[2014] What did you do to/with your Z today?

[TomoHawk]

Also displayed was a 2004 Ford GT 40

That's just Ford GT, Julio, but we know what you mean. The GT40 was offered up to 1969, so Datsun then offered another sporty car for racing.

[TomoHawk]

I was able to put on the new horn button, which has a little decoration added.



The wood rim needs a few more applications of Tung Oil, IMO. Does anyone have experience with Tung Oil?

[Oiluj]

My mistake, you are of course correct regarding the Ford GT. __ The GT was still a beauty, especially in Gulf Oil color scheme! __ My only criticism of the "new" GT is the seat upholstery should have had the small metal grommets, as opposed to fewer, big black plastic-looking ones... __ I'd still take one if someone offered to give me one though!

[SteveJ]

I put in new SM needles in both the 240Z & 260Z. I also cleaned up the valve cover on the 260Z to remove the soot from the exhaust leak. I finished the day by writing up what I did on the intake and exhaust on the 260Z and posting it to my blog. Intake and Exhaust | Fiddling With Z Cars

[Hunter260Z]

Steve

Are you still running the carbon canister filter on the 260z. Thought about taking mine off, but what about the hose coming from the gas tank.

[SteveJ]

I actually still have it on and have a new one waiting to be put in.

[TomoHawk]

I put a long bolt into one of the holes that the canister strap was bolted to, and plugged the vent hose onto that, so the hose at least connects to something, and it's plugged.

[TomoHawk]

Julio,
I would turn down the offer of a free Ford GT, unless I could sell it immediately and use the money to restore the Zed. IMO, the windows on the Ford GT are just too small, and make the car unsafe to drive with traffic.

[moelk]

Got an hour of free time so i went for a drive and took some pics.

[Hunter260Z]

Love your car. My next Z will be silver.

[moelk]

Thanks. Funny you say that, my next will be blue!

[MotoManMike]

Got more rust sorted out on the "wilma" build. Rear of drivers door jamb was toast. Rockers are in. Its getting there.

[SteveJ]

It was another Caffeine & Octane Sunday. I love a good excuse for taking the Z out.






See the rest...Caffeine and Octane ? August 2014 (154 Photos) | Steve's CARtography

[Travel'n Man]

.......we played on the computer

[Stanley]

Vacuumed out the car at the carwash. What a bunch of junk. Not that I'm hoping to win a prize at ZCon, far from it. Just don't want to be embarrassed. About time anyway.

Found a magnifying glass, a screwdriver, reading glasses, some hose clamps, and coins under the seats. Guess the radio knob is gone forever, though.

When I got back, couldn't find the keys for my truck. Guess where they were.

[TomoHawk]

In the truck? Or under the seat in the car? It's where you left them.

[Stanley]

Most of the time you would be correct, the keys are usually where I left them. However, the Datsun seems to have a magnet or some other force under the seats that pulls metal objects out of pockets. It's not the first time I've found my missing keys under the seat.

[siteunseen]

Most of the time you would be correct, the keys are usually where I left them. However, the Datsun seems to have a magnet or some other force under the seats that pulls metal objects out of pockets. It's not the first time I've found my missing keys under the seat.

Mine have a pharmaceutical magnet under the drivers seat.

What I did today was put the steering rack poly bushings on #918. With the car up on ramps and no weight on the steering or suspension it was simple. I had already prepared myself for unbolting the motor mounts and jacking the front up a few inches, but NOOOO thank goodness.

[CanTechZ]

Detailed the car for a show tomorrow:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/g...-9th-10th.html



When I opened up the spare tire cover it was like opening a 44 year old time capsule.

[CanTechZ]

This should be in the "What did my Zedd do for me today" category. On the way home from an all Nissan show in North Vancouver BC my clock, that has not functioned in at least 20 years, seemed to be working. So my son set it to the correct time, and this morning 16 hours later it still seems to be right. We had a great day and it was the longest drive for this car in many years, even in temps over 30°C+ and up hills the Zedd performed great.

Overall it was a relatively small turnout at show but there were nine S30's. Of those 4 were series one, including mine. Here's a few pics from the show. The red car is number 36, notice the lack of defroster lines on the rear glass. Also check out the back of the yacht.

[idoxlr8]

Pleasure meeting you and your son yesterday Mike.

