Carl Beck

Whoa... I think webdawg1 stated that wrong.. based on how you ask the question. As you can see from the pictures webdawg1 provided.... the lock pin is wider at the bottom - SO you drive the pin - top (threaded end) down..and out the bottom. Leave the nut screwed even with the end of the threads to protect them.. smack swiftly with a brass hammer.. remove the nut... and use a brass drift to pound it the rest of the way out (if it doesn't fall out once it gets started) FWIW, Carl

The "L" is not part of the VIN on ZX - but it is part of the "Model Number" listed on the Model Identification Plate.... on some of the ZX's it's under the hood on the cowl or innerfender... ie... HLS130 (J) (F)(A) (T) (U)(V)(N) or KHLS130....or HLGS130 K= T-Bar Roof H= 2.8L FI engine L= Left Hand Drive G = 2+2 J=GL Package I believe F=5 spd A=A/T T=Turbo U=Federal Standard V=California Standard N=Canada Standard I have not seen a break-down of the Right Hand Drive vs Left Hand Drive total production numbers. FWIW, Carl B.

Did the ZX's not have a color code sticker under the hood? If you knew the model type (GL or not) and the original color, you would be able to determine the interior color, as well as what was standard equipment (yes/no?) Carl B.

Vehicle Identification or Vehicle Model Identification data plate, under the hood... If you have one there... Carl B.

I'm sure you and your wife will enjoy both the Z Car and the Z Car Community. It's always good to hear that people who have always wanted a Z / ZX have finally got one. You might want to order a copy of Brian Long's book - Datsun/Nissan 280/300 ZX. Amazon.com should have it in stock.. ISBN: 1-901295-06-0 regards, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

You may find a "Model Identification Data Plate" on your ZX under the hood... that will provide some farther information related to what specific model it is and thus what was standard equipment etc. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Dan: Oops.... had you listed, but neglected to move the "Last Series I" marker in the spread sheet....da.... Glad you caught that... I had a note there to check/verify if 240Ztt's Z was a Series I or II car... HLS30 020425. I'll have to PM him/her. kind regards, Carl

Hi Steven: We didn't forget... we just try to ignore the fact that our friends in Australia continued to run leaded fuels and drive dirty emissions vehicle for years after we attempted to set a high standard for purity here in the US. { just kidding of course...} regards, Carl B. BTW - I see that we can celebrate our birthdays together...

For the US and Canada: Series I Datsun 240-Z's were produced in calendar years 1969, 1970 and 1971. Series I Datsun 240-Z's were sold, and titles were issued as "Model Year" 1969, 1970 and 1971. Prior to March of 1971 Automobile Titles were defined by State Laws in all 50 States. Thus the recorded "Model Year" was simply reported by the selling Dealer, when they requested that a State Automobile Title be issued, based on presenting the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin (MSO). Because the Series I Datsun 240-Z meet all U.S. Federal Government Requirements for calendar year 1969, 1970 and Pre-March 1971, the Authorized Datsun Dealers could sell and title them as any of the three. Nissan Called the Series II 240-Z's the "Late Model Year 1971" Series II Datsun 240-Z's were produced in calendar year 1971 and were sold and titled as "Model Year" 1971 only (here in America at least) Because the U.S. Federal Government increased and/or changed both Emissions and Safety Standards for cars produced prior to certain dates with calendar years 1971, 72, 73 - and because Nissan Motors implemented the required changes in compliance with the required dates - year by year... the "Late Model Year 1971" {Series II}, 1972 {Series III} and 1973 {Series IV} cars could only be legally sold/titled as those "Model Years" per Federal Law. Series I Datsun 240-Z's sold in the USA and Canada were produced between Oct. 1969 and Jan. 1971. Regular Production cars - HLS30-00016 though HLS30 020390 have been recorded so far. Series II Datsun 240-Z's sold in the USA and Canada were produced between Jan. 1971 and Sept. 1971. Regular Production cars HLS30 21477 though HLS30 046520 have been recorded so far as being Series II cars. Series III Datsun 240-Z's were produced between Sept. 1971 and Aug. 1972. Regular Production cars HLS30 046636 though HLS30 100262 have been recorded so far. Series IV Datsun 240-Z's sold in the USA and Canada were produced between Aug. 1972 and Aug. 1973. Regular Production cars HLS30 120031 though HLS30 172767 have been recorded so far. Interest Note: 260Z - RLS30 00020 was built in July of 1973, a month before production of the 240-Z's ended. FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Roger: Setting aside all the excellent rational for the differing perspectives as to just what the word "best" means; when the context is not specific enough, or which specific cases one can consider; ... if we take your question to mean which model year 240-Z, as delivered from the factory, represented Nissan's Best Effort to deliver a 240-Z that meet their Customers' Requirements/Desires and was as free from defects or troubles as possible... then I believe the answer is most certainly the 1972 Model Year. As many have mentioned - by the 1972 Model Year Nissan had made many improvements to the 240-Z, based in large part on experience and feedback from their Dealers...who used to listen carefully to their Customers and report that feedback to Nissan Motors USA (at least here in America) To a lesser extent "issues" already known to the Nissan Engineers were also addressed in the 72 Model Year. I know this to be a fact, because I was both a Salesman and New Car Sales Manager for a Datsun Dealer in 72/73. Why Different Than 71? The long list of improvements made for the 72. Why Different Than 73? The Federal Emissions and Safety Standards for 73 - which had little or nothing to do with what the Customers "wanted". No question in my mind that "Stock" for "Stock" the 72 240-Z was the "Best of Breed" for the new car buyers. It would also be my first choice for any stock 240-Z that I wanted to drive across the State or across the Country. Start making modifications or taking exceptions to "stock" .. and all bets are off... Just my "opinion" based on owning and driving them all for the past 36 years, for what its worth. The "best" 240-Z that you can find today - is the one that is closest to original, stock with the most rust free body!! Carl B.

