What I did today

[Mikez73]

Over at z31p.com we have a thread called "What did you do to your Nissan/Datsun today?" or something like that. Just for little miscellaneous trivial stuff like this. I couldn't find any better place for this post so I put it here. I don't mind if it gets moved or deleted.
I didn't put it in paint & body because...well t's not exactly paint & body the way it should be done... /shrug
Typical Datsun stuff...rust patrol:

Cowls aren't waterproof???



Oh well it's just minor rust right?



By Datsun standards...



No place for big fingers





I do better prep work than this and I suck at paint and body



Getting started



Looking much better



Missed the wiper thingy...




No place for small fingers!



Enough for today...

[motorman7]

Cool...thanks for posting. I should of took pics of my cowl area when I removed/cleaned it. I think there was half a bush growing in there. Needed a shop vac to clean out all the leaves.

[Mikez73]

I bet there's nothing there now. That is one clean car you have there.
On the cowl subject... I haven't buttoned anything down yet but it seems like the front edge is noticeably lower. I don't recall any spacers. I guess I'll figure it out tomorrow.
Also I'm wondering if there is any restoration that can be done with the windshield wiper motor. The wipers are really sloooow.

[Bonzi Lon]

The wipers are supposed to be slow, so you don't drive it when it looks like rain. Remember, wet+Z=rust.

There is a good writeup on a Honda wiper motor exchange, one just for the 73 because of the delay function.

Bonzi Lon

[zKars]

Nice idea! Kinda like Twitter for the car restoration community. 140 words and 4 little pic per post per day (so you not on it all damn day kids!)

Just a few areas of common concern on the wipers. They can be slow for three major reasons, in order of likely hood (debatable no doubt).

1) Dirty, worn and or un-lubricated arm linkage and pivots,

2) Reduced power supply to the motor due to bad connections, everything from the battery wires, fuses, switch contacts and connectors along the entire wiring harness, but start with the connection in the engine bay.

3) Worn out motor (brushes or bushings).

When you get all of these items sorted out, and you'll find the wipers are more or less "ok" on all but the heaviest downpours. The honda motor upgrade is great.

You'll may also find that a product like "Rainex" helps in the mean time!

Keep up the great work

Jim

[Zs-ondabrain]

I'm on my way out the door to go put inflated tires on my NEWLY aquired 72' 240Z.....

It has 4 flat tires and the only way to get it home is to put 4 good tires on it and roll it onto a flatbed. Gotta also bolt down the hood and clear a runway to get it on the flatbed.

I'll do a thread/writeup later on..
Super excited to get my 5th Z car.
That's 3 at home now.
Dave

[Pop's Z]

Dave, You have a problem. Step away from the Zs. You are going to have to enter a 12 step program. There are cat women...and z guys.
Cheers, Mike

[zKars]

There is no such thing as too many Z's. Go get it Dave!

Jim

[leftover z]

I pulled out my "truck style" 280Z steering wheel today, and installed a 240Z steering wheel.

Before and after pics.

[MEZZZ]

In keeping with the nature of this thread, I just got home from a 12 hour work day, so I went into the garage and looked at my Z for about 30 seconds

[madkaw]

I had a big day today. I finally got my headliner installed with the A pillar stuff too--what a big job-I'm sore.

[leftover z]

Looks good Steve. Go have a couple beers

[Zedyone_kenobi]

I replaced a fuel line from my frame rail to my fuel pump... two hose clamps and 10 minutes...

I feel so inadequate.

[Zs-ondabrain]

just remember, it's the little things, that keep our z's on the road and apart from the crowd.

[Arne]

Well, it is a little thing - I drove mine to work today...

[Pop's Z]

Power window install tomorrow. Thanks, Dave for the inspiration.
Cheers, Mike

[Mikez73]

I had a big day today. I finally got my headliner installed with the A pillar stuff too--what a big job-I'm sore.

I did that on my first 280zx and my first 300zx. It is a PITA.

Here is my current project: getting rid of some minor rust problems.
I'll post pics of the results soon...if it turns out well

[Bonzi Lon]

Last Friday and Saturday was the exhaust system. Sunday was enjoying it.

Monday morning is the first photo, Tuesday night is the next, sunshine would of helped.

Wednesday was tuning and experiencing way more tourque and hp!

