TomoHawk

Will, I wouldn't expect you to use the word 'sweet' unless you had an ice cream cone. IMO, you won't be seeing the japanese cars at the more notable shows or concourse events because people still don't believe that 'real cars' didn't come from Japan until about the 80s. thxZ

I come from a streetrod/musclcar/aviation family, but I've always liked vintage Italian/ European since I startred driving or cycling. New cars just don't get my attention, they're so cheap... So when I go to a car show or cruise-in, I walk right past the Corvettes, tuners, and chrome-mobiles :tapemouth to the cars with more character. I can really enjoy a well- assembled rat-rod or an old Nova or F-1 truck, even if it gets washed with a Brillo pad. Another thing that can make a show more enjoyable is the kind of people that go. You get some people that will gawk at anything with a 20" subwoofer or 22 inch wheels or shimmer-paint, and the use the work 'sweet' for every one of those cars. The same kind of people use their CELL PHONE CAMERAS to take 'awesome pictures' of the front headlight (the typical, boring, quarter-on shot.) Then, you get a better class of people (mostly anyway) at the concourse- or streetrod- type of shows. Most of them know something about how cars are built or painted, so they only say 'sweet' when the entire engine is chromed & polished. thxZ

That's what the 350Z should have been like. It almost totally captures the S30 look, except for those ground effects on the front- MUCH too low. Some kind of spook would've been better.

Make sure you use Fuel Injection hose with the right I.D., and also use NEW fuel injection clamps to fit the hose properly. While you're at it, inspect all the other high-pressure (supply-side) hoses on the engine for signs of aging.

This sounds like an interesting bittersweet situation you've got. The car is a low VIn, with some rust. The engine is a god one, but not the 2.4L it came with. And it has most of the stuff like lights, and interior parts, but some little things are missing... Good luck in getting it back in order, if that's what you're planning on doing. Again, it's just about ready to hit the road, but it needs to have those few pesky things addressed to be 'really ready.' thxZ

Nope, sorry, BRE- I didn't miss your point. In the U.S.A., you are guaranteed the right to have an opinion, and that opinion is yours. No one can refute it with any of their 'facts' as your opinion is in fact, factual. All must respect your opinions, but may not necessarily have the same opinion, hence the phrase "?Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." A hybrid 240Z is no longer a 240Z, IMO. You might like it, and maybe I might think it's nice. The workmanship in the photos I saw looks nice to me, and if it's roadworthy, then that's what really matters in the end. I don''t like Corvettes either. I'd rather look at a creatively- constructed rat-rod, rusty body and beer-keg fuel can even. That is my opinion, an is factual. If anyone has their own opinions about any kind of car, that's fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion about things, and all must respect that right- without exception. Isn't this an open discussion area? That means you can state your opinions. trhxZ

I don't have any Jap-junk. I have a classic 1978 280Z. And two Fords.

That's because consumers her in the U.S. allow it and are greedy enoug to look the other way in order to save a buck. We have in this country the resources to be self-sufficient, but capitalism and greed are undermining the whole country's value, both here and abroad.And yes, the first few computers, keyboards, T-shirts, and cars were totally made in the U.S.A. without any importing. Then people got greedy... thxZ P.S.... Does anyone have a cool soapbox graphic, maybe an animated one?

fwiw, I had a set of primo-condition 280Z guages that I got from an eBay auction, and since I replaced the one for the oil pressure, The indicator comes up right away, and hasn't been reading low since. I also cleaned the contacts on the sender, at the firewall, and at the guages (of course) , so all I can say is that I'm pretty sure the old gauge was worn out & reading low, albeit consistantly. The sender itself was replaced about a year ago, and didn't change the gauge reading so I don't think the old sender was faulty. I will probably replace the rest of the gauges now. Even the gauge faces were nice looking thxZ

Maybe they are making the cars in the U.S.A. ( not America) but then where does all the money (profits) from the purchases go? Back to Japan. The only consolation I can think of is that Ford has some Mazda stock.

Nope. You guy are all wrong, IMO. Japanese cars were cheap back then and still ARE. Every one of them. That's why I buy a domestic car. If I didn't get a really good deal on a 280Z and have a new (even more) classic body already for it, I would be driving a Mustang of some era. Support the economy of your OWN country; if you want a new Japanese car, first move to Japan. If

That's because it's a DATSUN, and was imported way before Asian imports were considered cheap and rediculous, like they are now.

That's not a 240Z then. Only a few body panels from one. A 240Z has an inline 6, independent rear with half-shafts, etc.

If you are planning on going to any of the speed events, make sure you go over the tech checklist with a mechanic, so you don't get any surprises ... thxZ

It doesn't look any bigger than the well in my car, and I can't fit a full-size wheel in it... Are you sure about yours? thxZ

Thnks a lot. I'll try that and see if it works. thxZ

There are some really cool souvenirs & clothes you will be able to get.

I don't see why you can't drive whatever you have to the car show and look around, visit, and have a bite. I'm not sure about what to say about the t-shirts and souvenirs, but you can go to the convention website and there's an email link for information. just click on the link in my signature.

Anyone can go to the car show.

My car isn't what you'd call a 'track star' either, but I'm going to Mid-Ohio. I've never even done a road course before, except in cycling. I'll be in the autocross, and the poker run too. If you'd like any information, there an email link on the clevelandrockZ.com website. BTW- Cleveland is only ' 3 1/2 beers' from Detroit thxZ

I'm still not any closer to the solution to the question: How do you get a paint place to mix up paint according to the Datsun colour #?

A 280Z doesn't have a toolbox lid.

the original colour probably ought to be close, and would be a good place to start, IMO. Why not just paint the whole car again in the original color, instead of matching the faded colour?

Yeah, we have a Hooters here. It's one of the hottest or busiest places downtown, located on the flats by the river. Chris- Cleveland (Ohio) is a great place for a convention. We have lots of places with hotels or lodging, the city isn't so big it takes you an hour in heavy traffic to get to the suburbs, (the convention hotel is only 20 minutes from the Rock'n' Roll Hall of fame or the lake) and getting around town is very easy or even convenient. Don't forget the weather is always nice here, even in late summer. I haven't used the a/c or furnace all summer! thxZ

IMO, it doesn't matter if you-know-who is going. If YOU go, is what is important and is what makes the convention great. Aside from the car show, there will be seminars & tech talks, hot-lapping at a real race track (where it doesn't matter if you're not experienced) and autocross (for all skill-levels.) You will most likely meet people that you will get to know, and make new friends that maY NOT even be a member of any car-related website. Do some arm-twisting and get everyone you know to go! The party will only get bigger & better! ythxZ