astrohog

Just got my 1971 240Z a few weeks ago and have been getting her in "reliable drivable" condition. So far I have a new exhaust, new tires, plugs, wires, points, rotor, cap, oil filter and oil change, new battery and terminals, alternator belt and rear brake shoes. The car is feeling much tighter and reliable, I wouldn't heesitate to take her on a long trip (with my tool box, of course! ) one problem I am having is the air filter foam element. my car came with the Weiand (sp?) carb covers. The carbs keep "sucking in" the foam element under hard exceleration (spirited driving:laugh: ). Upon closer inspection, the foam element is "eggshell" foam that the PO cut to size. I do not think this is the ideal density of foam for this application. I do have the plastic inner "basket" that is supposed to keep the foam away from the carb mouth, but with this foam it is not working. Finally, my question: Is there anywhere I can obtain the right foam for these filters? I do have the stock airbox, would I be better off using the stock one? I have heard that the stock box is adequate and well suited for this car, but it just seems so big and clunky, and the Weiand sure looks cool. Any advice you guys can give would be much appreciated!! Regards, Jeff

thanks for the advice so far....guess this is a good excuse to get a multimeter and learn to use it!!! Probably get lots of use out of it in the future!!!! Regards, astrohog

Hi all! I have owned my 1971 240 for just over 3 weeks now. I am having some kind of charging problem. I just replaced both battery lugs with new and have a new battery. When I drive, the amp meter is positioned just barely to the plus (charge) side of the gauge. When I use the blinkers, it oscillates with them. When I turn on hte headlights, the amp meter jumps just to the negative (discharge) side of the gauge and definately starts draining the battery. Should I take the alternator out and have it tested? Should I just disconnect, and clean and reconnect every electrical connection under the hood? ( I eventually plan on this, but was gonna do it as I had time or replaced the components with new.) I am not too electrically inclined, so this one kinda has me stumped. Would less-than-perfect connections be enough to cause the weak electrical condition, or is it more likely one specific component? i.e. alternator, etc. Thanks for any help you mave have!! Regards, Astrohog

I tried a search and couldn't find anything on this. There is some kind of switch inside the glove box on the left side. Hopefully I am not being too ignorant, but anyone know waht this is for? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Oh, BTW, it is a 1971 240Z (build date 12/70). Thanks! Regards, Astrohog

Hey guys, I am not sure how to phrase this, but while I was working on my '71 240Z today, I pulled the steering wheel and half of the shaft off the car! All of the pgtail and wiring came unplugged and I was holding the rest in my hands! I was able to see four (screw?) holes at the end of the shaft, but could not find mating holes on the outer sleeve that it slides into. I just bought this car two weeks ago. Could it be the Po was doing some work and forgot to re-tighten the steering nut? Could something be broken, or is this the way it is supposed to be? when the shaft was off the stalk and in my hands, the top (splined part) of the steering shaft was sticking out of the collapsible tube thing. All I did was slide it back on with the wheel lined up. Is this how it is supposed to be, or is it supposed to be retained by the nut in the center or what? Please excuse my terminology!!! Hopefully you all understand what I am saying and can give some advice. Please let me know if I made no sense, and I will try to explain again adn/or take some pics, but I would like to get this resolved as I do not want the steering wheel coming off while I am driving!! Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide!! Regards, Astrohog

I am no expert, but what I have found is that, technically, yes, more is better, but at a price. First off, Dynamat and its knock-off counterparts is expensive. Second, it is also heavy. All the research i have done indicates that little strips (placed in a chevron pattern?) will help tremendously. I read somewhere that you could cover a relatively small percentage of the available area with the material and get 90 - 95% of the effect ov going crazy with it. Disclaimer: I have no ACTUAL experience with this, but have done hours of reading in different audiophile and auto forums. Regards, Astrohog

Has anybody used dynamat in their Z restorations? I have never used Dynamat myself (not a big audiophile) but I have done some reading on sound-deadening cars and I would think that using a few small strips of dynamat here and there (door panels, c-pillars, inside back hatch) would really help the Z sound less "tinny" and rattly. Maybe this would detract from the "character" the Z's have for those of you who are truly Z purists. I would like to hear from you all (uh-oh, I just asked for opinions:) ) on what you feel about this, or if anyone has actually done it and if it made a difference or not. Regards, Astrohog

I DO NOT CONDONE ANYBODY SLAMMING ON THEIR BRAKES TO TEACH A TAILGATER A LESSON! PERIOD! Besides being dangerous for all involved, it will never teach that kind of driver a lesson. It will just anger them more. Occasionally, I like to drive FAST. When I do, I try to do it as safely as possible for me and the other drivers on the road. Yes, we have speed limits for a reason, but I am not a Police Officer and it is not my place to enforce the speed limit, so when I am approached from behind by a driver that wants to drive fast, I simply pull over to the farthest right lane and let them by. If EVERYBODY would do this, our highways would be much safer for all! In WA State, it is AGAINST THE LAW to drive in the left lane unless you are passing. What drives me crazy are the people that have no awareness of the other traffic surrounding them and drive in the "fast lane" at or below the speed limit. If you want to drive the speed limit, then stay RIGHT! Again, if everybody followed those two simple rules everybody would be able to drive whatever speed they feel comfortable with and it would really cut down on the "ragers". Thanks for allowing me to add my $.02 on this topic, I FEEL MUCH BETTER! :D Regards, Astrohog

I LOVE takin' down Mustangs!! (IN A WAGON!!!!) Thanks! I thought it might be fun! And Thanks again! I hope people say that about my Z when it is done!!!!! Regards, Astrohog

Hey all! Just curious, what other cars are you all driving or own? Daily driver, etc. I have found that car enthusiasts rarely drive "boring, or non-inspiring" cars, so I would like to know what else you all drive. I drive a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 w/ Cummins turbo diesel. (I know, kinda boring, but I need it for work and to pull our travel trailer). My wifes daily driver is a 2005 Subaru Legacy GT Ltd. wagon. Now that, my friends is one helluva car! I do not want to start anything with all of the Datsun purists out there, but I have been LOVING the Subie since we got it in May!!! So whattya think, this might be a fun thread! Oh yeah, pics are always good, too!!! Regards, Astrohog

this is all I have so far!

more pictures....

more pictures.....

Any of you Washington guys belong to ZCCW? Here are some more pics. No Interior shots yet, but the interior is in better shape than the outside! Not a crack in the dash. Passenger seat is orig. and not a single rip or tear. Drivers seat has splits on the stitchesw on the bottom only (the back of seat is perfect). has original carpet and is in good shape, although it is quite faded. not a rip or tear anywhere else in the interior! The "diamond vinyl is perfect as is the headliner and sunvisors. Enjoy! Astrohog

Thanks, I am sure one will be enough for me!! I have plenty to do to this one, trust me!!! Do you belong to the Z Car Club of Washington? I am gonna join and will be at their meeting of the Mindz in Port Townsend in August. You coming? Astrohog

Hey all! Just bought my first Z. it's a 1971 240Z. Looking forward to "refreshing" her with all your help and advice!!! Regards, astrohog