psdenno

I have to agree with everyone else. You liked the car before you discovered what engine it had - keep liking it. Had you not looked at the numbers, you wouldn't have known the difference. After all, it's a Z! Live the sports car life - just don't let anyone analyze your engine block number ). Dennis

No problem. Let us know how it turns out. Dennis

I guess that explains part of the hourly rate they charge to work on Nissan cars. I'm glad I have an early Z - all I need is a metric crescent wrench, two screw drivers, and a hammer to keep it running Dennis

I think I'd take another look - those holes weren't "self healing". There has to be evidence like Bondo squeezed through. Even if excess was wiped off on the underside of the hatch panel and painted over, you should be able to see something. Since my emblems are off, here are some measurements to the holes. Datsun: 1st hole on left 8 7/8" down from rear window seal, 10 3/8" from right edge of hatch 2nd hole: 7" down from window seal, 6 11/16" from rt edge of hatch 3rd hole: 5 7/8" down from window seal, 3 3/4" from edge of hatch 240Z: 1st hole: 8" down from window seal, 5 7/8" from rt edge of hatch 2nd hole: 8" down from window seal (seal starts to curve up at this point, so scribe a horizontal line along bottom of seal, 2" from rt edge of hatch Hope this helps, good luck! Dennis

I looked through my files and tool box, but can't lay hands on the owner's manual right now - it's here somewhere. However, I did find the file with my warranty book and a copy of the 2-1-72 Interpart catalog. I was surprised to see that the BRE Spook came in a choice of five colors for $38.50. I'll keep searching for the Owner's Manual. Dennis

My 4/71 has the Summer/Winter switch - bought it new, so I know it came that way. Dennis

Looks like a few other links off the main site menu bar also result in Page Not Found. At least the main site is up and displaying. Dennis

Good pointers! Thanks! Next I have to see about how to bolt the steel runners to the seat frame without having to deconstruct the seat & upholstery. Thanks, again. Dennis

At the expense of NOT sounding stupid, I did bother to look at the appropriate links via the search function. As most of us know, "Search" is our friend. However, Search is effective only when there is something posted for which to search. I did not intend for this to become a total pissing contest. Perhaps responses are more appropriately made by PM. Dennis

I guess my frustration is that most posts on swapping seats are "look what I can do" and lack the "look at how I did it" part. I'm sure there are countless seats that could be shoe horned into a Z, but it's the degree of difficulty that intrigues me - especially with the BMW seats I plan to put in mine. I'm sure it will all work out. Dennis

That's a very good idea and it could be easily reversed - sounds like a perfect solution. I was considering mounting a switch on the plexiglass panel I put in place of the ashtray below the radio. Since I never used the ashtray or lighter, I put them in a box in about 1972. Then, I cut a piece of 1/4 inch plexi to fill the spot. I mounted a vacuum gauge and aircraft volt meter on that panel. A spring loaded toggle switch would work nicely. Now, to work out the faceplate issue. Dennis

The seat interchange threads I've read say the BMW seats fit well, but they don't detail the steps for installation - sort of a key missing piece. :stupid: What's nice about the BMW seats is that they are narrow and Recaro - lots of adjustments, recline, thigh support adjusts out, supportive. Look for BMW 318 or 325 seats on ebay or your local Pick-A-Part. Dennis

The point of my post was that I was amused by the irony of a Z owner wanting BMW seats in a Z and a BMW owner considering Z seats for his Bimmer. The grass always appears greener on the other side of the street. Will and I have communicated on how to adapt the seats and I've seen them in a Z - so it can be done. Adapting Z rails is the magic part as even the manual BMW seats sit too high on their own rails. I'm sure it will all work out, eventually. Dennis

