psdenno

In years to come, you'll be able to bore youngsters with tales of the "Winter of 2013-14". So it wasn't a totally bad thing Dennis BTW....93 degrees is the expected high here today.

Since you bring up the subject........ When I reinstall the plastic rivets, I use a cotter pin instead of the original plastic pin that generally disappears into some dark crevasse. They are especially good in areas where the rivets are behind deck carpet or otherwise not noticeable. An added advantage of using cotter pins is that they can be pulled out of the rivet instead of pushed in. Dennis

Considering the nature of the question and the sub forum it's in, derailment is probably OK. Dennis

Not on the SDC forum, but follow the Avanti Yahoo forum. I also have two '63 GT Hawks. One was my first car. I have a real problem parting with the cars I buy. My wife, the psychologist, says I'm auto-retentive. But she supports, and sometimes encourages, my problem. Lately she thinks I should get a Tesla. Not quite ready for another wonky car. Dennis

I remember going to the introduction at the local Studebaker dealership to see the Avanti. Too young to drive and no money to buy one, but it left a lasting impression that was fulfilled about 13 years later. I exchanged letters with the designer, Raymond Loewy, over the years and treasure the correspondence. Neat car. Dennis

Thanks! It's a 1963 Studebaker Avanti R2. I've had it about 40 years - almost as long as I've had my Z. Dennis

How much boost do you think you could get out of a smog pump? Also, consider the sealing required for the air intake and carbs. I have a Paxton supercharger on my Avanti and it's a substantially different compressor/pump. Dennis

Part of the fun of buying a car older than you are. You're going to have a great time with your Z. Dennis

Welcome! Nice looking '71. Always good to see another '71 Z going back on the road. Looks like the painter took a few liberties with the paint scheme and door jambs. The panel around the tail lights should be grey (see other topics for Duplicolor match). The underside of the hood should be the same color as the rest of the car. Door jambs should be body color. Not sure what you mean by "the body on the old Datsun's were metallic, but the doors jams and engine bay were not.". If you're referring to the paint, no metallic paint on a '71 Z anywhere. If you mean the structure, everything on the body shell is metal. Also, the upholstered door panels are not stock. Nice, but not stock. The transmission tunnel was originally vinyl covered, not carpeted. However, the car will be a ton of fun. Enjoy it and keep us posted on what you do with it. Dennis

Welcome! Nice looking Z. You'll find a wealth of information here as you work on your '71. Dennis

My vinyl tool case is about like new in spite of the dry desert heat for the last 30 years. On the other hand, all seals turned to crumbly carbon, wiper blades last a couple years, tires dry rot, and batteries last half as long as they should. My worst experience was with an exploding aerosol can of flat tire fixer. An aux tool bag that would drop into the spare tire well would be dandy. Dennis

I think I've only had the tools out about three times in 43 years, so it really hasn't been much of an issue. An auxiliary bag, like the one referenced, might be handy for a few tools, a spare spark plug, and some wire & alligator clips. Dennis

Gotta love the surprises that come with working with old cars Good luck with the door panels! Dennis

Sometimes, you have to stop to wonder why a NOS part is still available in the original box 40 years after it was made. Could be it was defective from the factory and set aside 40 years ago. I've found that to be the case with a NOS steering wheel I bought for my Avanti. It was a "factory second" but much better than the one it was replacing. Dennis

As close as you are to the dash being removed, I'd be tempted to pull it and try the rebuild and bed liner fix. Keep in mind that if you don't like the result, you may have a hard time installing the full dash cover due modifying the original dash size and shape a bit with foam and texture. Let us know which fix you choose. Dennis

You can tell your son that I did four years of college in Wisconsin, got really smart, and now live happily & wisely in the California desert. You might also nention that the first sign of spring in Wisconsin is robin tracks in the snow. It's going to be 80º here today Dennis

$379 and no box!?!?!?!? That makes the $350 museum quality one, with box, a bargain Dennis

Nice.....but not $2K nice. Dennis

Welcome. A 1971 would be a great choice. I've had more than a few adventures with mine in the last 43 years. Dennis

Where have you checked for seals, so far? Dennis

No problem, just give your keys to the valet and come on in. Expecting an inch of rain on the valley floor and two to three feet of snow on the mountain tomorrow as Storm Watch 2014 hits SoCal. Dennis

Currently 75º and sunny by my pool Dennis

Fascinating. Tell me more.

I stare with envy every time I drive past the local Scion store. Dennis

I think you have your anatomy a bit confused. Tomorrow, try it without your pants if interested in freezing your arse off - unless that's what you meant by being out in a T-shirt. Dennis