Z Babe

Interesting ... so it appears that the: Datsun logo = 70-73 models Z logo = 77-78 models That means there's one other pad for the 74-76 models, right? Cuz there's a total of 3 different pads for 70-78 models. Does anyone have a pic. of the other pad?

Well, hi ya, 26th-Z! Hmmmm, I was thinking the one with the Z logo is for the 74-76 models, and the Datsun one is for the 70-73 models. Can anyone confirm that? I believe my other two 280Z's had even a different horn pad (77-78 models), of which I don't have a pic.

I agree with hls30. I bought another 73 240Z a while back as a parts car and was able to remove the dash cap to get to the screws to remove the dash, without breaking it. The previous owner actually did use a LOT of the silicone adhesive on it, but I used a crow bar and flat head screwdriver to remove it ... was extremely careful, and it worked. The less glue, the better, but always sand down any cracks and fill up any holes with foam filler, or you'll end up getting a warped or even cracked dash cap over time due to heat exposure ... even when they say they're "guaranteed for a lifetime". I went through 2 of the lifetime caps on just 1 of my 280ZX's. BTW, I'm selling the 240Z dash cap I mentioned above, if you're interested.

I was just curious about the differences in the horn pads for the 70-78 models, because I can't freakin' remember - ! I'm posting this here so that others can learn as well - part of the Z history. Here's 2 pix I have of horn pads. Can someone tell me which years they're for? And, anyone who has different pix of horn pads for these particular models is more than welcome to post them here, so that others can be educated on it as well. Thanks!

Oooohhh, that's sweet, Victor! I can tell you've spent a lot of time in your engine bay.

Hahahahaha, ZMeFly!! I agree with Dtsnlvrs about NGK -- that's the only brand I use on my Z's. I've tried other brands in the past, and there's just no comparison, IMO.

I repaired mine the easier and unnoticeable way . . . 1. Bought some fiberboard (same type as the door panels) from Home Depot; 2. Cut the fiberboard into 2½" squares; 3. Bored wholes through the centers of the squares (just large enough to slide and insert the door panel clips); 4. Glued the squares directly on top of the back of the door panels (where the original clip inserts were cracked) with Elmer's Glue; 5. Waited 24 hours, inserted the door panel clips, and reinstalled the door panels. Whalla! Perfect fit and no ugly screws to look at -- just like factory!

Hi, SMusicMans! The answer to your question is "no". Here are the air flow meters that are interchangeable for the 280Z's and 280ZX's: 280Z: all years (75-78) 280ZX: 80-83 models only (not the 79 or Turbo models) 280ZXT: all years (81-83), except for the NA models

I don't know about the 260Z seats. However, what I did to convert the Z32 seats to my 280ZX was remove the seat rails from the 280ZX seats to the Z32 seats. The rear bolt pattern was slightly off, so I drilled new holes to compensate -- that way, I didn't have to drill holes in my car. With the original stock seat rails, the installation was just mere patience -- with no extra drilling. Perhaps that would also work with your seat conversion.

Mmmagnus, yes, the battery tie-down will work with the 240Z. Looks awesome in my 280ZX! I bought new J-bolts for about $4 at Advance Auto for a better fit -- you might need to as well. BTW, Z-Tek Mfg. (http://www.z-tekmfg.com/datsuncat.html) also carries the tie-downs now -- you will have to email him though, cuz they're not listed on the website yet (I dunno his price yet, as its a new item). And, Bambi, they have the chrome battery boxes at Summit Racing (lowest price I've seen) -- there's pre-cut holes for the battery cables from the front or rear side. Check out their website, and you'll see it in more detail (http://store.summitracing.com/default.asp?target=search.asp&type=bykeyword&searchtype=both&part=battery+box).

