GunnerRob

My '75 280Z came from the factory with door locks that were designed NOT to lock by pushing down on the interior lock knobs with the doors open. A person had to use a key and the door had to be closed for the key to lock the door. This may have been designed to keep people from locking their keys inside the car. I'm wondering, if you can't find a problem with the mechanism, if the previous owners have installed a '75 mechanism.

Season's Greetings! This may sound dumb. My not having lived in a part of the country where it snows, I was wondering, do you guys who live in this area decorate the outside of your house for Christmas? I'm thinking that you don't because of the damage the snow would cause the decorations.

When I select the first file, the "install.zip", I'm taken to an Angelfire page that tells me they don't allow direct linking to files hosted on Angelfire. I thought I could just download the install.zip file but I get sent this Angelfire page. Oh well. The other files give me the option to download them to my PC, but I think without the "install.zip" they're useless. If I'm missing something please let me know.

My 8 year old son likes it as much as I do! Although I think I still prefer Unreal Tournament (better weapons!).

Hi Bonnie, I recently had a rebuilt '81 5 speed installed in my 280z. My original 4 speed, after seeing 255,000 miles, literally ground to a halt. I selected this 5 speed for the taller 5th gear for much better freeway speed gas mileage without sacrificing much in acceleration from a stop. But then, I'm more of a high speed in the twisties person than a dragster. I checked out a really good web site that has a transmission calculator for all combinations of transmissions, differentials, tire sizes, etc. It appears that the '77-'79 factory 5 speed is as close as you can come to your original 4 speed in 1st thru 4th gears, with a 5th gear that will drop your rpm's at 75 mph in 4th from 3400 to 2960. The difference in 1st gear at 6000 is 37 mph now to 40 mph with the above mentioned 5 speed. These numbers are with 195/70-14 tires. The 5 speed with a 4.11 differential, as mentioned by 2ManyZs, will get you 32 mph in 1st gear at 6000 rpm and 3600 rpm at 75 mph in 5th gear. Here's the web site link if you'd like to look at some other number comparisons: http://www.geocities.com/z_design_studio/ BTW, here in So. Cal., it cost me $700 for the transmission and installation. Have fun! Rob

It's not long. There's just alot! Must be the Scottish in me.:classic:

I think, since I said that I wouldn't shave my head, that my hair must be the 30% that's gay!?:nervous:

Bill, you're right. And my apologies(sp?) to everyone. The link I posted doesn't take you to the proper page. But, from the that page select usc/morton/cargroom, then accessories. On this page you'll find a group of products. Select USC's sound control pads and you're there. I hope this helps. BTW, this web site is finicky so be patient.

I'll be looking to do something similar to my 280Z soon. What I've come up with so far is to line the interior surfaces (floor, rear deck, door skins, rear sheetmetal interior) with a "asphalt paper" product called Q-Pad (my thanks to Kmack for this info, I think). This is the same stuff that was used in strategic locations by the factory. It's quite thin compared to foam padding and I'm sure more durable. The thing that attracts me most to this method is ease of installation and the fact that these pads won't hold moisture and cause rust. The downside may be that once installed they'll be difficult to remove and you'll be adding some weight. I believe the 12" square pads weigh about 1 pound each. Here's their web page: http://www.uschem.com/products/index.html

Wow Enrique! What a blessing KATSUHIKO has bestowed upon you. I've been peaking in on your search for something that I thought was an extreamly long shot. And not only did Alan and Kats help you with your endeavor, Kats has come through with flying colors, and he's presented it as a gift! Talk about brothers-in-common! As for myself, I could only hope to return the favor to people like you and Alan for all the invaluable help and information you all have provided to people like myself and others that you probably don't even know about. Congradulations! Merry Christmas to all!

