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Things I wish I knew before I started! Next step will be to put everything back in place but leave the cover off the harness plug and do some wire-wiggling/tapping that way. Starting this way would have been the Pro-Move™ Live and learn...

For future someone who also needs to disassemble their harness connector: MAKE A NOTE: that here are two long plastic retaining comb-clips that hold in ALL of the pins on each side. It doesn't look like it wants to fall out, but it is pretty loose and if it falls out all your unlabeled connectors are coming too Cut the zip tie and remove tape from the harness/connector Remove the small retaining screw located on the end of the connector by the hook/hinge Use a plastic spudger to run around the edges of the rubber gasket inside the connector Slide the cover away from the harness

@Captain Obvious - When disassembling the harness connector one end of my gasket crumbled. You seem to have some quality Kung Fu in the electronics parts department. Any idea where I might find a replacement? I found this but no dice on the individual component.

I think all the regulars have missed you, Philip. I'm hoping you and Janet stay well.

Philip So glad to hear from you. Sorry for all your trouble's. So glad that your both doing well. And that your slowly getting back to the hobby. Keep up the good work. Steve

Well done @Captain Obvious another one saved! I did the same with my August 1970 that languished in a garage from 1983 to 2018. Engine was seized and brakes stuck on. Dragged it home and rebuilt the suspension/brakes and got the engine going. I use it as my beach bomb to go windsurfing. One day I'll restore it but until then it gets used.

Hi Gang, It has been a rough ride for the past few years. I stepped back from a lot of fun things to get through. Dropping Z hobby and online activities were just part of the change. I am starting to get my strength back and tuned some carbs a few weeks ago. This was my first car activity in a few years. I am slowly coming back. I have been a hermit and reclusive. I did not keep in touch with so many good friends. I apologise. I did start to come out of the funk a few months ago and updated Jim Arnett. We had a nice chat. I also promised to update the group. Don't feel special as I also withdrew from many of my good friends here in my area. Strange how things change.... but they are changing back. In a nutshell, during the depressing covid time, Janet, my better half, got cancer and went through hell...surgery, chemo then radiation. She got better then it came back. More surgery finally took care of that #$$%%. She is good now. Once she got better, I got cancer. We were like a sorry tag team looking after each other. I did radiation with concurrent chemo from last Nov though Dec. I am finally getting strength back and starting to feel normal. All is good and last PET scan (just 2 weeks ago) finally shows no evidence of disease. Many more other horrible things seem to happen during this time but hopefully it is all behind us. I'll check back to this thread in a week. Please PM me if you wish to catch up. We can exchange phone numbers. It will be nice. kind regards and apologies to all. Philip

I second the Wesco belts. I tried them in the 260Z over 10 years ago (Edit: It looks like over 15 years ago. https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/34379-replacement-seat-belts/) and decided to swap out the Wesco belts I installed in the 240Z over 20 years ago for the roadster belts a few years ago.

I'm loosening up in my old age

I know you are a stickler for details @26th-Z so happy to help.

I drive a 56 Beetle, it didn't come with seat belts. You just have to drive it like you're riding a motorcycle.

I did these "Roadster" seatbelts in black from Wesco in my 12/70 car. I also needed the hardware accessory kit for the angle floor pieces. The retractor piece goes on the roof place where the stock shoulder strap attached. And I've been very happy with these! Roadster Retractable Seat Belt 2 Point Retractable Seat Belt Hardware Kit HW#1 EDIT: @Captain Obvious Forgot to mention... You only need a single hardware kit. The 2 "L" brackets are what you want for the buckle side of each belt. The rest of the mounting hardware can be re-used from the old belts.

