DeesZ

On my 05/72 (with stock carbs and emissions stuff) , I removed the hose from the AB valve at the balance tube, and out fell a little circular metal piece that resembles a very thick washer with a very small hole in the center..... I never recall seeing one of these things before (but it's been decades since I have done this, too). I reassembled things as they were, then searched my factory parts catalog to find out what it is. I had no luck finding any description of it in the catalog, and could find no archived threads in the forum that discuss this. I'm wondering if this is supposed to be there? Do I need it? What does it do? etc? Can anyone shed any light on this little (really hard to find when you drop it) part? Thanks!

Nice! Very nice... There are more than a few of us here that wish the same thing would happen to us.....

Welcome! Another Pennsylvania car... that's fantastic. I'm only 1.5 ~ 2 hours away. My best suggestion for your long term success and pleasure is to re-read post #15. Carl provides good advice. IIRC from another post, you plan to do most of the body work yourself. That will keep you within reasonable cost parameters and give you the opportunity to get to know your car very well. You will then be better familiar with what you really wish to do with it. You may be very pleased with the car in a 'stock' condition. They don't make 'em like this anymore.

On topic: Great advice offered by Dave for working towards a fix. In a good order for approach as well. I will underscore his first suggestion with the cables and grounds. These two things are issues that you will need to address before you can expect anything else to work properly, and trust me, looks can be deceiving. I continue to be amazed by the issues that disappeared after I addressed those two issues. Off topic: That's a pretty hard slam/generalization/stereotype on Sears based on ethnic grounds... Heck, I speak English as a first language and have made some pretty stupid and costly mistakes in my lifetime. Several of the absolutely best mechanics that I have known spoke very little English. Trust me, I have gotten some of my worst work done by true blue Americans... does that make them all loosers? If so, I will have to rent a backhoe and exhume my old friend Hans who got his training by the Third Reich.

Only time will tell.... Personally I do not find them offensive. Nor do I wish to own one. But, Will, you have a good point, but what a present to leave your kids! (Kinda like the Mazda stock my dad bought for $0.75 a share. Too bad he didn't buy a bunch of it.)

Any of the mentioned components can be bad (even right out of the box), but do not overlook the battery cables themselves. I had a series of problems that was solved completely after replacing them. I guess they tend to corrode and deteriorate internally under the insulation where it cannot be seen. ....the best $20.00 I've spent on my car yet....

My daily driver is a 05/72 240Z. My "to be sold" one is a 03/71. The oil pans are different in that the drain plugs are in different positions. My '72 (and later ones that I have had/worked on) all have the drain on the aft of the pan sump. The '71 has it on the right (passenger) side. Other "early" 240Zs I have tinkered with have the same thing. I have garnered from the archives here that there was some kind of a corrective change in design and manufacture due to some design deficiency. Can anyone tell me what the deficiency was or why this change was made? Thanks!

Thanks, again, EScanlon.... I agree, holding ourselves to a higher level of content will be good for everyone. Would it benefit us to consider a kind of 'format' for posting observations and comment about eBay (or any other venue) cars? This, if done well/properly, would provide an actual service to those who come to this site to seek advice. Perhaps something that would simply focus on "questions that I would ask before purchasing", and break it down into several categories.... Somewhat as done on the Zhome.com site (thank you, Carl.....) Body, Body-Electrical, Drive Train, Engine, Suspension/Brakes/Wheels /Tires & Steering, Misc., etc.....

"As your last sentence points out...criticizing a car's flaws need not be a character bashing exercise." Nicely put... and well worth repeating, E.... I extend my sincere apologies to board members and visitors for being an early contributor to this thread which has been perceived as a crucifixion of an eBay seller (or sellers in general). To that I plead "mea culpa". Do not read any sarcasm into this, because there is none intended. My earlier intent was not in that direction, although, after re-reading it, I can see how it was taken that way by some. I also feel bad that the ensuing debate is causing friction among 'family' members here on the board. Let's say that DeesZ threw a can of kerosene on the smoldering embers, and the explosion that followed will hopefully leave no permanent scars or pain among us. Written communications are to a large degree disadvantaged - they are quite prone to being taken the wrong way (not as intended by the writer), and this whole thread seems to be taking advantage of our disadvantage. Let's not beat each other up over this. There have been some valid points brought up by some contributors, no matter what 'side' one is on. Food for thought for all.... As a ten-year veteran of eBay, I have (in the past) done public paid seminars on eBay, selling ethics, and fraudulent behavior. Of late, most of my non-selling activities have been geared towards setting up new sellers and positioning them to succeed in that environment. I am an individual who supports his habits (240Z, etc., not drugs) financially with eBay-related income, and I find myself being very critical of listings with scant information. I tend to disclose everything that I can with respect to my listings - in writing and with huge amounts of pictures - and I guess I think everyone else should do the same. It's not fair for me to publicly impose my standards on someone else, is it? I recall Arne saying in another thread that he feels that he over-discloses flaws, perhaps to his detriment. Well, so do I, but it leads to a good seller reputation and higher levels of credibility (and no returns or disappointed customers). I guess I value that more than some of the alternatives. I have stated "Let the buyer beware." many times here on this board in English and Latin. I should have said that in my earlier post and better explained my reasonings for that feeling. As for car values, I am pleased to see them on the rise. This is long overdue in my opinion. Forgive my transgression. I shall try to do better expressing myself in the future.

