Splash Pan

[76Datsun280z]

Stupid rookie question, but do these mount on 280z's? I don't recall seeing one under mine.

[hls30.com]

The 280Z uses a slightly different one....similar, but not interchangeable-here is a NOS one for a 280Z...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110266358545&rd=1

Will

[76Datsun280z]

The 280Z uses a slightly different one....similar, but not interchangeable-here is a NOS one for a 280Z...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=001&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&viewitem=&item=110266358545&rd=1

Will

Thanks, that makes sense and also thanks for the link. I'll watch the auction and see what happens, might consider it.

[DeesZ]

I met with the molding people today. They told me that "molding" would not be a good option for this piece due to size and thickness. I was referred to another fabricator who they suggest may be better suited to meet my needs with a totally different process. I have been unable to make contact with the new folks. Looks as if I am back to the drawing board on this for the time being. I will advise when I make progress. I'm convinced there is enough interest.

[Poindexter]

FRP or polypropylene would make great materials. Almost everything else- besides steel, of course- would crack IMO with the inevitable multiple impacts from rocks. Fiberglas would never make it. Or CF. Too rigid. FRP or poly have a great amount of inherent give in response to sharp impact. They can be thermoformed I believe too, which is a fairly simple process for these thicker materials.

I bet there would be several people here that would buy these. I'm in. Anybody know someone coming back from Japan that could take them back in luggage? It would probably be worth the extra fees.

I want one of the hinged radiator shrouds too! They're the easiest to install.

PS - kats, any idea what my license plate says in my sig line below? I got the image from the net- and have no idea what "I'm" saying.

[Mike B]

Very nice Kats! Is your splash pan original or is it the FRP reproduction you listed the link for? The one in #237 has the holes in it. I assume it is original, but I can't be sure. I don't think the person I bought it from would have added it. I thought the splash pans were on US cars prior to 1973, but many have been removed at some point. The 11/69 US parts catalog shows the splash pan with no holes in it, but not sure if any of the early US cars had splash pans like that. Maybe Carl can comment if he has seen other early cars with splash pans and, if so, if they have the holes or not.

-Mike

Hello,

My 240Z and Z432 got a splash pan also, but it does not have holes on it.

As you can see it in the service manual, this type is the earliest.I do not know when the pan got holes.

Some late1969/early1970 magazines shows both silver and black pan. I think either way you will be correct.

Mike,I was surprised #237 has one.I was thinking/understanding the pan was installed from 1973 240Z for U.S., but it existed in the early model!

kats

[TomoHawk]

Unless the pan was made of metal, I'd still add some metal gusset straps across the bottom to support & reinforce things for the same reasons. I'd put on a strip on the edges where it's attached too (unless it's a metal pan.) Maybe even a full metal bottom panel. Anything besides metal would stretch and sag in the long run, but OTOH, wouldn't rust.

[Mike B]

I want one of the hinged radiator shrouds too! They're the easiest to install.

By hinged radiator shrouds do you mean the two piece shrouds shown on the site that Kats posted the link to? I thought those were only for the 280z and the 240z used the single piece metal ones. The site shows the two piece shroud for the S31 and the single piece one for the S30.

-Mike

[hls30.com]

I think Steel/Aluminum/composite would be best-that piece is large surface area wise, and is in the ambient air stream, meaning it will be flexing, and exposed to oil, heat, and other things that are not real friendly to most thermoplasics. I have an idea to try if anyone has one in great shape they would be willing to loan me for a week to make a mold from-and to be a beta tester(free sample in return)...my car is not on the road yet, so while I can make one up, I can't put it in the real world...

Will

[Mike B]

I've got a spare one for a 240z I could loan you Will. I'm out of town now though, so it would be about a week before I could sent it to you.

-Mike

I think Steel/Aluminum/composite would be best-that piece is large surface area wise, and is in the ambient air stream, meaning it will be flexing, and exposed to oil, heat, and other things that are not real friendly to most thermoplasics. I have an idea to try if anyone has one in great shape they would be willing to loan me for a week to make a mold from-and to be a beta tester(free sample in return)...my car is not on the road yet, so while I can make one up, I can't put it in the real world...

Will

[hls30.com]

Cool-the shop is moved-and all but ready for action!

Will

[Poindexter]

By hinged radiator shrouds do you mean the two piece shrouds shown on the site that Kats posted the link to? I thought those were only for the 280z and the 240z used the single piece metal ones. The site shows the two piece shroud for the S31 and the single piece one for the S30.

-Mike

I'm really not sure Mike. I was bidding on one on ebay a week ago- it was hinged though- and missed it- it went for somewhere in the low $80's- and the guy swore in an email that it would fit my 2/71, and would take it back if it didn't fit. I would usually not leave things to "chance" like that. It was attractive in that I didn't have to take the radiator off to install it.

Now I'm not so certain.