So I've been working in the shadows on the reanimation of an early 240Z. This is not so much a restoration, but more of a reanimation project. Reanimation of an lifeless vehicle with a focus on originality. The OG 240Z: This car hasn't been on the road for decades. Many decades. And in the end, he won't be pretty, but he'll be back on the road. So let's start with the immediate... My intention is to drive this Z to the upcoming ZCON in Nashville and there are a couple things I need advice on before the trip: First, I need to carry a fire extinguisher and I know nothing about them (other than they are supposed to put out fires). Anyone know the system and have a recommendation for which type would be best for automotive related incidents? Second, I've got the original seat belts in the car, but they are the early non-adjustable style. I'd like to install something newer, safer, better, easier to use before the trip. I might swap the originals back in once I get there, but for almost 1000 miles on the road, I think I want newer technology. Is there an easy to drop in system for the 240Z cars? ZCON or BUST!!!

Yea, well take the cover off. They don't have the Yazaki labels either.

I had something similar on my L28ET that turned out to be a cracked solder joint on a connector pin. It drove me crazy for months, very random. Much like yours sometimes it would restart right away, sometimes take a few to several minutes to restart, didn't seem to be temperature related. Mine was not on the ECU but on the CAS optical unit in the distributor so that the ECU wouldn't always get the proper timing signal. You might look at the distributor (cracked magnet?) or the Electronic Ignition unit, or maybe the ECU connector solder to the board, maybe the EFI Relay or power to the ECU.

It does help! Thanks very much!

Come on now!!!😂

Probably as close as I'll get is the store sign. lol!!

Dodged a major bullet my friend!

I probably had a few hundred kms on it like that. It kept spitting off the belt and I couldn’t sort out why