To me there is something a bit fishy about this one... PA car in good shape is odd, but let's say it is in good shape (put aside the issues of weird front bumper, steering wheel, etc.) It's not a show car, but could be a real nice driver. But really, isn't that a high bid for a good driver? I would have to know and see a lot more than the description provides. It's a scant description and really a big lack of pictures of very important places..... Haven't we seen a fair amount of nicer cars go for less? Some people list like this, have friends bid them up, then relist later using the first sale price as an interest inflater. I'm not saying that's what's going on here at all, but I think it'll be relisted soon whether it 'sells' or not. Just a thought, not a fact.

Get some pictures posted and this community can give you a lot of opinions, alternatives, and information! I'm anxious to see it - there aren't many decent ones that come available in PA.

One has been removed already. Your caution to avoid low volume feedback sellers is a very good one. This gut is pushing 100% positive with one (1) piece of feedback ) probably left by one of his friends.

In my opinion 10.5K is pretty salty, even if the car has papers to prove it's history. There are some issues that just make me wonder in that listing. My opinion - others may think differently.

You'll probably get some pertinent comments over at HybridZ.com...... I'm at a loss for words otherwise.

Yes, eBay does nickel dime sellers to death. Rates keep increasing, but I still cannot find any better place to reach a wide customer base. Most other "wanna be" sites are full of sellers that have been banned from eBay, and it's like fishing in a polluted river. Anyway... a suggestion on pictures for eBay listings (I use lots and lots of them with my descriptions): try http://www.auctiva.com/ as a listing service. You can post as many pictures as you wish at no additional cost from eBay. I've been using their (free) services off and on for a year or so, and am gradually moving all of my listings to launch on eBay from that site. I have been very pleased with what they have to offer, and the price is right. (Also, unlimited image storage is free.)

I would be happy with any of them. Libre's are my choice for #1, and the slots come in last... but that doesn't mean that I don't like them.... The D caps are great with a retro look. I'm not sure I'd run them for fear of loss or damage; perhaps keep for shows. All of your options are pleasing to my eyes.

Geezer, you put it very well. It's not perfect, but I can't find a better game.... And folks, consider it that, a game... sometime you win, sometimes you loose. But knowing how to play the game increases your odds of success. Ebay is not an evil playground overall..... somewhat more like a walk through Central Park during the day.... it ain't perfect, but there are some common sense things to keep in mind about safety that increase the chances of having a pleasurable experience versus getting mugged or murdered. The eBay community is pretty much a cross-section of society; the majority are on the up-and-up, honest people with different levels of communication skills and different ways of expressing themselves. Then there is the small minority of lesser-beings (a.k.a. scum) that are out to take people across. I wish they could be more easily identified and dispatched with without ceremony, but it is only that way in my dream world. Knock the eBay feedback system if you wish, but it is what's available, and not a bad tool.... if you use it (gee, kind of like casting a vote in an election.... only a small percentage of the U.S. population actually votes, but we all groan and moan). Use feedback as leverage first to nudge the seller into defending his reputation. Then, if need be, whack him with what he deserves. Doing so does open the door for retaliation, but that's life, too, isn't it. Remember, a reputable seller will make amends promptly to avoid negative feedback. A scum bag will not. The feedback system does rid the community of scum bags if, and only if, the community at large reports them. So, simply put, communicate with the sellers and see what you can get accomplished, and take appropriate action if/when necessary. Threats are not necessary, but a suggestion like "I hope we can bring this to a satisfactory resolution so that our feedback ratings are not negatively impacted..." brings the point up loud and clear. That's all relevant to resolving an after-purchase disappointment. Personally, I try to avoid that situation by doing my work up front, pre-purchase. As previously stated in this thread, and it's the best advice, communicate up front, get pictures, get expanded descriptions, get specific answers.... get as close as you can to a virtual "handling" of the merchandise before you even put in a bid. Communication up front will 95% of the time tip the cards of the deadbeat seller. They often avoid the act of direct deception by not responding to inquiries. Lack of pictures (or lousy ones) is also a tip off. If the seller is arrogant or simply ignorant, do yourself a favor and do not bid. Simply put, assume nothing - get answers or back away. Save your self the agony of being let down when you open the box. Too many of us fall for the human nature inclination to get a bargain. I have done it and kicked myself in the arse for not being diligent up front. It has usually been my fault for having made assumptions (hope springs eternal), and it's made an arse out of me. Also, if the seller has less than 99% positive feedback, get cautious, very cautious, and find out why. Review their feedback history in depth to help you decide something about the integrity of the seller. If in doubt, get away from the situation before bidding. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, but make up your mind by intelligently collecting information before throwing money at something. As far as determining "retail prices" for eBay, keep in mind that is not what an auction is all about. If you want to sell that way, do so in a "store" listing. The eBay experience will fetch you fair money (on average) for what you have if you describe it accurately, get it listed in the correct category, and give lots of good pictures. if you want bidding activity, list your opening bid very low (I do mine almost always at under one dollar). People will involve themselves if a potential for a bargain (low opening bid) exists. If you list it at or just below 'retail' people move on to the next item and never come back. Put a fair buy-it-now price on things, and they will sometimes sell as well. There has been a lot covered previously in these threads about eBay selling, and it usually ends up with similar advice. Another note for the sellers... if you have not built up a good feedback rating with a volume of successful sales, people will likely be cautious buying from you. Do not start out on eBay with your more expensive items. Sell some low-end stuff first to get a good reputation going, then move on to the larger ticket stuff. (I most often will not even bid on something if the seller doesn't have over 20 feedbacks with a 100% rating.... found out the hard way that is inviting trouble.) What I've offered above was done with the spirit of good intent, not to knock anyone here for what they've done. Please take it that way. If I've offended anyone, I apologize (but suggest that you read it again to get the intent).

