zed2

I have gone the route of replacing with the oil filled firm (rather than normal) resistance. I was able to locate the set of four from 2 US dealers and 1 Canadian dealer. The new parts are NLA, however there may be some sitting in dealer inventory. The part numbers are: Front 56105 E4125 normal resistance 56105 E4185 firm resistance Rear 56205 E4125 normal resistance 56205 E4185 firm resistance I do believe you can rebuild the original strut insert, however you would have to locate some cores and then measure the seals sizes. The easy route is gas filled aftermarket. (Not original, but probably a better ride.) Keith

Saw the car the other day, it is coming along great! You should post photos to give others an opportunity to see the progress. Keith

I am recovering my seats and am looking for suggestions on two aspects of the project: 1) What material can be used to replace the clear plastic sheeting sandwiched between the seat cushions and the mechanisms? 2) What is the original finish on the black mechanisms (I have seen some mechanisms finished with a flat and some with a satin)? Thanks, Keith

Does anyone have a resource in Mexico who can ship Nissan parts into the US? There are several parts I am interested in that are NLA in the US, but may still be available in Mexico. I can provide the part numbers, but do not have a connection with a dealer/distributor in Mexico. Thanks, Keith

You may want to offer the dealer installed system to one of the members who is restoring their car back to original. Even though the current judging rules take points off for a nonfactory unit, there are some people who appreciate the period correctness of the system. (It is my understanding that in prior years the judging rules did not deduct points, so the arbitrariness of the rules may indicate a reversal.) I was fortunate to recharge my system, and would not have considered a modern upgrade. I know there are other people who would love to have your system. Keith

Well, the truck is a 1966 Datsun L520. I am trying to sort out the engine. The prior owner removed the head from the original J13 block about 10 years ago. It appears that one piston was removed (a replacement was in the passenger compartment along with the radiator). The head was in the bed and the distributor and air cleaner are MIA. We pulled the engine and the crank will turn, so tomorrow I am off to the machine shop to have the block and head examined. If they are rebuildable, then I will have the parts cleaned, balanced, and ready for reassembly. Both shops I spoke with do not have many reference guides for the J13. I have located many internet resources and found that a Datsun forklift used the same motor. The body, except for the front valance and rocker panel is in great shape. The wheels turn without binding. If I can solve the motor issue in the next few weeks then I feel a bit more comfortable working on the brakes and clutch components. The paint is in good shape and the glass is all original. The interior needs attention. I want to make the 520 look presentable, no garage queen. If anyone has resources for the 520 or J13/J15/J16 engine, please let me know.

I was looking for a way to haul Z parts, so I settled on this solution:

Ok, let me add a bit of information; I am the guy with the extra OEM (uninstalled) quarter panel that the shop is going to use for the project. The shop restored my 240Z (read in another one of my posts if you are interested in the project). The price quoted for the part to saridout is completely accurate. I am not the greedy sort of person who has to make a killing on a rare part. (There are many people out there who have rare parts who want an "arm-and-a-leg" for what they have.) I have collected many parts for my project that I do not ever plan to use, this quarter panel is one of them. The shop in question does exceptional work and I am indebted to the owner for the care and attention in my project. My indebtedness only refers to my gratitude for efforts as my financial obligation has long been settled. I have seen saridout's car in person and agree with the shop's description of the work needed, presuming the car's owner wants quality workmanship. There are many shops that specialize in collision work that can do a fast, cheap repair. If a car owner is looking for quality restoration work, then the car is at the correct shop! Just my two cents. Keith So how about everyone backing off a bit

Does anyone have the dimensions of the heel pad on the "original" series 1 carpet? Thanks, Keith

Andrew, If originality is not an issue, take a look at this: http://www.zearth.com/Core-BAK-460-Back-Support-Cushion-Core-Inflatable-Back-Lumbar-Support-Pillow-BAK-460-P154.aspx?utm_source=ZFF245&utm_medium=ZBuy&utm_campaign=ZE245 Keith

Here is an obscure one; The profile of the sunvisors on the Series One is different from later production vehicles. So I think this qualifies as a hard to find part. Keith

Just to name a few: "Horsehair" jute carpet pad Bridgestone RD-150 175R14 tire 12V Furukawa battery Keith

Steve, Did they offer the option of a heel pad? Thanks, Keith

Do not forget Chester & Herod - discussed at http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29317&highlight=Chester+Herod&page=6 I am certain they could make a high quality kit for the 280Z. Keith

We had the local paint supply house bring their portable spectrum paint reader to obtain a color match. If I recall, they measured 4 points (behind the rear vinyl, in the spare tire well, behind the riser vinyl, and behind the rear cargo compartment finisher). The scanner makes physical contact with the surface it is "reading" and with its integrated light source, measures the reflected color. I presume the integrated light source attempts to recreate sunlight. (We all know that florescent, incandescent, halogen, and other light sources affect the color humans see.) We are pleased with the final color. Keith

Great site, also check out http://www.300zxclub.com/ http://www.twinturbo.net/ http://carfiche.com/fiche009/z32/ http://www.300zx-twinturbo.com/cgi-bin/manual.cgi http://tech.aus300zx.com/ Keith

Mike, Here is the list of the bushing I purchased for my 240Z FRONT CNTRL ARM BUSH 54535-E4100 FRT TENSION ROD BUSH 54476-21000 FRT SWAY BAR END LINK BUSH 56112-W5000 FRT SWAY BAR TO FRAME BUSH 54617-21002 RACK BUSH/DRIVERS 54445-E4101 RACK BUSH/PASS 54444-E4101 FRONT STRUT BUMP STOP 54050-E4101 FRONT STRUT MOUNT 54320-E4100 REAR CONT ARM INNER BUSH(FRT) 55554-E4100 REAR CONT ARM INNER BUSH(REAR) 55555-E4100 REAR CONR ARM OUTER 55541-E4100 REAR CONR ARM OUTER SPINDLE 55540-N3701 REAR CONR ARM OUTER SPINDLE NUT 08912-8421A DIFF MOUNT 55415-E4102 REAR STRUT BUMP STOP 54050-E4101 REAR STRUT MOUNT 54320-E4100 MUSTACHE BAR BUSHING 55476-N4300 STEERING COLUMN COUPLER 48073-78500 It was very time consuming to locate all the parts, so be patient. Keith

Carl, I think the clip needs to be made of some plastic/nylon material. I am experimenting with modifying some vehicle hood prop rod clips to find a solution. I have several NOS clips that I hesitate to use until a replacement is found. Keep us apprised as you progress in your project. Keith

If you are looking at a Datsun Z from an investment/financial perspective it is all about market timing. This is a great time to buy low and hold till the market recovers... keep the car in operating condition, do not stress the components, and keep it garaged. Buy from someone who has to sell. Don't fall in love with the car, it is just a commodity. If you are looking at a Datsun Z from a passion perspective, buy the best one you can find. You are buying the previously owners' history and attention to detail. Enjoy the car, customize it if it allows you to increase your enjoyment. The money does not (or should not) matter. Don’t be tempted by other cars. Don’t sell it because you are bored or frustrated. Finally bequeath it a family or friend when you pass. Keith

Here is another in Dallas http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1620002455.html

Here is a Sherwin Williams paint formula for the Air Cleaner Orange. Paint Code Air Cleaner Orange.pdf

1991 Nissan 300ZX SR-71

Well, it looks like I will be adding the car to the stable.

Arne, I am hopeful that as I continue to drive and show the car more opportunities for additional 240Z ownership present themselves. I can only imagine that keeping my car out of public sight has cost me buying "opportunities" over the years. Keith