tlorber

I hit mine with a buffing wheel. For all the grooves I used Mothers and a toothbrush. That part took a lot of scrubbing.

Ok Julio, So now that you've opened up the can, let's hear the 5 rules.

Randy, What tire size (and wheel size) are you running? If you have very low profile tires and larger wheels, the combination of those with the stiffer struts may cause too harsh a ride. There is a huge difference in sidewall flex between 50 and 60 profile tires; manufacturer and model of tire has a large impact as well.

The door locks CAN be reindexed with new "wafers" to match the ignition key. However, to do this you will need to remove and destroy the bezel. It is possible to have a new bezel crimped on, but it is not worth the money to buy the bezel crimping tool. A locksmith may have this. You could also give Dean a call at datsunparts.com He sells parts for roadsters, which use the same locks as the Z's. I had him rekey some roadster locks for me in the past.

Hardaway, you may have a slight interference between that header and the 5 speed. If so, you'll need to shave the boss on the tranny. There is a writeup on this site with pictures.

If you are looking for a first gen Z, why are you looking at a 280? You could get a decent one out here for $3,500-$4,500. Such a car would need some work but would be pretty sound and could probably be driven back. Not sure if that's the range you expect, but that is what is reasonable to expect.

Wow, that IS a huge stash. Hopefully it will go to good use.

Larry, I have never used Mike's Z shop but I have spoken with him and I've only heard good things. You should call him and describe the situation. I think he'll give you an honest assessment.

Motorman, I've got an extra U20 (and 2000 grill) in my shop if you ever decide to go that direction.

Stephen, I hope you have a good, Safe trip. I think you'll be Jonesing for another run soon afterward. A couple hours ago I spoke with he guy that organizes the Targa California. The rally is set for mid April and it would be great to see you there. I just found this montage that was put together from the run earlier this year. http://www.petrolicious.com/articles/targa-california Hope more Z's can make it. Thought I'd throw this link too, since it applies to us. http://www.petrolicious.com/articles/jiro-s-datsun-240z

I know, but you don't have to go through all that hassle of adding water. The last time I bought antifreeze, the regular and diluted were exactly the same price. I tried explaining the elaborate concept of dilution to a guy that was going to buy the watered down stuff. He looked at me, puzzled, and reluctantly bought the same stuff that I was buying. What was it that P.T. Barnum said?

That doesn't answer the question as to why they say "Canada" on them. Granted, they don't appear to say "MADE IN CANADA" but come on! That's the biggest scam since pre-diluted antifreeze,...or social security in this country.

Z's of Madison County?

There is a guy named Randy that drives down from up north to bring parts to the Eagle Rock swap meet. He advertises for the meet on Craigslist and if you email or call him he will bring the parts down. I bought a fender and sugar scoop from him last year-good guy. He has a lot of Z's and parts in his yard, and I'd be surprised if he didn't have a '73 with the brackets on it. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/pts/3371075771.html http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/pts/3371058940.html http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/pts/3371085892.html

You can also find those shifter bushings in brass. After making my own, I noticed that some people were selling them on ebay. This is a bit more permanent solution.

I wish this were completely true. I have a few leaks in my warehouse that I still need to deal with before the rains. But point taken. I know that not everyone can place their vehicles in enclosed or covered structures, but that is really the only way to keep the elements out on a long term basis.

Zild, I strongly recommend that you do NOT rip everything apart at once. You run a huge risk of never getting it back together-especially if this is is your first project. No denegration of your abilities intended-it's just that it becomes overwhelming when you are not familiar with the car. I would start with brakes and suspension. Then drive the car and get used to it. As you read more on this site you'll find things that you want to undertake and you can integrate them into your project. I try to never have my car too far from being drivable.

Guys, I think you are missing the point of those Irwin vice grips. They are specifically made for gripping the flat sides of hexagonal nuts. They provide incredible leverage and torque without stripping the nut. They will break the nut before they strip it, in which case it was unusable anyway. And for what it's worth, I don't own any of the company-just the pliers.

Try the vice grips pictured in the link in conjunction with a penetrant. I have never had these NOT work. http://www.ebay.com/itm/IRWIN-Tools-Vise-Grip-4LW-Locking-Wrench-with-Wire-Cutter-/330808104457?pt=Pliers&hash=item4d05b31609&vxp=mtr

This is the only pic I could find that shows the part mounting to the car. The part behind the bumper is obviously not visible.

They are pretty beefy compared to the earlier cars and are made out of compound stamped and welded pieces. I'm not saying that you couldn't fabricate something, just that it would look anything like original. If you keep an eye on the LA Craigslist, bumpers and brackets do come up occasionally.

There was a recent post on this site regarding the OEM or OEM reproduction mirrors, in case you are interested. I'm not sure how they compare in price, but at least you'd know they look original.

I always mix up the Ford Granada and the Mercedes sedan when I come out of the opera. I actually DID have a kid tell me today, "Wow, you never see 250 Z's anymore." I just said 'You're absolutely right."

"Ya know what really grinds my gears...?" The statements above are testimonials to why these cars are for driving. I love my Z but it Is just not that exotic. One's validation should come from the feel of the car on the road, not from the accolades of others.

"Binders full of Datsun parts". I hope the parts don't get mad like some women seem to.