Redwing

Hi... I bought one of the kits for installing an Air Conditioner in my 1976 280Z, from Air Parts in Texas. They said it would have "every item needed to install it", included in the box. Unfortunately, now that it is installed, it apparently is the wrong item, as It does not fit correctly! They are willing to pay the return shipping, and give a full refund. We are looking for a different unit, now as we have to remove this one. So I am asking if anyone has had success placing an AC into a 1976 280 Z??? Including the radio in it's correct spot. If you have, please tell me what brand and model unit you have used. And any other specifics you might know to make this easier. Thank you...

Hi all, I forgot to say that when Sam took off RB's radiator, it was loaded with sludge. I'm not surprised for a car that lived her previous 40 years in Arizona. So Sam took it to the radiator shop to be flushed. It is soaking for the weekend, and will finish the clean out on Monday, when Sam will get it back. I went to a local parts store right here in Eton where I live, to purchase 2 new hoses. The old ones were not bad, but not real good either. Sam likes to do everything possibly needed. No shortcuts for him. I volunteered to do this to save Sam the driving time since it is right at my backdoor. Have fun... Jai

Last Tuesday I took RedBird to Sam, who is installing her new air conditioner. Yay!!! I went by today and took a few photos of the progress to share with you. Boy the compressor sure is shiny. I'm so happy that this is finally happening. I'll keep Y'all posted on her progress. Jai

Hi Blue... Sorry to hear about your neighbors dog, give them condolences for me. Our pets are "not just a pet", but beloved family members. Losing them is hard. My Deanna may be beating the odds. When she was diagnosed, I immediately put her on organic food, an herbal supplement, a fish oil, and a Homeopathic remedy. Plus what her vet recommended. I include prayer for her too, it does work miracles. Part of her treatment was every other day sub q fluids since Oct. Two months ago it was reduced to once a week for a month, and now she has been fully off them for a month. Even tho I was told by the vet that Deanna would be on the sub q fluids For The REST OF HER LIFE, her illness was to be terminal. Her vet says now she is STABLE! Praise God!!! We go again for another blood checkup later this month, and I am praying she will still be stable. Of course this could change, I accept that. But for now Deanna is healthy and enjoying life again, that is all I can ask for. And I am relishing every extra day I have been given with her in good health. Yahoo!!! By the way, Deanna is an avid Z car lover. Loves to go everywhere with me! Who could ask for more? Jai

Thank you Mark for your confidence . But don't hold your breath for us getting a Best In Show, you might turn blue. I had a lottery ticket for last night. But all I got was nothing. Jai

We thank all of you for your support. I am so amazed. I just went to these shows mostly for something to do, meet some car people, and plain have fun. I haven't done anything like this since riding in horse shows as a teen, and I'm finding these shows just as exciting. I figure I'm gathering trophies for my old age (say about 50 more years) when I can sit in a rocking chair and zoom it whilst reliving the glory days with RedBird and getting her trophies. All thanks directly due to CZCC and the wonderful members. Jai

Great news! I took RedBird to another car show yesterday and she won First Place in Imports!!! Another win for Classic Z Car Club! Hooray for our great club, and my sweet RedBird. Jai

I just wanted to add... As a young girl In the '50's, my Dad was one of those that followed the thought of getting a new car every other year. I saw him place a fire extingusher In each new car along with flares, a tool kit, and a first aid kit. He never had use of them, he just felt more comfortable having them. I thought a good Choice.

Well well well, shall I throw into this all consuming conversation a slightly different thought about fires in cars? Someone mentioned it a bit, but not in the way I'm suggesting. How about a small kill switch or two added to cut power to the engine and the fuel pump? Isn't that a way to cut off the incteasing flow of the things that would continue to enlarge a fire? Now remember I am an unexperienced female in these things, but it seems I have read that this would help in slowing down a fire? So don't slug me, I'm just trying to think this out further for myself. I'm trying to find a way to have some added protection in my Z, for her and myself. This wouldn't need gloves as it could be done whilst slowing to a stop. Any comments my friends? How and where? Other? Thank you, Jai

Hi, Thank you for a valid question, and suggestion. I am trying to stay ahead of possibillities. Someone mentioned getting a fire extinguisher for preventative, and I agree. That started my thinking about getting one. I have to thank TomoHawk for suggesting a good variety of one. To my knowledge, my RedBird has no possible fire problems. That Is for today, no Idea what tomorrow will bring. Cannot forcast that. So will try hard to stay In tune with my Z. Thank you, Jai

Hahaha, this is cute. You have it about half right. Driving down the street for my favorite, a Wendys Vanilla Frostee! I had one today, when melting in the heat leaving a Dr. appiintment. Alas, no Nomex Racing Gloves tho. I have seen quite a lot of them on Amazon, whilst pursuing for some, less expensive than others. Try a Frostee, warning It'll give you a brain freeze if not careful. Have fun, Jai

HA! Now I understand why on your personal page , you say: "MY NAME IS MUD!" Snicker... Jai

Hi, With my 280, I would prefer to save It IF possible without harming myself. But since Ive been reading here, I'm not going to open my hood. I'll try to shoot the extinguisher thru the radiator. If thats not possible I'll just watch my dream Z be destroyed. But, I am going to get some gloves, leather and fire resistant, to bungee cord attach to my fire extinguisher. I plan on getting the gloves that are easy on, thin and flexable. In case they are needed In some way during an emergency.. I am thankful I posted about the gloves. Without that, a lot of valuable Information would have not been shared. I appreciate all the answers and thank you for sharing them. Z.......onward..... Jai

Welllll..... some are naturally more In tune than others, they need a gentle assist to some truths. Thank you ....

