bobc

Ok, I think I'm semi-screwed.... I got the head off and besides the three busted bolts on the exhaust manifold to collector pipe it went pretty well...until, that is, I noticed that the link on the timing chain with the white mark wasn't were is was supposed to be. At one point I had the cam sprocket in the right position (line and groove matched) and the link with the white mark was at the top of the sprocket. I messed with the engine after that, but thought I had it back in the right position. When I looked after lifting the head off, the white mark appeared to be gone. At first, I thought it might have been wiped off, but then saw if much further down the chain. I thought I was at TDC when I pulled the head, because number one piston was up, both valves were closed and the rotor in the distributor cap was pointing at number 1. I've attached some pictures for help. Number 1 and number 6 pistons are fully up. You can see the white link in the picture next to the orange tool on the left. I'm thinking that when I put it back together I'll put the chain on the sprocket in the best fit possible. I may be off a link or two. Then, without the head bolts, I'll turn the crank until I eventually get to where the white link is at the top, #1 piston is at the top, and the groove and line on the sprocket match up. Short of pulling off the timing chain cover (really don't want to do that) does anybody have a better plan. Perhaps someone can tell me what position the cam and crank should be in at TDC? Thanks. Bob

Frank, Wish I had that skill. Unfortunately, welding isn't in my skill set (yet!). I've got the head off, but I think I sort of screwed that up a bit! See my new post. Bob

Thanks, but I've given up on getting the stud out. That's why I'm thinking machine shop. I've already broken an "easy out" in it and that's one reason I can't seem to get a drill bit to catch to make a new hole to try again. What a PITA! Anyone have any advice on taking the head off? It would be appreciated. Way to long to remember how I did it the first time! Bob

Hey guys, could use some help. About a year ago an exhaust manifold stud broke right at the cylinder head. Now it's started to leak, so I attempted to fix it today. I've tried to drill out the stud, but I'm not getting anywhere, so I guess I need to take the cylinder head off and take it to a maching shop. It's only been 35 years since I did this, so I'm a bit rusty. I bought the chain retainer from Motorsports today, but can't remember which side to put it on. Last time I made my own out of wood! Do I need to take the rocker arms out first? Instructions say to take the oil gallery off too. Why? Can the cam stay in as well? Again, it's been awhile so I appreciate the help. Couldn't find a step by step in the archives, and I'd like to get it off tomorrow, so I can take it to the machine shop on Monday. Thanks. Bob

I think the problem IS air in the system. Unfortunately the MC on the clutch doesn't have a bleeder screw like the brake MC, however I think that's where the problem is. Try bench bleeding the clutch MC before installation, or (and this will be messy, so be careful with brake fluid. It removes paint!). bleed the MC installed. Just disconnect the steel line, insert a suitable fitting (many of the no assistant brake bleeders come with an assortment of fittings) and bleed the MC. Remove the fitting, add some fluid and replace the steel line. This will get any air out of the MC. I had the same problem bleeding my brakes. Peddle was awful until I finally took the time to bleed the MC. Improved immediately. I don't think I would have ever gotten the air out trying to bleed it at the brake cylinder. Good luck!

It sold for the BIT price. The buyer has purchased other cars from this seller. I imagine he was sitting out there going "should I or shouldn't I" like some of the rest of us and finally broke down. My wife confessed she can't believe I didn't buy it. I can't either. I'm sure I'll regret it one day as this was one of the nicest VZ's made and you either love or hate the color. The buyer has other Z's, so I imagine he'll hold on to this one for a while. My bet is you'll see less and less of these on the market in the future and this price will seem like a bargain. Of course, I could be wrong! Best, Bob

See everyone there! Getting the Alaska Z out of storage for this one! Bob and Snow!

Carl, Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Must not click on the Buy it now button...must not click on the the Buy it Now Button...Must not...... ARRRRRRGGGHHHHH!!!! Bob

Mike, I always wanted a lemon-lime Z. I know the owner well and I tried to trade him my red one for his lemon/lime in the past. He wanted my red one, but didn't want to trade and offered to buy mine, but I didn't want to sell then. Yes, I know it's a sad, but true story. Then, I tried to buy his, but he wanted to keep the lemon-lime one because it was so nice. So, in the meantime I bought a Porsche. What was I thinking? If I hadn't bought that car, the lemon-lime Z would be headed for my garage right now! I'm still thinking about it, but I don't need 6 cars and in this economy I think the market for Porsches is pretty dismal (even in So. Cal!). Bob

