
Carl Beck
Member-
Posts
5,022 -
Joined
-
Last visited
-
Days Won
16
Content Type
Profiles
Knowledge Base
Zcar Wiki
Forums
Gallery
Events
Downloads
Store
Blogs
Collections
Classifieds
Everything posted by Carl Beck
-
According to Ben Millspaugh, who actually started the Z National Conventions - the first National Z Car Convention was in 1988 near Aspen, CO. The second National Z Car Convention was in Dallas in 1989 and the third National Z Car Convention was held in Phoenix in 1990. At the third National Z Car Convention the ZCCA (An organization called the National Nissan/Datsun Z Car Club Association) was formed... and the ZCCA member clubs put on their first Annual Convention in 1991. (the fourth Z Car Convention). When you think about it - it is a really sad commentary that a major automobile manufacturer was unwilling and/or unable to directly interface with their most enthusiastic customers. Just my opinion but I belive that kind of thinking represents at least one reason Nissan went broke. and is a very sad example of how not to handle Public Relations/Marketing. Question - of the original Charter Member Clubs of the ZCCA - how many are still paid members? FWIW, Carl B.
-
That would be 24 lbs of downforce PLUS the weight of the hatch that you Zero'ed out. Think about it... the downforce measured would stay at 0 until it was greater than the original weight of the hatch the corner measure was holding up... since the corner measure was sitting inside the car... FWIW, Carl
-
According to Ben Millspaugh, he was on his way home from a six week tour, while researching his book "Z Car, A Ledgend In Its Own Time", and was thinking of a discussion he had with Jim Wolf about hosting a National Z Car Convention. At the time, Bob Rapparlie was the Z Car Club of Colorado's President and Ben was the V.P.. Bob wanted the event held in Aspen and it was actually held in Snowmass. The Z Car Club Association wasn't formed until 1990 or 1991... FWIW, Carl B.
-
1996 = Denver CO 1997 = Albuquerque NM FWIW, Carl B.
-
Hi MEZZZ - Thanks, like anything in life, if I had to do it over I'd make some changes, but overall I've been very happy with it. Hi rdefabri - the BRE Baja Z was really just plain old "good luck" and "good friends".. Long Story Made As Short As Possible: I had been a fan of Peter Brock's designs since he pinned the Cobra Daytona Coupe. That admiration was farthered when I found out that he had pinned the original design at GM for the Corvette StingRay in 1957. When he turned up with his own Racing Team/Shop BRE in California - I started following DATSUN in both SCCA and Off-Road events. Of course when I bought my first 240-Z in March of 1970 - BRE was already preparing a Z for C-Production I knew that BRE had prepared 2 Datsun 240-Z's for SCCA's C-Production and that BRE had prepared one 240-Z for the Baja. I knew that the #46 Car had been totalled, and that the #3 Car was restored and entered in Vintage Racing events... but was always keeping my eye out for the Baja Z. I thought that with the Internet sooner or later I'd hear something, from someone. In 1998 Les Cannaday and I were discussing the beautiful restoration of the #3 C-Production car that Gerald Mason and his son had done, when the subject of the BRE Baja Z that Peter had built and drove himself came up. We were at the Induction Ceremony for Mr. K's induction to the Automobile Hall of Fame, standing around talking when one of the early Salesmanagers for DATSUN USA came up and joined the conversation. He remembered the Baja Z - and had helped Peter sell it when BRE shut its doors. He remembered that a Doctor had bought the car in the L.A. area - but couldn't remember his name. He said he'd check his files.. and get back with us. Les and I kept looking, asking anyone that had been a Datsun racer if they knew anyone etc etc. Les called me one night - to tell me that he had found the Baja Z. I thought he was calling to razz me and gloat... as good friends will do as the occasion calls forLOL... Instead he was calling to tell me that his shop was completely FULL, and he was behind on too many customer projects - - Sooo if I wanted the car, he'd put me in touch with the owner. He did that, and he went to pick the car up for me and had it at his shop, to get it ready for it's trip to Florida... We both looked actively for the Baja Z for several years - and in the end it found Les when the owner contacted him about selling it. A side story as well - When Les called to tell me the car was for sale - and told me he'd put me in touch with the owner - I turned to my wife and said; " hey honey, do you have any cash?".. She said; "what for?"