Hi Rich: I'm with you... After 20 years in the AeroSpace Industry, Dr. Deming seems to be an old friend. With Manned Space Systems - everything had to be the highest possible quality, and everyone I worked with was a total believer... (sadly even with the best human efforts... we all see that things still go wrong at times) Dr. Deming's Statistical Quality Control techniques certainly laid a foundation upon which the production of high quality products from Japan was built Post WW-II. Indeed Nissan Motors won a Deming Award 1959/60. You may find a study of Dr. Joseph M. Juran a nice compliment to Deming's work. Dr. Juran actually took Dr. Deming's statistical techniques and processes controls from the physical world of production, into the human world of Management. His Total Quality Management and Continual Process Improvement methods have evolved over the years into Six Sigma today. If you haven't read it already - "KAIZEN The Key to Japan's Competitive Success" by: Masaaki Imai is another very interesting read. (ISBN 394-55186-9 If you are interested in going back to the beginning of the automobile industry in Japan, I'm sure you would find the book "William R. Gorham - An American Engineer in Japan" a fascinating study. Written by his closest friends in Japan, after his death in 1949 Mr. Gorham is credited with all but building Japan's modern industrial base prior to WW-II, and was the key person in the technological foundation of Nissan Motors (even before it was Nissan!). (ISBN 1-4116-5549-4 ) You can order the book in either digital form, or hard copy from Lulu.com <a href=http://www.lulu.com/content/174439 TARGET=NEW> http://www.lulu.com/content/174439 </a> Nissan and Toyota were neck and neck for the #1 Sales Spot in the 60's and 70's.... Nissan lost it's focus on Quality (Deming/Juran) in the early 80's and they lost ground to Toyota though the 80's and 90's. Sadly with all the mergers and re-organizations at Nissan, I haven't seen it return to the path followed so well by Toyota. FWIW Carl B.

Are you in Tampa Bay? Carl B. Clearwater, FL USA (Tampa Bay Area) http://ZHome.com

Hi Rich: Yes - $5,500.00 is certainly priced to sell - and back here East of the Mississippi that a pretty good deal. Shipping from California is now around $1,500.00 alone. As I recall - a replacement floorboard set from Charlie is around $250.00 (both floorboards and both frame rails under them). Then you would have between $650.00 and $850.00 in labor if you lived in this area... maybe slightly more or less depending on where you live and who you know. FWIW, Carl

