mmagnus

Lee, I get the same response here in the US when I tell someone I am restoring a Datsun. Usually the older guys (40's an up) remember the cars and can appreciate it, but when I explain to someone in their late 20's or 30's they realy dont see the appeal. Mark

Thank you for your input. I always like a good debate, especially when it is about something I really care about. All the best Mark

Ben, Let me clarify my point. The reason I mentioned the new Z and 300ZX was reiterate was the article was saying as do many car experts say about the later model Z's. With regards to the late 90's Z car, the only reason it was discontinued was that the sales fell off becuase no body was going to spend $40k on a japanese sports car and Nissan could not produce it cheaper due to the inflation of the Yen. Subsequently the discontinued production. Now the point here is that if the 96 Z had a prancing horse on it, or a prouncing cat, THEN it would be considered a car that people would pay $40k for, even though its performance was comparable to cars twice the price. This is what the writer of the article was trying to say. Finally, no I was not trying to compare the late model Z cars to the 240Z. One thing I will agree with you on is that the 240Z is the best car Nissan ever built. They completely lost focus from 1979 onwards. The Z was no longer considered a "good deal" anymore and was considered an expensive car in the 80's and 90's. Completely contrary to what Mr.K was striving for and why the Z car was then, and still is today a very desirable car. As far as design goes, well that is very subjective. I cant stand next to my 1970 Z and say it looks "Very Japanese". Comparing it to the Toyota is a little bit of a stretch. You couldnt say the Z nor the Toyota 2000 was indicitave of what was coming out of Japan in the late 60's and early 70's. The bottom line here is we agree to disagree on this article. The good news is we both respect the car and continue to enjoy its legacy. Mark

Hey Ben, Your are right you are entitled to your opinion and you make some valid points, but I think you are missing the point of the article. The point the writer was making is that most people wouldnt think of this design to be a great sports car without the fancy badge. Of course they wouldnt take it to "car enthusiasts" as they know what it is. Again, that is missing the point. All in all I felt that they proved a very valid point. People get caught up in name plates and badges. If that wasnt the case, Nissan would of never of discontued the 300ZX in 1996. Even though the 300ZX could out perform many BMW's etc, they couldnt justify the price to the public. The same holds true for the new 350Z. How many of them do you see on the road compared to new BMW's. I can tell you in California, its definately no comparison. And as a final note, I cant buy into the fact you feel this car looks Japanese. What other car in the early '70s look like the 240Z and was made in Japan. None that I can think of but I can think of several european models that it takes after. Especially the engine! No offense, but this is my opinion.

I first picked up a copy at an airport magazine shop. Usually W.H.Smiths. May also have a decent book store. You can subscribe online also. Enjoy Mark

As a former Limey now living in the US, I like to subscribe to European magazines. One of my favorites is "Classiccars" magazine from the UK. For the month of January 04 they have decided to honor the 240Z as the featured car and for its cover. This is an amazing thing when you consider some of the cars that have been on this cover for the last 30 years. Ferraris, Jags, Aston Martins, etc. There is a great article about when they took the Z around London with the badges covered and most of the brits thought it was either a Jag, Porsche or in some cases thought it was an early Ferrari. Pretty funny! Either way the magazine spoke very highly of our beloved Z (why wouldnt they). Check it out on their website http://www.classiccarsmagazine.co.uk/nav?page=classiccars

Are you saying it is next to the radiator or on the firewall?

I just purchase a color code decal for my 1970 Z. does anyone know the location of the decal in the engine bay and how did they fill out the code. Did they just write it in with a marker or was it stamped like a VIN plate? Thanks Mark

For those of you guys that get the "Fine Living" channel on Satalite TV, you may want to check out this weeks episode of Carography. This week is all about the Z car. I enjoyed it much better than the History Channel one. There was some good racing footage and some nice info abou the Z. Its airing again on 12/12. See attached link: http://www.fineliving.com/fine/making_the_mark/episode/0,1663,FINE_1412_28320,00.html

lets try this again!

Here you go! This is a photo of me getting ready to install motor in October.

Thanks for the reply. I am a little confused about what offset is. But now I know what to look for, it makes it easier.

I want to upgrade to a pair of 16 inch wheels. The wheels I am looking at have a 40 offset and 7inch wide. Does anyone have a similar setup? I am concerned that I would have rubbing. I have a 240Z with Tokico springs and Alumina shocks. Any advise would be apreciated. Mark

I have a 70 240Z and am looking for rims. I have Tokico springs and Alumina shocks installed. I am looking at a pair of 16x7 rims with 40 offset. Do you think these would fit without any rubbing issues. Body is stock. What size tires do you recommed. Thanks for any advise you guys can provide. Mark

I just picked up this summer home. I keep the Z in one of the garages but cant figure out which one home.bmp

Thanks for the reply. I would rather not go with spacers. What would you say the max offset I could go with.

I saw a really nice set of 17" rims on Ebay but am unsure if they will fit. The body on my 240 is stock. I am however using Tokico springs and Illuminas on all four corners. Do you think I would be ok using these wheels, if so what tire size would you go with to prevent rubbing. Here is the link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=43957&item=2434895752 Thanks Mark

Thanks for your response. I was going to use it stricktly for nuts and bolts that I couldnt find replacements for. I also going to use for very small parts that I was going to restore with new paint. Thanks again. Mark

thanks for the feedback guys. I found this one at Harbor Freight for half the price of Eastwood. Do you think its worth spending the extra bucks? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=46376

thanks guys. I off to OSH to see if I kind find it. Do you know if it is regular or course thread?

Ok, here is a question for all of you Z-Sperts. What size bolt do I need to attach the rear bumper bracket to the body of the car. The thread is on the body. Been trying to replace the bolts on my 70Z but cant seem to figure out size. Any help would be appreciated. Mark

Does anyone know where you can buy a rock tumbler. Pfreferably online. I saw a guy use one on "Classic Car Restoration" on the DIY channel and it worked really well for his parts. I have been looking for one ever since... Thanks Mark

Wise thoughts. I do have the tranny mount bolted. I am going to look and see if lifting from the bottom seems feasable. If not, I will go back and rent the lift. Its not the money issue, its more of a pain in the rear. But like everything else on this project, its always a learning experience. Thanks guys Mark

I think I'll give it a try. Talk to you later. I am off to OSH to get a piece of wood. Thanks guys. Mark