psdenno

I've updated an older thread on installing earlier BMW seats and added a link to photos of the new seat frame that eliminates the BMW seat rails and uses the stock Z rails. The thread link is here: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35088 Dennis

While they say you can't bring back the dead, I'm going to try to pump life back into this thread since I've seen a couple other forum members pondering BMW seats in a Z. I've posted pictures of the seat frame I fabricated that enabled me to use stock Z seat rails with BMW seats. No welding required. The frame is made of angle iron and flat stock and bolted together with Grade 8 hardware. Here's a link to pictures: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/album.php?albumid=357 The factory mounting points on the floor risers are still used, but to secure strips of flat stock running front to back. Because the style of the seat differs from the stock Z seat, the seat adjusting rails bolt to the flat stock that stretches across the original riser mount points and extends several inches rearward. This allows the factory rail mounting bolts to mount several inches rearward from their original mount points. Dennis

SEMA just issued the following bulletin on this topic today. See below: Dennis URGENT REGULATORY ALERT (UPDATE) EPA Denies E15 Waiver for Pre-2001 Cars, Permits Use in Newer Cars The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency confirmed that there is insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in MY 2000 and older light-duty motor vehicles.* The SEMA Action Network (SAN) has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber.* While the SAN is pleased with the decision that older cars should not be fueled with E15, the association is disappointed that the EPA issued an E15 waiver for 2007 and newer vehicles.* The agency is still gathering data for the 2001-2006 vehicles.* The EPA’s ruling responds to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).* Consumers will not see E15 at the pump any time soon.* The EPA must first approve regulations on how gas stations will label their pumps to avoid consumer misfueling.* This will take months.* Furthermore, there is no obligation that gasoline retailers market the fuel.* In fact, some retailers oppose the fuel over concern that they could be held liable if E15 damages a vehicle.* The gas stations and distributors may also need to invest in new storage tanks, hoses and other equipment. The SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.* SEMA represents thousands of companies that market products for these vehicles and, through its SEMA Action Network, millions of enthusiasts who buy and operate these automobiles.** Questions/comments may be directed to Steve McDonald at stevem@sema.org.

It would probably be of some value to an early Z owner who was trying to make a car "period correct". I had the ARA system dealer installed on my '71 shortly after buying it and it worked well. I now have the newer A/C system with a rotary compressor which doesn't "rob" as much power from the engine. Dennis

Looks like you're in for a bumpy road with this one. How are the other "typical" rust prone areas on the car - rockers, wheel arches, floor pans, rear hatch latch area? Dennis

Welcome to the group! Zed or Zee tends to depend on where your ancestors came from and how well they've embraced the "mother" language over the centuries. I find it interesting that English speaking nations around the world name the last letter of the alphabet differently. anyone know how that came to be? Dennis

I've got my Warranty Book for my '71, but somewhere over the years I seem to have lost the card. In thumbing through the pages, I see that I got my 9,000 mile service at 7,598 on 8/16/72 and never took the car to a Datsun/Nissan dealer since. I'm probably overdue Dennis

Welcome to the group! Looks like a great start to a project. My guess is a '71 or later Z based on vents and steering wheel. What's the date of manufacture stamped on the plate on the driver's door opening? Dennis

Let's look at the definition of "molest" and a few synonyms: –verb (used with object) to bother, interfere with, or annoy. —Synonyms harass, harry, trouble, plague, hector, torment. With that in mind, I would suggest that "unmolested" means that the original look and purpose of the car have not been changed, even though parts have been replaced or repaired. A key word in the definition is "annoy". So if anything about the car annoys the observer, he/she could probably consider it molested. I'll now put my English teaching credential back in a drawer and resume my nap. Dennis

And it's available in a choice of three colors! Can this get any better? Dennis

Looks like the molestation that did take place should be fairly easy to rectify - seats, engine, a few missing pieces. How wide are those racing slicks? Good luck with the adventure! Dennis

I remember when the 110 paint on my Z looked that good - it was November of 1971. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Don't be shy about asking questions as you get into your project. The folks on this list have helped me resolve many issues with my '71. Dennis

I've used the rubbing compound type of headlight restoration kit. It worked well. I didn't use a buffing pad on a power drill, just a rag and elbow grease. Dennis

Sounds like a great "find". Enjoy the adventure and welcome to the group! Dennis

Getting a little off track - but this issue takes me back almost 40 years. When my Z was still near new, one of the gaskets needed to be replaced. Datsun dealers were few and far between where I lived at the time, but British car dealerships were a bit more common. The parts department at the local British Leyland dealer sold me gaskets for (if I remember correctly) an Austin Healey 3000 that fit perfectly on the insulator block. Dennis

What's the next step below "Extremely bad shape" on the condition scale? This one looks quite beat. Sad Z. Dennis

Clean up and install the original motor. It contains ample fun. Dennis

Nissan seems to have "formalized" part of the marking system a bit. I bought a G37 Infiniti convertible on Saturday and it came with a "Quality Inspection Certificate" signed by the Infiniti Quality Assurance Engineer who track tested the car for five miles. It includes the engineer's signature, car chassis #, and odometer reading at conclusion of testing. I'll be looking for a frame and place to hang it on the wall tomorrow. Dennis

Good plan! Dennis

Looks like a match to the 944 seats in the ad. Good luck with the project. They should be comfortable - I put about 20 years of "butt time" in my 944 before selling it and and never had an uncomfortable moment. Dennis

Drove my Z through a blizzard in Minnesota and Northern Wisconsin the day I picked it up from the dealer in 1971. It also spent a couple winters in Kansas. Some of the best (intentional) parking lot "donuts" I've ever made on ice & snow were in the Z. It's a capable winter car. The exposure to corrosive winter elements will be bad for your Z, however. If you plan to keep the Z, and have a little extra money, a sacrificial winter "Beater" isn't a bad idea. Dennis

I still own my first car - bought it in 1967 and can't let go. I've had the Z since '71, the Avanti since '75, and the 914-6 since '92. My wife, the psychologist, says I'm auto-retentive. A few cars have come and gone over the years, but they were just transportation. I feel your pain. Dennis

The "extra stout" lighted antenna would make that Z easier to find in a parking lot at night. Might consider one.... Dennis

From an ecological point of view, I'm guessing that the tree reduces the Z's Carbon Footprint considerably. However, it probably doesn't help the gas mileage. Dennis