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My all-time favourite Bondo Queen was a Ferrari 275 GTB that appeared on the FerrariChat website several years ago. It looked so-o-o-o pretty (and cost the new owner about $1.5 Million at the time to make the pivot from 'just shopping' to 'proud new owner'). Nevertheless, he decided to commission a shop to make it 'even better' (including new paint, of course). Unfortunately, when the shop started to prep the body panels for said new paint job, they discovered evidence of filler in places where it shouldn't have been. Digging deeper (literally), they found that the entire nose was nothing more than Bondo. Up to 1" deep in many places. More exploration (excavation?) found deep pockets of damage that made one think that the car had fallen off the top level of an auto hauler and landed on its roof. The shop was stunned by quality of the bondo slinger's work, calling him an artist. When we made the transition from horses to autos a century or so ago, the method of transportation may have changed but the same shysters stayed loyal to the cause and moved from 'horse traders' to car retailers without losing a step.

It should be a wire coming off the Accessory Relay. In the 73, it's a blue wire. YMMV according to discussions I've seen on this board in the past. Look at where the Accessory Relay plugs into the wiring harness. One of those wires should be going to the center stack with a bullet connector.

My battery cables? I was poking around online and discovered these things called "military battery terminals". Sometimes also called "Marine". The neat part is the basic shape is similar to the OEM lugs, so on a whim, I bought a cheap set off Amazon. So the shape is similar to OEM, but they use a bolt/nut to hold a cable onto the lug. They look like this: Then I removed the original bolt and threaded the hole that the bolt goes through. My first experience tapping lead. Went OK and I learned some about the process. 1) Easiest if you don't have to reverse the tap, and if you DO reverse the tap, do it often, like every half turn or so. 2) It's much easier on a (shallow) through hole because you don't have to reverse the tap, just run the tap all the way through. If the part you're tapping isn't shallow enough to do in one pass without packing the flutes and binding, then you're going to have to reverse the tap, which is a PITA because you have to do it so often. So, all that said... I took the bolt out and tapped the hole: Then I made a brass threaded insert on the lathe: I bought a length of battery wire off ebay. Came with lugs crimped on both ends. I got 5/16 hole on one end and 3/8 on the other. Cut that piece of wire in half (so now I have two lengths with different holes on the ends. Larger for the starter mounting bolt, and smaller for the starter solenoid connection. Stripped back the insulation on the ends, and inserted the cable strands into the brass piece I made: I used a small torch to solder the cable into the threaded insert: Looks like this after sodering: Screwed the threaded brass into the lead lug, and a completely unprofitable amount of time later, I have this: It's not OEM or one of the aftermarket replicas, but it cost a grand total of maybe thirty bucks in parts*. *And at least six hundred dollars in unrealized labor cost. Hahahaha!!!

320 In the tunnel there is a threaded rod that attaches the cable yoke to the handle. There are actually two threaded connections if you need it. You need to thread it out to get enough slack. Then you can adjust it to where it holds in about 5 or 6 clicks Datsun Z Hand Brake & Hand Brake Cable#20 and #11 both have threads and locknuts

With all the talk of restorations and factory correct details does anyone have photos or videos of the assembly line at Nissan Shatai. I've searched high and low and found very little here or online. Interested in the process of how they are assembled, primed, chipsealed, final paint and mechanical assembly. Here's the few photos I've found.

The new flahers fixed the issue. We also connected the brake lights up so the JDM rear taillights are all connected and work properly

My Zed club had it's last group drive for the year, yesterday. My car gal girlfriend was my navigator, as we drove the twisty roads thru Glen Valley in North Langley. Great day.

I have a number of cars that sit for long periods of time. I use non ethanol fuel and Stabil. Typically keep the tanks full, to help with condensation. Rare for me to have a fuel issue and some may sit for 2 or more years, but I try to get fresh fuel in them yearly.

I used #4 gauge cable. Bought a 60 inch length off ebay with 5/16 lug on one end and 3/8 on the other. Cut it in half* to make two cables. Was cheapest that way. I don't know if this is the exact vendor I used or not, but here's an example: https://www.ebay.com/itm/141679228250 Today's price for the cable(s) is about $16, and the military lugs were $10. So my out of pocket for my two original-ish looking cables was $26 for the pair. *After having been through this once, I would skew the cut point maybe two inches towards the positive side. In other words, I would steal two inches of cable from the negative and add that length to the positive making the positive four inches longer than the negative.