Thursday the entire evaporative system was repaired, the larger fuel rated hoses were found at the John Deere dealership, 300psi

Friday was wash, dry, wax on wax off, polish & detail.

Today is my first car show of the season McPherson College, the USA's only accredited 4 year course in automobile restoration.

Bonzi Lon

[jackboxxx]

Well, it is a little thing - I drove mine to work today...

Me too! then i spray waxed it too!

Shiny!

[ChrisZ]

Shiny indeed, looking good.
I will post my days work a little later, need to get some photos taken first.

Chris

[prilofx]

Moved the little guy into the garage finally, today!

[jackboxxx]

I tried to convert my evil Production supervisor ( who is a DIE HARD honda guy )
to see the way and the light of **NISSAN** by tagging his CRX with a homemade nissan logo on his hood..while he wasnt looking..
Sigh its not working though...he just wants to work on it more now....

[grantf]

seafoam in the gas tank, new in line fuel filter after the gas tank and replaced the fuel inlet that the P.O. mangled (for reasons I can not fathom).

P.S. and I drove it, it's getting really hard to drive my corolla day to day even though I trust it more.

[northernz]

Last few days, installed new hood release, cleaned the hood latch and reinstalled, took off grill and loosened hood hinges to unjam hood! Fiddled with hood adjustment for an hour.Bled brakes and clutch, adjusted slave cylinder throw and clutch pedal (both out badly) Discovered what looks like a shotgun hole in passenger footwell! (will post a pic,very strange)Will drive to work tommorrow

[d240zx2]

Getting new fuel rail installed. Pics soon....

[epsark]

I got to see my car for the first time with it's new coat of paint. It still needs the jambs done and the final sand and buff. I'm told that by the end of the week it should be done. I also started it for the first time since I turned it in for restoration work seven months ago. The body guy has been starting it all along, but I just had to hear it again. Can't wait to get it back!
Last picture was my attempt to capture the ghost flames that are there. It kind of looks like finger smears in the picture. I'm not sure if anyone else will be able to see them. Then again, that's part of the reason they are ghost ones: added detail that is hiding until the lighting conditions are just right. I like them!

[Mikez73]

Last few days, installed new hood release, cleaned the hood latch and reinstalled, took off grill and loosened hood hinges to unjam hood! Fiddled with hood adjustment for an hour.Bled brakes and clutch, adjusted slave cylinder throw and clutch pedal (both out badly) Discovered what looks like a shotgun hole in passenger footwell! (will post a pic,very strange)Will drive to work tommorrow

Sounds like the day from hell except for the last line.

[northernz]

I am at work right now with a big smile on my face! Funny how one short drive can make hours of effort worth while!

[Casey_z]

Covered the ugly seat mechanism

[Mikez73]

Covered the ugly seat mechanism

Looks great. Where did you get those? I just noticed I don't have any.

[Casey_z]

MotorSport Auto.

They just started selling this item a couple of months ago in there discontinued items section.

It took a while for me to convince a cheap Dutchman to pay what they are asking for two bits of plastic.

Perfect fit though. Can't complain about that!

Casey

[Mikez73]

$63? Yeah...that's hard to justify for me too.
What I did...installed a 280zx alternator. Had another surprise. There is an extra wire attached to the harness plug. I'm just going to leave it alone and jump the wires per the how-to pages. And unless someone tells me different I'm going to assume that the condenser is unnecessary.
I tried a turnbuckle in place of the stock adjusting arm.
Couldn't get it aligned right and when I tightened the bolt holding the upper eye, the turnbuckle wouldn't turn. It was dark and bugs were driving me crazy so I didn't give it a lot of focus.
I also have the bumper and airdam off, and the radiator out. I'm going to install the aluminum rad that the PO sent w/ the car. Still on the fence about installing electric fans. Seems like too much work for too little return.
I liked e-fans on the z31 but mainly because it opens up so much space for intercooler plumbing. There's no space gain here. And unfortunately no need for an ic

epsark...your paint job looks great!

[epsark]

What I did...installed a 280zx alternator. Had another surprise. There is an extra wire attached to the harness plug. I'm just going to leave it alone and jump the wires per the how-to pages.