I'm currently trying to figure out how to mount a set of BMW seats in my Z as a relatively inexpensive upgrade. So, I did a Google search that linked to a BMW 2002 forum message thread that started with this message: "From: jeckel30 in SLC Subject: Anyone Use Datsun Seats? I have been looking around for seats that won't break the bank. I have found a pretty good set of Datsun seats from an old 240z. Does anyone have any of these types of seats in their 02? I am not opposed to fabbing up seat mounts, as I just want something that looks good and is comfortable. I have been searching for a while and I am not really wanting to pay exhorbant prices for Recaro's on ebay." Not that that post helped me with my issue, but it's nice to know that there really is balance in the universe. Dennis

That's what I did years ago when I upgraded the radio on my '63 Avanti, rather than hack the original face plate. I did a marginal job, but it serves the purpose. I also upgraded with the automatic antenna as Arne mentioned above. I think I'll keep looking for a "cleaner" faceplate solution for the Z. Dennis

The difficult part is the faceplate - fitting their universal plate so it allows use of the antenna switch is what keeps me from jumping in. Hacking my original face plate is not a viable/reversible option. Dennis

Only if you strive for originality and restoring your Z to the condition it was in when it came off the boat. There will be those who will say it adds to the value when it comes time to sell. Otherwise, it will be just as much fun. It all depends on your intentions with the car. Dennis

If you haven't already, you may want to check that the crank pulley is torqued down properly. Years ago, before I converted from the York to the newer system, my crank pulley just fell off as I was driving. Imagine my surprise 60 miles from home at 7:00 AM. Dennis

I pulled my '71 out of 15 years of storage a couple years ago. I replaced the tires, all fluids, all belts and hoses, clutch cylinder, rear brake cylinders, and front brake calipers. Two years later, and a few more bits & pieces, and I'm still motoring along. Welcome to the Group. The 1971 Z is a great car. I'm sure you'll have fun with your Z. Dennis

I just did a Google (yes, I know you said "beside google") search for "Datsun 240Z parts" and got over 61,000 links. The first two, MSA and Black Dragon have good catalog options (on-line, on CD, and good old paper & ink) that can get you most of what you might need. I didn't take the time to check the other 60,998 links. I'll leave that to you. When you check the car in person and determine what you really need, a search (yes, I know you said "beside the search button") by key word on this forum will bring tons of information. That's part of the charm of belonging to a Z forum - a huge support group and almost endless info on key topics are just a click away. Trust me, have I lied to you, yet? I have a sense that you've already made up your mind about what to do. Keep us posted on the progress. Dennis

I can see that you're already developed an emotional attachment to this Z. I think you should see the car in person, do a very close inspection for overall condition and rust, go back home, and price out parts and labor to get the car to the condition you want. Then, make an offer based on those costs. If you point out to the buyer what it will cost to revive, you'll have a strong bargaining point. Most of the metal that rusts on a Z is available in the aftermarket as "patch" panels. If you have access to a body shop, and know how to use it, that will lower repair costs. As it sits, I don't feel that it's a $4K car. Obviously it's been sitting for years, so you shouldn't have to worry about other potential buyers outbidding you. The old saying, "act in haste, repent at leisure" comes to mind. Dennis

432 Cubic Inches! I imagine that the Beach Boys are working on a sequel to "She's real fine my 409" - titled "I'll Make Do With My 432". Giddy up giddy up 432! Dennis

Please excuse my generalization about cars from Florida. It's probably based on cars I've seen from the Keys and the Atlantic coastal area and not the Gulf Coast. Dennis

Well said! I'll think I'll print your quote, laminate it, and carry it in my wallet as an antidote for my occasional instances of "Car Fever". It's a live and learn world. Dennis

All things being equal - and they're not - I'd probably keep looking. It was in Florida humidity for years and is now in Wisconsin, land of salted roads, where cars go to return to nature. Other than spending the last 38 years on Okinawa, there are probably not more hostile rust causing environments for a Z than where it's been. The license plates look like they expired in 2006, so I wonder how roadworthy. As others have said, it all depends on how big a project you want to take on and how big your budget is. Anything can be rebuilt, as I know from owning my '71 since new. Dennis