Carl Beck

Hi Chris (everyone) Not to dispute Cdavid's claims...<brg> Actually - the clock face for the JDM Fairlady Z was designed after the watch pictured. According to Kats when he originally posted the picture. The watch was special order made for Mr. Matsuo by Citizen Watch. Mr. Matsuo's watch, as well as the clock in the Fairlady Z, had stop watch features, not included in the Datsun 240-Z's exported. Nonetheless, the wrist watch that reflects the 240-Z's clock face is a pretty neat idea. Perhaps someone can have the Fairlady Z's Clock with it's stop watch functions - reproduced as a wrist watch as well. FWIW, Carl B.

Neat Watch: So are you going to tell us where you got the watch? Did you have it made for you - are you going to offer them For Sale before someone else does? thanks, Carl

Hi RJ: I know of several private sales where the prices paid for First Generation Z's has exceeded $30K and one went for over $39K. I think that we'll see private sales exceed $50K in the next few years for the super rare, perfect, extremely low mileage stock production cars in the group. (if the over-all economy holds..) While I personally haven't seen the money change hands - it would seem that the market for Z432's in Japan runs in the $65K to $125K USD range. I would think that one of the few remaining Factory Works 240-Z's would sell today in that range as well. I personally felt that Keith Martin held lower expectations than reality. Especially given the fact that Nissan sold about 38 Vintage Z's all above the $24K range back in 98/99. By 2003 I sure couldn't find a "restored 240-Z" here in the States for $12K. "Restored" meaning as the term is used in the Collector Car Market. I will say that Keith and others may simply be following the public auctions; but that really isn't tracking the market. Many collector cars are taken to auction only after they fail to sell privately, which usually means they weren't of a high enough quality to begin with. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Stephen (everyone): From that statement, I might get the impression that you view the "collector car market-at-large" as a more or less static group of people. In my lifetime, it hasn't actually seemed to that way. The truth is that the market-at-large didn't recognize the value of Muscle Cars 20 years ago either. At that point it was the Exotic Sports Cars that were fetching unbelievable prices. (Ferraris, Gull Wing 300SL's) A 68 Shelby Mustang 500KR was worth about $18K then, and now sells for well over $125K now. A Ferrari Dayton was worth upwards of $500K then and now sells for around $150K. Looking at the dynamics of the collector car market, it would seem that the Z's are now being recognized, and if they follow the usual trends you might see a $50K Z in a couple of years. Of course the super rare one's are already well over that amount, but not yet really in the market-at-large as they change hands with private sales. Nonetheless, I'd have to say that the market-at-large is just starting to recognize the Datsun 240-Z and its place in automotive history. FWIW, Carl B.

If you have a NAPA Parts Dealer near you - their ZOOM Clutch Kits are the way to go. If not, then I'd bit the bullet and buy OEM Replacements from the local Nissan Dealer. Depending on what car it's for - make sure you have the right throw-out bearing collar, to match the Pressure Plate height of the new Pressure Plate. If it's a Type B 5spd, out of a 77-83 Z, then get the throw-out bearing collar that originally came with it, and order the clutch kit for the 77-83 Z's. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

What City Would That Be In? Carl B.

Well.. looks like my memory isn't too good... Here's a comparison in April 72 Road & Track... on the Crown Turbo vs. Stock vs. the BRE C-Production Z. I believe we have an IZCC Member, that is also in the Gateway Z Club - that might still be running his Crown Turbo Set-up. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Alan: A truly unique and wonderful car to own - and an even better story to go with it. It doesn't get any better that than. Thanks for posting the pictures - the restoration looks top notch. Perhaps you could start it up and send us an audio clip.... or a small video. I couldn't be happier for you. regards, Carl B.