I'm sure the ski rack on your car caused a few raised eyebrows on the drive..........in the middle of August

The venue is spectacular for this show.It sure would be nice to see a few more cars out there. I understand there was a scheduling conflict with another show in Oregon that definitely took away some entries.

Either way, a good way to spend a Sunday and meet some of the other Datsun guys.

Dean

[CanTechZ]

Thanks Dean, we enjoyed meeting you as well.

To be honest the skis were only on after we got of the freeway as since the quarter panels were replaced not all of the threaded inserts to mount the lower bracket have been replaced, so I didn't trust one bolt only.

In case you haven't noticed there are pics of the show being added on the 510 Realm website, starting on page two:

The 510 Realm - View topic - 2014 Vancouver All Nissan Meet; August 10th

Mike

[moelk]

Got my "new" 280zx today. Realy bad shape on this cars body but good engine/trans/diff. Car will meet the crucher when i have pulled the good stuff out.
Took the car off the trailer, then i realised that i had an hour left before i had to leave the garage so i jacked the car up and pulled the diff out.

[Hunter260Z]

Fired up my baby and the radio, would not come on. Also had no brake lights and no flasher. Found a fuse blown on the ignition interlock and brake lights. Replaced the fuse on the ignition interlock, the radio and emergency flasher was back on. Replaced the brake light fuse,back on.

Attended a local cruise-in in Roxboro NC. Only Z there,but that's normal. Won the 50/50 pot. Turned out to be a great day. My birthday was also today.

[mildsquare]

I drove to get some food and didn't hit Boost the whole way there. The way back was a different story, as soon as I got home I remembered why I didn't hit boost. Blowthrough turbo setups and a lead foot are not a good combo lol. It was fun though!

[Fred Sigarto]

Took the Z to a car show Fri. nite, parking lot as full. A lot of good comments, mostly lookers. Sat. went to Mentor Nissan for a show. Burgers & hotdogs were provided, There were 5 or 6 old Z's a couple of ZX's. had a good time, thanks Memtor Nissan.

[gogriz91]

Took the Z to a monthly meet down the road, met two 370Z owners, one of whom had bought a series I back in Spring of '70, owned it for four years, put 104,000 miles on it on cross country road trips then sold it when he married and had kids...he really enjoyed looking the car over, even remembered the VIN on his car after 40+ years Found out there's a local G/Z club which is nice too.

[TomoHawk]

What is it with the "G" owners, that they think they own a Z car?? Infinity makes luxury sedans! (like Lincoln or Cadillac.) They would laugh me out of the parking lot if I tried to get my mom's Lincoln into a Mustang meet...

Anyway, I finished my valve cover racer for next week's competition, and I just need to finish the fancy cardboard box with some foam inserts.

[Fred Sigarto]

They also make the Q40 Coupe, which was the G37, before that the G35.

[justinyee]

Ugh! Got a call from my mechanic - the 1983 280zx 5-spd transmission I picked up isn't the right one... It was from a 280zx TURBO! Anyone in the Bay Area got one? Ugh!

[Mikes Z car]

Don't have a tranny here but someone has one on a local craigslist.

1980 Datsun 280zx Engine and Transmission

Are you anywhere near the Humboldt county area?

I bolted a rear bumper on my car to replace the fiberglass one that came with the car. I had pulled the new to me bumper off of a parts car and cleaned it up.

[SteveJ]

I removed the front valence from the 74 today. I will probably remove the front bumper while I'm at it. I only broke three bolts. Two of those were on the left turn signal. The left turn signal lens was already cracked, and the removal process finished the job.

So I have new lenses and gaskets on order, and the air dam is ready to go on. I guess it's time to put on those stainless steel bumpers that have been hanging around in the garage for about a year.

[moelk]

Took the engine (N42/N42)and trans out today. Engine will be bored 2.9 with flattops/ stage 3 cam/ ported head etc. 180-190 at the wheels would make me happy. It will sadly not be done this year.

[moelk]

Damn, why do the pics rotate sometimes?

[er34gtt2000jp]

Dropped off my propeller shaft off at Driveline Service of West Sac to get checked out and balanced. Car developed a horrid vibration starting at 50mph after changing to 4.11 gears. Changed out the U-joints and no difference so off to the shop with it! Wont surprise me if it bent or out of balance, it's kind of a kluge of used parts ;-)

[CanTechZ]

I've been working on removing the 44 year old undercoating, it was nice to find original paint. Also decided to try using magnetic tools to check for and fish out loose rust in the frame rails through the existing drain holes. Here's what I found.

