psdenno

Sometimes, adding up the cost of ownership can be a little daunting. That's where rationalization comes in. In my case, I bought my 240Z new in 1971 for $4,200. Over the following 43 years I replaced the struts three times, bought several sets of tires, rebuilt the transmission twice, replaced the transmission twice (most recently with a 5 speed), two clutch replacements, and one exhaust system. Along the way, the Z went into storage for a decade or so and then underwent a refurbishment that replaced all fluids, hoses, belts, brakes, new wheels, an upgraded AC system, and a few other essentials (including the 5 speed mentioned earlier) for about $8,500. Now, for the rationalizing. All of those costs, including routine maintenance along the way, probably are still thousands of dollars less than the cost of a new 2014 Scion FRS. So, I think I'm ahead of the game in terms of dollars expended. And, I've had 43 years of pleasure, anxiety, and adventures with the Z. Priceless. Dennis

NSA. They know where everything is. Dennis

Not sure I'd trust sketchy translation of technical processes. Sometimes, close enough isn't good enough. I always think back to a Japanese tent I bought many years ago. The assembly manual was titled, "Erection Instructions". Dennis

Driven in the style of the Marty McFly skateboard from Back To The Future. Dennis

Sounds like you have a good plan. Change all the fluids, maybe/probably the brake calipers and cylinders including master cylinder, and make it safe. Did it come with a gas tank or do you have to source one? Dennis

Keep us up on your progress.......as the years roll by. It appears to be a somewhat extensive project. Dennis

The Futofab.com site has very accurate and clear pictures of the tail lights. Are there particular features you'd like to know more about? Dennis

The gaskets are as advertised.....minimal. Light weight foam ring, peel and stick. I plan to get "real" gaskets when I install the tail lights. Not a big issue and doesn't diminish the value of the units IMHO. Dennis

The tail lights arrived today. They are nicely made, look like they will hold up well, and the chrome strip is excellent. They will be a great replacement for the 43 year old originals. Good vendor, good communication, fast shipping, good price, quality product......in case anyone else is looking to replace their lights. Dennis

Chrome-mates have been known to do that, too. Dennis

Spacers can serve as a heat block for fuel accessories like pumps and carbs bolted to the engine. Dennis

Good general introduction to the Z. Style wise, the use of bullet points could be improved in that many of the bullet points are not "stand alone" points. Rather, they are sub points of earlier bullets. You mentioned that "Nissan badges began to creep on to cars" before 1982. Perhaps, there's a more descriptive term to use than "creep". Citing sources of photos is also something to think about. Dennis

Looks like body filler letting loose and lifting due to rust under it. The seal near the spot looks ragged, like it's not doing too much sealing. The magnet test will tell the tale. Dennis

I just received notification of the tail lights being shipped. I look forward to tracking their progress as they travel from New Hampshire to California. Good vendor communication. Thanks, Dave! Dennis

That seller has been on ebay for quite a while and has a better rating than some USA Datsun vendors. Go for it, unless you like the clear side marker lights he also sells. Dennis

Hope so, or it will be a less than happy Cyber Monday. If as advertised, it's a great price. Dennis

Tail lights are ordered. Nice discount today. Dennis

In 1979, the NHSTA required that speedometers show a large 55 and only go to 85 to emphasize the national maximum speed limit and create a psychological barrier for how fast the car could really go. They reevaluated in 1981 and the safety experiment ended. It was a sad time for road trips. Dennis

Your tips and pictures on refurbing the gas tank and hoses will be "bookmarked". Nice job, good info! Dennis

Next, someone is going to say they can tell the country of origin for the crude by smell or taste. Interesting topic and I've learned some good trivia. Dennis

Haven't had the pleasure of sniffing Hess Regular or an aborigine's armpit, but I'll take your word for it. Dennis

A good place to store my extra money.

Now, get to work on telling one brand from another by smell. Is it Shell or Chevron with the fruity fragrance? Dennis

It's comforting to know that all cars don't become "collector" cars with collector car prices. When they become expensive museum pieces, they're fun to look at. But, for most of us, the fun is in the driving, fixing, and problem solving involved in owning a car built in the last century. Cars like the Briklin and Delorean are quirky enough to keep most owners happy for a lifetime, even if the value doesn't keep up with inflation.Dennis

I've had a home office for decades and for my purposes, it works just dandy. There are a few tax benefits and the amenities are top notch. Phone issues can be addressed with a landline fax and a cell phone or Google phone#. A real office would make you seem a bit more legit, but comes at a cost. How often do you meet with clients in person? Dennis