psdenno

Maturity is an amazing thing. At this point in my life, I take comfort in knowing that my Z, Porsche, and Avanti could probably all come close to "pegging" the speedometer without actually having to prove it on the highway. However, the last time I went 148 mph in a Porsche was a heck of a lot more fun than just knowing it could probably go that fast. It's unlikely to happen again. Dennis

I look out my kitchen window and see the San Andreas Fault on the other side of the Valley. I'll be among the first to know when the BIG ONE hits. As for earthquake insurance, I have it, it's expensive, and there's a huge deductible. The prevailing wisdom tends to suggest going without it and in case of major structural damage from a quake, torch the house and put in a fire claim. Dennis

Ten months of desert heat & cold and the silver Sharpie highlighting is still holding up well without any protective coating. Dennis

AutoWeek has an online magazine of Z car history containing their compiled articles from previous issues. Free just for filling out a form or 99 cents if you want to keep your identity a secret. Use this link: http://www.autoweek.com/section/ztastic Dennis

It will take only one unhappy customer with a rusty "stainless" bumper to put them out of business. Since it's such a narrowly focused product I'd be surprised if they went to the expense of tooling up with the intent of producing an inferior bumper. However, having spent more than a little time in SEA, it's not out of the question. They look great - hope they're around long after the rest of your Z returns to the Earth. Dennis

The Z appears to be more of a Craig's List or Ebay car than a Barrett Jackson car. I'd be interested in learning why the seller went that route. Dennis

You mean spending a disproportionate part of my waking hours reading Datsun Z stuff isn't a life, either? OMG!!!!!! Dennis

I'm guessing the one in my recently rebuilt 5 speed was NOT put in correctly and that's what caused the problem after about 100 miles of use. Still waiting for the damage report from the transmission shop. Dennis

Here's a link to pictures of the seats before installation. You'll also see a diagram of the bracket needed to attach Z seat rails. I'll post pictures of the process after I install the driver's seat. http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/album.php?albumid=174 The basic procedure is to remove the BMW seat rails and construct a frame that allows the Z rails to fit tightly against the bottom of the seat cushion. Each new frame requires 3' of angle iron and about 7' of 2" steel bar stock along with an assortment of grade 8 nuts & bolts. Only the passenger seat is currently installed and offers ample headroom for my six foot tall son. The Z and I are currently slightly stranded 100 miles from home with a transmission issue. Hope to be home by the weekend. Dennis

I originally had the York set-up and when I pulled the Z out of stoage three years ago I converted to the new current rotary compressor. Dennis

Wish I had read this yesterday before I hit the road in my Z. It started puking trans fluid at 70 mph on the freeway and is now at a transmission shop 100 miles from home. Dennis

I just carry a AAA card and a cell phone. Whatever happens, happens. Dennis

If you check the previous posts on the subject, you'll see that the degree of difficulty runs from about 1-11 on a 1-10 scale. I'm in the process of putting BMW seats in my '71 and it requires quite a bit of fabrication to mate the stock seat rails to the seat. The passenger seat is in and I'm working on the driver's side. In my case, no welding needed - just lots of measuring, drilling, and bolting things together. Dennis

Go with A/C. If the weather is nice and you decide you don't want to use it....don't turn it on. On the other hand, if you remove it and are driving around on a hot day, your options are considerable more limited. I've had A/C on my '71 since about 1972 and never regretted it. Consider it to be a "value added" option. Dennis

I've owned three of the twenty - VW Bug, 240Z, and original Mustang. Let's play, "Who Can Top That!". Dennis

I have Konig Rewinds with 215/60-15s on my '71. I had a very slight rub problem between tire & stock valance on the right when turning. I probably could have done a little metal bending or trimming, but instead replaced the stock valance with a fiberglass valance with integrated lip spoiler from MSA. I thought it would be easier to trim if needed. Works just dandy as is. Dennis

Boosters seem to be easier to obtain than early master cylinders. I replaced my original a few months ago with a rebuilt unit. As for the M/C replacement, this thread offers some details: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=25959&highlight=replace+master+cylinder Dennis

I ended up getting a newer version when I brought my '71 out of about 15 years of storage. If you're not trying to stay period correct, it's a far less expensive way to go. Just check the archive for information on reversing connections. Dennis

Nice start! Dennis

Lot's of smooth wide highways, speed limit signs are merely posted as a suggestion, and no traffic congestion..... Wait a minute, that's Utah. Dennis

I can't address 16 inch wheels, but I'm pleased with the look & quality of the 15 inch Rewinds I've had for a couple years. Dennis

Anything other than a chrome retractable spoils the spirit of the Z. However, opinions are like belly buttons, everybody has one. It's your car, do what feels good. Dennis

Nice clean fix. How has it held up and for how long? Dennis

Seems like most auto repairs I've made have resulted in "Augmented Reality". :classic: Dennis

For me, acceptable changes are for comfort, convenience, style, and safety. I added AC, a BRE front spoiler and headlight covers when my Z was about a year old and have recently changed to 15 inch wheels, a five speed, and am working on installing BMW seats. The nice thing about the Z hobby is that there are owners who find the car to be just fine as it left the factory and others who will replace anything that can be unbolted. There's room for everyone. Not all automobile enthusiast groups are as tolerant. Dennis