kenz240z

The two wires mentioned in item 3 of your post are for an electric fuel pump. My '73 has an electric pump mounted back by the fuel tank, but I don't think earlier years had the electric pump, even though the wires are included in the harness.

I can't complain, here in Colorado it's been in the high 50's/low 60's with plenty of sunshine. I've had my Z out a few times in the past few days, but I couldn't resist getting the Allante convertible out for a spin today! 60 degree weather, sunshine, and a good heater make for good top down cruising this time of year!

Well, I have to admit that I think it is silly to legislate against stupidity. If a person doesn't want to wear a seatbelt, fine with me. Just don't complain when you find yourself thrown from the vehicle, perhaps severed in half and dead. Oh, let's see...I guess if you're dead you can't complain... Anyway, I had a '91 Toyota pickup once. I was enjoying a nice, leisurely drive through Lucerne, MN, when a young driver in a flatbed delivery truck pulled right out in front of me. I was travelling at the posted speed limit of 50 mph. Needless to say, there was no time for me to react, and the collision sent me off the road and down an embankment. My little Toyota truck rolled 3 or 4 times. I still remember the roof caving in, the windshield shattering, and the side window blowing out. When my little truck finally came to rest, I was amazed and relieved to find that all fingers & toes wiggled, all bones were intact, & I was still in one piece. I had a few cuts on my head from the breaking glass, and a 4 inch gash on my right forearm that required a few stitches. Other than that, I walked away from the accident. My truck, on the otherhand, was beyond totalled. That Toyota truck had no airbags, and I'm not sure how it was designed to absorb an impact. Fortunately, I was wearing my seatbelt, a choice I've made EVERY time I get into a motor vehicle, whether I'm driving or not. Quite simply, it saved my life.

Hey Ian, you're right...once you get your Z back on the road, you will feel VERY rewarded! And not just the first time, either!

Perhaps someone sat on the roof and caved it in a bit.

Hi Michael, welcome to the club. It sure looks like you've got a nice Z car there. A little spit & polish oughta make it look sharp! What shape is the interior in? What are your future plans for the car? I'm not sure about the brand of rims, but I've always liked that classic slotted mag style on a Z.

I used PPG's Omni Acrylic Urethane paint. I'll get you some pics when I get a chance.

Hey Dat240Z, check out my gallery, I painted my Z orange, but it is a bit brighter than the 918 orange.

Ok, now I see. I couldn't get any of them off by myself. But, with someone to hold the strut assembly by the spindle, another guy can get the gland nut off with a large wrench. Definitely a two-man job.

Ah, the thought of swimming through a sea of boobs...

Turkey pits!

Well, I've been called a boob before...but I'm guessing that's not what you guys want more of.

Wow, those rims and tires look fabulous! The flares are going to look great when you get them. What a sharp looking Z car!

Just to clarify, are you referring to the mounting insulator? It's the part with three threaded studs that mounts the strut assembly into the tower? It is secured to the end of the strut cartridge with a single nut. (As a reminder, you need to compress the spring first, otherwise removing that nut would let everything come apart in a hurry, and possibly cause yourself a bit of injury... :hurt: ) I used an impact wrench and it removed the nut rather easily. If you don't have an impact wrench, try using a pry bar. Hold it between the studs on the insulator to keep it from turning while you use a socket on a breaker bar to remove the nut. Another way would be to re-mount the strut in the strut tower, then use a socket on a breaker bar to break the nut loose. Don't undo it, just break it loose so you can remove it after you've compressed the spring. Of course, a combination of these efforts may be required.

Peace, love and Z cars!

Da Flash, think of me as that :devious: little devil :devious: with a pointy fork, poking you in the @$$ and saying, "Come on man! You can do it! Make your Z shine!" Now get out in the garage and get to work! :classic:

Well, that doesn't look like the ones on my '73...

Hi Enigma, I'm glad the photos I've posted have inspired you. These Z cars are really pretty simple to work on. With a big floor jack it's easy to take the suspension apart by yourself. And with this being the age of digital photography, it's so easy and convenient to take a few pictures as you work on a project. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions as you get started with your suspension rebuild.

Thanks, Bart. I put in a lot of nights & weekends to rebuild the suspension on my Z. I had the engine out for a rebuild at the time, made it easier to do the crossmember & steering rack.

Hi Enigma, I refinished all the parts when I rebuilt the suspension on my Z, check out my gallery for pics if your interested. I took several before & after pictures as I did the work. It took me about 3 weeks to do the front suspension & steering rack, and about a month to do the rear suspension. I'd say about 85% of the time was spent cleaning parts to prep them for paint.

Those seats look fantastic!

I disassembled the horns on my '73 and refinished them. Check this link for pics & details. http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=6323 All it took was a little bit of work to remove, disassemble & clean them up, plus a can of satin black paint. All in all, a cheep & easy project!

It better be a Z!

Welcome to the club! What are your plans for your Z?

I installed a set of Tokico blue HP struts and new Tokico springs on my '73. I also installed new Energy Suspension bumpstops. I did not cut the bumpstops before putting them on, and I haven't noticed any problems with my suspension at all. In fact, the car handles & rides better than ever!