ramsesosirus

Some lady brake checked me the other day. She was going way under the limit in the left lane, which made people subsequently tail gate me (in my DD Tahoe). And I wasn't even really that close to her. It infuriated me to the point where I started screaming. I was about to flip her off, but I saw she must have been 80 years old. Most of the time a brake check will just make the other driver(s) mad, they usually know if they're following too close. Or they just shouldn't have a license, you're supposed to use the 3 second rule. It's amazing how many people drive like idiots: Speeding, swerving, almost rear ending you when you're turning right. If I am going to speed, I make sure I have room all around me. I also try to "avoid the pack" if at all possible. I also really hate it when someone pulls up right alongside you and then stays there, or stays in your blind spot. I like to have room to "escape" if need be. I swear I avoid accidents every day by driving defensively. And if I get a call or text, I pull over ASAP, because you can't really focus on both. You also never know who is having a really bad day, week, year, or life. Just yesterday there was a road rage incident on the news, where a semi driver got out of his truck, pounded on the window of a car, and was then shot in the back 3 times by that car. He died. Like I mentioned earlier, I don't carry a gun because I know that when I get to that level of rage or anger, you do things you normally would not. Maybe I'll try the "skunk" method again, at least it will calm me down. But then I'll have Cheetos debris all over my fingers, which might hinder my grip on the wood wheel.

From what I've read, the third brake light came about in 1986: History The third brake light law went into effect in 1986 for passenger cars, and light trucks in 1994. The decision was based on effective tests done with taxi cabs and company fleet vehicles, illustrating a reduction in rear end crashes with the use of the extra light. So technically (and legally), all cars from 1986 (and trucks 1994) should have them. I do think they help, since they are not a dual function light (like tail lights) and they're right in the driver's line of sight. But, if the other driver is texting etc... nothing will help. I was T-boned a few years back when a texting driver blew right through a red light. Luckily I saw them out of the corner of my eye and swerved, so if was not a direct T-bone. Several other cars.

FYI the autopal's have a small gap between the retaining rings. Ace Hardware (and possibly others) have 7" O.D. (6 3/4" I.D.) 1/8" thickness O rings that fit as perfectly as you're going to find to fix this issue. I also plan to use my dremel metal cutter to cut a larger hole in the stock housings. I'd like to be able to change the bulbs without removing the whole assembly. After looking further, I'm not sure if the 280zx housings would bolt up on a first gen Z. I don't like the idea of permanently modifying them, but I look at this as an upgrade. The stock 240z/260z/280z headlights are a real pain to change, especially when I've upgraded to H4 and want to try different bulbs.

I do the same, I don't care if they want to speed. I floor it myself and speed every so often. Sometimes you don't have anywhere to go though. It's really that the 240z (or any Z with 240 bumpers) would be totaled if rear ended. I'm always in the right lane, always signaling well ahead, always braking safely. I guess it's a compromise: either risk it, or never drive it. Now that Halloween season is approaching, my passenger is a life size skeleton (I am a Halloween fanatic). Let's hope that gives them an indication of my level of sanity. The third brake light should help, at least for visibility. I ordered one of the 11" LED ones that stick to the rear glass. I took it out today, beautiful day here in NE, first real "Fall" weather day. Several people stopped way back. Not one tailgater today, first time in a while. I do think the vanity plates help a little bit, as well as having my light on all the time. I didn't know that the 3rd brake light became a requirement in 1986 or so, maybe people are so used to it that without it, they don't notice as well.

I love watching those shows (or I did when I had cable) also Engineering Marvels is a good one. If I were to really go all out on this, would it be possible to earn a living reproducing Z parts? And is it legal? Or do I need permission from Nissan to do so?

Haha back in the day (high school) my cars would emit that smell constantly, and not to aggravate other drivers... Skunks smell like a certain plant that I used partake in the smoking of... if you know what I mean. Whenever I'm driving with someone and we smell a skunk, they're always like "Eeew", while I'm thinking, that smells like some very good marijuana. Haha It's true

I love it. I want to shoot flames on my "last ride". Which, actually, could be any day. Awesome flames>>>>some dude rear ending me. I'm probably pushing the limits here (Sorry Mike), but I'd much rather go out in flames than fade awaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.

I'm not sure what I can make with the given machinery. But I would be willing to guess that we can make anything

Cool, thanks for the suggestion. Where exactly is it located? The 4 pin round one? with one empty?

I just tucked mine under the existing relay cover (passenger side, by fusible links) I don't drive in anything but clear conditions.