Mike B and all, You're absolutely right, this car is completely overpriced and not worth the money. Please, please, please don't hit buy it now.......so I can! Where do I start? First, I'm considering buying this car, so please do me a favor and buy it now so I can quit worrying about it! Second, the last several VZ's went between $35K to $41K. So, this one is not going to go for $25K! The previous post that refers to my former car, indicates that it didn't hit the reserve. That's accurate, but as Carl noted it did generate a lot of off-line interest and I sold it shortly thereafter to a person who saw it on ebay for considerably more than the reserve. The buyer got a fair deal, because the next two sold for more. The next one was on ebay for one day and the seller got cold feet, then did the same thing a couple of weeks later and then sold it offline. Lastly, I've seen this car personally and it's worth every penny that the seller is asking. VZ ownership is getting harder and harder because as Carl also noted, collectors are buying them up and hoarding them. If anyone wants to buy a 2006 Porsche 911, it would sure help me make my decision easier. Any takers? I'd also sell my 1970 Z, but the Porsche has to go first. So, go figure. How many people do you know that would sell a Porsche and a 1970 Z to own a VZ? Yeah, it's worth it! Bob

Rnady, How you doing? Long time since we've said hello. I'd go with reconnecting it. I don't see any problem with using heater hose to connect it, but I'd fabricate some pipe to go from around the fitting on the passenger side of the engine to come around to the fitting and then put only a short piece between the pipe and the fitting on the intake manifold. That's the way, it was orginally done. I'd send you a picture, but my Z is in storage right now:disappoin As far as the pump, we need to see what else you've left on the manifold in the way of pollution gear. Yes, you can take it off (I'd recommend it), but be sure to block off the air gallery pipe at the check valve. I noticed you left the fresh air gallery pipe attached to your exhaust manifold. If you haven't tightened everything up, I'd get rid of that too. If not, just leave it, but be sure not to just leave the check valve sitting there with no positive pressure. It will corrode and start leaking eventually. PM me if you need further help. Bob

Maria, I'm going to offer a slightly different opinion on this one than others have already said to your post. Yes, you can take off the belt from a smog pump, but I wouldn't leave it off for a long time. The pump makes positive pressure in the system, if it's not turning then the exhaust gases go the other way. Eventually, the check valve will corrode and start leaking exhaust gases into the pump. Then the pump will build up with exhaust gases and moisture and eventually the pump will freeze up. With time, the idle will roughen up and the engine will not be as smooth. You can remedy this by removing the check valve and sealing this opening (usually with a nut). I've seen dozens of Z's with frozen air pumps due to removal of the belts, so short term, you can get away with it, but in the long term, I suggest you either replace it or go all the way and remove the system (assuming you don't have to have it in place and working to pass inpection) Best, Bob

I think we could help you more if you provided a little more info: 1. Why was the radiator replaced? 2. Was it overheating before the radiator was replaced? 3. Have you checked the timing? 4. Have you checked the idle mixture? 5. When does it overheat? At idle? Under heavy load? Just cruising? 6. Condition of lower radiator hose? Does it collapse under load? Since you replaced the radiator and thermostat it sounds like maybe you were having this problem prior to the work? If so: 7. Has it been using any water? That is have you had to add water to the radiator often to keep it filled? I think if you answer these it will help us point you in a more specific direction. Good luck Best, Bob

Guys, I know the car and I know the owner. I'm convinced that he is a close personal friend of God or the luckiest SOB on the planet because he has some of the nicest cars I've ever seen. They are all unique. The last car I know he sold was a 1997 Porsche with 365 original miles (really) on it. He is also very picky, and keep in mind that I'm saying that! If it's not right, he fixes it right, so if you're at all interested in this car, then my advice would be buy it now! In one way, this is better than a VZ because it isn't a restored car, it is an original car. Good luck, and if RJ is reading this, you know which car I want!!! Best, Bob

Might also try Vincent Foreign Car Service in Covina. A number of ZCCIV members use them and like their work. Best, Bob

Several years ago I switched from Armor All to something called 303 Aerospace Protectant. The label says SPF 40 for your stuff! It probably has silicone in it, I don't know. Anyway, I've used it for several years now and no cracks.... Carl doesn't your web site say something about using vaseline on the dash? Sounded really nasty to me!!! Bob

Rob, Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! Fred Jordan was so excited when I told him the glove box had been sold. He and the "Datsun Gang" really appreciate your donation. It will help get the museum established. Anyway, I just sent you the invoice with shipping. If the shipping is less, I'll charge you the exact amount I pay. If more, I'll eat the difference. Thank you again...I'm sure you'll like the glove box, it looks great. It's been sitting in my office in its display case. So enjoy it on a wall or on your car! Bob