[gwri8]

Spent a good bit of the day re-covering a rubber 280 steering wheel with leather. Before and after shots. Completed for under $20 (not including time and sore fingers). It was worth it

[SteveJ]

I finished up the air dam install and early front bumper on the 260Z.
Old

New


I really enjoyed the project because it tested my fabrication skills.

You can read the details here: https://fiddlingwithzcars.wordpress....-front-bumper/

[S30Driver]

Went to the monthly Caffeine & Gasoline Saturday morning.
Huge turnout of cars, probably 200 +

Only other S30 was a very clean stock lime 73, very nice.

[SteveJ]

It was Caffeine & Octane day in Atlanta, too. We're a little better organized through Facebook and the Georgia Z Club, so we had about 14 S30s and 3 S130s today.

Here's a link to the full picture set: Caffeine and Octane ? September 2014 Edition (173 photos) | Steve's CARtography

After that I drove the Z over to someone's house to help him with his 280ZX. After confirming it was a fuel pump issue, we got a new pump, he installed it, and the car roared back to life.

[Travel'n Man]

Installed performance pedals

[TomoHawk]

I used DeOxit on the connectors for the tail lamps and bulb sockets, then I made some gaskets for the taillamp bulbs, and installed them.

[siteunseen]

Between $200 and $250 for new rotors, calipers, pads, braided stainless hoses, paint, fluid and a 1 man bleeder that actually works for $6.

It takes a Village, of tools...

[TomoHawk]

I'm considering moving my driving lamps from the provided holes to ones drilled slightly closer to the ends. The provided holes for the driving lamps are right behind the bumper over-riders, and the rubber projects down and blocks the upper half of the lamp and light. Good idea?

[Fred Sigarto]

Cars & Coffee @ TrackFirst, Hudson, Ohio

[TomoHawk]

It seems ironic that people drive sportscars to a coffee house, which is usually just off the freeway. get wired up on caffeine, then get back in the sportscars?

[rcb280z]

Hey Cliff, did you get everything from Rockauto?

[siteunseen]

I bought the slotted and drilled rotors, $70 each, and Wagner ceramic pads $14. $160 from rockauto.com shipping and all. Then remanufactured calipers from Advance with a 30% coupon code, $20 each and a can of red caliper paint for $5. 4 stainless braided caliper to hardline hoses off e-bay from Apex, $50.

I also bought a remanufactured 7" brake booster from rockauto.com for $106, I get $20 or $25 back for the core when I send it back. I'm very happy with the results so far but I've only driven it for maybe 30 minutes. And SUPER SORE! Sat cross legged all day Saturday.

# rockauto.com has a 5% coupon code that almost covers shipping, http://www.retailmenot.com/view/rockauto.com #

[rcb280z]

Yeah I use the 5% all the time. Have been replacing parts on my wifes 05 altima that has 162,000 miles.
I guess you had cores for the calipers? No noise from the ceramic pads? I'm thinking about the rotors myself. Hmm..., but I may to do a head gasket. Guess I better wait.
Looks good! I like how nice the calipers came out.

[siteunseen]

I'm glad to hear you take advantage of the 5% code, sneaky rockauoto has you put it in a trick question box, "Where did you hear about us?"

Those pads seem really smooth, not grabby at all. That could be the rotors though? My old ones were shot so anything I did was an improvement. Rears are next weekend hopefully.

Hopefully you'll just need to replace the HG to get rid of your leak.

[rcb280z]

Bet you can guess where I'm going to get the HG from....yep Rockauto. Under $15 bucks for a perma torque. Have to list all the gaskets I need and then see if they have them all or see if they have a complete set.

[Topz]

Had some ignition issues this summer, so this evening it was up for a major tuneup.
Fuelfilter, airfilter, sparkplugs, sparkwires, distributor cap and rotor.
Now the car runs perfect again :-)

[rcb280z]

Lately Iv'e been having problems with my door locks. The key would not unlock the car door locks but I could lock them using the key, barely. Aggravating! I pulled the panels off, removed the locks and noticed some considerable wear on them. I now understand why they didn't work right. I decided to switch sides with the locks. Reversed the "L" shaped arms on the back of the locks, installed the locks and now they work perfect! They lock and unlock with the key now. Just like brand new.

