SpeedRoo

Just been reading through a couple of books I got on the Nissan Z cars. Not much coverage of the early days of racing in 1970 on the Japanese circuits. From what I can ascertain Nissan had two works teams running the cars, the Z432-R and then the 240ZR. Does anybody have any more details on the Omori and Oppama factory race teams and what cars they ran. Were the race cars taken from the factory built Z432-R production or un-numbered chassis just built for racing. I believe number 68 was the first Z432-R and run as a factory effort, anyone know the chassis number. Sadly it was written off in its first race at Suzuka in Jan. 1970 with Moto Kitano driving. Roo

Love these old hot rod Z cars. American ingenuity at its best dropping a V8 in to a 240Z! Not sure how they drive but there wouldn't be a shortage of power. Like the period marketing materials Scarab produced to sell the car and components, takes some effort to put all that together. Was the original Z designed to take the Nissan Y40 V8 at the time?

I would consider the people with feet on the ground who were involved at the time as experts. In the case of the Z that would be Uemura, Katayama, Matsuo etc. Hence my question on definitive books. Writers like Long who have taken the time to travel in Japan and research the subject are also good references, they have also taken the time to do the work and write it down. If history is not recorded it is soon forgotten. Others like myself who have discovered the cars have them to thank for their efforts. I have no idea who Griffith Borgeson is, were they involved with the Z development as well? If you find the term "armchair expert" derogatory then my apologies. I have no way of knowing your qualifications or background other than what I have read on Z forums. Like yourself there are many people with opinions on the cars, but how do you know who really knows what is true or not. I find it simple to do lots of research and ask questions, which is what I am trying to do here. The same way I contacted you privately through the message board and asked questions. I had assumed you were knowledgeable about the race cars and Z432R and asked you some questions based on what I had researched. You chose not to answer as you didn't know me and wanted to know who or what I was doing. I explained that to you and then nothing. I contacted kats in Japan and he has been very helpful, he also mentioned you were very busy but the person to ask. I wrote to you to say I understood you were busy and I would continue my research in Japan. Unfortunately you did not even have the courtesy to respond to that either. Obviously you have quite a bit of background on the cars but don't wish to share it, that is your prerogative. I have ordered the Long book on the subject and will look up the other ones 26th-Z has suggested. If I have upset any others with my questions and earnestness my apologies, that was not my intention. Look forward to find out more history and background to these fascinating cars.

I don't know Carl personally but if he sits at a chair that has armrests and writes about Z cars then yes that would make him an "armchair expert". From what I can see reading posts on this forum and his site zhome.com he is very passionate about the cars. He has spent many hours researching them and presenting the information for people to freely read and share. I'm thankful people like Carl are around and freely share their knowledge. I also appreciate people answering my questions here, you are all a lot more knowledgeable about the subject than I am.

Thanks for that NVZEE, Carl has done a great job on his site. Slowly working my way through it but hadn't found the book section until now.

Just been wading through lots of old posts here. Kats had mentioned Eaglemoss FairladyZ magazines and model, that no longer seem available. There looks to be lots of historic photos in the magazine scans he posted, is the information accurate and a good reference?

The internet seems populated by armchair experts, hence my question is there a definitive book. Normally they don't write books but it never hurts to ask, especially when I'm not familiar with the Z world or the characters within it. I find recollections from the people that were there more enlightening hence my interest in the Uemura book. Did any of the other/designer/engineers/managers write anything about the cars. Is there a reference book on the works race cars at all, they interest me greatly....especially the Z432R.

Uemura booked ordered and on its way. Should make for good holiday reading. Now who's done the definitive book on Nissan factory Z race cars?

Excellent, I will search for them and start reading.

Having just recently got involved with the 240Z I'm looking for the definitive book on the Nissan Z cars from 1969 to end of production of the 240Z. Seem to be lots of armchair experts on forums but is there a definitive book that covers them in depth. It would have to include the factory race cars and their role in developing the Z. Additionally is their a website or magazine that has covered the history accurately? Any help much appreciated. The 1969 Z launch, Nissan's homologation special Z on display.

Thanks for the history Namerow. I had just seen them on some period racing photos of 240Z and liked the look of them. The slotted mag design is a classic.

Pardon the pun but I need some tire advice. My '73 240Z came with Appliance mesh 6" by 14" wheels. Just picked up a set of 7" by 14" mesh wheels (racers seemed to use them back in the day) that came off another 240Z. Looking at wider tires but wanted to keep the same diameter. A 215/65 14 seems right according to Matthew's chart in this thread: Has anyone used the Federal SS657 in that size on their car? Impressions or feedback from actual users would be appreciated. They are a H speed rated tire good up to 130mph. https://www.tires-easy.com/tires/federal-tires/215-65-14

Thanks Matthew, did just the same search as you suggested and still wasn't any closer to an answer. Will see what the paint shop comes back with. I think my cheapy camera phone isn't great at colours. Will dig out a decent camera and see what I get. Had a similar problem with another of my cars. The original factory formula for yellow (Giallo Modena) was nothing like what was on the car. Had to custom match to get it right. It looks pretty good now. Roo

The silver sticker says 918. Pretty sure it's original. Here's a shot of the engine bay which looks more orange than the other shot.

Just got back from Sherwin Williams. Left them the original inspection hatch to match too, will be interesting to see what they come up with. One of the problems is the original paint had lead and other pigments in it which seem to be outlawed today. I want to retain as much of the interior paint as possible so hopefully it will be a good match.

I did order some touch-up paint from a PPG supplier and it was not even close to the original on my car, hence the question.

Seems to be hard to find accurate modern paint to match the original 918 Orange from 1970 to 1973. Does anyone know the colour mix (not the code) now used to get close to the original colour. I'm after the white/black/red/yellow type mix. I'm having the bottom of one of the inspection hatches scanned today but wanted a formula to have as a reference. Ore even better someone that has painted their car recently and found an accurate match. Roo

Enjoying the video series. Great reference source as I go through my own rebuild with my son. Keep it up mate...are the roos still in the paddock out the back?

As a former pilot I'm partial to CAD plating. I have a FAA certified CAD plater nearby so he does all my work. I just love the look of gold CAD and so does my engineer son who wants it on the 240Z.

I prefer the corrosion resistance of CAD plating so will do all my 240Z pieces that way. Hubs, brakes, suspension, driveshafts will all get it as well as the heap of other bits that seem to pile up once unbolted from the car. Underside of the car is getting full epoxy treatment over the bare metal to keep the tin cancer at bay!

What media do you use in the tumbler to clean them. I put mine through the ultrasonic. Anything rusty gets soaked in evaporust and ultrasonically cleaned for an hour or until rust free. I then hit them with the wire brush. Did my Astons and Lotus bits the same way before cad plating.

Looking for fiberglass hood and hatch for project 240Z. I'm in Oregon so anything used in the area would be great.

Glad I'm not the only one doing this, great to see all the hard work. Which pieces are done in clear and which ones gold cad?

Great build on the 620G Jeff, enjoying your trials and tribulations all the way from Oregon where I'm doing the same to a 1973 240Z with my son. Love the missus Jeff segment, even if she is a Kiwi! Keep up the good work, from a fellow Aussie on the other side of the world.