It may well be, but this is a homemade example. The correct tool follows the same rough design, the "cut-out" on the board show the shape and has provision to fit a 3/8 or 1/2 socket drive. The was one on Yahoo auctions a week or two ago...

Yes, a very near solution! More lathe envy...

I believe, the unusual shaped wrench about halfway down on the right side is for valve adjustment to tighten and loosen the lock nuts. The other below it may be for holding the adjusting nut while tightening

I checked JDM Car Parts and Bonzi for reproductions and did not see this one. Anyone have a reproduction of this tag? Maybe good pictures of both sides? The correct green string? I found this pic on a Mecum auction for a Black Pearl.

Zed Head- Amen

Naah. It's just about honest disclosure. That's all. As usual, you've twisted something simple in to a mass of convoluted irrationality. To what end, who knows. Again, sorry DC. I imagine that you can see how these things start. It's not a pissing battle. It's just one guy who feels like he can wizz wherever he wants to.

I also made a set of battery cables and swapped out the ratchet strap hold-down for something a little more appropriate. I know it loses some of that road-kill character, but it's much cleaner now. Here's what I started with: And here's what I got now: And I included the ground wire directly from the battery to the firewall now. Didn't have this before:

20251008_144110.mp4 We cobbled up some wiring and tested the tach. Now we have to figure out how to integrate it. Most 510's didn't have tachometers

I'm working on a knowledge post about the S30's automatic transmissions, and for that, I tried to update my document collection. Since I don't have any Auto transmission and don't plant to install one ever, it was obviously never a priority. So recently a few things arrived again from all over the world. Some of them are pretty cool and rare: First, a set of original Nissan Japan 3N71B Auto transmission service manuals from 1971 and 1973. They're not specific to this car, but they have some good general information about that specific transmission. I also got the English version of the earlier 3N71A transmission manual. This time specific for the 240Z. Nothing crazy inside, but good for some reference data if you're a nerd like me. Speaking of Automatic transmissions. I got this cool troubleshooting guide slider, which was issued for both the A and B transmissions by Nissan USA in 1972: The delivery also included some Mikuni triple carb-setup parts: And i also came across this Mikuni PH level gauge for 2 bucks, so I had to get it: It even came with a nice little operation manual leaflet and padded pouch: Then I also got this nice booklet called "Z-car" by driver magazine JP. It's basically a collection of all their S30-related publications from their monthly magazine. I still have to read through all of it, but so far it has some very nice stories, including the original designers of the car. The only downside so far is the overload of praise for Mr. K as the sole man behind the Z, which is of course nonsense. But as said, i only read two pages so far. Speaking of documents. I made a copy of that original Nissalco 240Z special service toolbox manual, as it was falling apart. And I have to say it turned out pretty good for my first attempt at something like this. I picked up a load of tool-related things yesterday and have a lot of pending orders. so stay tuned for another update soon.

Hey! If you remove the screws that indicator light can be removed. Unless the PO glued it on. I get nervous just looking at that picture.

They may have sprayed clear over it.

All good! Thank you so much for this feedback, we will work on it and you will see the result soon. And whenever you are in Europe, reach out and we will roll out the red carpet if you want to visit the museum. A lot of people from the US already visit it when they did a Europe tour.

I've tried this before, but can you guys take your pissing content to a new thread? I'll suggest a name for it, "pissing content". I look forward to this thread to see cars for sale,.etc, but most of it now is guys sparring over words.

Do you have so little $^!# to do in life that you sit and talk to yourself on some shabby forum?

My early wiring diagram shows a red wire coming off the accessory relay connected to that blue wire. So I'm thinking they might have changed colors at the bullet connector. They did some weird stuff like that on the early cars. Next time I have my HVAC panel off, I'll take a look, but it might be a couple days.

@captainobvious Nice work Bruce, What gauge cable did you use?

@SteveJ

Yes on the White/Red. Through the hole in the back, attach to the screw lug in the middle right.

