kats

Hi, Mr.Matsuo gave me a set of his NOS hubcaps 4 or 5 years ago.He told me that he wanted to buy a S30 as soon as possible for his personal car but at that time he was not allowed to do.I guess Nissan wanted every single S30 car to be delivered to the public. In late 1970 Mr.Matsuo was able to buy his own S30, that was a Fairlady-Z (S30-S, the most simple/basic model). That car does not come with a radio/hub caps/carpet/e.t.c. His choice was very interesting for me, he bought a set of hubcaps/fog lamps/e.t.c. separately from the dealer. He also told me S30-S does not have a radio as you know, it was a good for him.He tried some various kinds of radio/cassette in his car.He said he wanted to do that. Anyway, the hubcaps which I have got, they are big tabs and "103 IKI" on them, all the four caps are the same. I think as a supplied part from the parts center, it has "103" or so? And I can not remember correctly I used to owned a set of hubcaps, they have "45(5) 3 27" I thought it means 1970 march 27th". kats

Thank you everyone, Zealous,yes it was a month ago.I flew to L.A. this week and I had arranged with the seller living in Long beach to meet at my hotel.He told me he was a mechanic and he trained young guys back in 1960's to 1970's.He is a great gentleman. Mike, yes I think the air cleaner is light blue I think I posted before a much clearer picture of this cleaner.The nut is unusual and fuel pipes and hoses are different. Carl, you are right this slide car has an Emission control system. I want to know what number does this car have? As Alan pointed out, I tend to think HLS30-00001 may be euro.This slide car has an Emmision, so must not be HLS30-00001. I am confusing, please see these two pictures,a red car from Nissan official site and a mono tone car from the pres kit. They are the same I think. But I noticed some thing different from the slide car. The slide car does have a O.K. sticker and the "D" emblem on the hubcap.On the other hand, the red car does not have either. So, they are different car? They are not HLS30-00001 ? Carl,did you say the red car is HLS30-00006/7/8? kats

Hi Alan, thank you for the explaining details,I learned why the ribs disappeared. Here is a spoiler now on sale Yahoo auction. http://page18.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/w30694693 This is a real OEM with no-ribs version.We can confirm it is an OEM when look at inside of the spoiler. The stud bolts finishing and reinforcements are the sign of the OEM. My 1970 Z432 should have a spoiler with ribs version,but now installed an OEM with no-ribs version. kats

Hi, I have got a set of service slide film from Ebay. 7 reals, lots of pictures in there at this time only one real is opened so far. I revice my website, http://www.geocities.jp/datsunz903/ Alan, your posts make me think HLS30-00001 is euro version , this film showing the car which is also used in service manuals,this car does not have an antenna.Is this a good sign of being euro is not it?This car must be the same the red one, used some other catalogs and manuals.Not for sure the VIN but must be very very early. kats

Hi , moonpup, Dan answered , yes it was available separately. Here is a good example, sold in Yahoo Japan "1973 240Z exaust system" http://page2.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/b92195513 You can see this original style finisher, and Dan mentioned the front pipe, this auction's pipe is later than my 1970 240Z i.e. the junction two into one is different from my 240Z.This picture's one , the single pipe is just attached the another pipe. We can see when details has changed can not we? My muffler has just cheap paint.I bought a can spray at a car shop,so I paint but it gets rust,then paint again.I have been repeating this! Believe or not,my Z432 is sitting outside everyday with a motorsport auto car-cover.Z432's muffler already gets some rust. And dirty:ermm: Here is just my thoughts about a gold medallion, it is getting harder and harder to get it because we find a new everyday and we have been learning more and more than used to.Looking back 10 years ago, we did not have to so picky like today did we? Of cource cleaness is the most important, it has not changed at all from the biggining.I am talking about "is this part exactly correct for this car " things. Not easy to say, Chris:classic: if two cars are competing with same points,then judges going to look into details, like "is this metal emblem?" " what is under the carpet?" e.t.c. kats PS; My 240Z's muffler is not exactly the early one. It is a combination of a later "short finsher muffler" and a early long finisher. Took away the short finisher then welded a pice of exaust pipe of the muffler approx. one inch long to extend the pipe to be much the long finisher. You can not tell the difference unless you look under the muffler it says 20100-N3300:D

Hi moonpup, I think NOS parts never hurts your score for getting the medallion unless you put extremely different years parts. I put a correct bumper , and a muffler finisher for my 240Z. I attached pictures with some text, you will see many of bumpers and finisher which are (were) currently available for us is later type. About the bumper, the side bumper does not have a small cut away when it was new from the factory. And the finisher,it was a long type when it left from the factory. But it does not matter,if the parts is NOS and even black, no problem as long as it is clean.I think this is true for the gold medallion. kats

Great info Alan! S20 has silver on the block,is this mean this engine comes from Prince not from Nissan? However my Z432 has Volks Wargen black on the block this is a strong policy of the restorer. kats

