26th-Z

UJ 02 and no date stamp at all

I didn't know that, Alan. So much for Nissan history, eh? I really can't say enough about the Nissan program, factory in Japan or not. The cars I have seen were very well restored to a very high standard. Some techniques I don't agree with, but the result is equal, I believe. To address the question of milage, I think the odometers were all set to zero as the instrument was probably replaced during the rebuild. Why would anyone drive one? Because $25,000 is pretty cheap for a brand new sports car in today's economy, and the Z is fun to drive.

http://members.aol.com/zclock4u/wp.html

You make a very good point, Alan. The Nissan Factory Rebuild program is no more a factory involvement than the Brock Racing Enterprises or Bob Sharp Racing programs. Kas Kastner directed the Nissan IMSA GTP program. Here we deal with an American coloquialism with misleading connotation. I didn't realize how the Nissan Factory Rebuild program operated before I talked with Les Canaday. I am left to wonder at this point if any of the Factory Rebuilds reached outside America, or if this was an exclusive event. None the less, Nissan did commision the reconstruction of 42 cars Nissan purchased, and sold back to the public through Nissan outlets. My racing heritage would refer to this as "Full Factory Backed". (This is term is also used for bimbos living with a sugar daddy). I understand that no other automotive manufacturer has ever completed such a program, making this program a very unique moment in automotive history, adding to the value and flavor of the 240Z. I talked with Les Canaday at length about how the cars were actually restored. At the time, I was very interested in the restoration plan and technique, as I was formulating my own strategy. I have a copy of the restoration checklist published by Nissan - would love an original BTW - and note with interest how complete the rebuilds were. I found several nice references, including the specification for wiring harness wrapping, but I am also aware that many components, such as interior vinyl, were commissioned to replicate the original when original stock was depleted. I also want to note that the checklist includes many pages from Wick Humble's book with many references to that publication. I am aware that the reconstructions were not as strick to authenticity of original build and series as we discuss on this site often. I do see "authentic rebuild" interpretations from several of the big Datsun restoration shops around this country which forces me to object to the statement: "Restored by any old body shop". I do see quite a few restorations equal in quality to the Factory Nissan program. I hope mine will be one of them. Just checking ebay now, the seller has reduced the asking price to $25,000. Probably within reason. I agree with the idea that one of these cars is for show purposes. They do command a high value, however, with 51,000 miles, the car we are discussing is to me a used car with old papers - suitable for restoration - again!

Who appraised your car, zrush? Does it still have 8 miles on it?

I wasn't real sure of RPM limits or time limits, so I was conservative with my numbers. Also, my old race engines didn't have fans and I didn't want to talk about an amount of run time without a fan! I always prefered to watch the temperature gauge. The variations in engine speed over the run-in period will be fine as long as it is not over-revved during this process. I always found that strong, long lasting engines resulted from a nice break-in / run-in. Have fun!

You hit the nail on the head with your description of desperation. I looked for months before I finally sucked it up and spent some big bucks for something I was looking for. Essentially, I satisfied myself that what I was about to pay was a fair price for a fair part. There is always the story of finding it cheaper or better, but I would have to say that desperation is the driving force behind the high ebay auctions we see. I'm guilty of making some desperate ebay moves but have learned to discipline myself to bottom fish on ebay and let the expensive stuff slide. I would also say that a lot of parts on ebay are listed at or slightly above what anyone would pay at a parts house or dealership or mail order web site. Once the bidding starts, the price immediately moves to the expensive range. I would encourage everyone to shop around - don't cheap around - just look and ask before jumping to a price. Arm yourself with a MSA catalog, a VB catalog and check the Nissan database for Nissan parts you have a number for. http://www.courtesyparts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=SRCH&Store_Code=CP http://www.nismoparts.com/catalog/ The database will give you a price reference. Email Chloe or any of the other sponsor / parts dealers we discuss commonly. SATISFY YOURSELF THAT THE PART REALLY IS DIFFICULT!!!! There are many parts which have become difficult to find, but the fact remains that they CAN be found and they ARE available. In comparison, it makes 240Z restoration pretty inexpensive.

Set it rich and let it run at a constant RPM below 3000 until it reaches temperature. Use colder plugs than the ones you plan to race with. Avoid revving it or RPMs over 4000. Just let it run constant from cold to operation temperature several times (3 or 4). Continue to watch oil pressure and check for leaks. Make adjustments and tweak. Change the oil after your run-in.

Oh you guys. That's a 280. Weather or not it's a Black Pearl is the question. It should have an identification special edition plate on the console and some other peculiar special edition identification. It MAY be a Black Pearl and it MAY be a 280Z painted black. BIG DIFFERENCE. Black Pearls also had red and silver pinstiping. Make sure you know what you are buying!

Here's another one on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2448187948 Also, from everything I can determine, the correct oil cap for this valve cover is the plain OIL cap also known in Australia as the 710 cap.

Chloe has them on her MidwestZ site for a little less than $350 each - brand new.

And the other side of the yard

Here is the Suncaost Z Car Club Christmas Party.

This particular valve cover appears on the series one HLS30 240Z up to around mid 1970 production. They are not very common. In my opinion, $75 is pricey and I would call around to the people who advertise used parts - junk yards - to find one. I found one six months ago for $25. It's all a matter of how badly you want it now. I have seen them go for $100 or more, but I think that is ridiculous.

So what did you think of Yate's book, Carl? I liked how he had others tell about their experiences. Didn't you get the feeling that you had to be there to really appreciate what was going on?

I have been dying to write this all day but thought you guys would think me a snob or jerk or something. Why don't we see wings on Z's? Because they don't belong there!

That thread is 28 pages long and contains heartfelt sympathies from all over the world. The Ron Jeremy joke was pretty good. But go back and read the original post and take a good look at the damage. Somethin' ain't write.

Guus, Great bumper! All that work looks great. But, what a shame and lucky it was not worse. That's called "patina"!

That's covered under the factory warrenty! NO PROB!

We play a lot of Bingo down here in Tampa, Alan! Shuffleboard is big too. But to answer billcapp’s question, there are a bunch of S30’s in the Tampa Bay area and even to my surprise, a bunch of low serial number HLS30 cars including a new acquisition in Lakeland. I saw a Black Pearl last weekend at a Suncoast Z Car club party and rally. I don’t know that I would call the cars rare, but rather unique. Rare should have a higher standard, in my opinion. A car of maybe fifty examples, maybe one hundred examples is rare. I don’t think the S30 is rare. There are also very many unique variations of the S30; a unique type on it’s own with a unique and interesting history. How unique a specific car is might be a better question as we compare the words “rare” and “unique”. An S30 variant produced less than fifty times might be the most rare of unique! Perhaps uniqueness ratings could be ranked in points - one point for each unique feature. Everyone who owns an S30 starts with one point. HLS30 in Japan - two points. Tattyest carpet West of the Mississippi - two points. Factory variants get a point. HS30-H - two points. ZZZap edition - two points. Tattyest carpet West of the Mississippi HS30-H - four points because it is in America.

Hey there! I have number 26. Carl Beck is here. He has 20 and a BRE car. He just sold 42. Jim Frederick has 16, 19, 322, a Paul Newman owned car, one of the 42 Nissan rebuilds, a Fairlady, and a bunch of other seriously interesting cars. The Suncoast Z Car Club just had the Christmas party at Jim's. I'll post some pictures. Beck wrote a blurb about what is considered collectable on the Zhome website. Good discussion.

Smokey, that's an attractive price. If the car is as nice as described on the web page, I might consider flying out there. Nice looking car.