http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6836.jpg Frank’s 1978 Datsun 280Z features our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes, full suspension refresh, 240Z bumper conversion and Panasport wheels. Before we dive into the work let’s see how Frank found the right Z car… http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6791.jpg FRANK: My best friend (shout out to Mike Springer) in high school had a 77 Datsun 280Z and that is where my love affair began. I’ve owned a 260 and 510 back in the day and always told myself I’d have a really nice Z one day. Just before covid, I saw NASSTY Z (show below), driving around south San Jose and got a chance to ask the owner (James) where he had his work done. He mentioned Z Car Garage. Note to self. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6508.jpeg When covid hit I ventured out on my own and found a 240Z to start my project. Took it to Z Car Garage and got the worst news ever. Turns out the bones were no good and ended up losing money and the fire to keep going. About 2 years later the fire came back. I hit up Rob and told him I needed his help. We talked about what I wanted and we picked a car that Rob had in his possession for many years. A one owner, blue 1978 280Z with 58k original miles. Rob was waiting for the right person to come along…and that was me. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2530972371233137455.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN5760.jpg ROB: A few years ago I bought a low-mile 1978 Datsun 280Z from the original owner. I worked on this car since I was in my 20s and it sat dormant. Got it up and running and just kinda hung out here waiting for a friend, and that friend was Frank Moody. Let’s backup. I met Frank in 2021 when he bought a 240Z that was in bad shape. Even though we had not met before I told him straight up this isn’t the Z for you. Let’s move on and wait for the right one. Frank bought the 280Z and we started working on his vision. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Screen-Shot-2025-07-23-at-10.43.01-AM.png Maybe it was fate, as Frank saw this 280Z featured in one of Larry Chen’s Autofocus episodes back in 2020. The video highlighted ZCG client Trevor’s 1978 Datsun 280Z , and soon-to-be Frank’s 280Z is examined as a great canvas to begin one’s journey as an alternative to the 240Z. Let’s dive in to the work performed to help Frank achieve his vision for the Z… Suspension http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-148-e1563915079732-1024x591.jpg The suspension was refreshed with a full Techno Toy Tuning coil-over package done in ZCG black finish, with Koni dampeners , T3 control arms, tension rods, ball joints, rack bushings and new F/R wheel bearings. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-155-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9090.jpg Z Car Garage Big-Brakes We are proud to have several of our ZCG products on Frank’s 280Z. We installed our Z Car Garage Big-Brakes (for small wheels) which have the been standard on numerous ZCG builds. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-138-e1563913666121-1024x594.jpg As fellow S30 owner/racer Glenn C mentioned in his review, on top of braking performance, pedal feel is extremely important and our Big-Brakes deliver. This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. All fitting behind a 15″ Watanabe or Panasport wheel and retaining factory emergency brake lever! A few details below: Calipers: Stoptech ST42 4-piston front & rear race calipers (Alum 6061 mil-spec Type III anodized) Rotors: 280mm x 20.6 with Alum 7075 hats Pads: Stoptech 309 sport street pads Frank’s stock disc/drum brakes were removed and we installed our ZCG Big-Brake kit. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_8416.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1081-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1119-1024x768.jpg At the rear, the factory drum brakes were replaced with our ZCG Big-Brakes. New OEM Nissan master cylinder and Factory handbrake functionality IS retained! http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSCN1080-e1571368581325-768x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_8439.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6819.jpg 240Z Bumpers Frank wanted to clean up the exterior lines and replaced the large, factory 5-mph bumpers with chrome bumpers from a 240Z. We installed aftermarket F/R bumpers and our man William laid down some new paint. Side trim was also removed. Enjoy the before/after photos with more in the gallery below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF1520.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6820.jpg Up front: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN3301.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6814.jpg Panasport Wheels http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6831.jpeg Complementing the new Big-Brakes on Frank’s Z are Panasport wheels! We installed 16×7 Panasports and Falken Azenis tires in 225/50/16. The Z was fully aligned, and you can also see the ZCG exhaust system below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6847.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6848.jpg Engine We knew the car would be stopping and handling better than before, so next up was the engine bay. A Koyo race aluminum radiator with upper and lower hoses was installed to keep temperatures in check. Other than cooling and fuel system work, the engine was largely untouched to maintain factory reliability. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9105.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/DSCN5838-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2360.jpg We replaced intake and exhaust manifold gaskets with factory Nissan parts with a few ZCG tricks like our exhaust nut and exhaust studs. The exhaust manifold was replaced with a 6-into-1 header and EGR kit leading to our ZCG exhaust system with stainless resonator and slash-cut tip. The injectors were replaced and A/C system re-charged. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2374.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2380.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2370.jpg We refreshed the gas tank and replaced the fuel sender, did all the vapor hoses in the back: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2440.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCF2420.jpg Dyno Tuning http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_7036.jpeg With Rob’s dyno tuning the L28 with OEM EFI made 140hp/157tq at the wheels: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Frank-M-280Z-1.