EhlersRS

Wayne, Just curious if you could share what the final cost was for the restore of the faceplate? I have a spare faceplate and would be interested in having one restored in the future. Robert S.

Looks good Chris! I'll have to plan a trip to visit the car in person sometime! Robert S.

Guys, Look what's up for sale again on Ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Datsun-240z-714-original-miles-/130757997294?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1e71c8b2ee Robert S.

Try this link: http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/search/?search=z It should be the first video entitled "Pebble Beach 2012". If that doesn't work, I used the search box on the upper right and searched for "z". About 1.5 minutes into the video, Jay mentions seeing the new concept for the 240Z. I do hope this is true! Robert S.

Alex, Thanks for sharing the story of your Z! Learning the history of your car is a great experience. It seems to connect you to the past and the great memories that were created with the car. I understand the goose bumps you experienced after finding the previous owner. My car came with the maintainence records up to 1988, so it took less effort to track down the previous owners. Thanks to the internet, I was able to locate a few phone numbers and I started calling. I couldn't reach anyone the first time, so a few weeks later I tried again. I have spoken with all 4 of the previous owners, but the best conversation I had was with the original owner. He bought the car new in 1971 when he was 40 years old and is now 81. It's interesting your car was repainted 4 years after it was produced. The original owner of my car had it repainted about 6 years after he bought it. Also, our cars were both produced in February 1971. Thanks again for sharing the good news! Robert S. VIN

Richard, Considering the distribution blocks are warped, the contact points with the cam towers didn't look that bad. Of course, it's difficult to see their true condition while mounted. It's been a busy day and I haven't had time to respond to your PM yet. Have a good night and I'll reply tomorrow. Robert S.

I took the oil spray bar off and took some photos to document the condition. The engine only has 91k miles on it and the aluminum distribution blocks are warped. The rear tube is misaligned the most, but even the front tube is angled slightly downward. All of the brass welds into the aluminum blocks are loose, but again the end tubes have the most play in them. The good news is none of the oil holes in the tubes are clogged! http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55195.html http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55194.html http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55193.html http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/member21096-albums547-55192.html Robert S.

Looks good Chris! My car came with an aftermarket antenna similiar to yours. I still have to sort through all of the spare parts though. I've wondered if the original power antenna mast can be replaced, but this looks like a good replacement. Robert S.

Even though I would never pay that much for either the radio or the choke plate, I would consider the value of the choke plate more "reasonable" since it's a NOS part and still new. I'm glad my 240Z came with an original AM radio. Robert S.

Richard, Okay, now that you mentioned the thermal expansion and contraction of the spray bar, that would make more sense rather someone "bumping" into the bar. From what I know about the car, it was last drove 20+ years ago and possibly the engine was started within the last decade. I just checked Black Dragon and didn't see one listed and MSA states the product is not currently available (http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SMEC07C/17-8071). While searching more on this topic, I ran across other posts of guys looking for a replacement. The tubes look straight, but I'll try to pull the bar off tomorrow and get the status of the condition. Have a good night! Robert S.

That's an awesome car Craig! Thanks for sharing with us. Robert S.

Richard, Thanks for your input. I haven't taken the oil spray bar off, so I don't know the condition of the mating surfaces on the distribution blocks. The rear tube is slanted inwards because the rear block is bent inward (as you mentioned). The car was well maintained as displayed by the records that came with the car. I can only assume someone "bumped" into the bar and bent it when the valve cover was off. If I attempt to resdesign an original spray bar, I would look for a straight one to start with. Since this design flaw is well documented, it's suprising one of the vendors like MSA don't offer a reproduction unit. The only one I've seen so far was posted by Gerry "30 Ounce" and it's basically a billet rectangle tube that replaces the original and the cost is $150. I would definitely be interested in purchasing a redesigned spray bar that more closely matches the orginal design. Robert S.

Richard, Thanks for the information and you did a great job on the redesigned spray bar. I've just begun the long process of restoration and would like to get the motor running before dismantling the car. I pulled the valve cover off and everything looks good, except the short spray tube and distribution block in the rear were bent inward. I'm wondering, could this process be done to the original oil distribution blocks? For instance, rather than making new billet distribution blocks, could threaded holes be added to the original distribution blocks and then threaded brass collars added to the tubes? Also, a new center support bracket would be needed. Considering the short spray tube in the rear is already "loose", I know this will eventually need attention. Thanks, Robert S.

