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but can someone identify this carburetion system for me and if it's a vintage upgrade? TIA

Yes, if you're re-conditioning the block you should pull the "freeze" plugs and replace them anyway. Good luck.

This Eastwood flaring tool also does stainless steel tube. Those are always a lot more expensive. The price looks competitive to others I've seen.

An idea I picked up on another car forum was to use Velcro tape for squeak elimination. Get the kind Home Depot sells in rolls. Throw away the "hook" side, and use the adhesive backed felt side where you need it.

Just say you're starting up a non-profit called the "Datsun Z Rescue League" and make it official.

Here might be one for sale: http://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/cto/1585189790.html

I just got a quote yesterday at a radiator shop here in Dallas for $70-$85, depending on what they find.

For those so inclined, making a reproduction knob cap would be possible using this technique: http://www.alumilite.com/HowTos/TailLightMoldingNoEquipment.cfm I'm also in the process of restoring one right now. The glue appears to be the "hide glue", so geezer's application of heat was spot on. I'll dig out my heat gun and follow his lead. For the base part, I've found companies advertising a "spray on chrome", which appears to give results close to the aluminum deposition method used by OEMs. I've not called about costs, minimums, turn times, etc., but for this part it might be worth sending it to one of the plastic chromers and letting them do it.

According to the owner: The old liner is removed, the aluminum drum trued and checked to factory spec. A new liner is machined to the drum size and pressed/glued/pinned in and the drum machined to factory size. They look like brand new with all the steps they do. They currently do Pontiac/Buick aluminum drums and get $245 each for them. They need confidence for a break-even order before feeling comfortable investing in tooling. Does anyone know how many classic Z's are on the road that might want to stay with aluminum drums? Would this price be prohibitive?

The "butterscotch" is more "pumpkin" in color when new, according to Les at Classic Datsun.

There are 2 things involved in starting a car, fuel/air and appropriately timed spark. You have half of that equation, since it starts with a gas splash. You need to eliminate the fuel issue by verifying you have fuel delivery to the carbs. If you do then you may have a significant vacuum leak that's preventing normal start/run.

Disconnect the fuel pump output and run a hose from it into a coffee can. Turn the engine a couple of times to see if the fuel is coming from the pump. If not then you might have an obstruction in the fuel line and need to blow it out.

Thank you all for all your responses. I just want to clarify that I have no financial incentive in this venture, other than to hopefully save some money when I need to replace my drums. I'm only trying to establish a supplier of a much needed service for the restoration/preservation of the classic Z car. Here's the last set I can find on the Internet http://store.classicgarage.com/nirebrdr1.html Hopefully the relining will be much more affordable! If anyone could take a stab at the total number of Z's out there that still run drum brakes (and the racer point of view is good too, rxsleeper, thanks!) that's really what the vendor needs to work his business case.

He's already in the business of relining Aluminum drums, so I assume he's aware of the technical issues. I sent him the Datsun engineering drawing of the drum and some photographs, so he's got some good idea of what's involved.

I've made contact with a vendor who relines Aluminum drums. He may be interested in doing the Datsun Z drums too. He'd like to know the potential market before making capital expenditures. I'd like to give him as honest an estimate as possible. Responses would be greatly appreciated. Preston

Carl, I spoke with Les at Classic Datsun about the butterscotch panels recently. He sells the dye for the panels he sells which matches his butterscotch vinyl. I'd approach him about it first. Preston

By that time we'll have flying cars! At least according to Popular Mechanics.

Welcome to Texas, coyotegary! We're neighbors, btw, I live just to the south of you in Flower Mound. I look forward to seeing you and your car(s) at some of the car shows we have around here when the weather gets warmer. I too "escaped" Phoenix and am proud to call Texas my home.