Did you by chance get the adapter that Zs-ondabrain (Dave) sells? I just got mine the other day and am waiting to get the car back to be able to install the 280ZX alternator that Dave recommended. It looked pretty straight forward, but since I haven't seen mine for 7 months I'm not positive. I was thinking it would basically be a plug and play type thing. If you haven't got the adapter, you might want to consider it. May make things easier.
Thanks about the paint. I can't wait to get the car back and see it finished finally! I will post pics once I get it back. Hopefully before this weekend, the weather is supposed to be great instead of all the cool days, overcast and rainy days we have been having.

[ChrisZ]

Mike, let me repeat my self, that wire runs to the fuel pump relay.

Chris

[dustin_haru]

BAWHAHAHA MAN I ENVY ALL U GUYS... ahhh right now i'm stuck having a wet dream over my baby... i soo cant wait two more days till i c her again!

[Mikez73]

Mike, let me repeat my self, that wire runs to the fuel pump relay.

Chris

Wait..I thought you meant the extra wire on the starter solenoid. Or do you mean both?
I need to delete or bypass that relay because as far as I can tell it serves no useful purpose as the car is wired now.
And I'm seriously thinking about disconnecting the electric fuel pump and installing a mechanical pump.

epsark...I pretty much suck at electrical work but this isn't very complicated. Two jumper wires and solder in a diode and it's done. I didn't know those adapters were still available or I probably would have bought one.

[S30Driver]

Put in all new injector seals / o-rings to cure a small vacuum leak from #1 & 2.
Fairly simple job with the Palnet fuel rail. (seals were $4.58, enough for 8 injectors)
Also did a Seafoam treatment & installed a fresh set of NGK plugs.

[psdenno]

I installed the later style rubber shifter boot and secured it with a retainer ring that I had made at the local high school metal shop. I needed to use the later style boot which is held in place by the ring and four screws because I upgraded my '71 to a five speed and had to enlarge the hole in the transmission tunnel.

Then it was time to put the center console back in, secure the fuse box and choke lever, and reattach the AC control switch. I wish I had small Japanese hands when it comes to jobs like that.
Dennis

[d240zx2]

New Fuel rail/block installed....

[Mikez73]

That looks cool Frank but...are your carbs leaking?

[Mikez73]

I'm just screwing around with some cosmetic stuff. I'm blacking out some shiny parts. I need some blackout tape for the window trim. Thinking about painting the door handles. Here's what I've got so far:

[Zs-ondabrain]

Ran the motor with the new freeze plugs, only to find that the center one, near #4 cyl was tinkling on the header. So I pounded it in a little further and it's good.

BUT......... I found a drip, drip, drip under the water pulley. Turns out that my water pump suffered a blow out and I think the bearing is bad. So I had to order a new water pump. I'm suppost to be getting ready for the 500 mile round trip to Canby, and I keep blowing crap up and destroying stuff. Dammit.

AND. I repeat AND.... I blew a headlight tonight on the Green Bean (The 72')

If it ain't 1 thing (say it with me now) "IT'S ANOTHER"

[Mikez73]

"IT'S ANOTHER" There, I'm in...
I sympathize with you but I envy you. I haven't been able to drive mine in a long time

[Zs-ondabrain]

I got 2 drivable 240Z's and I have to keep swapping between them due to issues here and there. Get's a little anoying trying to figure out which one needs to be in the garage for the next day.

I know, you say "But Dave, you got 2 fricken drivable Z's, Quitcher Bitchin!!" I can't help it, I gotta vent somewhere.

Dave

[d240zx2]

are your carbs leaking?

No. That's residue from fuel leaking out during start pumps. No leaks at all during operation.

[Mike]

Not a bad idea for a forum! I'll add one and you'll be the first to kick it off!

[Zs-ondabrain]

What's that Mike, Me bitchin? or looking for a place to do it?

[Mikez73]

It has to get worse before it gets better At least it's back on now. It looks pretty good after I got the filler shaped and sprayed some sealing primer on it. I'll get pics of that later.
BTW does anybody know a part number or a reasonable facsimile for the cushion material in the whatchacallit in the upper left? Mine are like crumbly cork.

Oh and doesn't this look cool.

I saw a lot of pics of cars when I was looking for an s30 and what I thought was rust on a lot of them I know now was probably adhesive residue.
And that stuff is damned hard to remove...

