DatsunZGuy

It will be interesting to see the trajectory of 240Z prices once the 400Z is out there for wide public consumption.

Yeah. How many Z car forum members DOES it take to remove a locking lugnut? At this point, I'm done dispensing advice and only here for this thread's entertainment value

I believe collectively we've invested well over $100 in terms of time and advice into this problem, which is the cost a tire shop quoted to remove the locknuts in the first place 😉

Maybe it's the angle... but from the photograph, it appears that some one of the splines might be of a differing width. Especially comparing the ones in the 10 o'clock and 11 o'clock position. I suspect the manufacturer alternated the position of the narrow and wider splines to create more variation in what key would fit. Consequently, even if you source a key, having it match the correct spline sequence would be a stroke of good luck.

I think you have received some good suggestions on how to proceed. It might be time to start trying them out. Please let us know which method worked for you. Good luck!

Probably nothing to do with Datsuns. However, a previous owner may have had a shaved head and given out daisies at the airport back in the day 😉

Looks like a representation of Siddhartha Gautama to me.

Maybe this???

If you can't find the key, best just take it to a tire shop, sign their waiver and let them get medieval on it.

Time for an Italian tune up 😉

Contacting these guy might be an option: http://bumperautomobile.com/datsun-240z-260z-bumpers.html They seem to sell complete front and rear stainless steel bumpers, but may offer the front overriders separately. Granted, you may have to drill a few holes to fit the rubber in front, but it might be worth it. I've never purchased bumpers from them, but their eBay seller rating is at 98.5%. https://www.ebay.com/fdbk/feedback_profile/in-4276?filter=feedback_page:RECEIVED_AS_SELLER&_trksid=p2047675.l2560

https://deluxespeedometer.com/

This is a start: https://vintagezparts.com/product/1972-right-rear-bumper-guard/ You may end up getting a part here and there verses all in a single purchase. Also... Guy at Z Car Doctor in Garden City, Idaho dose specialize in refurbished parts. https://www.zcardoctor.com/hard-to-find-z-parts

I completely agree. In fact, I mounted the plate and also replaced my choke cable per the instructions below: https://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/repair-choke-cable/ I hung up my cable housing and sprayed some carburetor cleaner inside of it to get rid of the old grease , then shot some Seafoam Deep Creep lubricant inside and let run the length of the housing. The mounting plate and new cable made the choke engagement so much smoother and will probably save the choke handle in the process.

Making the trip from California to C Springs is tempting. A steak dinner at MacKenzie's Chop House topped off with a Guinness Black and Tan at Jack Quinn's would be worth the journey alone 😊

My guess is that it was put there to serve as a means of dampening excessive vibration and/or part of the collapsible steering wheel assembly for US crash safety requirement of the period.

VTO, a Classiczcar website sponsor, offers a nice version.

I believe you are about an hour away from Austin. Correct? That said, I would suggest contacting the Capital Z Club and find out where they are having their next membership meeting or event. Introduce yourself and express you interest in Z car and that you would like some advice. Many members have a wealth of knowledge and experience that they are willing to share. In fact, your networking skills may result in an offer to inspect a car with you. Better yet, a club member may know of someone who might be wanting to sell their car. Moreover, members have lots of situational awareness of what is out there in the area and may advise you about some sketchy car up for sale. What strikes me odd about the car you pictured is the fact that it has a performance-oriented triple set up with an MSD ignition, yet it's running an AC compressor and air pump parasitically robbing horsepower.

I suggest using a heat gun to soften the rubber housing enough to force it back in. While you have access to the choke cable itself, might as well replace the steel wire itself. Here's the step-by-step process: https://woodworkerb.com/home/datsun-240z-rebuild/repair-choke-cable/

I have a full set dated 12/71 with brand new tires in SoCal.

Bring a Trailer has taught the pedestrian novice that a green 240Z is worth upwards of $300,000, regardless of condition 😊

In addition to the above stated, Hagerty Insurance valuation guide is a good reference. I also suggest this as well: https://zcarguide.com/datsun-240z-pricing-guide/

I had a black set of black plug wires, but switched to NGK blues after hours of going down a trouble shooting rabbit thinking I had a fuel delivery/carburetor issue. For me, function and reliability is more important than aesthetics.

I've sold many Z cars over the years. This one will probably change hands at my estate sale 😊

Sorry to hear that ZCCC has been taken over by a few clowns. It was a good club back in the early 90's when this photo was taken.