Jamie, It's good to have a plan, because it helps overcome the "overwhelming" feelings! I plan to get the car running before I dissasemble it for the restoration. I will probably take the car for a spin before that, but I don't plan to drive it on a regular basis anytime soon. I've heard the guy who runs the Z Barn will be retiring since his wife passed away, but I don't know any specific details. Have a good week! Robert S.

Jamie, Thanks for sharing the photos. So you aren't too far from my old stomping grounds in Chatt. I'd say my 240Z has more rust than yours because it's a Midwest car. Have you checked into replacement repair panels yet for the car? There are several online sources for prefabricated panels, such as thezstore.com (MSA), blackdragonauto.com, and datsunzparts.com (Zedd Findings). MSA gets their panels from second sources, such as Zedd Findings. There are also suppliers of used Z parts, such as zbarn.com which is located in Middle TN. One of the good things about restoring a Z is the parts are readily available, but sometimes you have to search. Sounds like we have similar tastes when it comes to cars. I still own my 1997 Nissan Hardbody that I bought new in Chatt and my second car was a '86 Prelude. Keep up the good work on the car! Robert S.

Jamie, Glad you are continuing to make progress on the Z. I bought a 240Z a month ago to restore and haven't had time to work on it yet. It's easy to see how much needs to be done and feel overwhelmed! Where do you live in TN? I graduated from UTC in Chattanooga and still enjoy visiting when we drive south to visit family. Thanks for the update and I'm glad you saved another Z! Robert S.

Sorry for the duplicate post guys. I'm not up to date with my Classic Z reading. Anyway, passing along what the owner posted on the Datsun Parts FB page. Hopefully this will clear things up: I found and advertised this car. It is real, please feel free to contact me if you would like to see it. It came from the Delridge Datun in West Seattle, I settled the estate for the family of the dealership owner and there were 3 of his pe...rsonal cars in the 8 car garage of which 3 were Datsuns, one 510 with 54 miles on it, plastic still on the seat covers, a 1972 240z with 61k which I will be listing soon and the one I have advertised on CL with only 714 miles on it. The 2nd story of the garage was filled with NOS parts which I already sold but can put anyone interested in them in touch with the buyer. I am not a Datsun expert at all, so I will let the market decide what this car is worth, I have not found another car with comparable miles.

Hey Guys, Just passing along this Craigslist ad: http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/3108855532.html If legit this is a great find! So, who has a spare $28k laying around? Robert S.

Tiffanie, Sorry to hear you lost your father in January. I'm sure he would be proud of you for fulfilling your dreams! I haven't had time to make an "official" post yet, but I also bought a Sunshine Yellow 240Z 4 weeks ago to restore. The car came with the original owner's manual, warranty card, and maintenance records up to 1987. Unlike your car though, mine is from Peoria, IL and it also came with lots of rust! Last week I had the honor of speaking with the original owner who is now 81 years old and he drove the car to CA several times before selling it to his brother-in-law. Ironically, the oil pump went out in Stockton, CA (where you are from) and it sprayed oil all over the engine bay. I'm pretty sure there are still oil stains on the yellow hood! Congratulations on your progress and keep us updated! Robert S.

Tim, Congratulations on purchasing this awesome '72! I remember when it was up for sale last year and have been watching to see who would end up buying it. You will find everyone here is eager to help when you have questions! Robert S.

Maybe I'm crazy, but I actually like the styling of the Z better than the Shelby Mustang! The interior of the Shelby reminds me of the old station wagons we had when I was growing up.

I have two toy schnauzers that love to go on car rides! If you remember the old Nissan commercials, then you will understand why schnauZers love Z's! Robert S.

Cesar, I'm looking for Series I parts. I'll send you a private message! Robert S.

Looks like a great car Will! It was "free" that's even better! Robert S.

Ron, I sent you a private message. I'm looking for some Series I parts. Robert S.