Hi, I just stop to see here, we in Japan Nissan diesel (ND;a groupe of Nissan making tracks) is selling engine blue which is applying many Nissan engines. My L24 was painted with this blue needed 1 or 2 spray- cans. kats

Hello Filipe,I sent a PM to you Hello Mike, When you sell 1969 fuel door knob,please let me know! And the auction, Japanese people (me too) have just no idea to deal with people world-wide.Yes we know everybody around the world can view Japanese web auction, but hardly ever think to sell/ship abroad. One biggest matter is Communication/Language "English" I think. In my case,I have an U.S. 240Z so I need to buy parts from the U.S. or other countries.I need to get used to Ebay and Paypal. But my friends,they do not buy parts from other countries.Just do not need to ? I have been introducing Ebay to my friends but no one seems to give it a try. kats

This is not listed on the auction yet, but I am thinking.The hand throttle knobs and the mechanism. This mechanism is very old/used from Japanese Z but function-able without problems. Please see the picture,the right side steel lever(for the throttle) had cut away little bit from the top.I do not know why.What were the P.O. trying to do for it??? However installing the throttle knob is no-problem. And the plastic grommet,this is a decent shape,not perfect but still usable. There are two type of knobs are available, NOS early round knobs and NOS later square knobs. I am thinking about Ebay too:rambo: kats

Following items are now on sale, #1 fuse cover NOS and USD /start $10 #2 tail gate outer rubber NOS and USD with master back hose /start $10 #3 voltage regulator cover and spare tire clamp /start $10 #4 USD head light cover with NOS chrome trim ring /start $85 You can look at, http://openuser.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/user/datsunz903 I think the head light cover will be the most curious thing for most of you, let's see how it goes.All these items will end Friday night 26th Sep. For more details of the head light cover,here is a link http://www.geocities.jp/datsunz903/headlightcover.html Plastic lens was dirty and had many scratches,I cleaned them really hard.Now Looks O.K. but still some very small visible scratches. Chrome trim ring is NOS, but not so good shape.There are some really small gaps between ring and light case.I do not why.I have another set ring they are perfect and kept for my Z432. However as you can see it in the picture,they are nice as a cheap auction item! I am not trying to advertised these here,I do not accept/expect bidding from outside of Japan. Just want to show what is happening on Zcar community in Japan. kats

Hello, This month I have been selling some small parts in YAHOO JAPAN auction. Some are sold already and some are still working. This kind of information gives you an idea how much these old parts are priced in Japan right now. They are, #1 1970 dash center air vent and map lamp lens $85 / sold #2 1970 fuel filler cap $20 / sold #3 1970 tool lid knob and clamps $61 / sold #4 1970 fuel door knob/cylinder $340 /sold #5 tow hook and muffler clamps $35 / sold kats

Mr.Matsuo wanted to put the cover as a standard,he is still quite often saying about that.That must be his regret.Also the grill,he wanted it goes down until the bottom,but it has got itself cut half.Everything is due cost... I have used covers,I tried mount them in test.Just rely on the lamp case,it scared me almost fallen off!! I love both style.But the plastic clear lens must be clean a lot more.If the repro's lens has just same shape as original,I want to buy. Please note the curve/shape of the original cover. kats

Hello,let me jump in. I attached my hand writing about holes.There are 3 types I think. And how to of the NISSAN OEM cover with the mounting screws and guides.The screws are special, the big one has slightly round head. kats

Thank you Jim , Carl , Chris. My dream is,drive my 240Z(or Z432 ,or both) in the U.S. with my son from L.A. to Florida!! But wait, it is a very cool to trace the test drive routing. Carl,how about 00006 and 00007 ? Are they imported at same time 20th Dec 1969? And many of american people's curious, where are 00009 to 00015 now ? I did lots of posts, it is unusual:classic: kats

Hi, I revised and put some video of my 240Z. Please see 39 years old Am radio is still working and useable in Japanese radio frequency band. http://www.geocities.jp/datsunz903/240zvideo.html Engine is noisy,is not it? kats

Hi, What does "K" , "F" , "Q" mean? I guess these are name of groupe(department) in Nissan . I attached this picture got from Mr.Matsuo with permission. "K-12" must be a design studio code.June 1969 is close my birth day;18th June 1969! kats

Thank you geezer, I have lots of things to discuss.What am I doing first? This is a scan from Mr.Matsuo's letter. Mike,I also thinking about solid(not hollowed) emblem for rear deck 240Z and fender DATSUN and hood DATSUN. I guess quater emblem and rear deck DATSUN are only one for the solid type. Seems to me these two were not settle down untile the end of design study. Also,I guess emblems for Fairlady cars are all hollowed type with white Z painted because they are finished well before the production. kats

