Need help with my 260 date of Manufacture!

[webzlinger]

I just bought a clean 260 chassis and I plan on swapping ALL the parts from my '72 240 onto the 260 chassis. I've had a few people tell me that almost everything should fit without too much trouble. My concern is they keep saying it would be better if I had an EARLY 260? My door plate shows a date of " /74" that's it! No month? I'm assuming that because it shows /74 that it must be a LATE model 260? Can I get someones help here? My VIN is RLS30-032089.

My main concern is fitting ALL the suspension components from my 240 onto the 260 chassis, and also the gas tank.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks ALL.

Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends:)

Steve

[sblake01]

Does your 260Z have the large bumpers? If so, essentially that car is a 280Z without the EFI and thus has the suspension of a 280Z rather than a 240Z.

[webzlinger]

To All,

I have been able to answer my own questions with a little more digging on the forums. It seems I do have an EARLY 260(see thread below), but I still need to know about the suspension and gas tank please!

The late model has the 280 bumpers, grille, taillights etc. They were made late for 9/74-11/74 with VINs from RLS30 060001-200000 for the 2 seaters and GRLS30 015001-060000 for the 2+2. The early model has the 73 240 bumpers and was made 8/73-8/74 VINS RLS30 000001-060000, 2 seaters only. As I recently learned, the late models were sold as 74 or 74.5 though some got registered as 75. The reason that would be a problem is with flat top carbs it would be tough to pass smog in states that check 75s because the test would actually be based on the 75 280Z w/fuel injection and other 'upgraded' emissions equipment. The consesnus would probably be that the early model is more collectible since it is the more '240Zish' of the two.

__________________

Stephen Blakeney

CZCC#3797

IZCC#4601

HVAC/R Tech

MVAC Tech

Thanks

Steve Stockill

[sblake01]

To All,

I have been able to answer my own questions with a little more digging on the forums. It seems I do have an EARLY 260(see thread below), but I still need to know about the suspension and gas tank please!

The late model has the 280 bumpers, grille, taillights etc. They were made late for 9/74-11/74 with VINs from RLS30 060001-200000 for the 2 seaters and GRLS30 015001-060000 for the 2+2. The early model has the 73 240 bumpers and was made 8/73-8/74 VINS RLS30 000001-060000, 2 seaters only. As I recently learned, the late models were sold as 74 or 74.5 though some got registered as 75. The reason that would be a problem is with flat top carbs it would be tough to pass smog in states that check 75s because the test would actually be based on the 75 280Z w/fuel injection and other 'upgraded' emissions equipment. The consesnus would probably be that the early model is more collectible since it is the more '240Zish' of the two.

__________________

Stephen Blakeney

CZCC#3797

IZCC#4601

HVAC/R Tech

MVAC Tech

Thanks

Steve Stockill

How did you end up with my signature in your post?

EDIT: I get it. You quoted one of my old posts but didn't properly parse the quote.

Edited November 28, 2008 by sblake01

[webzlinger]

I copied your comments from one of your previous posts, just to show who I got the info from, hope you don't mind?

Are you able to answer my suspension and gas tank question?

[sblake01]

According to the Nissan Fast program, the fuel tanks are different or at least have different part numbers. I can't really address whether or not the tank and suspension would work because I haven't dealt much with 260Zs. I would think that they would since it's the early model but for a definitave answer I would defer to someone who has actually worked on them.

[Zs-ondabrain]

My vin is RLS30-25342 and the build date is 2/74. So if I had to take a shot in the dark, I'd say your build date is about 3 or 4 of 74' Most likely 3/74'

[fixitman]

My early 260Z has a 4/74 production date with a VIN ending in 32933. March or April would be correct.

Fixitman

[beezee]

Hi Steve,I have a 5/74 vin 34513 and looking into suspension packages,the early 260 cars use the 240 parts. The fuel tank would be physically the same except for some added connections for vapor and emission tubes . Call Mike @ Whitehead,s 416-665-2220 to confirm parts interchange.