Nice, them kind of ticket are of no concern to me. I'm (nearly) a felon (non -violent). So as long as I'm not going to prison, it's all good. Plus I got that "Get out of jail free" card. For a little bit at least (Omaha is corrupt as *EYR*#RY). I just want to melt the tailgaters bumper.... sorry, my car is old. File a claim. I just think that would be badass in a Z. As long as it doesn't go back to the engine and kill me. But hey, we all gotta go sometime eh? Better to burn out then fade away! Has anyone ever done this in a Z? Pics? Thanks!

Good point. I guess I'm still determining what the best method is. I'm sure the college wouldn't allow me to use the equipment for commercial use. I'm not really thinking of this as a profit maker for me. I suppose they would become files that we could use on our own. At the same time, I wouldn't want to put in a lot of work, only to have someone (or some other company) take advantage. I have good intentions, still in the "idea" phase. Thanks

Hmm yes safety is obviously paramount. Is it possible with Fuel injection?

That made me laugh out loud, thanks! Bwahahaha! Perhaps we could utilize them for other purposes? Like spreading butter on pancakes. Or checking the temperature of steak on the grill (hmm... looks like it needs about half a quart of 325 degrees) Or perhaps a weapon of some sort? Dude was tailgating me, so I launched an oil dipstick at them. They'll never forget to check their oil again... since it's embedded in their skull".

My uncle (who worked for the gas company for 20 years, then started his own fire pit company) used to have a classic ambulance that he was able to shoot flames from the tailpipe on command, I think with a spark plug. Is there any "safe" way to do this in a non-catalyst Z? I have no cat (Fed 76 Z). Not only does it look amazing, but for the tailgaters, I got something for ya... to melt your bumper... oops, sorry! I think it involves installing a spark plug and switch to battery in the tailpipe, but is there some kind of valve/flap.cutoff to prevent the hellfire from going back up to the engine?

Good topic. I didn't even know! Could we compile a list based on the engine? I have a 79 engine in my 76 (with stock 76 intake). When does it change? based on year? My stock engine ran out of oil (my fault) due to a rear main seal leak. I was good about keeping it full, but a few hours of hard driving blew it. So I know that even though the Z blocks are tough, they can fail. Something (rod?) blew a hole in my block due to lack of oil. I have a pic somewhere.

My workplace, Metro Community College in Omaha, NE, has just finished the largest ever community college project in America: $100,000,000 project. One of the 4 new buildings is based on technology and prototype design. I've already asked the coordinator about what types of things we can do with it. We just received and installed: a CNC 5 axis milling machine (which can make engine blocks I hear), several plasma cutters, several laser cutters, grinders, welders, 3D printers, lathes, manual millers, a paint oven, and some things I don't even know what. There's a robot that walks around and does things you tell it to (within reason). Also a 3D scanner than scans the object into a model, so it can be recreated. If we could compile a list of hard to find or nearly obsolete parts for the series 1 Z, I'd be willing to try to make some of these parts. SO FAR, things I know about are: Brake shims (simple metal plate) 280z electrical connectors Please submit your parts! I'd need either a "sample" (which I would return to you) or detailed measurements/pictures/etc... The potential that this building has is amazing. Coupled with my engineering degree and my Z love, I think we could create some cool stuff. Also, I'm not the best at knowing what is needed to make stuff, so please advise if you are familiar with this type of equipment and what it can do. Here's a few photos of stuff we have now:

Good point, thanks for the tips. I think those connectors are also called "T taps", I've never heard of either until now. Awesome. I found the exact one you have on ebay, and maybe a longer one. Do the mouting tabs on the ends (that have the stick on tape) swivel/move, as to change the orientation of the light based on how you mount it? Looks like you could loosen the screws and rotate...?? Mounted outside like the pics I posted, the wire could just go through the seam. But wont' look as stock. But it might be more visible to high trucks etc... I also found that Zs-ondabrain here made one awhile back that looks really good, maybe better than an LED strip. A little more than I can spend now (but still not a bad price, maybe I can use a cheap one until I can get his) @Zs-ondabrain are you still making/selling those 3rd brake light assemblies? They match the stock tails nicely! After looking at the car, the only option that will work is what you suggested, I found one like yours but a little longer (11"). I think this will be a great upgrade. I'm also going to do the plate lights in LED to start.

Thanks, that's great @gwri8. The more I thought about it, the more I'd like to either put it inside the glass or underneath the top louver slat as to not distract from the body shape. Yeah, not much we can do about lifted or semis etc... Did you splice it into the existing wires with butt connectors? Great to know it is visible through the louvers, I think I might start working on a solution. And nice color on that Z, they look great in dark green IMO.