UPDATE: I bought 2 sets of Z32 seats (leather and cloth)-- haven't tried the electric leather swap on my Z31 yet, but the manual cloth fit great in my 280ZX! I removed the seat rails from my 280ZX seats and put them on the Z32 cloth, manual seats. I had to drill holes in the Z32 rear seat frame to line-up with the 280ZX seat rails, and the installation into the original bolt patterns into the car wasn't too bad -- just takes a lot of patience -- hope you don't have a bad back. Due to the hump in the front of the 280ZX, your knees will raise -- if you have long legs, like me, I would recommend an aftermarket flat-bottom steering wheel (1" smaller than the stock). I also added 4 washers to the rear bolts to raise the rear cushion of the seat, which leveled it out much better with the front. If you install manual Z32 seats in your 280ZX, please adjust the comfort knobs BEFORE you install the seats (lower the cushion portion in the front all the way down), because there's very little room to get your hand in between to adjust them afterward. If you don't lower it, your knees may hit the steering wheel -- even with the 1" smaller aftermarket steering wheel. BTW, after installing the Z32 seats, a smaller steering wheel, and a front strut tower brace, my 280ZX feels really tight -- just like a track car. It's totally awesome!

I totally agree with the others . . . power windows were not an option on the 73 240Z. In 1979, the GL model 280ZX was introduced, having the luxury options (power windows & steering, cruise control & headlight washers), which lowered its HP tremendously, due to the extra weight of those components. I'm not saying that the other models in between didn't have that option -- I do not have the stats on the rare Fairlady models. However, your question was about the 73 -- so, no, they were not available with the power window option.

The Georgia Z Club (2nd largest Z club) will hold an Import Sports Car Show as follows: Date: 9/27/03 Time: 8:00-9:45 AM Sign-In; 10:00 AM Judging Begins; 4:00 PM Trophies Awarded Location/Sponsor: Sutherlin Nissan - Mall of Georgia, 1885 Anitox Road, Buford, GA 30519 Registration Fee: Prior to Show: $25.00, Day of Show: $30.00 On-Line Entry Form: http://www.georgiazclub.com/downloa...trationForm.doc All 2-door import sports cars and import sports car clubs are welcome to enter the show competition. We will have a BBQ lunch, door prizes, raffle, and lots of trophies to award. Hope to see you there! I know I'll be!

Did you end up going to the NOPI? I was there with the some of the 300ZXClub and Georgia Z Club members, and entered my 82 280ZX in the competition. I had a blast . . . still trying to recover from it.

Hahahaha! That's too funny! Sorry to block your pic.!

I took a HUGE chance and bought a set of Z32 seats off of eBay, without knowing anything as far as bolt patterns. I figured that if they didn't work, I could resell them, for the price I bid. Anyway, I e-mailed the seller, who (after the purchase) finally gave me the following measurements: 14.3" side-to-side (from center of bolt hole) 15½" front-to-back (from center of bolt hole) This explains why the previous owner of your car said they were a pain to install. Thank you, thank you, thank you! That's what I wanted to know -- whether it was possible -- and, yes, it IS! YEA! I'll let you guys know what a "pain" it is when I install mine. ! Thanks a bunch, Zmefly!!!!!

Another UPDATE: The Z31 seats will fit a 280ZX, with just a minor adjustment on the last bolt. Please keep in mind that the seats will sit much higher, due to the hump (which the Z31 does not have), so if you have a long torso, your head may hit the roof. Any takers on the 280Z seat question above? (Note: It was recently edited to include ANY other Z).

I found one thread on this (http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2983&highlight=z32+seats), but, unfortunately, it still doesn't answer the question. Has anyone swapped the seats from a Z32 to a 240Z, 280ZX or Z31? Or could someone tell me the bolt pattern on the Z32 seats (front-to-rear and side-to-side bolt hole measurements)? Thanks a bunch! *Edit* For those who might be interested, I was just told that the Z32 seats are a direct bolt-in on a 280Z. I'll find this out for myself on Tuesday night, at our next GZC meet. And, with this new update, I have another question for you guys: In which of the other Z's will the 280Z seats fit? Cuz, if the Z32 seats will fit the 280Z (direct bolt-in), then we might have a weiner on the first question I had. Thanks!

That is pretty wicked, Dero.

Awe, thank you!

Sorry, its the vacuum hose on the top of the FRP.

I absolutely agree with Keith. I had to replace the throttle spring on my 82 ZX a few years ago. When I sat at a traffic light, my engine would rev to the point of redlining. I managed to make it stop by putting my foot underneath the gas pedal and pulling it up -- had to do this while I was waiting for the spring that I ordered to be shipped to the dealer.

Definitely. Thanks, Mark. I'll let you know something as soon as I get my new tie down. :classic:

Awe, thank you, Daniel. :classic: