psdenno

I doubt that there is one "best kit" in the market, but rather different kits that are "best" for meeting the needs of various buyers. If you ask me which is best, I'll tell you it's the one I have from MSA. If you ask Oiluj, he'll tell you the best is from Vintage Air. It's kind of a case of pay your money and make your choice based on factors that pertain to you and your Z. Are you able to do the fabrication work yourself? Will someone else be installing the kit? Is cost a factor? How important is it to use the sliders to control the AC? And more. All of the kits will make your Z cool and comfortable, especially if you have a set of rear window louvers. Only you can decide which is best, in part, by using the recommendations of others in this group. Based on my 41 years of owning an air conditioned 240Z, I can attest that the MSA kit provides ample cooling when the outside temperature is 118º where I live in the desert. Good luck on your search! Dennis

Hi George, My mechanic did the installation for about $600. The cost included removing all of the old AC components from 1972 - York compressor, etc. Here's the link to the Courtesy AC unit: 1970-1973 240Z A/C (R134 freon) :: Nissan Parts, NISMO and Nissan Accessories - Courtesyparts.com Instructions are minimal. I suppose they assume the buyer will either have the skill to figure it out or have it done by a pro. I bought the kit through MSA, but it was shipped from Texas, leading me to believe it came from Courtesy - same price both places. Dennis

No. The heater panel controls can only control your vents and heat. Your car is 41 years old and wasn't designed for factory HVAC. Honest - most cars actually didn't have AC when early Zs were built. Hence, aftermarket AC. I first had AC installed on my Z in 1972 for $325 parts and labor. I replaced that unit a few years ago with a current kit from MSA at a cost of a bit over $1,600 parts & labor. Dennis

Courtesy Nissan kit $999.99 - made for your car. However,you stated that you want to use stock dash controls to operate the AC. That won't happen. None of the stock sliders are made to supply switched power to the AC or adjust the level of cooling. The existing sliders merely close and open ducts and valves. The AC kit is not obtrusive and can be placed under the dash, out of sight. Dennis

Courtesy Nissan has the complete AC kit for your car for $999.99. Check their web site. It will duct the cold air through your existing dash vents. No added vents under the dash. MSA also sells the kit and I think it's drop shipped from Courtesy. I have that kit in my '71 Z as a replacement for the older AC I had installed in 1972. Dennis

Other than the things that are wrong with it, it's perfect! Wonder what he did to lose the finger on another Z. Ouch! Dennis

Quite nice! Dennis

Where does one store a tank collection? Dennis

I suppose much depends on the image you want to convey. Race car? Custom car? Clown car? Stripes and other paint schemes can express an image or an attitude. What's your intention? Have you looked through the archive to see if what others have done squeaks your duck? Dennis

Use the forum search box and enter "Datsun dealer list from 1971". There are several responses in that thread listing dealerships from various years. Dennis

I used a silver Sharpie on my '71 center console and it did a very good job of replicating the original silver trim accents. See pictures here: http://tinyurl.com/nx2cjo4 Dennis

He also says, "idk know anything else really". As someone famous once said, "We hold these truths to be self evident". Dennis

Welcome! Haven't noticed the acceleration jerk on my '71 during the last 42 years, so can't help you there. As for blue plates, California is working on reissuing blue,and even black, plates. So just Google California blue plates for more info or check the DMV web site. As for the orange air cleaner housing, eBay and Pick A Part will be your best source. You can also look at the parts for sale section of this forum. Dennis

Thanks for the additional pictures - looks like more than a little time was spent polishing up the engine compartment. Dennis

Interesting front end. Any more pictures from other angles? Dennis

Nice! No broken posts on the chrome trim strips? Dennis

I have two of the 10 - a Z and an Avanti - and sold the Mustang GT Fastback a couple years ago. Valuations seem somewhat inflated in the article, however. Dennis

Not sure which is a bigger mess - the Z or the chick with tats. Either one would be a huge, costly, project. Dennis

I agree with those who mentioned pulling the rotor. I've done it for over 40 years. You can remove the coil to distributor wire instead. Either is quick, easy, and free. Dennis

It was hard. When I bought mine in 1971, there was a nine month waiting list...and no color choice. You took what rolled off the boat or it went to the next guy on the list and you waited for the next delivery. It was possible to "buy" your way up the list by paying about 20% over sticker price - which is what I did because I had just returned from overseas and needed a car. Fast forward 42 years and that same Z is parked in my driveway making me feel as good as when it was new and in the showroom. Dennis

Grey sounds good - a light dove grey so as not to be a stark contrast, more of a shadow. I agree with you on not doing the panel between hood and bumper. Sounds like an interesting project. Dennis

Have you tried Photoshopping in the color on a picture to see how it would look? Dennis

Have you Googled "dry ice dent repair"? You'll get links To about a bazillion YouTube videos and DIY accounts about the process. Dennis

As others have noted,139,000 is probably more accurate. Although, the original style hoses and clamps are rare on well used Zs. In addition to the reprint, the hood emblem has been removed and the holes filled. Aftermarket door mirror has been added. The air cleaner housing appears to have been repainted. Have you run a magnet down the body to check for body filler in the usual rust locations? That said, you'll have a fun project ahead. Enjoy the final product! I bought my Z in 1971 when I was in the Air Force and still find. It to be a great car. Dennnis

Have you pulled the injectors to check their spray pattern? Dennis