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_9111.jpg VIDEO: Frank’s 280Z on the dyno and on the street, volume up and enjoy! Details http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4055.jpg The hatch seals were replaced with new pieces: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4041.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/DSCN4058.jpg Enjoying The Ride http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6856.jpg FRANK: She’s a beauty. Goes by the name of Bluezy. Rides like a dream. Stops on a dime. And every time I go for a ride I feel like a celebrity. I get a lot of smiles and a lot of thumbs up! And always a great conversation starter. Best memory so far was taking her on a couple parade laps as Sonoma Raceway. Also a couple months back my buddy Ryan who owns a 1600 Datsun roadster took our cars to the Cars And Caffeine car show. We were 2 of maybe 4 Japanese cars there. Felt good to represent Datsun. And was proud to show off my Z Car Garage product. Both Datsuns were highlights of the show. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_3635.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_4204.jpg The next step for Bluezy is for me to clean up the interior and install my stereo. Then I will need Rob’s help one more time. Would love to then my current motor into a 3.1L stroker. Originally I wanted to flare it out JDM style, but she is so original and so clean I can’t bring myself to cut her up. I want to thank Rob and his team for making my Z dream come true. I will be retiring soon and will enjoy every minute with my Datsun. And when the time is right she will be handed down. My 3yo grandson is already a die hard Datsun fan. I hope Bluezy stays in the family for a long time. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IMG_6796.jpg ROB: Frank’s 280Z is born again and so is Frank as he is really enjoying it. He goes everywhere and people comment on it. We just bought a set of Panasports for it so it’s got the full ZCG look. Guy’s got passion . The Datsun world keeps getting smaller and smaller as Frank is neighbors with Bob Hurst, who I worked with since I was in my 20s. Long live the Z! The Last Stop in Braking for your Z http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/IMG_0796-1024x768.jpeg Z Car Garage Big Brakes are one of the best systems available for your S30 Z Car with over 200 kits sold worldwide and unanimous positive feedback. See our ZCG Big-Brakes on client cars HERE and enjoy the photos below: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/18D8362F-72E3-4333-9B93-64E358D4D33A.jpeg.f9cd61f6ffd8cbe27b837d78019f54f6-1024x768.jpeghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/787F7E62-6857-4AC6-89E4-B590F5B87D08.jpeg.b70c94f803ef1c021fd5bbec0fa69716-768x1024.jpeg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/66092328_10156590931218985_3475992035666690048_n.jpg.0593296c59f1dde904f485f478cd1b79.jpghttp://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/127527193_10157769971936524_8801442945561963859_n-1024x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/IMG-7110-e1554487563662-1024x1009.png http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/172935914_10158369126456559_6381675403823656815_n-1024x771.jpg Big-Brake Kits Available For DIY Install! Z Car Garage is proud to offer our Big-Brake Kit to Z-Car owners that want to perform the installation themselves. We can ship worldwide and each kit contains everything needed with a comprehensive installation guide. Blog posts documenting all of our customers running the ZCG Big-Brakes can be found HERE. Christopher’s beautiful S30 and his ZCG Big-Brake installation: http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Snapinsta.app_435539721_943390077106990_3657023161802754354_n_1080.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/445227761_838943424947498_1127968786987435654_n-1.jpg Our ZCG Big-Brake kit ships with everything needed to install and retains the factory parking brake function. Chris successfully installed the BBK on his Z and they look great behind the 16×8 (zero offset) Watanabe wheels with 225/45/16 Toyo tires. Beyond ease of installation and quality components, our Big-Brakes perform by offering superb pedal feel…everyone that drives our demo Z confirms! This is a direct result of working with Stoptech to create a totally bolt-in solution requiring no M/C change or additional proportioning valve/adjustments. http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/RR-41719-129-1024x768.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/IMG_8171-768x1024.jpg http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/06B545EB-01C3-4B95-B729-17DB74CE5144.jpg CHRISTOPHER: The car feels planted like never before. Our family also has a fully restored 73 240 that is an excellent OEM example. Where that car feels stable and drives well, there’s no denying the age of its component and it drives like a seventies sports car. The 280 feels like a modern sports car and inspires confidence. The brake pedal communicates exceptionally well and the balance of the calipers bring the z down from speed a rate well beyond most cars today. The light weight of the S30 and the size of the ZCG big brakes is an unreal combo! View the full article

I do have some used dampers. Happy to send one your way, Early 240 2 pulley or later 280, again 2 pulley I recently purchased a Dayco damper from Rockauto. Pic below. Option 3 is send yours (or mine) to DamperDocter.com for rebuild

With the hood and bumper installed this is the best I can get for pics, hope this helps.

Oh? Do you mean above and beyond burning out the internals on the selector and high-beams swtiches? Do you think this is something to be concerned about now that my power draw has been dropped so much? GENIUS. I was literally just now chatting with my wife about how I can either make the female sides more grabby, or the male sides "fatter". Did not think of twisting to accomplish this. I will keep that one in the arsenal, thanks! Now I just need to get the harness connector disassembled and verify root cause. I already have a spare...which might actually be in the car now (ref. prior comment somewhere). I had an unrelated issue several years ago and put in a new one but the old one tested out great. Uncertain which is in the car now. If I remember I'll open the box in my parts bin and see who's hiding in there.

Wow. Was it running like that or was during installation? How's the crankshaft surface? I think that new is avaialble. Z Car Depot IncSearch: 11 results found for "damper"New, used, and OEM repair and replacement parts for Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, and 510.