According to the 72 Field Service Manual: Gear Carrier to rear differential mounting member - lock nuts Torque: 7.5 to 9.5 kg-m (54.2 to 68.7 ft-lb) There is only one washer between the nut and the mustache bar. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

CROWN Mfg. was one of the first to put a Turbo on the Z.. they used the one S.U. in their set-up. As I recall that was around 74 or 75. <a href=http://zhome.com/picturelibrary/turbol24.jpg TARGET=NEW> See Picture Here</A> FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Stephen: You don't have to remove the stainless steel window frame. You can take the glass out, and put it back in, with the frame in place. The window frame/regulator etc might be loose as it is mounted to the inner sheetmetal of the door - or the glass migh be loose where it attaches to the metal frame that holds it. I'd check the mounting points on the inner door sheetmetal first.. and if that doesn't do it.. Then take the window out. The glass will come out through the opening in the top of the door - but you have to slightly pry the opening apart most of the time. This is always a good place to have an extra set of helping hands.. The widest part of the window has to come out by the area where the door push button/lock is.. at the rear of the door. Taking the window out - and putting it back in is a snap - Once you have done it five or six times in a month. The first time it can be quite frustrating as you attempt to get all the rollers on the regulator in their proper position relative to the guides they slide in - and they have to be in EXACTLY their proper position to all fit in place a the same instant in time... I've scanned a page from the Factory Service Bulletin - - re read it as you go along and it will make more sense... good luck, Carl B.

You and your girlfriend are walking down a trail in the Rocky Mountains.... it's a beautiful day, you are in love and you are happy that she is there looking up to you. The two of you step over a fallen log and as you glance up ahead in the trail - you see a Rattle Snake sunning himself ahead. What do "YOU" do? = = = = = a) You are an intelligent individual. A man experienced and knowledgeable in the ways of the wild outdoors. You know that a Rattle Snake presents great danger to you and your girl, so you step back in reverse slowly, put the log between yourself, your partner and the Rattle Snake... You then find a safe path around the danger ahead. You want to assure that your pleasant day in the woods end in the Resort Hotel Bed, not the Hospital Bed. You an intelligent individual. You have years of experience hunting and killing Rattle Snakes. You know from that experience that a Rattle Snake will kill you, without any regret, without any guilt and most of all without any hesitation given the chance. With your left arm, you push your girl friend behind as you step ahead and draw your sidearm.... BANG! You blow that crawling demon to hell. You walk forward, assure the viper is really dead; and it is of course because you are a dead shot, and you blew its head off. You pick it up and as your coiling it up to put in your back-pack, you say to your girl friend; "Great, we now have a Rocky Mountain Treat for dinner." The two of you now proceed forward on the tail and your happy. You happy because like the Rattle Snake, you are not only wiling and able to kill, but you enjoy it and never have a regret taking the life of a Rattle Snake. c) You believe yourself to be an intelligent individual. You see the Snake ahead, but your are not really sure what it is. So you and your Girlfriend approach for a closer look. As you get closer you hear the Snake shaking it's Rattle. NOW you realize your dealing with a Rattle Snake, but hey - this could be fun and besides you don't want to show any fear in front of your Girlfriend. So against her protests, you grab a stick and start to poke the Rattle Snake, from what you consider a safe distance. You think it will back down and crawl away.. leaving your path clear. Instead, the snake coils and strikes, hitting you in the right leg. Your girlfriend steps forward in a panic to assist you - and she gets hit as well. Now to the two of you are in a life threatening situation..but the Rattle Snake having used up all it's venom, but unharmed, goes blissfully along his way. As you lay there dying with the one you love... you are thinking - with your new found experience, practical education and now wisdom - "what a Fool I Am!" "How stupid can one person be?" = = = = = = = = = So the question Jeremy is: Which person "a)", "b)" or "c)" above were you, in the situation you described? Even more importantly - which person are you now? With the right answers, you might live to be an old man like me... I hope you do. FWIW, Carl B. Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Enrique: As we always say - anything is possible. Nonetheless the Metallic Blue 240-Z's into the US came with a white interior. If the picture shown is the car, it may have a "stock" interior, but I doubt it's the original one. For many years white diamond vinyl, seat upholstery and plastic panels were not available, and many white interiors (as well as blue) were swapped out for Black. Usually if you pry back the trim around the headliner, you'll find signs of the original white interior, unless the swap was done by a real fanatic. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Marty: Fill the block with water first.. don't put anti-freeze/coolant in until after you've brought the engine up to full operating temp.s. to check for leaks... If you find anything leaking it's better to deal with just water anyway. Anti-freeze/coolants will leak where plain water won't.. but I've found that if you start with plain water - you're less likely to find leaks when you do put anti-freeze/coolant in. A few thermo cycles on the engine will help assure it's sealed up as well. Watch the freeze plugs... good luck, Carl B. Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Arne: I don't know what year that set came on - but that type was introduced on the Series II 240-Z's, begining production 01/71. They are much more convenient for sure. FWIW, Carl B. Clearwater, FL USA http://Zhome.com