After seeing all the beautiful pictures some of you have posted showing pristine clean engines and all the accompanying components in the engine compartment, I was wondering, how do you get them to look like they came from the factory without actually buying them new? I haven't taken down an engine or had to clean car parts since I was a kid back in the seventies! And back then we didtn't have to look over our shoulder to make sure the EPA wasn't watching us cleaning parts in a can of gasoline, then pouring it down the drain. What tools do you use to clean your parts? What do you do with the chemicals you use for cleaning? Can the parts be cleaned to near new condition or do you get them close, then have them replated? A guy I know has a cabinet sand blaster. Is that something I should look into getting/using? Any help is appreciated.:classic: BTW, I live in California. Home of the environment police.

Sean, My statement was not intended to be a euphemism, nor was it intended to patronize. It was meant as a sincere statement welcoming gen z as a new member to this club. And I'd like to see more women become as enthusiastic towards the Z marque and to participate in this forum. In my opinion euphemisms are for small minded people. I personally refuse to stoop to that level. If this reply to your post is misguided, please accept my apologies.

Good eye Halz, It's the head for an Ariel Square Four (motorcycle). Here's the link if you'd like to see the rest of the engine. http://www.arielmotorcycles.com/howard.htm

I for one am glad to see you've decided to stay! Hang in there with fixing up your ZX. I have a close friend who works on and just loves his '80 ZX. I've tried putting a bug in his ear to try out a 240-280 Z to no avail. It's nice to have you as a member with a new perspective.

I've not even seen a Z here in the US without this feature. From what I've seen here and talked to Z owners about is that the verticle units were installed in the very early ('70) 240Z's. Then from that point on the horizontal units were the norm. I believe the hazard lights and switch were a DOT (Depatrment of Transportation) requirement here in the states, but I cound be mistaken on this one.

I recently had a valve job performed on my L28 head, but now it won't bolt up to the block! Any suggestions?

Uh huh, I see you don't have to worry about body rust!!!

I thought this web page was kinda fun! Imagine you've just won the 24hrs of New York. (turn up the sound click anywhere above our gift from France) http://doody36.home.attbi.com/liberty.htm

Thanks sjcurtis, I'm looking forward to your reply. Rob

Hi Gen Z, Victor and Rob (not me, the other one) have given excellent advice. I've had a 280Z since 1980, two 280's, and can testify how important it is to have a repair shop that truly is into these cars. My mechanic often finds and suggests corrections to past mistakes made by other non and so-called Z mechanics. Its amazing what some people do to these cars. Personally I can't see myself without a Z. And I'm also realizing how important these people on this site, and their advice and support, are to me as well! There's a lot of knowledge and experience here. You didn't say what part of California you live in. If you live near or can get to the Ventura area I'd be more than happy to turn you on to my mechanic here. He has done most of the major work and all of the diagnostics on my Z cars since 1982 without even one unnecessary repair, period! I refuse to let him retire!!! Good Luck, Rob Oh, by the way, this mechanic of mine only works on Datsun/Nissans (approximaly 90% are Z's).

sjcurtis, I really like these mirrors you posted pictures of here. Are they made locally near you or did you find them in a catalog such as MSA? I think they would be a great replacement for the stock mirror on my '75 Z since they are similar in style and size as the original (USA) factory units! Plus they would enable me to have a passenger side mirror. I couldn't tell from the photos if the passenger side mirror is convex or flat. Could you please fill us in on that? Were they easy to install with what was included with them (spacers, shims, etc.)? And did they require drilling new holes or modifying the existing ones ? Well, they look great on your car! Enjoy, Rob

All this talk about smog equipment requirements for a 72z sounds so weird to me. Especially after reading so much about mods being done on these cars here on this site! I'm surprised to hear that Texas is still requiring original smog equipment on this car. California, the land of tree huggers, doesn't even require this stuff on pre-74 cars. I don't know for sure but I thought these exemptions were federally inspired. If it were me I'd be looking where mperdue is. There may be something in the state code about exemptions for cars that are a certain age or older. I'd cetainly be looking for my ammo there. Good luck and keep us informed. Rob

That's really funny! Thanks 2manyZs

I've only seen this on once.... "No, this is NOT my boyfriends truck!" Oh, and my other cars' plate reads... "PEY ATTN"