daddz

Couldn't agree more... I am just about to do the same with one of my '78 280Z parts cars; the roof will be taken to the body shop so that the other '78 280Z (my avatar) can return back to stock without the aftermarket sunroof. I have also removed the i.d. tags from the car so that when it goes to the junkyard it doesn't find its way back onto the road.

Zedrally, He owns a 280ZX (HS130), not a 300ZX (Z31) and that is the interesting aspect of his quest. His 280ZX was produced almost simultaneously with the first batch of 300ZX's and it would be interesting to know just how many more 280ZX's were produced after his. It's a shame that Nissan didn't keep more accurate records or at least make them readily available to collectors and historians alike. As the years continue to slip by it will become almost impossible to track. If only we had something approaching the detailed records that are available to collectors of British cars such as the MGB's, Triumph's, Jaguar's, and Austin Healey's to name a few.

We have a fellow Z owner who has been attempting to find out some HS130 production information. Here is his original post from zcar.com Author: g8wayz (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) Date: Nov 17, 4:45pm I've talked to 4 different people at Nissan Customer service over the past couple weeks and here's what they have found. First, they had to go to an archive database since it was before 1984. Production date 7/25/83 ( at Nissha- Hiratsuka) Shipped to Seattle 7/29/83 Arrived in Seattle 8/31/83 ( it took a month to get here?? no wonder they came over here w/ rust on them!) Ordered by dealer in St.L on 8/16/83 Transferred to another dealer in St.L on 9/2/83 Sold to original owner on 9/12/83 ( I'm the 2nd owner) They're having trouble finding production records which have to exist somewhere? I want them to tell me how many 280zx-coupes were made beyond my production date and they're telling me they don't know how to find that information. It's got to exist somewhere...don't you think? Still pretty sure it's got to be one of the last produced...sure would like to know where it ranks. It's curious that my Z31 was produced at Hiratsuka as well. Would anyone know of a way to answer this person's question?

Kats, Thanks again for the great information regarding the Fairlady Z. As always it is great fun to read through your posts. In reading through this post knowing that Alan T will be reading here as well I have a question: Over the years I have read from various sources that the S30 cars were produced at as many as 7 different assembly plants. Would you or anyone reading this post know for sure at which plant(s) the S30 cars were assembled at? The engine bay plate mentions "Yokohama, Japan" but, knowing the story of Nissan I wouldn't assume this to be the absolute truth. According to Nissan Service Comm (a database that our dealerships in the states can access by way of the VIN#) from 1984 onwards the report will give you the final assembly plant (Hiratsuka for my Z31, Oppama for the Z33) as well as the actual day of final assembly (i.e. 14 November 2002 for the Z33). It would be interesting to know from which part of Japan the S30 cars began their individual histories. As it relates to the fairer sex riding in the S30 cars; in my experience most of my female friends like the cars but not as enthusiastic about riding/driving in them. My S30's usually tend to be lower than stock thanks to Tokico and louder than stock thanks to 2.5" exhaust and maybe that's why not too many females have graced the passenger compartment. When driving the 350Z the younger women (under 25) always comment about the car and its color and then ask about the car's ability to go fast. If only I could find a woman that wouldn't mind having six Z's around? Any takers in England or Japan? :classic:

Alan, Thanks as always for your insight. To go a bit off topic with regard to the Ford Capri. About a year ago Classic and Sports Car published an article comparing the Capri to another early seventies Coupe, the Opel Manta. The article was peppered with a bit of sarcastic humor when describing "seventies man" and what he would have chosen to dress up the Capri. Your comments were spot on when the life cycle of Capri was mentioned. It is curious that the Z would have gone through the same process. Do you think the E type went through a similar process? In the U.S. there was a period of time in the mid to late seventies when E types could be purchased for relatively small dollars but, the "hooligans" were probably scared of the maintenance bills for the six cylinder unless they swapped in a Yank V8. Again, thanks for the insight from the Japanese and British perspective.

Alan, With regard to the Z car having been viewed as a "hooligan's" means of transport (great choice of wording), would that have been when the Z series was first introduced or later, say in the late '70's or early '80's as used ones became more attainable? Due to the fact that you have lived in Japan you probably have a good grasp on what it was like to own a Z in that time frame. I ask because it is interesting to me to understand that phase of the Z car's popularity in that part of the world. I have a fair handle on what it was perceived as in the Eastern half of the United States to own a Z in that time frame. It probably explains why alot of Z's ended up in the boneyard before the rust put them there since the cars lived as hard a life as some of its owners. I guess in England that the Ford Capri was probably known as "hooligan's" transport for a while as well? As it relates to owning an older S30 here it is not much of a problem (speaking for the colony of Maryland :stupid:) since the newest S30 has crossed the 25 year threshold. Before the '78 turned 25 it was almost impossible to have the Motor Vehicle Administration issue Historic license plates. In Maryland the costs are as follows: $27 for two year license plate sticker No emissions inspection No state inspection (in GB this would be your MOT) 5% sales tax when vehicle is first registered $23 title fee $15 registration fee. In this regard it is a bit less expensive than in alot of places. Currently our price for Premium Unleaded Fuel is hovering around $1.60 USD.

