WTB Genuine Nissan Spark Plug Removal Tool

[jerz]

For my 1977 built 260Z coupe, I am trying to put together a complete factory tool kit. I am nearly there, but am looking to purchase a post 08/73 genuine Nissan spark plug removal tool. This is item "10" on the attached fiche image. It comes in two parts, the plug wrench itself and a round-section bar. If anyone has one in excellent condition that they are happy to sell, I would love to buy it. I have a friend in the US, so the part can be sent via him, rather than using International shipping.

Hoping somebody can help!

Thanks.

[Patcon]

Just curious have you checked any of the Nissan sources (Courtesy or your local dealership). They might be available

[jerz]

Hi Patcon,

No, I've not tried any US suppliers, but I did try the part number in the UK several years ago though a Z-specialist and it came back as "no longer available", unfortunately. I have recently asked a couple of people I know in the UK and Europe if they have this part, but no luck to date!

Regards.

Jeremy.

[siteunseen]

All my Nissan parts come out of a distribution center in Texas, close to Courtesey Nissan.  I would give them a call for sure.  Good luck.

My cars only tire changing tools?

[jerz]

Hi siteunseen,

Thanks for your interest. I did try an excellent parts source in Canada, but he could not get hold of the plug spanner, even used. Prior to looking, I assumed the part would be relatively to find. It is like trying to find an original fan belt for my car (P/N 11720-P0305). Common when these cars were new, but after looking for at least ten years, impossible to find now!

What is the name of the Texas distribution centre please, and are we talking new or used?

Regarding the tool kit, my factory parts book is incorrect in the items it lists as standard (as opposed to optional). The parts book lists as standard (for a UK 260Z) the parts below:

• Jack set (jack, square-section bar and handle)
• Pair of tyre stoppers
• Wheel nut wrench
• Tool bag

I only found out very recently that the UK tool kit is a lot more comprehensive than the parts book states. What it should comprise are:

• Jack set (jack, square-section bar and handle)
• Pair of tyre stoppers
• Wheel nut wrench
• Tool bag
• Spanner set
• Pliers
• Adjustable spanner (not even listed in my parts fiche)
• Crosshead screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver. The two screwdrivers are separately listed, not a single screwdriver with a swappable shaft (crosshead one end and flat head the other) which is more common I believe.
• Spark plug spanner and spanner bar

When you say you car has tyre changing tools only, I assume that would essentially be the same set of tools as in the top list.

Thanks both for your help thus far.

Regards.

Jeremy.

 

 

[Terrapin Z]

http://www.courtesyparts.com

It is a dealership in Texas that is helpful to us Z folks. I use their search bar to enter part numbers and see if they are available from Nissan.

I tried both of the part numbers you listed in the diagram above and both came back 0 results. meaning NLA or never available in the US. 

Some times part numbers will come back with a price, suggesting it is available from Nissan, then you need a parts person (either at Coutesy or a local dealer) to check stock on the item and they can confirm if it is available. The other response that can come back from the search is "Obsolete", meaning just that. 

I have had some non US parts come back available and was able to purchase them through my local dealer. A complete Speedo cog for a non US 3.70 ratio 280ZX to compliment my Nissan Maxima R180 diff in 3.70 gearing, mating to a US 280ZX 5 speed I found at a local junk yard. Some other parts hunter had bought the rear Diff and took the speedo cog for his needs. It would have been for a 3.90 anyway. 

Just saying you never know until you look, and ask........

Good luck on the search.

 

 

[jerz]

Hi Terrapin Z,

Thanks for the comprehensive comment. I'll give one of the US dealers a try direct to see if I can purchase new, but have made the assumption previously that if the part number is "no longer available" (NLA) on a particular Nissan site, then it is generally not available anywhere through Nissan. Perhaps that is not correct! I have tried several sources of parts I know, starting in Canada, then France, the UK, Japan and now the US.

Unlike the OEM fan belt I am after, I am confident the plug removal spanner will appear at some point, perhaps through one of the auction sites.

Thanks again.

Jeremy.

