z boy mn

Thanks! Working on the diff today--hope to have it back on the road tonight! Wahooo!

Thanks for the suggestions...I've got the Illuminas on "1" already, but haven't driven it much as I'm waiting to replace the diff (I have a friend helping me). As for that, it is the diff as far as we know. Both the seller suggested it was bad and it took about 5 miles to realize it won't make it much further! As for the air filter...heh heh...there is NOW a filter on the carbs. I took the picture when we were still working on the engine. In fact, the seller fabricated a custom airbox to match the engine and we ran the in-take out in front of the radiator with a K&N filter on it. We had to use the port normally used by the fresh air duct for the driver, so I'm out a little air, but the engine will be happy (and when the engine is happy, I'm happy!) As for the suspension, it doesn't have coil-overs at the moment. He put in shorter springs (probably harder, too) to lower the car some and added the Tokicos....but not much else. When the road is smooth all is well, but that doesn't happen too often here in MN. The racing seats don't have much for cushioning either, so the two hour drive back (at 50mph while breaking in the engine) was pretty hard to handle. The engine sounds great--no doubt--can't wait to get to 1000 miles so I can find out what she's made of!

Not sure exactly what's wrong with the 4.11....but it's definitely broken. Sounds like there are some pieces loose in the inside and probably a broken cog (or two). I'll keep it as it's an LSD--maybe it can be rebuilt? The one I have to replace it is a 3.90....will try to have that in this weekend. The motor has just over 150 miles, so I changed the oil (it took 10 quarts) and plan on breaking it in nice and easy. I figure the first 1000 miles should be a gentle warm-up for the beating that's coming! ;-) Not sure what the tires are made of, but they're Dunlop 225/45/16's. Brand new, too--they still have the little rubber nubs on them on the tread side! Once I get that tackled, my next move is the suspension. It's got Tokico Illumina shocks/struts, but it rides a little like a brick. OK...a LOT like a brick. He must have shortened the springs or something. I'm going to use it as a daily driver, and as I have fillings in my teeth (and I'd like them to stay there) I'm hoping to soften the ride some. Any suggestions?

Good morning, everyone! For anyone who remembers, back in March I purchased a 1972 Datsun 240Z, and it was destroyed in a horrific shipping accident (it hadn't been strapped down) 10 miles from where it had lived for 37 years. I was devastated--and so was the seller, whom I met here. So, I took the last few months and did some more searching, salvaged what parts I could from the '72, and finally, just this week, found a new dream! It's a 1971 Datsun 240Z, Series I. It had been a project car of the owner for 13 years, during which time he replaced, upgraded, painted, cleaned, and perfected it. I've even got all the receipts! When I discovered it on our local Z-car FB page, it hadn't even been started yet...so the motor (a stroker) had no hours or miles on it. Together we finished it and I drove it home last weekend. The 4.11 LS differential is shot, but I got a spare 3.90 in the deal, so this weekend I'll put that in. Wahoooo! More pictures to follow, and some are kind of blurry, but for now.... [ATTACH=CONFIG]55644[/ATTACH] Still celebrating!

I had never ever pulled an engine and/or tranny before, but a couple weeks ago I pulled both (at once) from my 240Z as I continue to work on salvaging parts. I borrowed an engine hoist and used a bolt where the engine hook used to go and one in the rear manifold bolt. Surprisingly, it only took about 30 minutes once I unhooked everything else, and I was working by myself. I had made it easier by taking out the radiator and I actually cut away a lot of the front end...so maybe that was cheating a little...but I was surprised by how simple it was. Also, I did use a drip pan to catch the gear oil on the way up...that took up most of the time, actually, as I kept adjusting its position because didn't want to get the oil all over my floor when the drive-shaft fell out. How did your process go?

Feels like pot metal...could be...and it's very light. I was thinking some kind of anti-corrosion thing at first, too, but the pieces are very specifically shaped and it seems they must have some purpose. I would guess the gas cap thing is the most likely...but jeez...knowing that they have been found in other tanks? And, I talked to the last owner, who owned the car for 37 years, and he says he didn't know it to have a locking gas cap--and the cap does seem as "original" as the rest of the car. Stumped!

Just went back to the tank and peered inside with a flashlight and did some more shaking...those two pieces were the only ones in there...and, I discovered that they don't seem to be magnetic. Hmmm....could they be aluminum?

Hmmm.....sounds like we have a pattern, then. Could they be some kind of anti-corrosion thing? Was your tank working before you pulled it? Strange!

Hmmmm.....I like the key idea as there's not a locking gas cap on it now (so maybe the keyed one fell apart). The pieces are about 1.5" long...so they're also about the size of a key. Hmmm. Thanks for your help with the mystery...it sounds like it's not too serious.

So......I was parting out the Z yesterday and when I took the gas cap off I dropped one of the screws into the gas tank. Oops. :embarrass: It took a while to get it out (once I got the tank off), but as I was shaking the ****ens out of it these two pieces also fell out. There's another small one in there, too...it's square, flat, and about the size of a pencil erasure and maybe 1/8" thick. Looks like it's the same kind of material. Any idea what I broke (see attached)? I'd appreciate any help possible...hoping I didn't ruin the tank!