... I replied that Les had found the BRE Baja Z, and if I wanted it I needed to send a cashiers check to California the next day. She said; " yes, sure.. just tell me who to have it made out to and for now much, I'll stop by the bank in the morning":love:. I still haven't given her cash backROFL.... so around here we refer to it as Vicki's Z. It was actually in pretty good condition - only 13K original miles and completely rust free. The original owner had painted it Silver, put a stock interior back in it, put the stock gas tank back on - but left all the competition parts in place. He put a stock hood, and bumpers back on - to make it a street sleeper. He raced for a year, then street raced it for a couple more before storing it away.. The restoration took me about four years total... had to find the original CIBIE Super Oscars, had to duplicate the 26 gallon fuel cell, had to find the American LeMan's wheels - all of which the original owner didn't keep... they just took time and money.. Other than that, it was just a matter of rebuilding everything. Peter and Gayle were most helpful by sending photos and spec's from his personal archives. I have to say that finding it, restoring it and owning it are for me - the pinnacle of Z Car-doom. The Baja and off road racing was Peter's favorite form of competition, the Baja Z is one of only two BRE Z's left in existence and it is the only one that Peter drove himself. Plus it is just unique enough to be really fun... one of a kind piece of Datsun Z History.. FWIW, Carl B.
-
Hi Guys: I realize that this car may belong in the "Classifieds" section - but I felt it was such a unique DATSUN that some of you might enjoy seeing it - and perhaps know someone that really loves truly "Original" Cars. I've copied the owners comments to me - below for your information. If any serious buyers are out there - contact me and I'll be glad to hook you up directly with the owner. In my opinion the car is very reasonably priced given its condition, unique history and actual beauty. $25K.... See below... FWIW, Carl B. BTW - I'll be in Cleveland 28th of Sept though 5 Oct. = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Hi Carl: I have a 1979 280 ZX that through stories and circumstances ends up today having only 6.900 original miles. It has been in storage with a car cover for its entire life. It is black, 2 + 2 with gold pin-striping. I have been told through the years and certainly originally when I acquired the vehicle directly from Nissan that, in fact, this model was the early 10th anniversary model. I certainly am aware that for the most part the two-tone 1980 claims that position and when I briefly glanced at your website I saw that you are quite the authority on this subject. I had the pleasure of directing and my company producing quite a number of TV specials for Datsun on the SCCA yearly run-offs. I became good friends with Bob Sharp and Paul Newman during the hay day of his racing career. In addition to the stock rims, Bob Sharp sent me a beautiful set of Gotti gold rimmed Michelin tires. At that time it was a $5000 value. 1. I have copies of all the original transfer of ownership of this vehicle from Nissan to me. 2. Of course, since there are only 6,900 miles there aren't many service records, however, I have each and every one of them in my file. 3. As you now see in the attached photos and if my recall is correct, there are two slight flaws. I believe on the right rear quarter panel there may be a 3-inch very thin scratch. The photo does not show it well because of the significant reflection. I also believe on the rear deck lid maybe the size of a dime there is a slight dent. Otherwise the finish is quite spectacular for its 29 years of age. This is partly because the car has been covered with a car cover and stored in a garage, thus the black paint truly does not show hardly any signs of sun oxidation. 4. There have been no changes in spark plug wires since I acquired the car. I have the original tires and the original rims plus the Gotti set up I referenced. All original fuel lines, water hoses, etc. are still on the vehicle. Because it has been in Colorado all of its life and the fact we are in a fairly dry climate, i.e. approximately 6,000 feet in elevation, the plastic and rubber throughout the vehicle both under the hood and the exterior remains in excellent condition. The vehicle was started, idled, and driven on the property where it is stored as recently as two summers ago. Even though stored the vehicle has received a hand wax and detail every 2 or 3 years throughout its entire life.