I guess I didn't realize you couldn't see the entire article - I think it should be fine now, give it a try and see if it all loads. It is broken into two hyper-linked pages to allow the image files to download a bit more quickly. <a href=http://zhome.com/Classic/240ZFloorboards/ChrisFloorboards.htm TARGET=NEW> Replacing 240-Z Floorboards</a> FWIW Carl B. Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Actually it is just about the same. Contributed by Chris Thorne, to the Z Car Home Page as well as here, in the hopes of gaining broader exposure to share his efforts. I could simply find it there easier, and thought it would be helpful to a new member to the Z Car community. Chris only dropped out one image, that contributed little to the process. But tried to clarify any vague phrases in the original discussion. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Guys: I have to say that it's refreshing to see at least a few brave people, that refuse be silenced when poked by Politically Correct daggers. When we all wake up to the fact that social problems will only be addressed and solved - when what is honestly said, is more important than silence. Of course if you don't want it said at all, then throw the PC daggers at will. They are nicely packaged as high minded slogans, and thus conveniently thrown. No matter how you cut it - the disaster in New Orleans was a black eye on all of us. It is important to define the effects, but more so to get to the route causes. Proof that 50 years of "the Great Society" has been a very costly and huge failure for the American People. Proof that "we the people" have completely lost both control of, as well as any ability to hold our Government, at all levels, accountable for their actions. After he left office some 210 years ago, George Washington attempted to warn us that the downfall of our power to control our destiny as free and independent people, would begin when we started putting either geographic divisions or political party ahead of our unity as American's. While his Farewell Address is difficult to follow today, given the Old English style of writing - its meaning and its warnings to us are clear as a bell. - if only we would take the time to read it. <a href=http://usinfo.state.gov/usa/infousa/facts/democrac/49.htm TARGET=NEW> See Farewell </a> The sad truth is that we have all been drinking the Kool-Aid from the mass media and the two Political Parties for far too long. The real question is; are we now too poisoned by it, to recover as "One Nation, with Liberty and Justice For All." or to reestablish a government of, by and for the people? Feel free to bicker among yourselves while Rome burns... Political Power is gained and wealth amassed if you can keep everyone else fighting over the bones you throw them. Like Michael More said; "isn't it wonderful that the wealthy have two Political Parties to take care of them". So suit up - put on that Red or Blue Party Jersey - and like the fanatic spectators at a World Class Soccer Game - feel free to bludgeon one another with a full head of "Team Spirit"... But for goodness sakes, realize that you aren't really a Team Member, nor really a Player... Just another stupid dupe that's been convinced to root for one Party Team or another, while they both make money off the game. At my age, I'll be checking out soon... but my heart is heavy at the future prospects for our grandchildren, although also encouraged when people wake up and start telling it like it is... hope springs eternal. FWIW, Carl B. Honorary Lt. Governor of the Great State of Ohio Intern To The United States Senator of the Great State of Alaska Block Leader for the "Neighbors For Nixon" Campaign Yes I was young, worn the Party Jersey and drank the Kool-Aid.... fool me once shame on you.. fool me twice, shame on me.