Carl and all, As noted, we have had this event in So. Cal for a while now. It moved from a couple of years ago from a location by the ocean to the Ford Luxury Car/Mazda Headquarters building. This concept is actually trade marked! Snow and I go fairly often and at least out here it is really incredible. Seeing 5 Ford GT's, Enzo's and Bugatti's are just a normal Saturday morning. Chip Fouse was there two Saturdays ago with one of his new creations in progress. I've got to say this is by far my favorite "non" car show. No judging, no egos (ok maybe a few), and doesn't take up the whole day. Just a bunch of car guys and spectators that like to talk cars. It's also fun to watch the cars leave the lot. As a general rule, no one smokes em on the way out, but that doesn't stop them from hitting some pretty good speed before hitting second gear! Here's a link to the site: http://www.carsandcoffee.info/

Thanks Carl!!! Well said....

Thank you Frank! Fred and Betty are very special people and I'm honored to be able to assist this effort. Ok, BAGAKOA (Boy and Girls and Kids of All Ages), no bids yet, I'm counting on the members of this club! Please get on over to ebay and get your sweater now and bid on the glove box now. If you don't have a signed glove box, you can't buy a cooler accessory for your Z. I've lowered the price, so it can be yours. Best, Bob

I just heard from Norm of zeddsaver (www.zeddsaver.com). He is going to donate a rechromed emblem to go along with the glove box. This is about a $55 retail item, so a big thank you goes out to Norm. Please support those that support our cars. No bids yet, but I'm hoping to get something started soon!

My mistake, sorry Bill and Will. Bill, getting the cars, at least at this point, seems to be the least of the worries. Finding a place to house them and paying for it appears to be the bigger issue. Please encourage everyone to bid! P.S. I'm going to see if I can get Fred to post here to answer any questions. I'm just the private in this outfit! Thanks, Bob

Bill, Not yet. This is really in it's infancy, but it's very real. There is an established auto museum in Southern California that has already expressed interest in housing the museum in a new wing they plan to build. We need to get a museum started prior to this so they can absorb it into theirs. That's just one option, there are others. We just need to raise some funds at this point. Fred is already looking at real estate to house the museum. He's got people offering to donate their cars, etc. I don't know if everyone knows Fred or not, but he is a close friend of Mr. K's and as the sales manager of the first Datsun dealership in the US, knows an incredible amount of history of the company. We don't want all this to be lost. Wouldn't it be cool to someday walk through a museum and see exhibits of how our cars and the company that made them got started. We've all read the story, but believe me, it you spend 15 minutes with Fred, you'll learn a lot more than you've ever read!!! He also is close to Mr. John Parker who ran the ad agency that Datsun used, so again there is an incredible amount of history that is sitting out there. I can guarantee there's more than anyone on this site has seen in one location. So, get that check book out and bid BIG TIME!!! Bob

Here's the link to the sweaters.... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mr-K-Collection-Sweater-Limited-Edition-RARE-240z_W0QQitemZ330244783893QQihZ014QQcategoryZ6763QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Guys and Gals, Boys and Girls, Children of all ages, this is really cool. You can own an original Datsun 240z Glove Box signed by Mr. K and help contribute to building the Datsun museum at the same time! What Datsun Museum you ask? Fred Jordan, the sales manager at the first Datsun dealership in the US (located in San Diego) is working with a board (some members of the board are members of this site!) to raise funds to establish a museum to house and tell the story of Datsun in the US. I've had the pleasure of knowing Fred for several years now and let me just say this is a story that needs to be told! Ok, it's not cheap, but remember you're funding a museum, the glove box door is just a cool reminder that you helped do it! So, get on over to ebay and spend some BIG money!!! The ad refers to a sweater. I'm going to post that soon. There are only 23 left and they start for a donation of $300. They come with a certificate of authenticity and a picture of Mr. K wearing one. Too cool! If you want more info about the museum, Fred can be reached at ftenthz@aol.com, but please don't bug him unless you want to help and right now the best way is writing a very BIG check! I'll monitor this posting and attempt to answer any questions. P.S. Please don't ask me to sell privately. I promised Mr. K the money this sale raised would go to the museum. I will not sell it privately... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/240z-Glove-Box-signed-by-Mr-K-Datsun-Museum_W0QQitemZ330244772324QQihZ014QQcategoryZ40017QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem