TomoHawk

What we are doing here is to splice a connector with wires already on it into the existing wiring. Just cut the wiring back a little, and connect the new connector with soldering or crimped butt joins. I think Stephen already mentioned that the polarity of the connector didn't matter.

I think I saw somewhere some kind of heat shrink stuff that has a lubricated core (for marine use, I think.) That would go over the wires right at the connector, and you should be able to push it into the oem- style rubber so the wire doesn't bent so fast straight out of the rubber neck. If I can't find any straight away, I could always make my own with a little silicone RTV stuff on the wire before shrinking the tube on.

I'm starting into the process of replacing the fuel injector connectors on my 280Z I have gotten the entire fuel injection hareness of an 88 BMW ( dunno which model tho, just the year) and it had about 40 of the Bosch injector-style connectors on it. Some had the usual smooth- style of rubber on it, and some ( the injector connetors) had a corrugated- style rubber on it. Take a look at he pictures below. I'd like some opinions on who likes which better. They both serve the same finction; the one is just a little fancier. Also, Since I'll be splicing into the wires on the Z's injector harness, I would like to know what to use over the wires to protect them, like the L28's black plastic sheathing ( which is hard or brittle,) which I'll probably remove to get to the wires inside. I could just get some black insulation from 8 or 10 gauge wire, or is there a more appropriate material? Something very flexible to make the sharp bends near the injectors. thx

RockAuto is one of my favourite suppliers for 280Z engine & mechanical parts. Better than NAPA in many ways. Too bad nopbody has gotten their windsheild wipers to go faster with a new (Datsun) wiper motor yet...

Where do you get those in the U.S.? Maybe they have new wiper motors too? thx

My GPS was almost free and I already have a Palm. Do you think the stalk blocks the window any?

Is anyone using the dash-mounted suction cup disk? I am concerned about getting one of those because the disk might be conspicuous, as it doesn't blend in with the curves of the dash, and it can't come off. I will assume they probably work about as good as a glass mount, but what kind of support does your mount use, gooseneck or artculated? The articulated style looks like it would be more rigid. BTW, I think Mapopolis might be cutting the price of the NavPack maps to about $70. thx

I'm not sure about the snaps you need, but in the sewing or leather store, they usually come in sets. There is the new 'Industrial strength' velcro out now. It seems to be even more grippy than the cloth-backed stuff. It's also stiffer, because the hooks part has a plastic backing.

Sometimes a bunch of people need somebody to bring things together, Gary. No defense is needed, only to get things back together between the different points of view. I usually leave opening for people to jump in to add their experience or to tangent the topic (it's called brainstorming.) Sooner or later somebody else will have the same question. Myself, I want to know more about the vinyl, if any, there is in the 280Z, besides on the scuff plates, but that's a different topic. Do you have a copy of the 240Z restoration book by Wick Humble? It would probably answer many questions. I also have a document from the 240Z factory restoration effort. It's like checklist for any Z car restoration.

76Datsun280z has a 280Z. mlc240z mentioned vinyl, and Mally002 contributed a picture of 240Z stuff. As usual people are talking about their car, or about the stuff they are familiar with. I decided to clear it up by getting people to realize that they're talking about the different models, and things need to get on the same line. I am quite aware that there is no vinyl on the transmission tunnel of a 280Z.

Thanks Jim & Mike, for the interest & support. Irregardless of all the lesser comments from people who need to grow up, I was able to find some interesting information on all the above names, and one document describing the construction of the doll: Craft article Even eBay.au had a couple auctions of these kinds of dolls.

That's a sarcastic comment. A blanket or any object could easily be used to cover a flaw; and I appreciate most flaws in older cars because that's what gives them character!People put them in because otherwise the car would be empty, and one might wonder if it was driven by ghosts. Otherwise, it's just a cold, soul-less bunch of metal, wood, rubber, and fabric. People do the same thing with train sets, model boats& airplanes, dioramas... What good is an empty scene where you'd normally see people?

When did the 280Z have vinyl on the trans tunnel?

If you want to, you can buy the snaps that use a screw to attach to the trans tunnel around the brake handle. Find a place that does boat/trailer covers, or maybe a place that does pickup tonneau tops. You'll need to remove the passenger seat and slide cover on the handle to see where the snaps will screw in. My car didn't have one in it when I got it, and I didn't see any holes where screws may have been. Is there a usual reason?

"...overlay gps information or/and G force (lateral, braking, accel) graphics, Whatever..." Are we going to see your videos on ABC Sports or something?

You intend to record your entire trip on video? How about using time-lapse? Some camcorders have that function. If you take 1 picture per second, 2 seconds of video is 1 minute of driving. A camera with a good lens and fast focusing would give you good images so you can read signs, etc.

I think replacing the old single-jet squirters with something like this would make better use of your windsheild washer pumps. I look for a jet with dual nozzles, and attaches with a nut from underneath. It would have to fit in the slots in the air cowl, unless you intend to make it permanent, and have way to seal the metal after drilling or shaping a hole to fit the jet. An example: VW beetle nozzle Auction Either that, or something like the l.e.d. jet without the l.e.d. I even favour the style from a Ford Escort, which is plastic, somewhat flat, and has a fanned spray pattern. thx VW washer jet:

I was referring to SCCA Solo II AutoX, where a stock Z could probably meet the basic requirements for both stock or Prepared class, depending on how you outfit the car. If you go t othe limit the rules allow, then there is lot of difference.

Save me a pint or two for next Sunday, mates!

According to the SCCA list, it has the 280Z if the E stock class even, which is very similar to the production clas, IMO. http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Lists/2006/stockc.html#ES

I thought FP was a production class? I usually go in ES

I hada shimmy when I got the car, and it was the old, dried-out, hard steering rack bushings that were loose. New ones fixed it right up.

I was thinking that one of those motocycle trailers would fit well behind a Z, and it's probably possible to make something like that even.

Me? After I get my Z fully fixed and equipped, I plan on taking a few weeks to cruise around. Maybe from Ohio to NYC, then to Miami (US-1) then over to L.A. and back. That's $2500 - $3000 in hotel/motel roomage or probably much less if you can get a spot at a campgrounds. Maybe even free if you want to be a contortionist and sleep in the seat.

I wouldn't call it foolish to take camping gear with you when you travel. A hotel or motel room.can cost up to US$100 a night. and if you can plan a trip to stop at a campground, you'll be saving a lot of money (BTDT.) When you've spent as much time camping in the mountains or backcountry as I have, you learn how to minimize your gear compliment and how to pick & prepare your place where you pitch your tent and sleeping gear to ensure a comfortable rest. I'm not insisting that everyone sleep in the car- I was wondering if anybody had tried or done it in a Zed. I've done it in another car once, and it was comfortable, but slightly cramped. I still prefer to stretch out on the ground, and the camping gear I have would easily fit into the car.