I know it's just me....... but is there anyone else out there? I have to admit that I am more than a little puzzled as to why a Toyota 2000 GT would be worth a quarter million dollars today in the Collector Market. Granted that Toyota has become the superpower of the worlds automotive market and therefore developed a large following of very loyal customers. But Toyota could hardly be described as being known for it's Sports Cars. (yes they have built a few - and yes the Supra's are very good etc). Yes the Toyota 2000 GT is a very limited production vehicle, and granted they are pretty rare. Rare however is not necessarily assurance of a high market demand nor value. Rare and Highly Desirable usually drive prices up.... but I'm puzzled as to who, or what group of people have such a burning desire to own one of the these oddities. The Toyota 2000 GT was a valiant attempt and it certainly lead the Japanese Sports Car market in the mid 60's. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder; nonetheless we can discuss its styling in terms of esthetics, balance, harmony and period or era, as well as compare it to the Datsun 240-Z that followed. The styling was sort of retro so to speak - back to the early 50's Jag.'s (flowing curves and bulbous fenders and side panels).... and somewhat conflicted in character. Was it British (Jag) or Italian (Ferrari) or Japanese? Smooth body lines abruptly interrupted by really ugly headlights and a huge nose, out of proportion to the rest of the car. Swooppy - YES, harmonious - NO. The 2000 GT didn't really do all that well in the competition world - it was too heavy. It really didn't do well in the market place either - it was too expensive to manufacture, too slow and too cramped to sell well in the US in the mid 60's. For that matter the Yamaha A550X of the same period, was a far better looking design - in my personal opinion. Would anyone of us really pay a hundred grand more for a Toyota 2000 GT than a 68-72 Ferrari Daytona Coupe?? NOT ME... Forgetting for a minute rarity... sitting a Datsun 240-Z beside a Toyota 2000GT... they are day and night. Where the 2000GT was heavy, costly to build, and conflicted in styling cues... the 240-Z was lightweight, inexpensive to build and one of the all time clean and beautifully styled GT's. Where the 2000 GT wasn't exactly a class leader on the track - the 240-Z dominated it's class for years and many are still being raced today. Where the 2000 GT caught the attention of the automotive press and buying public - although briefly. The 240-Z changed the US Sports Car market over-night and changed the image of Japanese Automobiles. I know it's just me, but I just don't get it. There are only a few 2000 GT's left, because there were only a few built to begin with. Only a few built because it was not a very good design nor Sports GT in the first place. It had no significant impact on the worlds automotive markets.... so how can one be worth a quarter million dollars to anyone today? I could see maybe $45K to $55K..... just to own a rare oddity... FWIW Carl B.

Hi Guys: I spoke too soon..... While the previous discussion was right on track by everyone - my "example" turned out to be a mistake... upon closer and more careful inspection - what we have here is really a high #4 Condition Car... NOT a #3. - - - - - - - - - #4 Good - A driveable vehicle needing no or only minor work to be functional. Also, a deteriorated restoration or a very poor amateur restoration. All components may need restoration to be excellent, the car is mostly usable "as is". This is a driver - It may be in the process of restoration or it owner may have big plans, but even from 20 feet away, there is no doubt that it needs a lot of help.. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - I'd call it a "high" #4 because the car is actually better than the definition of #4, but not good enough to be rated a #3 either. I've up-dated the Web Page to reflect the fact that the floorboard had been poorly repaired by the Previous Owner, and would need to be completely replaced. Also reduced the price to $5,500.00. At that price one could have a good presentable daily driver... and at some point in the future a car well worth refreshing. Still a good looking Z with an interesting history... FWIW, Carl

I believe you are confusing the bolts that go in the Ring Gear and the bushings that can be used to size a 12mm hole down to 10mm for the older and newer R200's (the article you found) ..... with the bolts/bushings that hold the mustache bar to the body. It would seem that if you can take the mustache bar out of a 75-78 280Z and bolt it into a 240Z... then the reverse should hold true. Did something in the past bend or push out of place the body bolts? Remember that the R180 is shorter than the R200.. and the mustache bar has to be reversed in orientation between the two models. I've never done the swap in the direction your talking about.... so these are just my thoughts, comments... FWIW, Carl B.

I passed the local Datsun Dealership, on my way back home, from an unsuccessful attempt to trade my 67 911S on a 70 911E. Seeing that Silver 240-Z sitting on the showroom floor caught my attention as quickly as seeing Goldie Hawn in a bikini in 1970! Man.. what beautiful lines!! I turned around, went back to that Datsun Dealership and wound up buying my first 240-Z. In the process I made a lifetime friend - the Dealer. As well as many others such as Galaxybj (aka Bill) above. Over the 36 years that followed, I've been lucky enough to have owned just about any other car I've ever wanted. From AMX to Z they all came and went with the exception of the Z. Having put close to 68K miles on that 70 240-Z in less than two years, I sold it and bought the Metallic Blue 72 240-Z from the same Dealer and which I still have to this day. On the one hand I'm really happy that I have been privileged to have had the opportunity to have purchased Datsun 240-Z's when they were new; and to have completely enjoyed them for the past 36 years. On the other hand, I sure wish I was 25 again, and just now buying my first 240-Z. The 240-Z is every bit as beautify and just as enjoyable today as it was in 1970.... but I'll never be 25 again.... for that matter I'll never be 60 again!! Darn, I envy you young guys just starting your love affair with the 240-Z.... FWIW, Carl B. BTW - I'm sorry you had to wait so long Bill - but I have to say that your Silver 71 was one of the most beautiful 240-Z's I've ever seen. Lowered with the 5spd and BRE headlight covers (both clean and matching body color)... it was a knock-out!!

