26th-Z

I think the big three woke up a long time ago to find they were passed. Some guy named Katayama had a big part of it, I recall. Didn't he out sell VW in America in...1975? Yes...the big three are now Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Honda, by-the-way, has jumped in F1 full time again. Remember the old F1 Hondas?

Also keep in mind that the 280Z body is not molded for the early bumper. You may end up replacing the front valance and other pieces. My suggestion before jumping into this is start comparing what you will need to make the change. Start looking closely at the two different models. The crash worthiness issue is important in that your insurance company may not like you taking off the crash bumpers. However, there is really no need for bumpers at all because rule number one of driving is don't bump anything. If you violate rule number one, you deserve what you get. I think the flashy chrome strips on each end of the Z make it look pretty snazZZy!

I dont't recall looking at this one, but it doesn't matter. I called before I drove up to Bradenton for lunch. The car sold before Christmas for $12,900

It's too close to not go look at. I'll be back this afternoon.

The MG Midget had rounded wheel arches in 1972. My car was actually a '69 Sprite with the fenders cut out. Much easier to make tire clearance that way. My Spridget was RHD also, which I loved. The conversations about Datsun design in the later '70s has me thinking about these styling prototypes from 1966 and the Nissan 270X concept car.

Thanks, moonpup! Don't need any of it, but I got an e-mail from a friend looking for the hand throttle knob last week.

What do you think about this base, Alan? The casting mark looks Hitachi. Installed upside down? Everyone go have a look at your lower radiator cross member and see if it is pre-drilled for the brackets. My cars are.

Nothing MG about that car or midget about those boobies! That is an Austin Healy Sprite Mk II. My guess pre1965 depending on the engine size. The first of the "square bodies" came with the same 997cc engine of the Mk I "frog-eye" and are easily spotted by the way the top fastens to the rear deck. I recall they had side curtains, but I may be wrong about that. There was an 1100cc version of this car before the Mk III was introduced with the popular 1275cc engine in 1967, I believe. The Mk III rear deck had a lip for a perminent fastening of the top along the rear edge. A marked improvement as it made the top weather-proof with the addition of roll-up windows and swing-out vents. The 1275cc engine gave the car the real oomph it needed, although it was cast-iron block and head - pushrod overhead valve. It ran twin SU carburetors - smaller than the Z Hitachis, but the same. Healy Racing constructed five or so of the MkIII unibody shells in aluminum and campaigned a racing effort at LeMans and Sebring - probably more I'm not aware of. A three-woman team (Donna-Mae Mims?) was entered by the Ring-Free Oil sponsored team in....I don't remember. The "Sebring Sprite" chassis was made in both coupe and roadster form. The coupes raced at Sebring. I have driven a roadster. They were equipped with Lucas fuel-injected 1275cc engines and five speed transmissions derived from the MGB gearbox. Solid rear axle...lever arm shocks...four-wheel disks. I used to be a sprite freak. Here I am in 1973.

I had not noticed this thread until yesterday. Thanks for four lovely pages of entertainment and information. Thanks Alan, for posting the parts book image. I added it to my book and will write you privately for the part number information associated with it. I would like to compare part numbers and I want one of the fancy oil cooler covers with the buckles - how great. Thanks Carl, for referencing the various dates of publication for the competition parts information. Indeed an "authority" is right here in our back yard. Hope to see you for lunch Saturday. For most of the rest of you, I should point out that there are a number of people who collect "literature" and bathe in the unique luxury of historical study associated with our cars. I am one of them. Carl is one of them. Alan is one of them, and I can think of half-a-dozen more. I would not go anywhere near as far as to say that one particular individual knows all. We are all quite specialized. We have thousands invested in our libraries and they form a significant resource for those of us interested in fully understanding the history of Nissan and the Z. Had the initial post been encouraged to submit pictures, we could have had a look at some rare parts. Instead you guys turned this into a flame and the door of opportunity closed. Thanks.

I would be interested in the tire, Gary. It is by no means useable other than show. Her Majesty came with Bridgestones and Princess came with Toyos. Do an archive search - there is a thread by Kats about original tires. What do you think it would cost to send it to Sarasota, Florida 34236? PM me and we'll chat. I came back to edit this after you mentioned the date code, Arne. Yea, for the strick connoisseur, the date code is vital. But hell, I figure anyone is just fortunate to see one at all. I DO know guys, however, with correct tires that they show with. Chris

Whoops! Thanks

By royal declaration of the Z, Her Majesty the 26th has been extended the honored privilege to announce an autocross event to be held April 22, 2006 in Gainesville, Florida by the Florida Z ***ociation. http://home.earthlink.net/~cwenzel/index.html The FZA is a group of five Florida Z Car Clubs brought together for the purpose of organizing Z Car events and contributing to Florida Special Olympics. This is the group that grew out of Z-Fest and has bid to host the 2007 ZCCA International Convention. The track is a very nice facility offering Solo level speeds on a well paved driver training course in a lovely North Florida pastoral setting. Our schedule permits around 50 cars to maximize track time during the day. Register early for your spot and choice of car number!