[d240zx2]

I think that's called a hatch guide and I think it's still available from Nissan.... or was about 18 months ago....

[Mikez73]

Cool. Is the cushion part made of cork? Mine are so crumbly I can't tell what the original shape was.

[Zs-ondabrain]

The Guide cushions are a spring loaded plastic wedge with a Black Rubber stopper/cushion in a 2 bolt metal frame.

[Mikez73]

Rubber? I swear these are cork material. I'll see if I can improvise something. I can probably look at the housing and get an idea of what shape it needs to be but if anybody has a pic that would be helpful. Just the cushion. Everything else is good.
Also, does anyone know the length of the mechanical fuel pump bolts? I can get the thread pitch but I'm not sure how thick the spacer is so I can only guess at the length I need. I have several sizes of stainless socket head bolts so I'm hoping I've got something I can use.

[JohnnyO]

Fairly busy weekend:

Go to store to pick up necessary supplies - Check
Cut and install padding for tranny tunnel - Check
Install vinyl on tranny tunnel - Check
Run antenna and speaker wire - Check
Install gas filler neck and fuel door knob - Check (Black Dragon fuel flap doesn't fit right on early series 1)
Install Firewall Insulator - Check
Install new pedal pads - Check
Install blower motor and heater core - Check
Install new heater inlet and outlet hoses - Check
Store original braided hoses for no apparent reason - Check
Clean and install throttle linkage - Check
Sand, Ospho and POR fuel tank - Check
Sand and paint vapor return tank - Check
Sand and paint radiator - Check
Install radiator - Check
Sand and paint fuel tank straps - Check
Install rear diff by myself - (Can this even be done solo without a lift and tranny jack?)
Clean and polish side markers and install - Check
Fill and bleed clutch and brakes - NO
Install bead blasted distributor - Check
Polish and install tail lights - Check
Install tail light surround - Check
Remove PO's blue overspray from zinc plated parts - Check
Install wiper tubing and nozzles - Check
Wrap wiring harnesses with new electrical tape - Partially completed
Install drive shaft - NO
Install Half Shafts - NO
Figure out where all these extra vacuum hoses and linkage parts go -
Install vapor return tank - NO
Clean and install license plate light - Check

All in all a fairly productive weekend. If my wife didn't have me running errands until 2 pm Saturday I might have gotten it all done.

John

[Oiluj]

Well, yesterday actually...

Got my next door neighbor's Green 1972 Automatic 240Z "on the road" for the first time in almost 3 years. She is the original owner and want's me to do a refresh on hers when I'm done with mine. Has some rust in the quarter panels under the doors, but not terminal. Will get it taken care of when it goes in for paint.

[Arne]

For those of us in Oregon and Washington, one word is enough to describe what I did today - Canby.

I loved the sign they parked us behind (in the second picture)!

[motorman7]

Wow John, that is an impressive amount of work for a weekend. I'm jealous

[moonpup]

Fairly busy weekend:

Go to store to pick up necessary supplies - Check
Cut and install padding for tranny tunnel - Check
Install vinyl on tranny tunnel - Check
Run antenna and speaker wire - Check
Install gas filler neck and fuel door knob - Check (Black Dragon fuel flap doesn't fit right on early series 1)
Install Firewall Insulator - Check
Install new pedal pads - Check
Install blower motor and heater core - Check
Install new heater inlet and outlet hoses - Check
Store original braided hoses for no apparent reason - Check
Clean and install throttle linkage - Check
Sand, Ospho and POR fuel tank - Check
Sand and paint vapor return tank - Check
Sand and paint radiator - Check
Install radiator - Check
Sand and paint fuel tank straps - Check
Install rear diff by myself - (Can this even be done solo without a lift and tranny jack?)
Clean and polish side markers and install - Check
Fill and bleed clutch and brakes - NO
Install bead blasted distributor - Check
Polish and install tail lights - Check
Install tail light surround - Check
Remove PO's blue overspray from zinc plated parts - Check
Install wiper tubing and nozzles - Check
Wrap wiring harnesses with new electrical tape - Partially completed
Install drive shaft - NO
Install Half Shafts - NO
Figure out where all these extra vacuum hoses and linkage parts go -
Install vapor return tank - NO
Clean and install license plate light - Check

All in all a fairly productive weekend. If my wife didn't have me running errands until 2 pm Saturday I might have gotten it all done.