I do not remember I show this before,maby once or twice I posted? This scan tells us very interesting informations.Each car has each place(department) to belong and has subject to be used. 1 = S30-00001 Nissan Shatai (test drive) 2 = HLS30-00001 Q21 (production factory study) 3 = PS30-00001 Nissan Shatai (test drive) 4 = HLS30-00002 Nissan Shatai (test drive) 5 = S30-00002 Nissan Shatai (test drive) 6 = PS30-00002 K11 (registration) 7 = HS30-00001 Nissan Shatai (test drive) 8 = S30-00003 K11 (registration) 9 = S30-00004 F45 (K31 spare) 10 = S30-00005 F45 (K31 spare) 11 = PS30-00003 F45 (K31 spare) 12 = HLS30-00003 E81 (service; service manual? kats) 13 = S30-00006 F45 (for press/media) 14 = PS30-00004 F45 (K31 spare) This report is dated 25th Jun 1969. kats

Hi Carl, Yes that is the matter.You are correct Carl, I made a mistake. I thought the possibility of HS30-00002 and 00003 were made in Sep 1969 as only TWO export model. In this case, they could be Primary production prototype #12 and #13 , but there are no place for HLS30s as a Primary production prototype #14 and #15.If that happned,#14 and #15 are Domestic models. I say it is clear that two test cars are HLS30 and they are Primary production prototype #14 and #15. So it is natural #14 and #15 are HLS30-00004 and 00005. Thank you, kats

Hi Mike and Chris, I did not think about place of the photo.I review this hand writing map and time schedule of the test. They enter Canada from Vancouver, then out from Calgary as I see it. Time schedule,sequence is below,from the top left #1 Arrived (NMC USA) / 2nd Oct #2 Driving practice / 3rd to 7th? Oct #3 Organize staff and property of Test project / 7th to 8th? Oct #4 Test cars arrived /10th Oct #5 Maintenance of car /10th to 12th? Oct #6 Death valley (including Bakersfield) / middle of Oct #7 Maintenance / 15th to 20th? Oct #8 New Orleans /20th Oct to 1st? Nov #9 NMC staff test driving (including LA motor show) / 2nd to 10th?Nov #10 Maintenance and repair /10th to 15th? Nov #11 San Francisco hill climb test /16th to 20th ? Nov #12 Visit NMC-E, Cornell labo, Detroit by air /21th to 1st ? Dec #13 Parts replacement of steering and drive train to solve the problem "Vibration and car shaking" /3rd to 5th? Dec #14 Packaging and prepare for COLD weather operation / 4th to 6th ? Dec #15 Test drive for cold weather operation Canada /7th to 20th? Dec #16 Clean up staff , warehouse etc / 20th to 22th? Dec #17 Back to Japan /29th? Dec And I found one statement in this reports,it says 20th Dec a car(not mentioned single or maulti) that is equipped with replacement parts of vibration and car shaking arrived (at NMC,shipped by air) and the car was accepted by NMC even still it is remaining some minor things to be solved(regarding tire and balance) . This car( or these cars) is the first one and pictured in the road and track issued Jan 1970? kats

Hi TofuRunner, thank you Alan and g72s20 ,in Japan there were lots of optional parts for Zs from Nissan sports department.Cams/valve springs/webber etc. I think many Z432R owners installed these parts when they race it. kats

Congratulations Filipe! beautiful car.You have got a rally clock,I can see it. kats

Thank you everyone,this thread is very hot and heavy to read for me,but very very interesting.I think we are going deep even Mr.Matsuo/Mr.Katayama can not remember these old days.Anyway,the first thing which comes up in Mr.Matsuo's mind is "No time to do that because Mr.Katayama refused Fairlady name" I agree it is not easy to exprain by one word,there must be lots of stories running through from different angles. I will give a call Mr.Matsuo and ask one by one. kats

Thank you,thank you everyone. I am now in L.A. no lap top in my room,I have to pay crazy expensive money for the hotel business center. I will post a letter from Mr.Matsuo, Carl. Alan,that is right,last minute change is the point. I was wondering why Fairlady's embelms have withe Z from the begining of production? And this is just my guess,I think there is no solid emblem for Fairlady cars.(I need to ask and confirm this Mr.Matsuo soon) Emblems for the Fairlady cars were settle down already well before the production,but for the Export model,Mr.K refused Fairlady's emblem and he wanted somthing alternative ("Datsun 240Z") Nissan had to settle down about emblem,the car was about to be assembled in the production line... I think this is not new for us is not it? However this is the key of existing Chrome/solid Export piller emblem and rear deck DATSUN emblem. As Mr.Matsuo said, no time to paint,no time to hollow the back for the Export cars. So,the letter "Z" was surposed to be painted white when the Export name had settled down I think, simply no time to do first. On the other hand, Fairlady's emblems were hollowed and painted white Z from the bigining. We have never seen/found solid/chrome Z for the Fairlady cars in Japan. Chris,the cray model of S30,you can see big picture in my website. AND please NOTE that the pillar round emblem,that is painted YELLOW and BLACK and RED and NAVYBLUE for the outer circle of the emblem.That is came from ZULU flag that you mentioned. kats