Bonzi Lon

I tried the gasoline first but it wouldn't cut the varnish like the gallon of laquer thinner did. It was suggested to use MEK (meythel-ethel-keetone) but none was available on short notice. I poured everthing in a can and let the thinner evaporate to come up with about a cup of goo, took to car wash 3 times, between applications of thinner, then relined the tank, as per instructions. Bonzi Lon

I also used the very same paint on my "steelies" and wheel covers, with a coat of clear matt finish, am very pleased with the outcome. Now to the tire store for new rollers. Bonzi Lon

When I took mine apart 28 years ago they were there, or at least what was left of them, disintergrated in my hands. I also knew that the base coat clear coat chips rather easy so I made a set just for the insurance. They may not be needed but made them anyway, slow day in the shop. Bonzi Lon

Zak's Z, I made a post a while back on how to make them as I made a pair out of an old inner tube. Works great and can be seen if you look REAL close. I'd post the link, but am computer stupid. Just look up my posts, they were real easy to make. Bonzi Lon

Nice eye EScanlon, yes there is one reflector on one side and dirt stuck to the glue on the other. They must of been put on for safty reasons. Thanks to all for the comments as this is a real attention grabber sitting in the yard. I live right on a VERY busy hiway and the stares are amazing. MikeW is right on the odds 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000, but factor in the same make, 40 and 35 years old, 5 years difference, in the same state, on the amount of vehicles left, and ones for sale, within 90 miles, the amount of times visiting craigslis, (about once a month) etc.....get my drift? Just lucky I guess, but I don't gamble so the point is mute, but fun working the numbers in the brain anyway. Visiting the 311 site reveiled a very large number missing in the VIN#s for the 68, but it dosn't matter, I love this little car. First one I've seen in person. I don't think Bonzi is upset over the attention the other is getting, but have to have it finished and broke in before Branson, not much time left. Again, I thank you for all the comments. Bonzi Lon

The under hood tag MikeW is talking about is on the passenger shock tower, and you will be looking at it up-side down. The engine number is on this tag and the engine number is on the smooth pads of the block just under cylinder #'s 5 & 6, back of engine near the firewall. Bonzi Lon

I'm going to join the 311 club because it will need a little TLC and even tho it is some what like the 240's I know it will have its own quirkyness to get it right, let alone finding parts if I need them. I did try the jack just to see how that little ingenious thing worked but didn't go up more than an inch, the frame is the best place to take it up. I checked a list and the vin is not on there so will get it on there ASAP. Looking forward for a bad hair day and ear to ear grin. Now it needs a name. Any sugestions? Bonzi Lon

I found this little gem on Wichita craigslist last month and knew it wouldn't last long, but to my surprise it was relisted at a lowered price 3 weeks later. I went and looked at it and knew I had to have it. It is a 1968 Datsun 1600 Roadster with 58,663 actual miles (have records). I bought it from a banker who had bought it (3rd owner) for his wife on their 30th wedding anniversary in 1983 and they put 1285 miles on it in 25 years!!! It does have a bad respray and a few rust bubbles on the fenders and rockers, solid floor pans, but a good driver and looker for being 40 years old. It came with owner's manual, service records from new, radio instructions, tauneau cover, soft top, top cover and a never (?) used jack. All badges and chrome are in place but a little pitted in places. I'm going to drive it for the summer and then decide on refurbishment or restore. The odd, strange and curious thing is the VIN# is 18,100 and my 73Z VIN# is 168,500, both vins end in double zero!!! Coincidence? What are the odds of that? A fun little roller skate. Bonzi Lon

When you do a tank inspection and find some brown varnish in there, regular gas will get SOME of it broken down. I got the majority of it out with laquer thinner, rather expensive, (13.75 gallon), but worked great. I got about a cup of goo out of mine, but it had been setting for 26 years with 3/4 of a tank of gas that evaporated to less than a gallon, what a mess and stink, but fine now, after rust prevention and lining. Bonzi Lon