John

Write up insanely long weekend checklist recap & post to CZCC - Check!

[JohnnyO]

Write up insanely long weekend checklist recap & post to CZCC - Check!

I wrote it up while I was waiting for the advil to kick in...

[JohnnyO]

Wow John, that is an impressive amount of work for a weekend. I'm jealous

I'm very motivated at this point. I can almost smell the exhaust fumes seeping in....

[GreenZZZ]

Attacking the Rust monster in the Heater and Gas Tank. Defended with POR-15 too!

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopos...hp?photo=33831


http://www.classiczcars.com/photopos...hp?photo=33830

[JohnnyO]

Parts look good. Hit them with some metal ready or ospho and you are all set for por.

John

[Mikez73]

Saturday: removed front sway bar...prepped and painted.
Today went to install it with new bushings and...the bar is 24mm and I have 20mm bushings
If anybody need some 20mm Prothane bushings cheap let me know
I think the rear bar is 22mm but I'm going to measure for sure. Seems like big bars for a 240z. I think my shiro had 24 and 26mm bars.
I need to order end links too. The bushings are squashed and the hardware is gnarly.
Removed the compression rods and wirebrushed the surface rust from the mounts and rods. Used rust treatment, I'll prime and paint tomorrow night.
Found these:

I'm assuming that and the one just like it from the other side are "TC rod kits"? And there should be a ball in each? The ball is gone. I think I'll just install poly bushings and put those kits in a box.
Johnny'O would prolly have had this done in 15 minutes

[EScanlon]

Lee:
Those rubber pads on the gas tank are just attached with a type of rubber cement adhesive. If you are planning on using POR on the exterior, you might as well remove them to get it on all surfaces and truly encapsulate the metal. You might also check that all the vent tubes are solid and not wiggling at all, if they are, now is the time to resolder them in place. Use a Heat Gun and not an open flame. Also try to minimize the amount of POR you put into the Sender O-Ring Groove... VET

On the Heater box, just immediately before applying POR on the side doors and other hinged items that you cannot remove from the box, apply a gnat's drop of oil to the hinge pin itself. Work it in and make sure you don't have it anywhere else. The oil will prevent the POR from cementing your doors open or shut... VET (Voice of Experience).

FWIW
E

[mlc240z]

Mikez73,
Don't install all poly bushings on the TC rod if you don't have a complete 'Kit' with the nylon? ball for that socket.

Just go with all new rubber.
Have heard all kinds of nastys (broken rods) with all poly bushings.
Installed that kit with the recommended ball, socket and RUBBER rear bushing.

[Mikez73]

Mikez73,
Don't install all poly bushings on the TC rod if you don't have a complete 'Kit' with the nylon? ball for that socket.

Just go with all new rubber.
Have heard all kinds of nastys (broken rods) with all poly bushings.
Installed that kit with the recommended ball, socket and RUBBER rear bushing.

Good call. I found some bad stories looking for info on tension rods. A broken t rod is bad news but at the wrong time it could be a disaster. I looked at the parts today in good light and what I thought last night were hard half-bushings were the balls. I was expecting white material. These are black. They look okay except for one having the "guide" extension broken off. I think I'll put them back on.
There probably isn't much point in using poly bushings on the back side?
It's surprising that BD and MSA don't sell replacement parts for the t/c rod kit.
I read a couple of posts where people thought the balls were delrin. Maybe the kits now use delrin but I don't think these are delrin. I've got some delrin but I don't know if it's thick enough to shape a replacement ball.

[Mikez73]

Ok I kept the t-c rod kits and reused the rubber rear bushings. They looked good BTW. Bought some 24mm bushings for the front bar and some endlinks. Installed the 20mm rear sway bar bushings. Did this car come with a factory rear sway bar? I'm pretty sure the 20mm bar isn't stock anyway.







And Howard the garage cat.

[Bonzi Lon]

It is my understanding that the 73 came with the rear sway bar mountings, but no sway bar. The sway bars were installed on the 74 260's though.