The other thing I did, and it was a PITA, was replace the door hinge pin bushing on the passenger side door. It had flat spotted causing an ear piercing horrible sound when opening the door all the way. Been like that for about 3 years. I recommend having a buddy to help you. So a couple "fix it" jobs went well. I'm going to put the door panels back on tomorrow after I give them some detailing.

[Oiluj]

Drove the Z from the SF peninsula to Inverness in Tomales Bay to attend a dinner. Lovely coastal area, curvy roads through forest and coastal scrub.
This morning we drove out into Point Reyes national seashore. The roads were pretty rough, so we turned around after about 5 miles. Even so, it was still worth the drive.

The Z ran great the whole time and was a pleasure to drive. The car generated a few admiring "thumbs-up" signals and lots of smiles. All-in-all, a good Z weekend.

[gwri8]

That's a great idea rcb280. I've been pondering what to do with my 77's locks and was not terribly excited about the clothes hanger idea (although willing to go that route). As soon as I get it back from welding, that's what ill be on next.

[rcb280z]

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised how simple it was. Good luck and let us know if it worked for you as well.

[rcb280z]

Here are a couple things I forgot to mention,
Soaked everything down in the doors with penetrating oil. Let it set for a couple hrs and then blew everything out with compressed air. I then soaked all the linkage and window tracks with white lithium grease. Talk about smooth now! The doors open easier as well. And I thought all this time it was due to the new weatherstrip. After I replaced the door weatherstrip about 16 months ago the doors were still hard to open until I clean and lubed everything yesterday. Hope this helps someone with the same problems.

[moelk]

Drove my car 220km to a classic car meet celebrating Japan 70s.
Car ran perfect all the 220 km to get there and perfect the same way back again. As i expected i had the only z car. Took some pics of some JP cars and some rare Euro cars.

[Oiluj]

Nice pics Andreas!

[moelk]

Bought a new daily driver. Like it alot.

[jackboxxx]

Took a early morning drive to work today...the back way...

[rcb280z]

Replaced 20 year old ball joints and outer tie rod ends on my 77. Fairly easy. But found that both of my ball joints castle nuts were barely tight. Just beyond finger tight. Had to adjust toe out on drivers side after I was done. Now I just need to get it aligned.

[SteveJ]

It was another Caffeine & Octane day. The cooler weather made for a smaller classic Z turnout than last month, but it's always an enjoyable event.

You can find the rest of the photos at Steve's CARtography | Combining a love of cars and photography

[Topz]

Cars and Coffee in Oslo yesterday, only my Z, but would like to share the pics anyway

[SteveJ]

Cars and Coffee in Oslo yesterday, only my Z, but would like to share the pics anyway

It doesn't matter if you had the only Z there. Most of us like looking at photographs of nice cars.

[Patcon]

And there were some nice cars there...
C

[SteveJ]

I took the Z out for a drive up to the BMW plant in South Carolina today to enjoy the Eurofest auto show. As I drove on I-85 in South Carolina, I had a red 911 convertible shadowing me, and later a green 914 was in tow. Going back, I had a black 911 convertible shadowing me for the entire time I was on I-85. Maybe they thought I would get pulled over first should the troopers show up.

I had issues uploading the pictures to my Flickr account today, but I should have them online tomorrow if you want to check out my website.

Update: The pictures are online at http://stevescartography.wordpress.com

[Galaxybj]

Completed installing the headlight upgrade harness, 60 amp alternator upgrade, marker light upgrade harness, and installed a new fuse box on 23305.

[gwri8]

Who got new floor pans? Me! I did! And as only this group can truly understand, I really, really, appreciate not seeing the road go by under my feet with the car moving.

[gwri8]

Started to replace My mismatched fuel injectors (came that way from previous owner) with some new Standard FJ707Ts from Rock Auto. I was expecting about a two hr. job. Turns out they were mismatched because the PO couldn't remove 3 injectors because the bottom screw was rusted frozen to the original metal insulator. Thought I was going to have to remove the head it was so bad. Two days later, PB Blaster, snapped screws and bolts, Dremmel tool and drill outs +more than a few very descriptive words, the job is done. Also replaced all the injection hoses and cleaned/painted the entire area. Huge performance difference!

[73str86]

Took the 240z grocery shopping!