-
I'll be flying up to Cleveland with a couple other Bay Area zcar people Sunday... No free Wifi at the convention hotel?.... that's a real bummer... the hotel isn't cheap either.. FWIW, Carl B.
-
Hi Eric: Good to see you here. You might consider just comming to Florida or Texas and buying a clean (as clean and complete as possible) 240-Z's to start with. It might be far less expensive... At any rate - good luck with your project. kind regards, Carl B. IZCC #260
-
In my garage : White 72 240Z (second owner) BRE Baja Z (third owner) Metallic Blue 72 240Z (original owner) My wife's 91 Thunderbrid Super Coupe (original owner, 9K miles) Super-charged with inner-cooler, full independent suspension with adjustable shocks, 4 wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, posi rear end and "V" rated high speed radials. Either I need to seriously clean out my garage - or most of you guys need to accumulate for more important junk!! My garage is 42' by 24', the doors are oversize 18' in front and the rear is 16'. When the garage was empty of junk - I could easily get 7 cars in... But it was actually planned to be a 4 car garage. The 18' doors were intended to allow a couple extra feet between the cars... FWIW, Carl B.
-
Hi Mike: I meant to follow this up earlier - but I forgot. Anyway, #3, #4 and yes the higher number - #300 arrived here. All signed by Mr. Brock and Mr. Morton. I'll most likely donate #3 and #4 to the Datsun Heritage Museum, to auction off some time in the future. Mr. and Mrs. Brock will be doing an Autograph session at the JCCS, with proceeds going to the DHM as well. FWIW, Carl B.
-
If you "up-grade" to the ZX distributor - you have to also supply it with a ZX spec. coil. Otherwise you can suffer from too weak a spark, to jump that larger gap consistantly. The car will run with the 240-Z coil - it just won't run as well... FWIW, Carl
-
Hi Steve: I was asking about the "type" of paint listed on the sticker, not the color code. The metallic colors were Acrylic Enamel in 70/71 - the non-metallic's were Alkyd Enamel - just thought that if you could still see the type - it would provide more informaiton Carl
-
I think it's the car/color you want - and it is one of the nicest VZ's I've seen. Long term it is also most likely better than holding dollars at this point.
I can tell you that the last one traded hands at $41K... At least you know the quality you're getting.
Carl
-
Is the original color code sticker still on the car? If what type of paint does it list? Carl
-
Hi Jack T: I've been with the Hagerty for about 25 years now... I did have a claim... it was a wonderful experience. I'd highly recommend them, they are real "car people". They have taken care of the Classic Z Car Community for many many years - way ahead of the other Classic, Collectible and Special Interest auto insurance carriers. You do have to have a pretty good driving record... To replace that car today, you'd most likely need $20K. FWIW, Carl B.
-
They usually pick the next year's convention location - at the current convention.
-
Looks pretty nice in the pictures... if you bought it two years ago, and the things you list are all you've done - it was most likely a very good purchase. When you are restoring Z's it's always that last 5% that gets you:stupid: As always - Make sure you have it properly insured!!! FWIW, Carl B.
-
Way to go JT - the only thing better than winning, is winning when there is stiff competition. Fiddle with the Z if it makes you feel better, but I think most of us know that in this case it's 90% the DRIVER and perhaps 10% the car. Good car with a great driver plus several years of experience makes a very hard combination to beat. None-the-less we love to see that old Z carry you to victory. FWIW, Carl B.
-
She's young by todays standardsLOL If you had told me, when I was 49 that I'd be having kids again, I would have told you that you were nuts. Lucky that we never know what life will hold for us tomorrow. At 50 I had my first Daughter - quite a surprise - and completely different than raising the boys (now 39 and 36). My wife was 41 and more surprised than me. My Daughter has been a complete joy..... You never know... Carl B.