Thanks for the suggestions, Hardway...I'll likely toss everything except the door panels...could be a good opportunity for me to practice with the dye kits I've seen online. The smelliest bits are probably the carpet and insulating pads anyway.

Hey everyone, I have a question about the interior of my 1972 240Z (wrecked...I'm parting it out). I've pulled all the panels, and I'm tempted to toss them as they're moldy and maroon. The smell is moderate, and some the plastic feels very crumbly. I can't imagine using them again unless there would be a way to restore them in some way, but I see the interior kits online and they can be kind of spendy. Has anyone tried to recondition an interior before? Am I just better off starting over?

Hey everyone...shipping Z's is something I've learned a little about recently (see my avatar). A couple recommendations...make sure your carrier has its own insurance. And...ask to see their policy. Be very sure they are insured. Also, know that while in transport, your car is considered carGO, not a "car," so book and NADA values won't matter to the shipping company's insurance if something goes wrong...they'll only insure it for what you paid for it...or it's value in steel...or how many tuna cans they can make out of it...or something else that won't help you find another one. So....make sure you also have personal insurance on the car (collision & comp) as well just in case something happens--even if it's just for the trip. What happened to me (car fell off the carrier) is extremely rare, but it sure did teach me a few things!

Me, too! And will be putting those up soon....but...are the interior panels worth saving? Mine are in rough shape and they smell a little moldy. If the car hadn't been wrecked, I would have replaced them...but I hate throwing out things someone could use...or would want. They're original...and maroon.

Sweeeeeet Z...where did you find it?

Here are a few of the additional pix...

What do you think of this one? http://ithaca.craigslist.org/cto/2915056387.html I found it in NY and the seller seems pretty up-front. He sent me additional photos right away and answered all my questions. The car is from Kentucky and looks clean underneath. I'm going to have to pass as it's out of my price range, but I'm going to buy a lottery ticket this week! Note, it does have some custom body features...for example, the taillights have been replaced with lights from a vette. I have the additional pix still if you want me to send them.

Thanks for the help...I couldn't make the video actually run...but I had thought of just tearing off the top. Course...here in MN, it's not that warm! And, I may have found a 260 doner car...would that work better for body panels and roof? Crossing my fingers...

Ahhh....the parts car is a 77 Datsun 280...dang. Any chance the roof/hatch would work? Or better yet...any ideas for finding another roof that will fit?

Hey everyone, I have a crazy question...there's a welder in my area who thinks he can replace the front fenders, doors, and roof (along with A and B pillars) of my Z (as the frame is still fine) IF I can find a doner car/parts...I found a couple, but one is a 260 and the other a 280. Does anyone know if these parts would be compatible with a 1972 240Z? VERY curious (and thanks in advance), Adam

I'll be parting out my "slightly damaged" 1972 Z (fell off the carrier during transport) in the next month or so...and it has a perfectly good rear hatch with glass and louvers. Would you be interested? Not sure about whether or not it will fit, I'm still learning, but seems like it would. PM me if you're interested.

Hey all...a final post on this...sorry to be so confusing, but to be honest, I was confused, too. The conflict was mainly between my insurance company and the shipper's insurance company. I think it's straightened out now and I'll be reimbursed the cost of the car and my insurance rates won't go up. Eventually, I won't be out any $$$...just my first Z. And...when it arrives, I'll spend some time looking it over and post any parts that look usable. Then...I'll be on the hunt again!

Hey hey....back for an update...the car is now on a truck on its way to MN, and the insurance companies can argue about it's value. My insurance company says the value is the value per NADA, but at the same time they don't want to pay it--they want the shipper's insurance to pay for it. The shipper's insurance won't pay anything over the bill of sale. When this is all finished, I'll certainly post the name of the shipping company so others can avoid it, though in this case the owner of the company has been great--he fired the driver on the spot this morning. As for specific parts, when it gets to MN I will be interested in making sure it goes to keep other Z's on the road. My biggest fear is that it would get crushed for steel when it has plenty of good parts that someone can use. When it gets here, I'll be happy to post it as a parts car with a list of what's not broken. And yes, I'm mostly interested in selling the whole car...I'm not a mechanic, so parting it out myself is going to be tricky. The interior was in great shape...not sure what it looks like now. Apparently, the sunroof survived! But...I'll probably keep the steering wheel and hang it on my wall. It was my first Z after all! Thanks too for all the suggestions...I'm hoping it works out and I can find another one.

Thanks for the advice everyone...I have contacted my agent as well as the seller. I've also requested a copy of the police report...but that will take a week+ (you have to do it by mail). The issue of time is that currently, the car is in an impound lot and if it stays there much longer the bill goes to me (as I am the legal owner). The cargo insurance carrier is offering to pay me the actual cost of the vehicle plus the shipping to MN...but I don't have the resources to part it out...it would just get crushed when it gets here, too. Trying to keep Z's on the road...figure make the best of a bad situation.

The problem is I'm in MN...and the car is in CO. I've got about 2 hours to figure out what to do.