Hi Bob: The Yellow 77 in the background is all original and as I recall it has something like 15K or 21K miles on it. He also has another 77 - Yellow with the G-Nose also with super low mileage and in "as new" condition. I personally love that Yellow as well - but it is one of the few colors that either you love - or hate! It just screams "70's Z Car"... We had one on the show room floor when they first starting arriving in late 71 and it was very interesting to watch the Customers reaction to that color... FWIW, Carl B.

Hi Rich: I ordered my copy directly from Kai Art International (Shin's company I believe). You can send an e-mail to: KAI@Frazmtn.com - to see if the Book is still available (it was a limited production product)... then Fax or E-mail an order. Of course you can use snail mail as well. Kai Art International P.O. Box 807 Lebec, CA 93243 The book was $100.00 plus $15.00 shipping and they accept Visa, MasterCard or Personal Check. regards, Carl B.

Hi Stephen: I know that a lot of times Automotive Writers have called him "Pete" or used "Pete Brock" and it would be a way of differentiating the two... However; since his Son and Wife refer to him as "Peter", I somehow got the impression that he didn't particularly like being referred to as "Pete". Personally, I've always addressed him Mr. Brock and have avoided the use of "Pete"... FWIW, Carl B.

Thanks Steve You are right on the money... regards, Carl

Hi Bob: Just received the e-mail and I'm dialing your number now... regards, Carl

Hi Chris: It doesn't fit in the Collection and The Collector said to make someone a good deal on it... (the Collector has a 72 240-Z with 16K miles already). The person that it was offered to - decided he wanted to wait for a Silver Car.. so I put it on a Web Site. I told him honeltly he was making a huge mistake... but to each his own I guess. I don't expect it to last too long, anyone that has seriously looked for a clean 240-Z, will snap this one up in a hurry... They are very hard to find East of the Mississippi and getting harder and harder to find out West... A clean 240-Z with an interesting history as well... I called ZRush about it... thought it would go well with their Vintage Z <vbg> FWIW, Carl B.

That is one of the most humorous video's I've seen...ROFLMAF! That "Red Neck from Canada" made a huge mistake when he picked up that baseball bat!!! That baseball bat is considered a deadly weapon... I don't know where this supposedly took place, but here in Florida, if a guy came at you with a baseball bat and you were in your car - you could quite legally shoot him in the head, and not fear malicious prosecution by the D.A. The guy in the BMW was smart.. in that he put himself in a position where he could not flee... ie. he "found" himself on a dead end street with them blocking his exit... so he would have a right to defend not only himself, but the girl with him. That would be another factor that the Police and D.A. at least here in Florida, would have to consider.... and given that circumstance they could not prosecute the guy.... Here in Florida we now again have a right to defend ourselves, and no obligation to flee from any place would we otherwise consider our private and safe space. (home, car, office, place of employment etc). They are quite lucky that all they lost was their camera and keys... the bottom line is - you have to be a complete moron to follow a total stranger to a remote and secluded site... In my personal opinion - if we had more guys like the guy in the BMW running around - we'd have far less chance of being harassed by red neck Road Rage'rs... but that's just me... Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com

Hi David: If you are tempted to bid.... you have to be one of the people that love the process of refreshing or restoring a 240-Z. Count me in... I've done several over the years. However I have to say that it's getting to be far more expensive to enjoy this hobby than it used to be. Complete Front and Rear Bumpers now cost as much as I used to pay for a 240-Z 15 years ago!! Start with that car and you'll have at least a couple of years of hard work to enjoy and the fun of spending at least $12K to refresh it to a presentable condition, or $25K to restore it... It doesn't get any better than that does it ? That is if we just assume it's a good solid car, and that the engine isn't shot, the tranny and rear-end are fine etc. etc. On the other hand, for less than $12K you could drive this one... while you worked on the fine details.. and five years from now it would be an $18K car. <a href=http://zhome.com/Jaffe72After/Jaffe72Yellow.htm TARGET=NEW> A Very Nice 72 </a> Funny that the cheaper the car is to begin with - the more it winds up costing us. But then it's only time and money... right? You've got to spend both on something.... FWIW, Carl B. Carl Beck Clearwater, FL USA http://ZHome.com