You might remember that recently, I picked up another vintage Datsun tool Board, to the one I already had. Soon after that, a friend wrote me that he found some more. So naturally, I negotiated and was able to pick them up last week. This time, luckily, including some tools: First, I had to clean everything and sort through the boxes of tools: It included quite a funky set of homegrown tools. I wonder what purpose they were made for: Then I also spent a bit of time to remove rust and put some protective clear coat primer on the walls, to ensure they don't corrode any longer. Thanks to @Mymechanics for your support and inputs! So totally i have now 5 tool walls. That one from Germany, which is already completed and hanging in my garage, plus these four. Two Datsun ones: And two more modern ones with a Nissan branding: As you can see in the photos, many tools are there, but also many are missing. So the next step is to make an inventory of what I have and what is missing. And what the tools are for, which do not belong to these specific tool boards. Luckily, I have a lot of original Datsun / Nissan / Kent-Moore / SPX documentation about those tools, and what cars / Engines / transmissions they are intended for. And my latest acquisition also included a more modern Nissan / SPX / Kent-Moore booklet, which is nice for the Nissan branded boards: I was lucky to already find some of the missing tools. But that's only a fraction. Some of the tools will be tricky to find and might take me a few months / years to come accross. Overall, I'm quite happy. I have to find a nice place for the Datsun branded walls, and with the Nissan ones I yet have to decide if I keep them as decoration or if I sell them, if the right person comes along. Either way, it was a great find, but still some homework ahead to figure out what all these tools are used for, which car models they fit and what is missing.

If I were looking for a Z this car fits the bill. Probably scary fun to drive. In the comments it sounds like the seller is upfront about some things that need to be fixed like the power steering.

I swapped out the 160 thermostat for a 180, and here's where the gauge stabilized. Higher than the 160 thermostat (duh), but still lower than I was running with NO thermostat and the old questionable radiator. Good deal! Here's where I am now:

I reported the post above, but still not sure the report function is working. There are other bots I've reported that are not yet nuked so I'm not sure if I'm doing this right.

There's so much religion and hearsay around motor oils that I usually don't pay much attention. But I'm glad I watched that video. Guy actually applied science, credible documentable references, and theory*. I'm glad I watched that one. * Not just "Last year, my cousins boyfriend put <oil brand> into his small block and it wiped his cam. And stuff"

BTW.. if you really want to put some fuel into a tank of anything/any machine, i use the fuel for 2 and 4 cycle engines used in gardening machines.. they stay good a long time, are more expensive but work the best and keep things not getting clogged up with varnish! The fuel out of the tank i put in the car that i'm driving at that time. (Often the 240z as it's used round the clock and also can run on bad fuel or old fuel.. i always say if i pee in the tank he will probably drive on that as well! 🤣 )

This is the one I posted several weeks ago advertised on Hagerty Marketplace. Was passed in.

@Kats had posted this picture of cars driving off the assembly line. He also posted the engine test cell for the L series.

I bought some service tools off the bay decades ago. Along with two boxes, here's what I have.

I'm glad its not common. the previous owner did some weird stuff to this car in the 80s to make it look a certain way. im not so happy im the one who chose to remove all this bondo and booger welds. Ohwell. i guess this is what i signed up for when i wanted a project car. hopefully there isnt as much rust on this car as others.

@Mike , I've been reporting the posts as well. Is the "report" function working?

@Mike They are multiplying!! This is number three in the last week or so!!

No, that is not a common restomod. If you're careful you might be able to salvage the cowl. But it's thin and easily bent. If you destroy it they are not too hard to source A die grinder with a thin cut off wheel is your best bet

Here you go. Back on track. Interesting back story. https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-datsun-240z-299/

Dear Zed Head, What we do is not entertainment, but pure passion. That and what we do is a reason for respect, and we do not deserve to be used as entertainment. Yes, thanks for your feedback we acted too fast by taking it out of the Masterpiece section, the white #15xxx does not belong in the Icon section either. It is one of the most beautiful 240Zs on the planet and therefore really belongs in the Masterpiece section, with the restriction that the underside is completely painted. This car was one of the favorites of Jeff Agner, our TEAM member from the USA. Here is some entertainment you might like: https://s30.world/stories/octane-zen-with-two-datsun-240zs-including-a-very-early-one https://s30.world/stories/octane-takeo-miyazaki-on-the-twisty-road-to-the-perfect-sports-car And if you want to help and have any feedback? Please email me: chris@s30.world Kind regards, Chris Visscher

#15652 has moved to Icon status. Seems odd that it could be unrestored. My comments are for entertainment. It is interesting to see what these guys are doing with their cars, and their web site. The whole business venture is fascinating, it is quite a large endeavor.