Bonzi Lon

[GreenZZZ]

Lee:
Those rubber pads on the gas tank are just attached with a type of rubber cement adhesive. If you are planning on using POR on the exterior, you might as well remove them to get it on all surfaces and truly encapsulate the metal. You might also check that all the vent tubes are solid and not wiggling at all, if they are, now is the time to resolder them in place. Use a Heat Gun and not an open flame. Also try to minimize the amount of POR you put into the Sender O-Ring Groove... VET

On the Heater box, just immediately before applying POR on the side doors and other hinged items that you cannot remove from the box, apply a gnat's drop of oil to the hinge pin itself. Work it in and make sure you don't have it anywhere else. The oil will prevent the POR from cementing your doors open or shut... VET (Voice of Experience).

FWIW
E

Got the heater parts all POR'd without cementing in the flaps. I posted photos in a heater box thread. The gas tank came out great, but I didn't bother popping the rubber off. All the lines felt real solid.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopos...hp?photo=33860

[motorman7]

Started the clean-up on my 73Z. Not sure I should really call it a restoration as I am not planning on a full rotiserie job. The plan is to strip the car and send the rolling chassis to Lance for the silver 901 paint job. Will try and keep as original as economicaly feasible.

I am really thrilled with the sheet metal on this. Even the battey tray is fairly clean. Minor surface rust, but nothing major. I am removing the side door ding bumpers (hate those) and the old AC (poor ROI), but otherwise will keep everything the same. Will also keep the flat tops and that lovely gray insulation . Should be fun.

Did a little clean-up on the motor earlier on, but will do the full monty now that the motor is out.

Major items I will need to get, other than paint, is the weather strip kit, carpet kit, and center console. Otherwise everything is pretty decent. Plan is to make it look like the final pic here when it's all done.

[SmoothZ]

motor, those pics look almost like what I experienced the last few days. I didn't take the motor out, but I did a lot of 'cleaning' today. Your car looks great. What wheels are those?

See my thread:
http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/s...ad.php?t=39064

[Mikez73]

Started the clean-up on my 73Z. Not sure I should really call it a restoration as I am not planning on a full rotiserie job. The plan is to strip the car and send the rolling chassis to Lance for the silver 901 paint job. Will try and keep as original as economicaly feasible.

I am really thrilled with the sheet metal on this. Even the battey tray is fairly clean. Minor surface rust, but nothing major. I am removing the side door ding bumpers (hate those) and the old AC (poor ROI), but otherwise will keep everything the same. Will also keep the flat tops and that lovely gray insulation . Should be fun.

Did a little clean-up on the motor earlier on, but will do the full monty now that the motor is out.

Major items I will need to get, other than paint, is the weather strip kit, carpet kit, and center console. Otherwise everything is pretty decent. Plan is to make it look like the final pic here when it's all done.

Nice looking car. The engine bay looks to be in good shape. Did you look under the cowling for rust?

[motorman7]

Nice looking car. The engine bay looks to be in good shape. Did you look under the cowling for rust?

Yes, I actually cleaned it up about 4 months ago. I think the car sat under a tree for some time and there was the equivalent of a small bush (a shrubery)underneath. Had to empty my shop vac after sucking must of it out. I will remove the cowl for paint. pulled off the headlight buckets today. They came off nicely, no broken studs, all metal-very nice. Only bolt that broke during removal was a horn bolt.

I am really happy with how original the car is. It still has the original muffler and muffler brackets (but i dont think the PB blaster is going to help those).

Gotta have baggies to sort parts. Will clean and re-zinc baggy by baggy...easier that way in the long run.

The rims came with the car, 5 slot 14 inch diameter. Tires are new Michelins, 195/70 14 radials from Costco.

[motorman7]

Took apart more than I had planned. Pulled fenders to check for rust. They were not too bad. I did use a little Por-15 in the lower corners , mostly as a preventative. All the bolts came out easy. That was a good sign. Got the inside fenders cleaned and painted. Now back to sanding.

Found my next project car. Will pick up in 3 months or so after I have the silver one complete. It's a pre-Z.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Well, I can only say one of these were done today but the rest were done withoin the last 3 days and didn't have time to post about it.

