spitz17: 1970 Datsun Series I 240Z Project

[spitz17]

Year & Model: 1970 Series I Datsun 240Z

Color: 903 Blue Exterior, Black Interior

Production Date: 6/70

VIN: HLS30-005998

Purchase Date: 11/01/2009

I always admired the Z for its slick curves and classy look. I searched for almost a year, patiently, before I found this beauty listed on craigslist located in Burbank, CA. I am the third owner of the car, and it had always been in California (note the original blue CA license plate). The car was always garaged, and besides some minor dents the car was MINT and rust-free.

Only mods on the car at the time of purchase were a 280z 5spd Transmission and MSD Electronic Ignition.

After a few days, many phone calls and e-mails with the owner, and a friend doing me a huge favor by scouting the car out, I finally decided to make the 5-6 hour trip down to Southern California from the Bay Area.

I was originally going to drive her back up, but I got a stellar quote for only $325 to ship the vehicle back on a carrier to NorCal. I also felt the car was not safe to make the 250+ mile back due to tires and non-tuned SU carbs.

After a few hours of price negotiations I paid the price I wanted to pay, and she was ready to be loaded up for a over night trip to my home. I snapped a few pics of the car loading. Pardon the crappy iPhone pics.

Edited January 20, 2010 by spitz17

[spitz17]

First mod done on 11/16/2009:

With just my luck, the day after the car arrived it would not start. I searched the forums and found several factors that could have been the problem. The car always had to be jumped to start, so it looked like the problem lied within the alternator, external regulator or battery. I found that, with the correct adapter, many people upgraded their 60 watt 240Z alternators to 70watt 280ZX alternators.

I purchased the adapter plug from MSA, and a working 1983 280ZX Turbo alternator off eBay for a total of $90. Also replaced the battery with a DieHard from Sears Auto.

12-13-09 Xenon Front Air dam Installation Part I

The beauty at it's current state, after being detailed for the last 3 weeks!

Detailing of the turn signal lights while they are off, before on the right, after on the left.. damn 38 years of neglection...

12-18-2009 Part II of Xenon Airdam Installation and a few goodies to go in!

Lining this up was such a b*tch!

Edited January 20, 2010 by spitz17

[spitz17]

Few more things to come!

Arizona Z Car BBK, Fronts only for now (4 Piston)

Genuine Datsun JDM/Euro Spoiler with embossed platform for badge

Special thanks to esprit for this, and showing me his beautiful 240Z!

His site: http://jdm-car-parts.com/

Edited January 20, 2010 by spitz17

[adamr]

I cannot see your pics.

[spitz17]

My bad! Fixed!

[Diseazd]

You're gonna love the Willwoods!

[esprist]

Few more things to come!

Arizona Z Car BBK, Fronts only for now (4 Piston)

Genuine Datsun JDM/Euro Spoiler with embossed platform for badge

Special thanks to esprit for this, and showing me his beautiful 240Z!

His site: http://jdm-car-parts.com/

No problem! It very nice to meet you in rain!

If you need any questions in your restoration, I will be glad to help you!

[spitz17]

You're gonna love the Willwoods!

Most definately! I look forward to it

[dustin_haru]

wow nice car!

i am so jealous of your find!

[JohnnyO]

Welcome to the board.

Edited January 21, 2010 by JohnnyO

[zcar70]

Very nice find but' date=' ummmm? Is that a 70? Fresh air vents on the side pillars, no vents in rear hatch, horizontal defroster.

Being 06/70 it seems a little early for a "cross-over" Z.

Something doesn't seem right. I see "D" caps but that's about all that says 70 Series 1 to me.

Any help?[/quote']

I agree. We already discussed this in another thread. I would think that either the VIN was swapped OR there was serious rear end damage neccessitating replacing the hatch AND quarters with newer sheet metal. It certainly does not appear to be a series one car.

Looks nice though!

[AZ-240z]

spitz17'

Could you share some information concerning the original grapefruit alternator shown in one of your attachments? On the housing, there should be a part number engraved and, would love to know this to confirm what the correct early 40 amp alternator is.

From the information I have, the numbers should be:

LT140-53

23100 A4800

I am also a little confused about correlating the early production date with what appears to be a series 2 appointed car.

Thanks, and congrats on the nice find.

Dan