That's what I was thinking too. Thank you...

I've been thinking about what if I have to put out an engine fire. First is to open the hood. Ugh, the thought of sticking my hand into flames to free the latch makes me uneasy. Has there been any discussion about having a fire retardent glove or two available for this job? If not, what do you all think of this idea? Thank you...

Old Hat.. Very cute moniker. I agree, I'm not going to get depressed about RedBird's age. I bought a 1971 240 new off the showroom floor. I drove her for 259,000 miles without any serious problems. The most I recall was rear U - joints. But there are several back there, so maybe only each one was replaced. I'm now the happy owner, of a single owner 1976 - 280 Z, that had spent her life in Scottsdale, AZ. She has minimum problems interior and exterior, was loved and well kept. A few things that had to be repaired to make her run 100% now. I was taught by my Dad how to take care of the 1971, and feel that is why she was so faithful to me. That was many years ago, but I remember, and am now actually caring for RB more intensively. I do not have a garage here, but built a brand new carport for her to live in. We are a good pair, mature, with some problems, but we both have a zeal for life with a lot of it left for the future. Since you sent this comment to me, I took my RB to a car show, just for fun. A big surprise, she won Second Place in the Classics division. Just amazing. Proof to me that I'm on the right track! But then again, I don't know how many classics were at the show. Maybe there were only two! Hahaha... A possible joke on me. I don't care, she is perfect in my eyes, and we had a good time. Lots of love given to her while there, folks really appreciated her. Like so many do on this CZCC list. Thanks guys, all of you are special to us! Have fun, Jai

Lumens, yes I do. The idiot that prepared RB for sale put these brand new wheels on her using steel nuts, which ruined the wheels, buggered up the holes. So I had no option but to get new ones. That brand no longer makes them. But I really liked their appearance and kept looking until I found them at American Racing. I am very happy with them. Thank you.

Zed Head, actually CZCC did win something. When I signed in at the show Saturday morning, it asked what club I participated in. Naturally I wrote CLASSIC Z CAR CLUB. Remember, RedBird has been shared by many members, giving their support, giving their time, giving their parts, giving their love. For this , I thank all of you for giving RedBird and I this opportunity to shine!

Thank you Site, I appreciate your confidence in us. This was a grand experience, I had no idea RedBird would actually win something. I was going to find out about the shows, talk to like minded people, and to share my RB others. Everyone loved her!!! Yay!

BIG NEWS... I took my sweet RedBird to a car show yesterday. Believe it or not, we won Second Place in Classics. There were only 3 Z's there, 1976 2004, 2012. They were ALL RED! And a pretty painted Nissan truck. Photos following of everything I thought you might like to see. Starting with the First Place Classic winner. Sorry I did not get the year. This car is for sale, I think he had $40,000. or maybe it was $30,000. Then starts "Me and My Z". Enjoy, and please tell me what I need to do to improve our presentation. Remember guys, we BOTH are OLD GIRLS and this is our first show. Site... A couple just for you!!!!!!!!!! HAHAHA...

Wow is that your garage? I've never seen one so clean.

Site, you are so silly... but ok.

Hi all, Things are really looking good, we are nearing the time to start with the purchase of the AC for RedBird. I took RB to see Sam this morning, and we talked for over an hour and a half. He said it would take him about a week, and he charges $10 for an (honest) hour of labor. After we were talking, he said that there was no way he ever "takes" (you know, what goes around, comes around) anybody, and especially he would never do that to a 73 year old lady. Ha! Age does have some benefits!!! He is a very pleasant gentleman, 64 years old, has been doing this work since he was 29. He has several large shop buildings on his property, all holding cars in various stages of restoration, and/or full of all kinds of parts. Doing one now that he has taken off all aftermarket parts, and replacing only with GM parts. He says, it is a 1967 GTO. Boy is it pretty. Sam did a full restoration on it, from the ground up. He also has a barn find in fairly rough condition, a 1940 Mercury. Just turned away an offer of $2500. He wants $3500 cash for it. Anyone interested ? I'll get photos. Kinda neat. Onward - Even tho Sam doesn't use eBay, when I showed him the unit I saw there, he got ok with it. This company has been putting together AC units to be installed for 30 years. He said to order and get the unit, and bring it to him. The unit is like one on eBay, but I called them as I don't need the vents, etc. So for the whole unit, up front of and inside RB, new parts, will be $1395. This includes a new expansion valve, evaporator core, heater core, and blower. It will take them 7 - 10 days to ship it. I'm really excited! Now to finish the groundwork. BTW... I'm taking RB to a car show here in Dalton Saturday, at the Convention Center. Just for fun and to have a day of talking with folks about cars. I have been given a priority "seat" inside the AC building with RB. I wouldn't have been able to go and sit outside in this heat all day. Sure sounds like a good day for me. Photos will follow. Y'all have a super day. Anxious to hear your thoughts on my proposed AC system. Jai

I got the name of a man who actually lives close, from my painter friend/neighbor. Michael has painted 4 cars for Sam, and known him for 20 years. I've talked to him on the phone, and he sounds very promising. He is not fond of parts off eBay, says he wants to buy from the distributor so that if anything is wrong, he really can get it taken care of under warranty. He mostly works on old cars, but it has been a while since he has worked on a Z. He is supposed to call tomorrow and I'm going to drive over so he can have a look-see and we can talk. In the meantime he is going to research his catalogues for the parts. He is not a specific AC shop, but has worked on them for years. Oh, he is 68. I'll get back with you and share what he has to say. I'll try to remember all you folks have suggested to me, and am thankful I have that information stored away. Thank each of you for being there when I needed help again. CZCC is the BEST. Yayyyyyyy....