Pulled the R200 diff and took it to JMortenson to have him Properly instal my LSD.
Came home in 95 degree weather and the green Z held up pretty good in the heat. Installed the rebuilt R200 with CV's into the Red Z only to find that my driveline's Ujoint was shot.
I was in a hurry so I left it in there and fixed that today, swapped it with the early, 1" longer driveline, which I needed in anyways.

Saturday, I held the 2nd anual summer Zcar BBQ at my place. I wanted to thank Michael O'Conner, Brian Laine and his son Ben and James (S30Driver) for showing up. I had a great time BS'n with everybody and food wasn't half bad either. Thanks for actually showing up guys, let's do it again next year...!

Dave

That's Brian's "Z8" Series 1 240Z. Ford 331 Stroker with 4) 45DCOE's, Tremec 5-speed, R200LSD, fuel Cell and Dual exhaust. SWEEEET Ride.

Michael O'Conner (Australian Bloke) and his 77'? 280Z (under Construction)
James S30Driver and his 77' 280Z with 17" Rota RB's
And Me with my 2 Z's (green Z is SOLD, to a guy in Canada)

[SmoothZ]

Soaked these in EvapoRust for a while to clean them up.



I also spent yesterday cleaning the hatch window and tried to get all the old window tint residue off using 3M adhesive remover. It worked!

[Mikez73]

I got mine to fire up a couple of times. I think the battery charge was too low to give it the hot spark it needed. I had the battery charged but I think it's on it's last legs. I'm going to try again tomorrow.

[ChrisZ]

Found my next project car. Will pick up in 3 months or so after I have the silver one complete. It's a pre-Z.

-70 1600, nice project, look to be complete.

Chris

[Mikez73]

I drove it around to the side and washed it. This is the first time it's been clean since I got it
I hope this pic is small enough. I didn't realize until a minute ago you had a 640x480 limit. Sorry

Here's a link to a page of clean car pics too.

http://67.18.219.83/image_hosting/we.../240zpics2.htm

[motorman7]

Well, after doing the rust abatement on the fenders, no way I could put the old bolts on. So what to do...zinc'em of course. I replaced the standard round washers and lock washers from a kit, but zinced the unique items. Caswell has the kit at a discount this month for those interested.

[esmit208]

Hey Mikez73
I'm working on the same area but mine is in the process of complete restoration. A Dremel is handy for this and other cramped areas I.E. wiper cowls and underneath. Many attachments that get into these areas thouroughly. Have fun.

[Mikez73]

Hey Mikez73
I'm working on the same area but mine is in the process of complete restoration. A Dremel is handy for this and other cramped areas I.E. wiper cowls and underneath. Many attachments that get into these areas thouroughly. Have fun.

A dremel? That is dedication lol. Took weeks for my hands to get back to normal after working under the cowl
I'm not going to say this car is forever rust proof in the areas I've worked on but it should be good until the next generation owner takes over the responsibilities of keeping this car alive. I'd still like to wirebrush and treat the rust along the bottom. Not sure if it's the frame rail but you know the area I'm talking about. I'll post a pic at the end. The control arms and suspension parts really should be removed and gone over. That's what I did on my shiro. I don't think I have the motivation to go through that again at my age
I'll keep tabs on your car as long as I'm around. Good luck.
Here's that pic.

[Mikes Z car]

Took a picture of the crossmember under the radiator to get an idea of the curve at the end for a sketchup 3D drawing I am attempting to make of the early 240Z frame. Not sure how far I will get with this as it is more time consuming to get any accuracy than I thought and I am no cad expert. I will upload what little I have so far to my blog for anyone to make use of and for any comments.
Drove my 240 to the hardware store where it got looked over. Several people have commented on how nice it looks this last week or so as I have had it outside to finish the wiper motor install and the headlight harness upgrade.

[Mikez73]

That's def an attention getter. Got some bigger pics?

[biddljj]

After 4 years Z-Disease finally went for a road test today....
I screwed up and put the back eibach springs in the front.

This weekend I tore the 72 240 apart and put the front springs in the front.

10 hours latter..... Spirted road test for 7 miles.... Big fun and every thing works
good... Gotta work on the interior and fix the brake lite / turn signal issue.

Jay

[biddljj]

Road Test picture of the 72 240 Z

[MEZZZ]

I fired mine up for the 1st time since last fall today! In October, I finished up rebuilding the front end. I drove it for a 10 mile test drive and the next weekend, put it up on jackstands to start the rear end rebuild. Between the winter months, (I dont have a heated garage) to working 6 straight weeks this spring, then throw in family obligations, its has been hard to find the time to work on it.

