Namerow

The 240Z engine is a remarkably simple and well-built device... except for the emissions control system. The latter is a train-wreck, typical of the auto industry's late-1960's, analogue-era, pre-ECU/fuel injection, band-aid solutions. The problem was not unique to Nissan. Whether it was the USA, the UK, Italy, France, Japan -- they were universally bad. Why? Because the technology available to the industry that was 'ready for prime time' (i.e. wouldn't get the manufacturer sued for incompetence) was nothing better than a lash-up. In the end, the only answer proved to be a combination of electronic fuel injection + computer control. It took almost 10 years to get there. In Panama, you are re-living the 1970 Los Angeles nightmare -- high temperatures + traffic jams + complicated, ineffective smog equipment technology. Plus -- as I mentioned in an earlier post -- the pssibility that your local gas may be substandard. My advice: 1) Remove all of the emission control equipment; 2) Run the tank dry and then fill up at the biggest, brand-name gas station in downtown; 3) Place your trust in a top-quality auto shop that has a lead mechanic who has proven credentials with carburetors (preferably SU carburetors); 4) Only if steps 1, 2 and 3 can't get the engine running properly should you consider removing the cylinder head.

Colour matching is really important.😎

I suspect that JAlex's problems may be the result of poor local fuel quality combined with local high-temp conditions. Not sure that any of us are qualified to provide proper guidance on that combination. Maybe not even Nissan. It may prove difficult to find qualified tech help in Panama. That said, I hope the new mechanic proves to be up to the task and this will end with JAlex piloting Panama's best Z on his local streets and highways.

Things in Japan are not as 'obvious' to an outsider as they might be in NA and Europe. I agree with CO, in that Kays may prove invaluable. However, you need to be specific about what it is that you're looking for.

Please provide some discussion for the final photo. That looks like an old-tech commercial frame alignment rig... but is that a commercial shop or someone's private garage?

I wonder if "60 or 80 grit" was really meant as "360 or 280 grit"? Those would be credible recommendations for paint prep.

I suggest that you give Charlie a call, rather then relying on Facebook or email. 613) 389-1397

The 'B' transmission's design places the base of the shift lever further forward relative to the front face of the bellhousing, resulting in a number of complications when a B unit is installed in a car that was designed for the A unit... - Base of shift lever hits the front edge of the cutout in the transmission tunnel when 1st or 3rd is selected. - Shifter knob comes too close to the HVAC fascia when 1st or 3rd is selected. I'm curious to know how this issue was handled by the dealer who did the B-for-A transmission swap in your car. p.s. I like the wood cradle that you built to support the car. I know of another Z owner who built a rotisserie from wood.

Mounting studs and hardware should be stainless steel. Too bad the same can't be done for the screws that fasten the lens to the housing.

A dry cleaner's bag works well for this purpose. Also: The seatback upholstery is easier to install if you do the job outside in direct, afternoon sunlight (solar heating helps to soften the vinyl).

I agree... although baby-boom demographics will probably keep the torch burning for at least another 5 years.

Thanks for taking the time to create and post these photos. Maybe I'm just getting old*, but Photo #2 is confusing. Did the rubber really sit under the weatherstrip before both were pushed down over the inch strip? Looking at the photo, it seems hard to believe that the weatherstrip would be capable of generating enough clamping force. (* I plead guilty, as I'm sure many others will, of just pulling the rotted old stuff off without giving much thought to how it actually worked.)

It would be fascinating to see a video showing how the rear glass was installed at the factory back in the day.

If only the SU's designer had included an external adjustment screw for setting the float level.

It's a Velcro strip that helps hold the spare wheel cover (pressboard) in place.