cbudvet

I guess I should clarify my situation. I do have a pretty significant "rust" issue that even with a running drive train, a seat and a steering wheel would still prevent the car from being road worthy. I suppose my point was, for me, a 500 dollar purchase in rural Ohio has turned into a significant financial undertaking. From what people are saying, the car may not be in that bad of shape. I might have a spare gas tank from my 71 parts car but I have no idea of when I will be at a point to remove it. Don't let me talk you out of it. Carl

Welcome, I have been researching this exact thing for my old z car for tha past few years. I say years because at this point in time I cannot afford having someone do the work for me. I have been quoted from between 10,000 to 20,000 big ones. These are based on a series of estimates for "minor" body work, paint and engine work. The upper limits maybe being more inclusive with interior etc. but overall, I have found that due to rust issues, most body shops won't get more specific without the car sitting in front of them where they can inspect every inch. I am trying to do as much as I can myself but my experience in the midwest has been less than frugal. I still think it is worth having a z car so don't let this discourage you. Carl

I just received a wiring diagram I had purchased on ebay. I am sure everyone has seen them for sale. Full color, laminated, etc. The one I purchased was advertised for the 69-70 240z and I am not sure how much it differs from a 71-73. I ran to the garage to compare with my wiring harness lying in the cardboard box and it seems pretty spot on (green and white, blue with red etc.). I haven't done a complete head to head comparison but think it was a good buy. It gets a little busy with everything on 1 page but the color is really nice. It is a lot easier to follow than the black and white ones I have looked at before. It even has the wiring for foglights (see earlier thread), although it is labelled as red/green but mine is actually red/blue. Hope this helps people who have been curious. I am very pleased with the purchase. Carl

As always, you guys are a wealth of knowledge. I had never heard of the fog lamps. It always seemed a little weird to have the indent there with no apparent use. I have learned something new. My brain is full so maybe I can go home early from work. Carl

If you had a cigarette lighter in the console in front of the shifter, that indentation is just that, in indentation. The early 240zs had a spot above the flasher switch that (as far as I know) served no purpose. The cigarette light was then later moved to that space. Your dash appears to be a series one dash. There does not appear to be a small "bow tie" indentation beside the flasher switch. I have a 70 and a 71 parts car and they are both the same. I would agree with the assumption that someone punched a hole through the plastic. Maybe there was something added on to that spot but nothing was there originally. Carl

Awsome pictures. I need to do the same so this really helps. Thanks. Where did you get the Honda blower motor? I think I have seen some for sale on ebay? Carl

Welcome! This is a great source of information from people around the world. If you need to know what it is or where it goes, someone will be able to help out. Good luck with your work. carl

There are some Konig Rewinds on ebay that look really close and are only about 500 dollars. They were there when I did my usual parts search for datsun 240z. You might take a look. Carl

I think you can get Panasports or Rewinds in the gunmetal color. They have a similar appearance. I don't know about the polished trim though. Carl

I am doing the same thing. I have an old, early, series 1 240z with terminal rust. I was able to buy another rust free Arizona car and plan on using both to try and get one good car. Good luck with everything. I vote for silver. Carl

Very nice! I am impressed with the results. I guess I am only used to using paint rollers with the large nap on them for painting walls. Are you going to paint the entire car this way? Good Luck. carl

Thats a great site. It will really help me a lot if I try to tackle any of these on my own car. I am still trying to decide how much I want to try and tackle myself. Thanks. Carl

Does anyone have anyexperience trying to restore the heater/radio/center console piece on a 240z. I have one with good chrome edges but the black paint is worn. My thought is to repaint the black but how can I protect the lettering for the heater controls? My brother suggested using rubber cement to cover the letters and it can then be easily removed but my concern is the cement would remove the letters. Any suggestions. I am trying to find an alternative to spending 200 dollars for a new one. Thanks! Carl

Along the same line. I have a 71 240z that is my "donor" car. It was an Arizona car so no major rust (I hope). Does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove those tar like insulating pads? I have been able to chip some off with a chisel and tried goo b gone and bug and tar remover to little success. Thanks. Carl

As a recent member to the forum I have found very little that I didn't like. The amount of experience and knowledge that can be found here is amazing. It has finally kickstarted me into working on my 240z and hopefully by spring will be driving it. I am sure I will be asking many more questions when I start to put the car back together. I agree, it is too bad people live so far apart (not only within the US but Australia, Japan, Poland, etc.). Carl

Hey there, Sorry to here about your pain. I have to ask, who did you use for the body/paint. I live in Indy (Fishers, actually) and my fall/winter project is to get the body of my 70 fixed up and painted. Someone recommended a guy in Avon, who had done some good work but I was warned he was kinda slow. I would love to hear about the quality and cost of your work! Post some pictures when you get it back. Thanks. Carl

The history channel sells a DVD-R version of the program for 24.95. I may just have to get it!

It is always amazing to me how the 240z seem to be pieced together with whatever was on the line that day. I have a 70 and a 71 parts car and they have a lot in common but yet they are a very different. The 71 has a series one console, dash and steering wheel but has the pillar vents. It also has one steel headlight bucket and one fiberglass. They appear original. Go figure.

I have a L and R Tabco rocker panel in my garage. They do extend along the top to the vertical fold to meet with the inside rocker panel. I can send you some pictures if you would like. Just let me know. cbudelsky@sbcglobal.net

Has anyone out there restored a butterscotch interior 240z? Do they make new plastic panels in this color or will I need to purchase the black ones and have them painted? Thanks.

Don't mean to beat a dead horse but I wanted to bring up the dashboard restoration again. The USA dashboard restorations quoted me $575 to do the dash and if I do it at the same time $195 to do the console ($250 if I don't). I have read the previous threads/debates on the USA vs Australia groups and now have some reservations about the USA group. I get the impression the quality is up to par. Any thoughts? As to the console, I purchased a replacement from MSA a couple of years ago and sent it back because of the quality (flimsy, some other blemishes). Thanks again.

Mine is 70 240z HLS30-00333, green with butterscotch intererior

On my early 240z there were small plastic clips that help the inspection door lids closed. On the later 240z they were switched to metal. My plastic ones have cracked and are broken off. Does anyone know where to get new ones or am I forced to use a later door with metal clips? Thanks.

How much did it cost? I wonder if it is worth it to send the dash to Australia based on what I have heard about the Washington company?

Has anyone used Dashboard Restorations to repair/restore their dash? They are in Washington and I am planning on sending my dash to them this fall. They also can do the center console. What do people think of the dash covers that you can purchase and glue over the top?