I wouldn't try to replace gearsets. That may just be me, but it seems like a lot of work for minimal gain. Now if you're tracking the car, that's a different thing

Come to my house Zed! I always have lots of broken stuff to fix! ;)

Yeah, I don’t think my 240Z bracket would work since the carb spacing is closer together on the L20. I need to hunt down someone near me with a 510 to prototype a kit.

Recently, I was able to obtain something rare, which I've been searching for five years, or so now. But let's start in the beginning. In 1937, Nissan registered a daughter-company called "Nissan Auto Sales Co. Ltd." as a sales division spin-off. In 1957, the same company registered the "NISSALCO" trademark, with the aim to develop and produce service tools for Nissan factories and workshops. They produced all kind of mechanical and electronic testers but also accessory parts for Nissan Car owners. Here is a picture from the Nissan Cherry assembly line, with a NISSALCO sign above every test bench: Today, the company is still existing, but under the "ALTIA" Name. In the early 70ies, they developed a Special service tool box for the Datsun 240Z sports. ST0929-0000. And yesterday, I finally got one, after many years of searching for it. The toolbox comes with a selection of Special tools for the 240Z. And this box came with a lot of extra tools inside. You can lift out the upper case, and then you have access to the lower level. Mine included also the Booklet that comes with it. So first, I had to get all the parts out and go through them. Luckily, i collected some of the Datsun / Nissan / Kent-Moore Special tools books over the years. And the box (even though without any part number or information) and some of the tools are also listed in the US-service manual: Sadly, I quickly realized that my purchase came with a lot of additional tools which do not exactly belong to the S30, but random Datsun's, and some original tools from the box are missing. It seems that the previous owner also recreated some missing tools. Overall, it's still a good starting point. After cleaning the box out, hammering the metal straight and fixing the locks. it started to look good. I wanted to keep the patina, but still clean up all the parts. so i gave them a quick wash in the parts cleaner: And then put the original parts back in: Assembled (some tools are not correct): And closed: The set also included this nice Nissan wooden tool box, with the lovely lock: I still have to figure out yet what this is used for, but i just love the looks of it: I'm also working on to restore the original manual that came with it: But it appears that the last few pages are missing and the back cover. But still better than nothing. It also has a very strange format, where each page is only printed on one side and then folded to have a print on both sides, which is a bit weird. That's it for now. I will try to keep finding the missing tools and pages. If you know something, I'm happy to hear from you. Expect some more tools related stuff in the coming days, but i also hope to work on the car itself again, in the next days. Stay tuned!

I just wanted to chime in, since I'm also a member of S30 World, a later edition, so not in the group photo with Takeo Miyazaki, which took place when the museum opened. However I am thrilled to have been asked to join in and represent the Australian part of the team, as mentioned Chris' goal is to ensure we have a global perspective on these cars and I've been the local train spotter in the Australian market for many years now, having got into my first S30Z back in the late 90s and joined this website in year 2000 I believe? I am also the owner of a couple of low vin # Australian delivered cars - which have their own unique differences. Even though I've been passionate about the S30Z for 25+ years, I still have things to learn, especially when it comes to cars delivered to markets outside Australia. I think we are all still learning, which is why the S30 world project and website is important, to help educate, discover and document. I'm also thrilled that through the restoration work Chris has spearheaded new parts have come to market to provide quality OEM-like reproduction bits and pieces (eg: fuel tanks and door seals just to name a couple). I was fortunate enough to see the quality of work first hand back in 2017, a local Australian had his car in display at the Nissan Datsun Nationals in Sydney. (attached photos). I've seen many 'restored' cars over the years and this was indeed top notch! Obviously not a 'factory style' restoration, but a superb finish none the less. The quality of finish achieved on cars completed since then has only improved! On a personal level, I feel the S30Z series have been greatly under appreciated for many years, however it would appear that more and more are starting to appreciate these cars these days and I'm very happy to see more cars getting quality restoration work performed at this level.