Zrush

I would recomend the 1977 280Z. It was the first year of the 5 speed. Has the highest rated hp of all the Z's (1st gens) at 170 I believe. I think is has less smog bits then the 78. I have owned a 78 also and there really isn't much difference but I favor the 77. Bonus on the 78 however is it's the last year of the first gens. Both good 280Z's. JMO Vicky

Thanks Tom, you are to kind:D . Scott and I have a "Z Hobby" together so I would never harp on him for spending to much time with a Z. I love cars so my husband has it easy. Vicky

Good Lord Bill!!! Hershey's. Harshies candy is......harsh! Your sales will be good? I know my husband won't be taking me out for chicken on Valentines Day. That's about the funniest thing I've heard. Vicky

Nice job Rich. Now if we could get Mike to add it to the Main Menu under "VIN Registries" or "Register Your VIN", something like that. Vicky

No. I thought the Stones were weaker then the refs officiating. Commercials were pretty good, especially the Bud commercials. I also loved the Toyota Truck add where the truck is getting washed around in the ocean then lands straight up and the guy gets in and drives away. Vicky

I always thought the front wheel wells/arches were slightly higher then the rear. If you look down the body line of your Z, doesn't it appear maybe a bit higher? Even with his body side molding on the car the front arch looks taller, no? Vicky

Most original, unrestored cars are NOT perfect. They have factory paint drips, sloppy orange peel and uneven gaps. This is how the cars came from the dealer. Many cars today that are restored to original are actually over-restored. Our bodyshop just did a 65(?) convertible Barracuda back to original and the owner wanted these little "factory flaws". A judge with any sense of originality will know that this is how the car should appear. Attend an AACA show and see if you see a perfect car. I really don't think there is any such thing. Vicky

Bought alot of performance upgrades as well as the required NGK plugs from summitracing.com. MSA at zcarparts.com is another source but we've found, at least for mods, that Summit has the best prices. Of course MSA will have your OEM things. Vicky

Ed, may the Z Gods be with you during your time of need and may the damage be minimal and your wallet remain fat. Seriously, I was sick when I read this thread but I'm sure you will tackle this "interuption" and your pride and joy will be playing in the streets soon. Vicky

Thanks for the scan of the article Chris so others can see. I don't have a scanner, heck I'm still a dial up user. I guess I jumped the gun as I was excited to see Z Cars mentioned. Vicky

Well Gary, my point was that I thought it was kind of neat to see that the early Datsuns were gaining some recognition amongst the collector car scene. If you received the flyer and read the article, I'm sure my point would come across a little clearer maybe:stupid: Vicky

Anyone who has Hagerty insurance get the little flyer? It features 2 Z cars in their "What's it Worth" section. Pretty cool to see our Z's comming up in the world:classic: (I will note that the pictures should be switched) Vicky

Can't say that I'm a fan of that look. But then again this was for Chris and it's one of those to each his own mods. I think the stock Z tail lights are perfect! JMO Vicky

It's a nice parts car for anyone who owns all three 1st gens, 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. Need a part, just go rip it off this "all-in-one" Z.:tapemouth Vicky

If I was dead serious in restoring a Zzzap or Black Pearl this is how I would go about it concerning the graphics. First I would go look at one of the cars I was interested in, take pictures of the stripes, measurements, exact location placement and such. Then I would get in touch with a reputable sign or graphic company and have them duplicate the pinstripes to exact detail. Have your bodyman put the "decals" on the car then clear coat over them. Zrush has "Datsun" written in Japanese characters under the hood along the hump. We went to a local graphic/sign company here in Florida and had him make 2 templates. One is under the hood and then cleared over and the other is on the car hauler. Clearing over is the only way to be sure the stripes will remain and not dry up and peel. The one under the hood takes the heat of the engine and is still perfect due to the clear process. I'll try and take a picture so you can see what I mean. Just and idea..........that works:) Vicky

It's a shame that Datsun didn't offer motor/performance upgrades along with some of these 280Z "specialty" cars. You know like Ford did with the Boss 302 or the Hurst Olds, etc. All Datsun did was fancy up the exterior but deep down inside it's just a regular 280Z. There's a Zzzap that shows at MSA every year and it's showroom fresh and near flawless. Vicky

Chris, what does that mean? Am I missing ("wink, wink") something??? Vicky Oh yeah, I'm only getting red x's for jmarks shots.

I agree Gavin, some Z's look great with a tastefully done pinstripe job. I think a yellow Z with black pinstripes is super. The Black Pearl in full correct dress looks fantastic also. Some people might think it's garish but that was what the 70's was about. The big "240Z" stripe along the side really looks great (like on your car), simple but classic IMO. Vicky

Can you contact your local emissions center for verification? Some states still require testing no matter what the year. Only exceptions are cars that never had emissions equipment in the first place I believe. Vicky

All California Model 280Z's have a "Floor Temp" sensor light on the panel. Vicky

Orange. When I think of a 70-73 240Z, I always picture an orange Z in my mind, even though I have a yellow one in the garage. (and a red and a silver but they are 280Z's:p ) Vicky

Zrush wishes all a Happy New Year and a great big thanks to Mike for the great job on the site. Scott ( the quiet one ) ROFL

Hardy, Har, Har, Bill. Don't think my husband would appreciate that too much. Plus I'm way to old for you . Do bring your "pimp" hat so I'll recognize you. Vicky

We're going. Be there Thursday night. This is one event I've been looking forward to. Hope to see lots of members there from the "right coast". Vicky