Hi Tim: I guess the question and response belong here... so same answer anyway.. <VBG> Nothing like jumping right in... If you have a plasma cutter, we'll have to guess that you are pretty good at welding... or are you just jumping right in there too<vbg>. There's a pretty good article on the <a href=http://ZHome.com TARGET=NEW>Z Car Home Page</a> - in the "Classic and Collectable Z's" Section. or use the direct URL: <a href=http://zhome.com/Classic/240ZFloorboards/ChrisFloorboards.htm TARGET=NEW> Replacing 240Z Floorboards</a> Good to see you join the group, I'm sure you'll not only have fun with the restoration project, but come away with a great appreciation for the Datun 240-Z. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Tim: Good to see you join the group, I'm sure you'll not only have fun with the restoration project, but come away with a great appreciation for the Datun 240-Z. I moved the answer about the floor pan replacement to the other thread you started.. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Mark (everyone) Thanks for checking on that. So far, the lowest engine serial number we've located that came in an A/T equipped Z, with the "Nissan OHC" valve cover, is in the 011600 range... with a production date of 08/70. One of the reason's we've tried to gather data related to A/T's and original engine serial numbers - is so that we can get at least an idea of how many L24's were received, that originally had the "2400" on them. The numbers aren't perfect, but it looks like something close to 9,000 Series I cars came to the USA with the "2400" valve covers. Given that people have been collecting them or saving them for many years now - it would seem that more of the "2400" valve covers are still around than the cars they originally came on. Not earth shaking, but just another fun item to collect... FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Gary: You may have thought that because as Arne pointed out, the Z's equipped with the A/T didn't start production until 08 or 09 of 1970. Or you may have thought that because most of the Automotive Magazines here in the States didn't offer Road Tests of the A/T equipped Z's until later in calender year 71. With production in Aug. of 70 - they didn't arrive at the Dealerships here until around Oct. of 70. Because traditionally the coming calender years models, of the US manufacturers, were introduced here in the States in Oct. ... it's more than likely that most of the A/T equipped Series I cars were sold/titled as 1971 240-Z's. (they all meet the 71 Emissions and Safety Standards for the US because the standards didn't change 70 to 71). At the Dealership I bought my first Z from, and later worked at, we were quite surprised when Z's with the A/T started showing up at around Nov. 1970. While we knew the 240-Z was to be offered with the A/T, we were initially told that the plant that was to produce them, simply fell behind on their original delivery schedule. By late 70 the Dealership had long waiting lists, and many people took a 240-Z with the A/T even if they didn't want the A/T. With a few bolt in parts, it was easy enough to change out. The A/T was really a reduced size version of Ford's A/T. They were produced by a joint venture between Nissan, Toyo Kogyo and Ford in Japan. At the time it was a $190.00 extra cost item. We're not sure exactly how many 240-Z's came to the States with the A/T in the Series I cars, but according to Nissan's sales figures here in the States, about 12% of the 240-Z's from the Series II cars forward were sold with the A/T. That would be roughly 18,000 of them for the USA or 19,200 for all of North America. That's not quite equal to the combined sales of 240-Z's to the rest of the world at something around 21,500 units. FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi Mark: Thanks for checking that... I see the build date is 09... when you get a chance check the original engine serial number - it's on the data plate under the hood, as well as being stamped into the block. Carl B.

Hi Will: Sorry for the delay.. the Graham-Paige / Nissan Connection article is located at: <a href=http://zhome.com/History/GrahamPaige/GrahamPaige.htm TARGET=NEW> The Z Car Home Page</a> It is a large file comprised of 11 .jpg images, so it will take a while to load. I think you'll enjoy it. regards, Carl

From the pictures and your description it looks like you found a pretty nice Z. An Original Owner, 280Z, with say 50K miles or less, maintained in stock condition, garage kept, original shinny paint, perfect dash, good chrome etc etc - will sell for between $7,500.00 and $8,500.00 pretty quickly. Same car with 125K + miles will be in the $5K range. If you bought it for $5,000.00 and sold it for $8,500.00 - you'd spend $3,500.00 and two years looking for another one. Exceptionally clean, original First Generation Z's are getting to be very hard to find now. good luck, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com