landmizzle

Hi all, Here's one link you can use; http://www.zcar.com/forums/read.php?f=1&i=294757&t=294740 You can also go to www.zcar.com and go to their early Z forum. From there do a search with the keywords honda civic blower and you'll get a bunch of hits to look through. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, I'll toss in my experience for what it's worth. I've owned three Z's since 1988 and have driven them all as daily drivers. I do rack up the mileage. My commute to work round-trip is roughly 90 miles. The nice things about Z's are that they are extremely reliable once you work out the issues of neglect or ignorance from the previous owner. Thats not to say things don't go wrong with them (u-joints anyone...) but, they do amazingly well. I almost forget I'm driving a 30 year old car. It didn't really hit me that I've been driving old cars until late last year when I was trying to get "Classic Car Insurance" on my '66 Mustang. The company, Hagerty, I think, turned me down because I had only one "modern" car, which turned out to be my wifes 2000 Xterra. The rest of my stable consisted of a '71 240Z, '72 240Z and a '86 Ninja 900 motorcycle. I then realized that the "newest" vehicle I owned was a 15 year old motorcycle. Funny thing of course, is I drive all of them daily and they are extremely reliable. They have the added benefit of being workable on even by an idiot such as myself. Can't say the same about the X-terra. I don't even like looking under the hood on that one. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi Gav240Z, Thank you for the kind words. I do plan on holding onto the automatic and related parts, "just incase". I'm definetly getting the impression that numerous individuals would prefer that I leave the car as-is with the automatic. I'm curious as to why. I assume because that's the way it came from the factory. Were automatics relatively rare? If it will make anyone feel better, I'm definetly from the school if keeping the car true to it's form with the exception of bolt on reversable changes. Normally I confine my tinkering to suspension upgrades and such.I know the automatic swap is pushing that concept a bit but, I believe it's basically just a bolt in swap with the assorted bits and no major surgery (i.e. cutting here or there). At least that is what my mechanic is telling me. I posted about the automatic swap out in the "Suspension and drive line" forum but got no replies. So perhaps I'm flying blind here. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, After doing a little more research. I've come accross an article that talks about swapping in the blower motor from an '88 Honda Civic. The article claims that the Honda unit blows quite a bit stronger than the stock Z unit and bolts in almost perfectly. It appears that any late 80's Civic unit will work and one responder was using a 1990 unit. This sounds really interesting. I wonder if anyone here has tried it? Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, I've been toying with sometime about putting an A/C unit in one of my Z's. I know the original dealer installed units were not very effecient nor that cold. I had one on my first Z and it was marginal at best. You cold feel cold air if you actually put your hand on the vent, but asking that unit to cool the cabin was a bit much. I know MSA and others sell aftermarket kits with modern compressors that are more effecient (i.e. rob the engine of less horsepower and less likely to overheat the engine.). However, what I haven't seen addressed is, do these units actually blow COLD air and effectively cool the cabin. I live in the central valley of California where 100+ degrees farenheit is the norm rather than the exception. Does anyone know of a unit that copes with such circumstances and can really cool the car? I was speaking with my mechanic and he was doubious about any A/C in the early Z's. Not because the aftermarket units were bad but, because the blower in the Z just doesn't blow enough CFM to cool the cabin. He said it was akin to turning the A/C on in your house AFTER the inside temperature was up to 95 degrees. It just takes soooo long to bring the temperature down. What has been your experience? Has anyone tried other units? Maybe from Classic Air or Vintage Air? If the bottle neck is indeed the blower, has anyone tried to "hot rod" the blower or install a different fan in the "squirrel cage"? I can live with giving up a few ponies and draining my bank account for some COLD air ( a slight case of frost-bite would be just about right....)but not if what I'll get is just a finger tip cooler. Comments, suggestions? Best Regards, Landmissle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi 26th-Z, I know how you feel. I've owned three Z's now and the most I ever paid up until this one was $3900. That was back in '93. Back then, for 4K you were getting a really nice Z. So, coparatively, I've only paid 1/3 more for this Z than I ever had. When you consider ten years have gone by and Z prices aren't going lower, I feel I got a pretty good deal. Ahhh, the price of addiction. Your right of course, that for the owners of Z's, the edging upward of prices is a good thing. I feel that Z's are begining to garner the respect they deserve and this of course is reflected in their price. Thanks again for your kind comments! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, Well, I guess I didn't do as good as I imagined. Not bad just not really good. Anyway, I paid 6K for the car. The owner wanted 7K for it. It's the best orginal Z or any Z for that matter that I've come accross during my latest Z hunt. I guess I thought I was getting a better deal than I have since I was comparing it two several other Z's that I've looked into that were price considerabley higher. One of those Z's was the green 70 240 I posted pictures awhile back on. That one was priced at 11.9K and most folks commented that they thought it was worth every penny of that. Granted, it was a '70 4-speed with A/C but, I thought that the Orange '72 I posted would compare favorabley with it. Oh well!! I still like this Z very much and am pleased with it and the purchase price. '72's have always been my favorite year. Thanks guys for the comments and when I get it home, I'll let you know! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, Well, I've tentatively bought myself a '72 240Z. I'll describe it for you and link a bunch of pictures. If you would be so kind to tell me what you think of her and what she would be worth I'd greatly appreciate it. After I get some replies, I'll tell you what I paid, and I'll either be really pleased or dissappointed ( I think I did pretty good though....) This is an original owner documented 240Z. Complete service records and bill of sale. Documented 78,000 miles car. Automatic transmission with no A/C. Inspected car in person yesterday. Performed compression check and put car on ramps to look at undercarriage. Took car for test drive. Here's my findings. No rust visible anywhere, including the typical hot spots; under battery tray, hatch area, floor pans, fender wells, and frame rails. Frame rails straight with no bends or dents. Passenger side front outer floor pan slightly pushed up by an inappropriately placed lift or jack. This was very minor. Paint all original with the exception of hood that was replaced due to accident repair. A tire fell off a truck and hit car in hood damaging hood and front bumber. Hood, hinges, and bumber replaced with NOS parts and appears well done. Full documentation. Paint is very good and still shines nicely. No cracks or peels. Both doors have numerous door dings but none deep. Dings confined to doors themselves and don't venture into fenders or quarter panels. All original glass in very good condition, weather stripping also nice. Chrome, emblems, and stainless trim in very good condition with the exception of a quarter size bit of chrome peeling on rear bumber. No rust on interior of rear bumper or front for that matter. Interior is just about perfect. No cracks in dash. All instruments work including clock, courtesy lights, and annoying buzzer. Seats, vinyl and plactic panels appear nearly perfect. Original rugs in very nice condition with minimal wear on driver floor side. Only flaw with interior is that running lights and dash lights don't come on. I think that this may be the switch itself as fuses and tail light bulbs look fine. Headlights,flashers, turn signals, and brake lights work. Engine starts and runs fine. No oil of fluid leaks visible. Compression check revealed consistent readings of 135-145 psi. This is a little low from specs but, the car was located at 5000 ' altitude and I'll bet the altitude affected the reading. Probably one of the nicest driving Z's I've driven. Accelerated nicely (for an automatic), tracked straight with no pulling during braking. Suspension in good condition (all stock) if softly sprung for my taste. I have a donor 4-speed and related components and will probably put those into this car. The wife would love the automatic but, I don't think I can come to terms with it <grin>. Anyway, here's a link to the pictures; http://photos.yahoo.com/landmissle Open up the folder entitled " 72 Z Orange" and take a gander and let me know what you think. Don't be shy and give me your honest opinion. As mentioned, I'll post later what I paid ( don't want to influence your accessment for now). Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, Well, I may have found a '72 240Z to replace my dearly departed one. It's still very tentative at this point. The only real problem with the potential car is that it has an automatic. I still have the carcas of my old 240Z and the engine,4-speed, drive-line, and clutch related stuff are still available and healthy. My question is, how involved is it to convert from an automatic to a 4-speed. I would need to have a mechanic do the job, because of my lack of talent, tools, and time. Any idea how much something like this would cost. I think I have everything needed parts-wise to do this conversion, my cost would be wrapped up in labor. Has anyone else done this conversion? Any ideas or suggestions? I'm going to talk to my mechanic tomorrow and get his opinion but, I thought it would be nice to hear from you folks. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi ZMunkey, Thanks VERY much for the offer. I'll PM you with more details! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, I've found a 1970 240Z in Lake Havasu City, AZ, that I'm considering purchasing. Based on it's logistics-it's about 500 miles away from me- I would like to find a shop down there or near-by that could perform a pre-purchase inspection for me. It it were to pass to my satisfaction, I then would drive down there and look at it myself. Can anyone recommend a Z knowledgable mechanic in that area. Alternatively, if a member here lives near by and would be willing to look at it and maybe take some pictures, I would be very much appreciative. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Howdy, Going to have to disagree with you on this one (respectfully of course!). The early steering wheels started out with NO cut outs and then transitioned to cut-outs in '71. Here's a web page reference... http://www.classicdatsun.com/zz/nissan.html I'm pretty confident on this one but, it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.... Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Howdy, I was looking at this car last night (on Ebay) and noticed that in addition to those items already mentioned that the quarter panel badges are wrong and the steering wheel should not have the cut-outs in the spokes. The ashtray is located where it should be (very front of center console, just beneath the radio.). I emailed the seller asking him about the same issues brought up here and in addition, why is he having a privated auction. I'll post his response if I get a reply. My guess is that it's a harmless mistake but, one never knows.... Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, I hope I'm not being too much of a nusiance (sp?) with these post. I found another Z that I might be interested in buying. This one happens to be Orange. I know, I know.....I said I wouldn't by another orange Z. But...but...this ones really nice and I promise......no really promise I won't kill it. Point you browsers to photos.yahoo.com/landmissle and check out the folder "Orange 70 Z" and let me know what you think. Below is a cut n' paste of the information he posted on another (obviously inferior Z website) "Built 4/70 and is #2761, this cars has been in storage for over 15 years prior to complete restoration. All numbers match, 51,000 original miles. There is NO RUST ANYWHERE!! The Car is stunning and turns heads everywhere, I get 10 times the looks, stares and conversations driving this car than in my Mercedes. This car is VERY original, unlike many cars sold here that are described as original and then have no rubber strips on the bumpers, no emblems, after market antennas, speaker holes cut in the doors etc, you get the point! The ONLY departure from original is the front spoiler (which I really like) I have the original 3-piece valance that was painted when the car was restored and it is of course included with the car. The wheels are dealer installed options, they shine like a mirror and are much more attractive that the original hubcaps. It would probably be shorter to tell you what has NOT been replaced but here goes on new/refurbished parts (I have ALL receipts). Interior: Door panels Seats Carpet Shifter Boot Handbrake cover Vinyl throughout Steering Wheel and short knob (Beautiful!) Clock Tachometer Mechanical: Brake master cylinder Brake slave cylinder Clutch master and slave cylinder Brakes Drums Rotors Calipers Lines Pads Handbrake cable Wheel bearings Struts all 4 corners Battery and battery cables Rotor distributor and sparkplug cables Alternator Battery Rebuilt Carbs Rebuilt Radiator with 3 coil core Suspension bushings 4 U joints Exhaust system complete New fluids Transmission Differential Carb float Radiator Fluid Engine Oil Body and Trim: Everything has been re chromed Rubber trim on bumpers and bumperettes All Stainless Steel has been polished, including small pieces like the strips that fit inside the rubber moldings around windshield and hatch glass New exterior mirror New rear quarter panels both sides (installed CORRECTLY see pics) Rocker panels both sides (installed CORRECTLY see pics) Rubber moldings around all glass New rubber seals everywhere, including details like the 4 rubber stoppers on the gas filler door Complete and correct emblems New windshield New Tires Headlights Door and hatch latches Polished aluminum valve cover, and carb float bowls Polished aluminum doorsills The paint is perfect NO orange peal (it was color sanded) Firewall grommet kit Door/interior light switch (both sides) The car is stunning and the restoration is exceptional but I am a bit of a perfectionist, so here are the things that still need to be done: 1) The overhead interior light works intermittently I have looked for a new one but cannot find one locally 2) There are the beginning of cracks on the dash, 3 lines of about 1/4 of an inch; the price to repair in Calgary is $100. The only reason it is not done is that the car is in Vancouver. 3) The body shop did their best to adjust the window glass, and it is good it is just not perfect; if I were to keep the car I would put new roller assemblies on both sides. 4) The bulbs are burnt out on the gas/amp gauge I love this car and will not give it away, if you have the funds and can provide a good home to an exceptional bit of sportscar history this is the car for you. Model Year: 1970 Mileage: 51000 Transmission: Manual Interior Color: Black Exterior Color: Orange Price: $13,0000 " I really like this one alot, however, the logistics would be somewhat more difficult. Not impossible, but I'd have to be really sure about this one. Additionally, the price is the absolute highest I could go ( I will not post any higher priced Z's. I promise!!). Finally it seems like a bit of sheet metal has been replaced and that make me nervous. So what do you guys/gals think? Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, Just got off the phone with the owner and he stated that the car was in Georgia for about three years. He stated he thought he'd mentioned that to me but perhaps we got our wires crossed. No biggy. He seems like a very nice older gentlman and comes across as honest and sincere. BTW, thanks for all the replys so far. I guess prices have definetely gone up since I started buying my first Z's in the late 80's and early 90's. Back then I was buying Z in the 3K range and was getting pretty nice cars. The most I spent was on my 72 (now dearly and recently departed.) that was all original except for a same color repaint ( showing wear at the time) for 4K. Is this car's value based mostly because it's a 70 or would 71 and 72 cars in like condition command the same price. I've been under the impression that 70's are in the most demand followed next by 72's and then 71's (as-far-as early 240Z's are concerned). I'm assuming that because it's an original owner car with original parts and paint that is a significant driving force here. Am I correct? Again, thanks for the information! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Here's an interesting twist on the plate issue. The owner lives in Arizona. He bought the car new in Calfornia and at some point moved to Arizona where the car has been since. He told me the car has only been in Ca and Az. Strange that it should have Georgia plates in the picture. I haven't quetioned him on this yet but I will. Now, he did tell me at some point that the car was selected by Collectible Automobiles, a Chicago publisher to be featured in a book that was to be published on Z cars. The car was the subject of about a four hour photo shoot. So, I suppose it's possible that the pictures we see here are from that shoot and for whatever reason the Georgie plates were put on it for the shot. Still, it seems a little pecular. I'm going to call him tonight and I'll let you all know what he states. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z