[26th-Z]

jerz,

Finding authentic tools is going to be a task.  All cars came with the tire changing tools from your top list (which later included a spare set of four lug nuts).  If you look at your part listings you will note that the rest are"op" optional and I am not aware that they were ever part of the basic kit.  I know several people who collect them and your quest is admirable.  Please share pictures of what you find.

I collect dealer service tools.  I have two boxes and a number of tools.

[jerz]

Hello 26th Z,

Thanks for posting up on this thread. I do have a great admiration for people like yourself on this site that have such an in-depth knowledge of these cars and their history. I find all those little details that people impart to others, via this forum, fascinating and it has helped me build up a reasonable knowledge of the S30 range.

Many years ago I did try and track down those factory tools, checking every single tool parts number on my fiche with Nissan UK, but each item came back "NLA". The tools in the images above are fascinating and incredibly rare.

Unfortunately, I have relied too heavily on my RHD parts fiche and period brochures to try to build up a picture of what was correct on my car when it was new. However, in the UK there is little else to go by, there being so few late model (1977/78) 260Z's left.

Based on the RHD fiche, I put together what I though was a factory-correct tool kit for my car. However, having recently seen a very low mileage UK 260Z for sale, I have discovered that the tool kit is far more extensive than I originally thought. I am not sure how long this link will work, but here is the inspiration for tracking down the correct parts for my car (you will see the toolkit in a couple of the images): http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk/1978-datsun-260z

This toolkit is most certainly the correct factory-supplied item (you will note it differs considerably from the RHD fiche), evidenced by the accompanying list of tools in the kit. I have never seen a tool kit for an S30 this extensive and the factory adjustable wrench is not even listed in my parts book. The photographs in the link above actually provide such an incredible amount of information in respect of the late model UK 260z (note the writing on the flat tops "HMB46W ???", the fact that the radiator is manufactured by Calsonic (like on my own car), the text on the fuel rail "7914U" and the like).  I hope whoever buys this car does not "over restore" it, losing those important factory details. I have copied those photographs for future reference!

One advantage I do have when I finally get the confidence and associated knowledge to restore my car is that the second owner, i.e. the one before me, saved all the original parts that were replaced over its life (from thirteen months old). Therefore, I have the original water pump, coil, plug leads, all in reasonable condition, which is a great start.

You mention factory lug nuts. I do have an unused set of these in their factory packaging, which I don't need (if anyone wants them please get in touch). These are not required on late UK cars because they were supplied with the "black pearl" aluminium wheels as stock.

Back to the thread before I complete go off topic! If anyone does have a plug wrench they want to sell, I am very keen to purchase one.

Thanks again.

Jeremy.

 

 

Edited September 18, 2016 by jerz
spelling error

[26th-Z]

Isn't that interesting to have the list of tools document!?  I don't recall ever seeing one of those.  The crescent wrench is still in the bag!  Fabulous!  We have had discussions in the past about the tools.  I finally found my picture collection, probably all from the archives but I can't find the threads!  Oh bother!  I wish I could tell you more but these pictures should give you an idea of what you may encounter.

[jerz]

Hello 26th Z,

Thanks for posting up those images of early tool kit components. I could understand a toolkit being unused in a modern vehicle, but when we look back forty years, or so, the tools would have been used more regularly, I suspect (more home mechanics too). Amazing the condition of them. The adjustable spanner in your post is a 250mm one, but in the 260Z toolkit it is a 200mm model. I think there is a larger model too.

In respect of the toolkit components list, these occasionally pop up with used toolkits on auction sites. I have seen a few different versions selling on eBay alongside the toolkits. Attached is an image of one that I have. From what you advised in an earlier post on this thread, because the list includes the four wheel nuts, this will likely be from a later S30 car.

Also attached is a picture of a late model S30 jack which is part of my car's toolkit. I'll have to find the spanner set I have and post a picture of that up, perhaps at the weekend. I know it has a red-painted clasp, but I can't remember if it is exactly the same as the one in your post above. I also think the ones I have "Nissan Motor" cast into them.

I am certain a spark plug spanner will pop up at some time, as they are not especially rare.

Regards.

Jeremy.