On Monday afternoon I pushed Bonzi out of the garage to take photos for the insurance company. As I was walking back to the house to get the camera I saw an older gentelman in a land yacht had noticed it and started to stare. He was slowly drifting across the double yellow line untill he was half way into the on comming traffic lane, then had to yank it hard to the right to get back into his lane. Lucky for him no semi or another car was in that lane or it would of been a head on. Bonzi Lon

That dual 4 barrel cross-flow set up would look very sweet and fill up the space under the bonnet, (hood). Bonzi Lon

Mine was the same so I used E-6000 from the craft store and placed ALOT of rubberbands around it to squeeze it closed. Bonzi Lon

If the 78 is the same as my 73, it is 27mm or 1 1/16 inch. Bonzi Lon

I thought this would be the way to repair it, but wanted to have the expert advice I have come to know and trust over the 2 years I have been a member. Dave and EScalon I thank you very much. I now beleive this was a "tap" for power to a radio or other peice of equipment before I was the owner. It will be repaired properly. Again I thank you for your advice. Bonzi Lon

The wire in question is NOT the large w/r (at top of fuse box), and is not nor has been completley severed, it is still intact but with about 1/2 to 3/4 of the little copper wires connected. My thinking is all of the little wires should be connected to allow for proper voltage. This has been this way since I bought it, everything has in the past worked fine, just found it during refurbishment and think it needs attention. Bonzi Lon

I had it spelled that way because it is a Z and needed a Z in its name. I had a vanity plate made for it in 1981 and will put it on the front as I have a 1973 tag for the rear. I don't remember that monkey but do remember "Magilla Gorilla." Bonzi Lon

Under the right side of the console is a white/red wire with a fuse and had "masking tape" on it. It was old and falling off so I took it off to find it had been nicked and nearly cut in half. This has been this way since the PO. We tested it and it is "hot" all the time, key on "lock" to key at "on". I do beleive it is for the ignition switch and the ACC switch with a 20 amp fuse, correct me if I'm wrong. My question is can this be soldered back together and taped or should I add a splice to have more wire contact? And should this be "hot" all the time? Bonzi Lon

Sorry, but I've got ALL of you beat. I last drove mine in August 1980, but that will change in about a week. Listen closely and you might hear me screaming BONZI!!!!, once again, as I did the first time I drove it. Bonzi Lon

By all means watch that video. I've never been in a carb in my life (holly, carter, AFB, tillitson etc.) watched the video twice then took carbs off, took completly apart, cleaned up everything and back together again in no time. I know how and why they work now. Yep, they need more fuel when cold, that is where the properly adjusted chokes come in. Good luck. Bonzi Lon

When left out in the elements like that they just seem to melt into the ground. Just like the 'Wicked Witch of the West', "I'm melting, melting.....". Bonzi Lon

Beleive you me they are a pain to restore. They really look odd when all the paint is removed, just tooooo much chrome. The amount of masking is unbeleivable, especially when you have 5 of them to do, gotta have a spare. I did mine a "little" different than stock, left the scallops (sp) chrome. They really look nice. Will post pics when they are on the car. Bonzi Lon

About the fuel cpapcity: My 73 FSM says on page GI-2, Fuel Tank holds 60 liters, 15 7/8 gal. U.S. Measure, or 13 1/4 gal. Imper. Measure. My take on the discrepency: When I put a new sending unit in the tank I noticed at full empty the float was about an inch off the floor of the tank, I assume the suction tube would be about the same height so not to suck up tank trash. The amount left in the tank, after your pump has sucked it "dry" could be that extra gallon. I think the factory measurements were taken at bone dry. Just a thought. Bonzi Lon

Oh, joy!!! More under hood blue bling to go with the spark plug wires and new blue paint job. Count me in on a pair. Might check into other hoses also. Bonzi Lon

The P.O. also shaved off the side marker lights, antenna and door locks. Very well done indeed!!! Bonzi Lon

Mine was moved (pre 6-77) to the left side of the interior of the glove box, two inches below the glove box switch, out of sight. Bonzi Lon