I was in the market for a cabinet until I recently got one. I looked at the HF units as well as many others that are available. I concluded that HF had some good deals with respect to price comparisons among other units that are available. I wanted a unit that would handle larger pieces (wheels, cam covers, suspension pieces, etc.) as well as all of the smaller stuff. When I considered a box that would "comfortably" handle the larger pieces, I was pushed towards the larger units and things get expensive there. By the time I added in a dust collector (and don't even think for a moment you won't need one) at $100. ~ $250., the price became prohibitive at somewhere around $700 ~ $1500 depending on maker, options, etc. If you don't want dust and grit everywhere within a quarter mile, consider a quality made unit or some additional expense to beef up a lower end unit (sealing, etc.) I decided to look for a used piece of equipment to get what I wanted for the price I was willing to pay. As is usually the case, patience paid off. I got my hands on a large Snap-On branded floor unit unit with the bells and whistles that I wanted for about 1/2 the cost that I would have paid at HF for something similar. I have not yet loaded the media of my choice, but have used it with the media that was in it at purchase.... very pleased with the unit, especially the lack of dust in the garage, and the almost inaudible dust collection system. This one has a fine mesh screen in front of the window, and it works well. If you use a shop vac, spend a few bucks for ear protection; heck you'll probably want that to mask the compressor noise anyway. Also give consideration to a good air pressure regulator at the box and certainly a water separator for the air supply at the box. I guess it doesn't need to be said, but make sure you have the air supply that you will need to power the box without overtaxing the compressor (a 50% cycle time probably should not be exceeded - check your owner's manual). I guess that I have finally learned to not only balance the decision scales with performance vs. budget, but to actually stretch my budget to get the most value. There are a lot of good units out there that have seen moderate to light use, and it is a buyer's market for them. The hard part is shaking one out of the woodwork, and that is when patience comes into the picture. Good luck with the cabinets!! They are a real blast! Please keep us posted with the searches and results of the piece work when you are operational.

Thanks for the input, everyone.... This generates another question... What media should the 'final' blast before attempting to polish... say a cam cover? I was thinking very small glass beads, but now I'm not sure. Also, any recommendations on the 'grit' size for the media? I'm assuming "the smaller the better" for the smoothest finish....

I got mine up to 123 mph in 1974.... clocked by a state trooper with a radar unit. I should have saved the paperwork. He said I was breathing fire out of the rear. I was flat out, with nothing more to go. Today I realize that I am not immortal and would not even attempt it. I don't think that I've topped 90 in the one I have now... Just not enough control of the vehicle at over that speed.

I recently picked up a blasting cabinet and wish to know what media y'all have had good luck with. It's a Snap-On unit (made by Dee Blast), large enough to do wheels, cam covers, etc. I'll be doing a set of wheels soon (Western Turbine 2) as well as whatever else I take off of the car that needs freshened up. I've researched and pretty much decided to go with two varieties of media 1) glass beads for 'finishing', and 2) aluminum oxide for when I need something more aggressive. (Some places sell mixtures of the two as well.) Do you have any recommendations here? What media that has worked well for you? And what 'size' or fineness produces good results? I'm wide open to suggestions....

in error

I kinda like the guy as well.... he did snag a 'looker', and I think a lot of the criticism stems from jealousy. Carla Bruni is a fine specimen. American political circles are not noted for beauty (e.g. Hillary will never make it to the cover of Playboy).... Who do we have that turns the eyes? I find Condoleezza Rice interesting on one of her good days... Then there is my absolute favorite Katherine Harris..... Any other nominations?

Your question was a bit vague (240Z I am guessing & don't know what year)... is this what you are seeking? This is for a 240Z mfg. dates up to July, 1973. This is about as straight-forward as it gets - pictures. Straight from factory parts catalog (r. June 1974). I hope it helps.

I'm missing my rides too. It's been about three weeks, and I was lucky to have had that opportunity.