Alan, Regarding the rear sway bar for LHD Z cars; most of my S30 experience has been with later S30's ('75-'78) and they were equipped with rear sway bars from the factory. I believe that the rear sway bar was added with the introduction of the 260Z here in the 'states as the added weight began showing itself in the vehicle's behavior. Regarding the e-brake in the Z32 and Z33 cars; I will check some websites for photos of the Z32 RHD and I have a Z33 brochure for the Japanese Market that should provide us with an answer. Most races are run counter-clockwise with the exception of Summit Point Raceway located just outside of the Washington area where races are run clockwise. It is great fun watching both LHD and RHD cars on the track at the same time and observing what the driver's do to adjust to their situation. Races like the Rolex 24 Hour at Daytona are run counter clockwise to give you an example.

Kats, Thank you for posting this link of the Sagamiko event! I am most curious about the background of the '77 or '78 S30 in Wine Red Metallic (#611) 280Z. What a great event and perfect weather as well for all of the vintage Nissans! Congratulations on your tow hook as well.

Alan, I wonder if you would be in a position to comment on the later Z series cars as it relates to designing a car for both LHD and RHD in light of your discussions with Matsuo san. I wonder if when designing the S130,Z31,Z32, and Z33 the Nissan design team were able to not feel the squeeze of quite so many cost constraints (doubtful given the World economic situation in each era that Z cars were introduced) when ink hit paper. Having owned and driven only LHD Z cars since age 19 it is the source of some laughs when I consider this long running thread as I climb into the later Z series cars that I am lucky enough to own. I must say that the 350Z with its handbrake on the driver's side (LHD) feels an awful lot like my MA70 Supra Turbo and both SA and FC RX7's in terms of driver ergonomics.

Alan, Thanks for the great news regarding your recent trip. I couldn't agree more regarding your comment about us "kindred spirits" being able to experience the same event in person. Furthering that point, if we could be aware of these events ahead of time maybe we could arrange a "field trip" and put faces to names from this community.

Vince, Some good suggestions have already been presented and I might add that your friend check with an Auto Appraiser to obtain a professional opinion. You can check with the Better Business Bureau, local insurance agents, or classic car insurance companies for a possible referral and typically it is money well spent. While the 280Z may not be regarded as highly as the 240Z in terms of rarity and purity of concept, there are those who appreciate not having to fiddle with carbs and such. The 280Z in the picture looks pretty damned nice for having survived on the East Coast. The only thing a purist might not like is the automatic transmission (it can be swapped out for a manual 'box) and the mirror installed on the passenger side (280Z's were shipped with only a driver's side mirror unless it was a '77 ZAP or '78 Black Pearl Edition unless the dealer installed those mirrors pre/post delivery). Good luck and who knows maybe it could end up in your garage?

It looks like I fall into the lower middle section (4th bar) and I must say it is great to be single because, with 6 Z's and 2 parts cars there is no way I would be able to get away with so many cars in so many places (thanks, Dad) and still be married:D A comedian once asked the question: "Why can't we start out rich and young without having to work and end up old and having to work?"

I have bought a couple of items from these people; the only frustrating thing about dealing with them is that if you want to know whether or not a piece is available they will only be able to look it up by a part number. They are in the process of moving an entire warehouse of parts from Wisconsin to Oklahoma and they only have logged in about 15 % of their inventory. I did score a brand new dashboard for my '86 300ZX hardtop for only $125.00! It arrived in the original plastic bag and box from Nissan. Wouldn't it be something to drive out to the warehouse with a truck and buy all of the parts you think your Z or Z's would need? Anybody up for a roadtrip?

Cars that I would like to own (other than the Z): Toyota 2000GT Porsche 928S Porsche 911 RS 2.7 Porsche Speedster Mazda RX7 (FC) Acura NSX Ferrari 250 Lusso Ferrari 275 GTB/4 Ferrari 512BB Ferrari 375 GTB/4 Ferrari 550 Maranello Dodge Viper GTS Coupe 1965 Jaguar XKE Coupe 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 327 4sp. "fuelie" Lotus Elise (both old and new) 1985 Lotus Esprit Jaguar XKSS Morgan 4/4 Alfa Romeo Cobra Daytona Coupe 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Triumph TR6 Triumph TR3 Austin Healey 3000 BMW M1 BMW 507 Coupe Ford GT40 Datsun Roadster 1600 (low windshield) MGB GT and that's about all I can think of for now...

It's funny that a similar discussion was carried out last night after the monthly meeting of the Northern Virginia Z Car Club. After the meeting ended at about 8:45p.m., the Z car faithful ventured out into the humid evening air to look at and discuss each other's cars. The Z32 followers sort of congregated amongst themselves admiring the the modifications made to each other's cars. I was the only one driving a Z31 which received a few walkarounds mostly due to its newly lowered stance (Tokico struts/springs) and the hardtop body. My friend Buck brought his 11/70 240Z which generated alot of complements. Arnie, who like myself has all generations covered except the Z32 brought his LeMans Sunset Touring 350Z out and that also had some looks applied to it. Towards the end of the evening a couple of guys pulled up and walked over to the 350Z and started gushing about the car. Comments were made about how the new Z would keep up with a Boxster and so on. At that point I began to understand what the 240Z must have been like to own circa the springtime 1970. The comparisons to the E-type and speed that would sometimes equal the mighty 911 must have crossed more than a few minds back then. So, have we gone full circle again?