '78 280zx engine + 5 spd. Triple Mikuni's, Wilwood/Tilton brakes, coilovers, etc. Just proud and wanted to say Hi! Also wanted to thank the archive for a post by Birkl on getting the stock 240z tach working with the 280 distributer and an MSD 6a ignition module... Ken