zspert

Isn't there a thread on the Flat Top induction system? I seem to remember writing a bit about my experiences as a Datsun dealer mechanic during that time.

ZED2, you don't need to worry about the accuracy of Jay's hoses as they have appeared on all of the Gold Medallion winners I've been involved with. PS I have NOS Datsun windshield and NOS Datsun back light gaskets for 520/521 trucks for sale.

DC871F - your 1/71 tells this tired old Datsun Mechanic - no, not a "tech" - all he needs to know for ID purposes.

I'm going to downshift to 2nd here - heel and toe of course. I was taught, by employees of Datsun US and several parts mgrs, to refer to all MODELS of their products by the production date. Vins only came into play in a VERY FEW ISOLATED cases. When I get a call from a Z owner who starts the conversation by calling his baby a Series 1.75 I cut him or her off and ask for the PD, just as I was taught by the persons already mentioned.

Having graduated from several Datsun service schools in the 70s when I was a dealer mechanic I can say with confidence that we students were instructed to refer to all Datsuns of that era by the production dates. This "series 1" etc. is the product of the internet age and not the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd.

They all come from JDM. Jay is the only one to go to the expense and bother to reproduce cloth braded coolant, booster and valve cover breather hoses.

Excellent observations Paul. I'm in complete agreement.

You park it way out but when you return there's almost always another car, usually a beater, parked next to you!!!

Personal experience comment on ZAPS. In 1977 I was working as a mechanic at the DC Datsun franchise. Originally a Ford dealership built in the 50s or so. The east side of the shop had an almost wall of windows with tons of natural light. The west side was built into a hill so in the summer there was a modest amount of natural cooling. We were always busy. We got 1 ZAPS car which just sat on the showroom floor. Finally the GM got the bright idea to give it to the service manager to use as his demo which allowed it to be seen around town. Finally after about 4 weeks it sold. When we later got our single Black Pearl car it was on the showroom floor for no more than 2 weeks before it was snatched up. My new Service Manager

Sorry Grannyknot, didn't mean to leave your astute observations out.

Bart and HS-30H again hit the nail squarely on the head. "Restored" in the 80s with parts available at that time. I can't remember what wasn't available in the 80s and I was there. They bought a new air filter housing- available in the 80s - I guess to get the decals. Just a little research on their part would have unearthed reproductions.

Thank you DC871F for your kind words.

Boys, boys, we're all on the same team - aren't we?

There are 2 tiny issues which I'll go into another time. One is important the other not so much.

I'm confident my unsolicited advice will go in one ear and out the other but the new owner would be wise to start the operation with an S30 World reproduction fuel tank. Build your house on a solid foundation!

Thank you Racer X

HS30-H - when asked, I tell customers the 240 guild story but I've been in business long enough to know when someone isn't paying attention to my line of conversation. Unfortunately I experience this more times than not. Lesson - there is indeed a sucker born every minute! Still trying to figure out how the late Paul Taylor's car fell into their slippery hands.

HS30-H you've hit the mark. Yet again, your summery of the situation is concise and to the point.

here, here

Looks like one of my reproduction "OK" decals v

Jeff, I, couldn't agree with you more.

To change the subject a bit - Had a 280 recently sold on BAT towed to my shop for a once over for the new owner. The car has very low mileage. It almost goes without saying that the rear brakes were frozen. Got the right rear wheel off and discovered this "modification" had been done to the fuel pump. As these cars age I see more and more generations of butchers plying their trade but this is a new one on me!. Now, what was he trying to address with this trick? Cheers

Z cars always seen to want 12 BTDC

Always risky reusing 50 year old lock washers. Correct lock washers are still available from Nissan but they're now plated clear.

My goodness! Why take a chance? We're talking about a 50 year old part.