Been doing a lot of work/research lately (as you can tell by my numerous posts). I am still on the fence about converting all or almost all bulbs to LED. I still might do this, but I'd also like to add a 3rd brake light. A search shows a few have done this (not on this site) with good results. Since I have a rear louver, which I can't/won't remove since it's drilled in the hatch, I don't think mounting it inside would make it very visible. I'm thinking of picking up a third high mount brake strip from a 99 Tahoe (which is my DD) and mounting it with emblem adhesive either on or over my louver. I would like to increase my braking visibility to those behind me. The Tahoe strip is LED. Can I just splice or "tuck" the wire into the brake connector? Here's a link to someone who used this exact light (99 Tahoe). I'm thinking of putting it where he did, or on the top slat of the louver. (IF I put it where he did, I wouldn't be able to open the louver). I also have some chipped paint at that spot, so I'm not worried about messing up the paint. http://forums.hybridz.org/topic/118214-3rd-brake-light-option/ I know you can get these at the U-Pull-It yard all day. Lots of Tahoes. I went there last week for a rim/tire for mine. Probably around $10 or so. New ones are about $40. I like that they have a housing, not just a strip. I could even just pull the one off of my Tahoe if needed haha! Any opinions or experience with this? Since I already have a louver, I don't think it would be too visible to be ugly. If I had no louver, like in the pics below, I think I'd mount it inside the hatch. Thanks!

The 2 main concerns I've found online about LED bulb swaps is: they're not very visible in the daytime and the difference between the tail lights and brake lights isn't very noticeable. Is this something you've found?

Good call, that silicone tubing is softer. I think the foam tape would disintegrate and/or be a pain to remove. Plus the silicone is usually (semi) clear, so less visible if some were to stick out. Did you just upgrade the harness with the stock sealed beams?

These wheels came with the car. I have no idea what they are, no markings. 15" I believe. I think they might be Mags? They have a "liney" texture to them, if that makes sense. I've since put "Z" sticker emblems on the center caps. I actually really like them, look great on the car.

Good point Cap, I do remember reading about that when searching the project, but when I installed them yesterday (2 hours to change headlights... had to keep adjusting the lens in the retaining ring, broke a wire and had to fix, hard to get to screws...) they seemed to be snug. However, today when i adjusted the beams, I definitely noticed a small gap that will rattle. You are correct. Mine are the Autopal E-Codes, mostly because I ordered without looking too closely, or I would've gotten the DOT ones (even though I heard E code is a better standard), since I don't need any more legal issues. What would you recommend I use? I heard some pieces of vacuum tubing behind the rings. That's kind of rigged... but one of my fenders is held in alignment with a large cable tie (the screw mount on the bottom is broken off or rusted, can't remember, but it's held for 8 years. Might need to upgrade the zip tie). Stick on foam tape?? Hmm I think some kind of large 7" O-ring might be best. I'm concerned about the heat melting it though. Thanks for all you guys' advice, what a great and professional forum. Here's a few pics I shot last evening before my camera battery died (I don't have a smartphone... but I do have a classic Z! We all have priorities) These are the Autopal H4 housings with Nokya 60/55W Arctic Blue bulbs: 11.8V at the sockets. Very nice white light, but since the bulb is tinted a bright blue, I get some blue color in the lens (not the light). I plan to switch to something lower Kelvin wise, like the Osram Nightbreaker or similar. I should mention that the ebay seller than sold me the (too short) relay harness gave me a partial refund, so no real loss on the harness. It works as it should. I think the ebay name is "rodtiques", I'd recc them, knowing you might have to add some wire (cost me about $12 plus time). And also a bonus pic of the result of my white face gauge project: the blue coated incandescent bulbs were really weak, so I turned them off and used the "Dashlitz" 4 stick on LEDs that plug into the 12V socket. They look great- until I can possibly get some LEDs behind the dash. I didn't light the clock since there are only 4 lights. Yes, those are "custom" (rigged) signal/parking lights. I thought the air dam brake ducts looked empty, so I put a 240z grille in there and relocated the lights. I used some "Afterburnerz" clear "fog" lights with the stock wiring and bulbs. AAAAAnd they are cable tied in place. The lenses actually fit the square slot perfectly. I like to do some "tasteful" custom work when i see fit. I've only ever seen 1 series one Z at the U-Pull-It yard, so I got as much as I could. Planning to put LED's all around next week. I took a quick spin today and some guy pulled alongside and yelled "That's a badass Z! (Expletive) sweet!!! I waved. Lots of people appreciate these cars. But I still had at least 2 tailgaters. Every time... I'm starting to like this car more than my 87 Monte SS that I had, and that says a lot. A Buick Grand National used to be my dream car, but I might just have my dream car right here. I'm kind of running out of stuff do to do it, since it's running and stopping and looking great now. So I'm onto the upgrades. Yes, it could use a total resto (holes in floor pans, cracked paint), but it's too nice to not use it as is. Someone seemed to have undercoated it at some point, slowing the rust, rare in the Midwest.