mlc240z

that's because all your smog (cough,cough) blows over to us!!! comparing an escort is unfair. i was told by a mechanic testing mine, they were the cleanest burning (factory) car in the world. tomo, damn fine tune on that engine you've got there!!

that's going to be one tough find. in early '70s most stock radios sucked. aftermarket radios were an excellent upgrade, relatively pricey but a huge improvement in sound quality and features. that's probably what forced car companies to improve their radios. so if you were the average guy back then, what would you do with a POS radio if you just replaced it? probably trashed it. (some forward-thinking anal packrats---like myself---saved everything. unfortunately, i didn't own a Z then. good luck with your search. hope you find the part.

after reading of all the probs with wiring and corrosion, every connector i touched has been cleaned. even though i had no problems, combo switch and turn signal has been disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. cheap insurance! better to take the time and prevent a short, fire or fusebox meltdown. get some contact cleaner, sandpaper, small file, and your wife/girlfriend/other(?)'s emery board nail thingy and clean, clean, clean. take your time and be patient and thorough. that should solve most of your problems.

looks perfect to me! if the backside is in good condition, i'd just hit it with multiple coats of clear. this would preserve/protect and not change the original look (not that you'd be seeing it much anyway)