I ripped the entire rear end out, scrubbed, wire wheeled and wire brushed the underside from the diff mount area back to the rear valance. What a disgusting job that was. No rust on any of the components, just filth. Repainted the tank, the Lower control arms, mustache bar, diff, etc. Put in one of Daves R/t Mounts. Installed a new e-brake cable, Illuminas, Eibachs, E/S poly bushings, spindle pins, brake shoes and hardware.

Yesterday, I installed the left hub assembly, today, the rear sway bar, connected the half shafts, built up the brakes, hooked up the new e-brake cable. Poured 5 gallons in it and fired it up while still on the stands. Another couple hours and I should be road testing it for the first time in 9 months.

I wish I could say its been easy, this thing has kicked my a$$ every step of the way! It has been so hot here the past couple days it was almost unbearable in the garage but 2 days with nothing planned is a rarity!

[motorman7]

Well, finished up sanding on the '73 and it's off to Lance's shop for some 901 silver. Should have it back in a month or less. Now it's time to clean parts and get items ready for re-assembly.

Saw this sticker on the back of a panel and don't understand a word it says. Looks like a man with four arms and a funky hat walking near his house.

[ChrisZ]

Saw this sticker on the back of a panel and don't understand a word it says. Looks like a man with four arms and a funky hat walking near his house.

It's a Japanese chewinggum paper, it say strawberry flavor, just toss it out.

Chris

[steve91tt]

I'm on a rattle hunt today. While I had the interior out I decided to dynomat the strut towers and interior wheel arches. I'm not normally a fan of he baked potato look when it comes to dynomat but I suspect that I'm getting a bunch of road noise from these spots so I hit them harder than the rest of the interior.

[SmoothZ]

Fiddled with the panel in the back where all the lights are. I'm trying to take them off so I can sand them down and paint it. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

[biddljj]

I pulled out my "truck style" 280Z steering wheel today, and installed a 240Z steering wheel.

Before and after pics.

Yeah man..... That the right stuff.... I love the up close and person feel
of the 240Z steering.....

Jay
Not justa Z - ZDisease

[biddljj]

Well, finished up sanding on the '73 and it's off to Lance's shop for some 901 silver. Should have it back in a month or less. Now it's time to clean parts and get items ready for re-assembly.

Saw this sticker on the back of a panel and don't understand a word it says. Looks like a man with four arms and a funky hat walking near his house.

Today I found an original 240Z Owners Guide is the glove compartment
of the 72 parts car.... sweet....

Jay
Not just a Z - ZDisease

[Casey_z]

Went to local drag strip

paid my 20 bucks

Went for a couple of runs down the track in a straight line.

Great fun.

need more room couldn't get out of 3rd but I still beat the Camaro

Casey

[steve91tt]

Fired up the AC and worked on 3 generations of Z'ish vehicles this weekend.



Fun, fun fun!

[motorman7]

Worked on the motor today for the '73Z that is in paint. Lots of zincing...some plating. it's coming together.

[motorman7]

Forgot to post the before picture.

[livenbad]

It was in early '74 in Fayetteville NC when I saw the for sale sign on the yellow 71 Z. My life has been hell (kidding) ever since. Cost me one marriage when she found out I spent all our money on a new dash. Well, how would you like to drive a classic with a cracked dash??? Just came in from garage....can't get much brake pressure after rear disc conversion...should have left well enough alone. Z car hasn't left garage in three years now...and I have still spent a couple thousand on it. thirty-nine years and counting.

[motorman7]

Got car back from paint- Cleaning up the engine bay before assembly. Got the rack and pinion items cleaned and painted. Will clean and re-tape wiring harness today.

[d240zx2]

Nothing quite as drastic as you guys have written. We bought a new house, haven't sold the old one yet. The Z was kept at the old house until I could get the new garage tidied adequately to house her. Today was homecoming. First mile since ZCON, and Lordy, was it fun!

[steve91tt]

I installed a "you left your lights on" buzzer today. $10 worth of parts and about 20 minutes effort to wire it between the parking light relay and the door pin. Time and money well spent!