-
JimmyZ/Poindexter: Way off topic - but what the heck.. I built models of all the WW-II planes in the mid to late 50's. I was 10 to 15 years old then. My father had gone to Emery-Riddle Flight School in the 20's and I used to have his Bearskin Flying Gloves. (lost them somehow during my homeless days). By the mid 60's I was in college - and got my Private Ticket at Lane Aviation, Port Columbus International Air Port. Loved learning how to fly, and for the first few years it was affordable. By the late 60's early 70's I was in the Air Force - and making something like $350.00 per month - the cost of private planes was just too high and I have to admit that having been there and done that, I wasn't as motivated as I used to be. A few friends had planes and I'd fly with them every one-in-awhile. Funny thing was, by the mid 70's, 80's and 90's I was working on engineering programs for the F-14, F-16, AV8-B, F-18, F-22..(among other things). By the 90's I was getting old, eyes going South and problems with my heart... so I was grounded for good. Nonetheless, like you guys - I still love to see the war birds from WW-II. Personally I'd like to have an ME-109 or P-51... but it doesn't look like that's going happen. FWIW, Carl B.
-
Finding an old Friend - - or it's a small world..
Carl Beck replied to Carl Beck's topic in Open Chit Chat
Oh.. I see... you have to go to your Personal Profile - then see the photo album. I wondered why it didn't show up in the "User Gallery"... One of these day's I'll have to learn how to use this forum software... The Z looks much better in front of your house than it did in mineROFL Looks like you washed it!! Anyway - here are a couple more for you... As I recall we were at an auto-cross in Spokane that day. FWIW, Carl -
Did the dupont vendor use 14239 Poly Blue as a cross reference? It was used on the 1970/1971 Model Year cars. Too bad your in a rush - I'm sure some of the older Automotive Paint Suppliers have the older records. 903 was a shade darker blue and non metallic, than the 115 Metallic Blue in 72/73. FWIW, Carl B.
-
BUMP - any updates to this thread? FWIW, Carl B.
-
Thanks for including the pages - Will read the data to me over the phone, so I must have recored the last one incorrectly. Nonetheless, the difference in OEM vs Euro rear springs - only accounts for 0.7in increase in rid height.. The original picture you Posted looks like the car was sitting 3 to 5 inches higher than it should. Could be - the shop had torqued the lower control arms down, with them suspended in the air. Could be something else was done wrong. Either of which they corrected when they swapped the OEM springs back in. Sorry - you did say Stage I. I may be calling them Stage II because the Stage I springs for the 240-Z's are 12% stiffer than OEM. The Stage II springs for the 240Z are closer to the 140 lbs/in... So when I see 140lbs/in I think Stage II. That may not be the case for the 260Z - If you can get an accurate measure of the wire diameter used in the Eupo Spec. Springs - we can get pretty close to what they would measure out to be. You have to find someone that has a coil spring measuring machine to get accurate measurements. The Coil Spring Measuring machine will be able to hold the spring in place, then compress it to 80% of its free length - then take load measurements as it is compressed an additional inch or two. Call Race Car Development shop's in your area - and you might find one with the necessary machine to measure the coil spring rates.. If you bought them in 84 they are the low pressure type - no one was building high pressure gas shocks as OEM replacements then. The newer high pressure gas shocks can have 100 to 200 lbs of lift - and they will set a very light weight 240-Z from 0.75 to 1.5 inches higher by off loading that much weight from the springs. But the FSM also says that if the bumper height isn't correct - you move the bumper up/down. We may never know exactly what caused the rear of your 260Z to be sticking up so high after the original installation of the Euro Spec. Springs FWIW, Carl B.
-
Hi Jim... buddy.. old friend... exactly where in Florida do you liveROFL Carl B.