Great picture, isn't it? Reminds me of a "Creature from the Swamp" movie poster. And it's the best picture I have! All the rest make her look like junk!

Mike, There are several threads floating in the archive about relative value for the early cars. There was a blurb in the Wall Street Journal not too long ago and Hagerty Insurance just published some research. However nothing really addresses the implied value of a low vin car. Of course, a car is only worth what a buyer is willing to spend at any given time, but the going trend seems to be around $18,000 + for a drop dead gorgeous, pristine example of a '70, '71 Z. You will see higher prices - lots higher, but the published values are lower. That has nothing to do with a low vin car, however. 27th was purchased in 2004 for under $3,000 sitting in my driveway. I know another double-digit vin project that traded less than a year ago for not much more - and it's a driver! The one low vin car I know of that is absolutely flawless (restored) is not for sale for anything under $30,000 - more like $40,000. Keep in mind that it will take $40,000 to restore a Z that is worth $40,000. Hope this helps. I would guess from your description the car is worth $4,500 to $6,000 depending on how original it is. Something like a missing seat is a big red flag to what else is missing. Chris

OSPHO is a 15% phosphoric acid which is actually classified as a rust encapsulator. I like it to treat metal before painting. RM makes an 801 metal ready product that is similar. These products treat (etch) the metal and prepare it for a primer application. Spray on and wipe dry with a clean paper towel. On the other hand, as beandip points out, a simple self etching primer at this stage of the game is all that is really needed. Just spot prime. RM and SEM sell self etching primer in spray cans. Neither one of these suggestions weather proofs the metal. NO-no outside!

Isn't that from the Pininfirina studio? Yea....Holy Crap is right. That would make me smile all day.

Sharp eye, Joseph. Yes, it would probably have clear hatch glass. I would have to look up the service bulletin for the vertical line demister, but a blanking plate would be on the console for the switch location. Early cars came with rubber floor matting as shown around the tool box area. Rubber floor matting was standard on the economy Japanese version S30 model. The luxury S30-S / Fairlady ZL model came with carpeting. The papers for 26th say she came with carpeting, but she also has the rubber mats on the floors, front and rear, and the rear deck.

Your post #34 collection is my favorite, Alan. Those are the cars of my youth - in awe of them to this day. I'm glad to see you post pictures of your favorites.

Well! Her Majesty barked a little? Sorry guys. I'll stuff a sock in her muffler. The presentation that will be made in Dallas from the Florida Z Association will be Daytona, the first week of October 2007. If the ZCCA approves of our plans and budget, we'll be cranking. I'm director of the car show and our plan is to hold it in the garage area of Daytona International Speedway. Come to the Dallas convention and meet our group. Just in the United States, Nissan holds an outstanding racing record and Daytona is no exception to the winning streak. For example: the 1990 IMSA GTP champion ZX-T GTP/Electramotive the 1991 Daytona 24-hour 2nd place finisher R90CK the 1992 Daytona 24-hour winner R91CP driven by Hasemi, Hoshino, and Suzuki the 1994 Daytona 24-hour winner 300ZX Cunningham These would have to be considered for the list. Chris

The grab handle is on the driver's door because the only new door interior panels remaining are for right-hand drive cars and they are cut for the passenger grab handle. There are a lot of other "contemporary" parts on the car. The wheel covers are not the correct color. Nice looking car. I'll be watching the auction with interest.

My dearest Ron and gnosez, Knock it off with the bad karma. Mr K. will be at the 2007 convention because Chris Wenzel and eight other guys are busting their arse to see that it happens. The Princess and I wouldn't miss it. In addition, Mr. Wenzel is busting his arse to see that championship Nissans and championship drivers attend the convention. He has his own list and it doesn't stop at ten cars. Look for him at the Mitty and Dallas. He's looking for cars to invite. He'll bring his BMWCCA and PCA experience to the table - gladly. Things are changing in the Z world and it's time to start thinking outside the box for ways to present our events. Return-on-investment is what it is all about. "Drive a Datsun - Then Decide". With all due respect, Her Majesty the 26th

Thanks Arne.

Carl, If your seats do not have vents in them, they aren't original. You may recall that the seats had a tendency to rip on the side bolster. Many, many people complained about the vents. At two previous owners and 65k miles, I would suspect replacement. Original 1969 American import seats had vents. Chris

The original cables on a 1969 240Z were woven strand type and were later replaced by solid wire. The solid wire will perform better, but thanks for the link!

Very tight. No play at all. Sounds like you done good.