TomoHawk

The 280Z did not come from the factory with any kind of warning device to let you know the headlamps or parking lamps are on, but it's easy enough to add one. The Fasten Seat Belt lamp is on the repairs list for the summer. It's operated by the relay mess near the fusebox. The bulb might just be out or there might be a bad connection. A test lamp/buzzer and wiring diagram is useful for this situation.

Well, maybe some details on the function lever then? There are notches on the metal bar that goes across the control assembly, and the function lever slides along that bar. The lever is somewhat tubular ( a drilled-out rod?) and it looks like there is supposed to be a spring-loaded thing that goes in there? But what is it that contacts the bar and catches in the notches when you move the function lever? Probably a rounded-over piece or something with a roller bearing... A photo of that would be nice too.

I would like one on the bench so you can see the end view.

I'm sorry to tell you that the model I got was either a dud, or doesn't "ding-dong" by just putting power to it. It needs some kind of oscillating power to get it to go ding-ding, as the thing is really just an electromagnet with a little metal bar that will ding, like a doorbell chime. I will need to go with a modern electronic chime. Durite makes one, but it's only sold in the UK.

Hello, I would like to try and repair the heater control panel (the part where the levers go through the slots.) On the sides of the panel there are some plastic 'legs' that probably keep the panel tight against the outer heater fascia panel. What I'm asking for is some photos from the side. From that I can rebuild the panel to what it's supposed to be like, and it'll be tight again (it rattles a little.) ThxZ

thanks for the video link. It's too bad the video technology or the shot wasn't better at the time. I too wondered if a Z (or any Datsun) ever made it to a venue like that. I hope the vintage group can make it there again for the Vintage event, and possibly even set up the live cams.

This really sucks. Haha... Now I can't argue with "auto maintenance experts" about how the engine doesn't have the digital fuel injection control unit they expected to see. But at least you're not replacing the factory ECU with another worn-out unit, and it'll be what I call the "manufacturer and marque-approved replacement." I'll set up a box for dollar bills somewhere and start filling it. Should it be a BIG box or a small one? :classic:

The point was that when you stray from the OEM wiring, you are responsible for documenting changes, or even the entire new system, for future reference, or even the next owner. The factory wiring diagrams are readily available, complete, with notes and without any errors.

I would stay with the OEM connectors and pin numbers. It'll Make any later diagnostic or trouble-shooting efforts easier. It's just a shame that you can't adapt a tubular AFM or MAF sensor to the original ECU (you probably can, but it's not easy.)

Al I did to fix the handle from coming off was to squeeze the clip together a little. They loosen up when you pull the handle off. Also, try to get the steel clips instead of the copper ones.

Thanks Lenny. Would you please get a photo of the intake manifold to see how it looks with the extra parts? I'm trying to take stuff off my for a clean look, and you need to add sensors for the new control system.Perhaps the new sensor(s) are not very noticeable?

Oh yeah, right. You need to also make sure that the clip is squeezed just tight enough so the handle doesn't fall off or get pulled off.

There is a simple tool for getting the clip off. OTOH, on my '78, you can see the clip after you take the plastic cover off.

Maybe we should take the screws out and put in some rivets in stead?

Mine are the same, but a car show "judge" took a point off because they weren't how he expected they should look.

If you drive the car anywhere but the desert, they'll not be that way for long.

How are you going to shine them up? there's a lot of grooves on those.

Thar's why I usually accelerate slower than the vehicle ahead of me. I can always catch up at any time.

That's right. The only vehicles going nan 'alternative' direction are in the parking lot! Are you allowed to chew gum while racing today, like in an old car-racing movie?

I'd like to see a color-coded map detailing the density of collisions or mishaps. Thinking about where the most traffic problems are in my area, I think it's the cross-town freeway and the bigger freeway interchanges that would be solid red.

IMO, anything with threads on it will chew up a hole, even if it fits well. I've seen an S30 with some pan-head screws used to fasten the taillight finishers. It was not unsightly, just different from what I'm use to seeing.

I usually get thoughts of collisions with drunk drivers after about 7pm on weekends. From what I've seen after my years of driving is that 98% of drivers don't really want to get into a collision, but the other 1% seem to spoil things. Even people who use phones or type SMS messages, etc. while driving don't really want to get into a collision. Most don't, but the ones that do make it a concern, because it's easily preventable, if people will just "grow up." It's that other 2% of people who are not paying attention/daydreaming, are in a hurry/driving badly, or just don't have any idea of how to drive safely that stand out. If you figure there are millions of motor vehicles out there, that means there are hundreds of bad drivers in any given area that you need to be looking for.

If you were, you'd get a $50 bill, and a short smile. If you're lucky, they'll say, "Sorry, and Good luck."On Fridays, I used to visit my uncle who lives 20 minutes from me, straight down the highway. I leave to go home about 4:30, and almost every week, I'd see a minivan or SUV on its side in the on-ramp, or upside-down in the median ditch. I think some might be kids going home from OSU to Cleveland. So much for people who want to get home 'real fast' with their luxury SUV or luxury minivan.

he trouble is not really if they ride your bumper or not, but how they change lanes when going around.

I think I would agree with you, but that would assume you can drive with a manual-shift transmission fairly well to begin with. You need a good year of experience in all kinds of situations, like rush-hour, on a hill, snow & rain, etc. before you can to that next level of skill. You can also say the same thing about people in automatic-shift vehicles, that not having to shift allows you to concentrate on safety or the surroundings and not have to be distracted by RPMs or where the shift lever is or what gear you're in.