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!!!

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.

Edited 18 hours ago18 hr by w3wilkes

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

1 hour ago, w3wilkes said:

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

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.

Edited 22 hours ago22 hr by SteveJ

1 hour ago, Captain Obvious said:

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!!!

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.

I have series 1, and a 73, I certainly like the 73 belts better.

Love the shark mouth.

Thanks for the tips on the seat belts guys. So for the Wesco Roadster seat belts... What length buckle end did everyone use? Everyone use the 11 inch version?

And any input for a fire extinguisher style?

Edited 14 hours ago14 hr by Captain Obvious

7 hours ago, SpeedRoo said:

my August 1970 that languished in a garage from 1983 to 2018.

Mine is a July 1970 and I believe it languished since........

One more vote for the Wesco Roadster Retractable belts. You definitely want the 11" extention. I used only the OE bolts all araound, did not requre the hardware kit.

Good looking car! Love the color, put some orange on there and you've got a mini-917.

I bought an all metal rechargeable from Lowes. It fits perfect (barely) in the tool bin behind the passenger's seat. I think this is it? But I don't remember the black handles. Mine are aluminum color.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/First-Alert-5-lb-Premium-Rechargeable-Fire-Extinguisher/3822503

One thing I never skimp on is fire extinguishers. I'd go with this one for your Z. https://www.h3rperformance.com/products/halguard-pro-halon-clean-agent-car-fire-extinguisher-1-25lbs Not cheap but very effective.

Love the registration tags, part of the cars history @Captain Obvious Mine still has the original license plates from when it was new in Roseburg Oregon in October 1970, found the original plate frame from the selling dealer Burness Datsun. Even got a copy of the original title from the DMV.