zed2

I visited with Kip today. Here is his assessment; Manufacturing strips out of metal would cost the same as plastic (as original). The metal strips could be chemically dipped chromed as opposed to the method used for the plastic which we all know deteriorates. To create the mold and manufacture the strips w/chroming would be $150 pair; minimum 10 pairs. There is no shelf life to the mold, so presumably another batch could be produced at a later date. Based on this cost plus shipping, the interest level at the $90 poll results, and the time to coordinate the project, I think that the project isn't feasible at this time. Keith

ajmcforester, My understanding is that CHESTER & HEROD AUTO CARPET still made an accurately appearing carpet kit. Unfortunately, their website http://autockm.com/ no longer is active. Keith

Dropped of a pair of taillamp strips at Kip Motors for their examination. I whould have a proposal in the next week or so on the cost of reproduction.

Zulaytr, Great brochure. The green car does not have the throttle control mounted to the center console, which may indicate a later Series 1 production version was used for the photo. I presume the image that motorman7 included in Post #6 was from the parts book. The date of the book in not referenced. Several months ago, a Canadian ebay seller “redzedsled” (Rob at metic@shaw.ca) was selling a "reproduction" set of Yuasa battery decals. At that time, he said he had sold several sets, but he did not have any photos of a battery with the decals installed. I have not pursed that lead since November 2010. Keith

I plan to vist with Kipmotors after April 15th. (Unfortunately, my business commitments don't allow me to get over to see Kip before then.)

I have seen some 12v batteries with six (6) center mounted refill caps at Tractor Supply. I believe they were private label. There must be some industrial/farm battery manufacturer still making this style in the USA. If I was closer to Mexico I'd cross the border and look there! (Are any members traveling south of the border who would look for us?) Keith

Mike B, I will remove the photo from the post once you have had an opportunity to reexamine the photo. The photo with the red car was inadvertently uploaded. As you can see, the battery case is black rather than the blue top and white sides as the FB battery indicates. I apologize for my error. Keith

I had researched the Yuasa battery several years ago and found an individual who said he was the original owner of a 240Z and the vehicle came with a Furukawa Battery (FB) battery. He sent me some photos and its appearance is similar to the Yuasa. Try not to drool too much (http://www.gs-yuasa.com/gyin/en/products/pdf/Yuasa_Automotive_Battery_leaflet_200609.pdf) I contacted Furukawa Battery (http://www.furukawadenchi.co.jp/english/trans.htm) and was told they would not ship a "dry" battery overseas. So, no luck on that front. Hopefully the photos will help you in your project. Keith

I hadn't thought of plastic, since then we would have to include a plastic chrome plate facility in the process. I would only pursue this project if I could find one fabricator who can manufacture the finished project, ie. a turn-key solution. Does anyone know the production dates (or model years) of the metal and plastic variations? Keith

I have been to their shop on several occasions. (I have had to purchase parts for my 520 truck motor from them.) Very knowledgeable people. They have some examples of their metal fabrication on display; gas caps, hood ornaments, vent pulls, emblems, door handles, the list is endless. I have no idea the time frame or cost related to the parts they fabricate. Here is the direct link to their processes: http://www.kipmotor.com/Parts/Metal_castings.htm Keith

Does anyone have a closeup photo of left and right chrome strips, removed from the housing? There is a local Metro parts supplier (Kip Motor Co http://www.kipmotor.com/) who will custom fabricate parts. Their craftsmanship is fantastic, priced accordingly. I offer to contact them to determine the feasibility of making the strips. Please vote in the poll if you are interested in a pair. I want to get an ideal of the level of interest before I spend Kip's or my time on the project. Keith

My latest acquisition: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290537581144&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT My wife thinks I am planning to open a tire store! Keith

My condolences. My Dad passed away 10/11/10. We must never forget what our fathers taught us and live a life that they would make them proud. Keith

I'll donate the ball joints (I have a couple pairs of new OEM 14mm waiting for a Black Pearl restoration project.) Keith

Well, Jim beat me to the punch... Welcome to the brotherhood of North Texas Z owners. What part of Dallas are you in? Keith

Went to Cars & Coffee. Only Z32 in attendence!

Replaced all the fuel and coolant hose clamps with newly plated wire clamps.

Are you planning to purchase the 240Z back from the insurance company once they "total" it? There may be some local Z owners who can use some of the parts in their rebuild projects. Keith

You will find fasteners at Metric & Multistandard Components Corp. (http://www.metricmcc.com/). They have several US locations and have been an invaluable source for several of my projects. Keith

KAL7467, Keep in mind that some of the parts you need for your restoration/rebuild will be scarcer in the future. Therefore, you may want to start assembling all the parts you need now, and let go of the parts you do not need, to ensure that you have what is need to complete your project. You may find that a member on this forum can supply you with many of the parts you need in one lot, rather than having to deal with many parts suppliers and the associated freight on individual parts. The members here are very knowledgeable, and from their experience will "callout" disingenuous postings, either from buyers or seller. Keith

I am trying to gauge interest in whether there is enough interest in purchasing a set of Seat Cushion Guards. Please vote in the Poll. The results will indicate it if is economically feasible to reproduce the guards. Thanks, Keith

I met Adam yesterday, a nice guy. I gave him one seat cushion guard for his analysis. We spoke of other parts; throttle control handle, radio face plate, inspection lid clip (plastic, not later metal type) and some other parts. Patience is the key in determining the cost of reproduction and potential market. Keith

Prehaps the codes on these color cards would help. Keith