aj_ Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 (edited) I picked this up a little over a year ago and figured it was time to jot a few details down. I'm perhaps arriving here on a different journey from most others on the forum, as I'm equipped with zero skills on the mechanical side, and zero space to do anything. My mission with the Z was simple: I wanted a car that would make me smile, for a few drives each week. After 3-4 months hunting (which seems quick these days, and that was only a year ago) I spotted this online and flew to Melbourne the next day. I did pester PB with a bunch of questions too - and, as I've seen with many other new-ish members, he went above and beyond with help and input. Anyway, this one ticked a lot of boxes: Silver, original/no mods (inc original radio), 2 seat, black interior. After a mad, mad, MAD test drive with the previous owner I was sold ... and smiling. She (he?) was plonked on a truck and arrived in the middle of the night a week or two later. Since then I've outsourced a bunch of work (as per above - I don't have the skills or space ... or time!) and figured I should start logging that here. Work to date: Electrics (rewired & replaced headlights, fixed pressure sender, temp sender & indicators) Replaced armrests Replaced dash - http://www.viczcar.com/forum/topic/14864-new-nos-genuine-260z-dash/ Replaced seat foams, shift boot, hand brake boot and centre console (all from the Z store) - console is the US style with lid (I couldn't find a "non-lid" version) New seat covers (black leather / black stitching) 2 ½” stainless exhaust, with new extractors (it's actually having this done right now) A/C regas / repair heater & control cables Replaced fuel sender New radiator A few pics attached (the headlight covers have been removed, as they just didn't float my boat). I'm casually hunting for a decent bonnet, if anybody knows of one. My current bonnet is looking particularly nasty on the leading edge - and whoever put the badge on had the fidgets that day. But that seems to be the only nasty stuff found so far. If I can't find a bonnet I'll probably take him (her?) off-road over winter and get the full respray done. The Z gets out as often as I can, which is nowhere near as often as I'd like. But - I still smile every time. The interior is pretty much done - though, if I'm going to be picky, the back carpets could do with a tidy-up. There's an engine rebuild on the horizon, but the aim on this one is to keep things as original as is I can. If there was a sliding scale from boy-racer to showroom-original, I'm definitely leaning to the original side of things, but happy to throw in the odd nod to modernity here & there. Anyway, there it is. Occasional posts to follow - and I'll definitely get along to a Sydney get together at some stage. Cheers, AJ Edited May 27, 2017 by aj_ AndBir, gav240z, Ponyo240z and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retro Z Posted May 16, 2017 Share Posted May 16, 2017 Wow, very nice. Don't hesitate to PM me if you need help with anything..i've pulled apart so many of them that im sure i can help in some way. aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators gav240z Posted May 16, 2017 Administrators Share Posted May 16, 2017 Nice looking car. aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndBir Posted May 17, 2017 Share Posted May 17, 2017 Very nice, and with air con as well. What muffler(s) did you get on your new exhaust system? aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyk_79 Posted May 17, 2017 Share Posted May 17, 2017 I can certainly relate to the "no skills" aspect, and outsourcing as a result. Look forward to seeing this in the flesh at a drive day. aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 17, 2017 Author Share Posted May 17, 2017 (edited) Very nice, and with air con as well. What muffler(s) did you get on your new exhaust system? The muffler is made by these guys - http://www.hitechmufflers.com.au/ - it's their own brand. I can dig into that a little more if you like. I'm hoping to have the Z back this week and can get further details then. Just let me know. The air-con is an odd little thing, bolted on under the glove box - but, it does have a retro charm to it too. Edited May 17, 2017 by aj_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted May 17, 2017 Share Posted May 17, 2017 (edited) Nice car, I really like the wheels too, whatever brand they are. I think you've done a great job with the car's repairs/tidy-ups too in just one year. Personally I also like the headlamp covers, I find the bare sugar scoops a bit raw. But to each his own taste. I had a set of covers on mine a while back but they got broken. Will buy a new set when the opportunity presents itself. Edited May 17, 2017 by gilltech aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 17, 2017 Author Share Posted May 17, 2017 (edited) Nice car, I really like the wheels too, whatever brand they are. I think you've done a great job with the car's repairs/tidy-ups too in just one year. Personally I also like the headlamp covers, I find the bare sugar scoops a bit raw. But to each his own taste. I had a set of covers on mine a while back but they got broken. Will buy a new set when the opportunity presents itself. Thanks! I'd be very interested if you can find a 'snug fitting' headlight cover. I tried 2 different sets but part of my problem with them was gaps around the rubber edges (not seating properly) + they cracked very, very easily (both sets were plastic - which I'm guessing yours were too). If I could find a snug & sturdy set I'd definitely give them another go. On the wheels, I'll claim zero credit (they were there on purchase). I wasn't mad on them to start, but they've really grown on me now and I can't imagine it with anything else. The previous owner even chucked in a spare. Edited May 17, 2017 by aj_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike260LW Posted May 17, 2017 Share Posted May 17, 2017 Nice early 260Z. I'm a big fan of the '74 260. What is the VIN # AJ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 17, 2017 Author Share Posted May 17, 2017 Nice early 260Z. I'm a big fan of the '74 260. What is the VIN # AJ? Hey Mike - yep, me too. It's RS30 000543 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 (edited) Mine's 115, so built what a month or so before? Yeah I like those wheels, they look very Corvette-ish to me. Is there a brand on the back, & what size are they? Edited May 18, 2017 by gilltech Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 18, 2017 Author Share Posted May 18, 2017 (edited) Quick update - I got the car back today and am beyond happy with the new exhaust setup. It sounds just how I wanted it to too - not too angry, not too snarly ... "quietly confident". The new extractors have definitely improved the performance too. The guy from the muffler shop was all over the Z with glee - and turned out to be a Datsun guy too (he did the London - Sydney marathon in a 1600). Edited May 18, 2017 by aj_ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterAllen Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Thanks! I'd be very interested if you can find a 'snug fitting' headlight cover. I tried 2 different sets but part of my problem with them was gaps around the rubber edges (not seating properly) + they cracked very, very easily (both sets were plastic - which I'm guessing yours were too). If I could find a snug & sturdy set I'd definitely give them another go.... Just use a hot air gun and massage them to the correct shape. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike260LW Posted May 18, 2017 Share Posted May 18, 2017 Thanks! I'd be very interested if you can find a 'snug fitting' headlight cover. I tried 2 different sets but part of my problem with them was gaps around the rubber edges (not seating properly) + they cracked very, very easily (both sets were plastic - which I'm guessing yours were too). If I could find a snug & sturdy set I'd definitely give them another go. On the wheels, I'll claim zero credit (they were there on purchase). I wasn't mad on them to start, but they've really grown on me now and I can't imagine it with anything else. The previous owner even chucked in a spare. Just bought Two sets from Motorsport Auto in the USA. They were put on back order because the getting a new supplier as they weren't happy with the fit of the old ones. I have to tell you if the new ones are better the old ones must have been appalling! aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 Thanks for the heads-up. I fitted mine (from same supplier) sometime maybe 1990-era and they fitted fairly well shape-wise, but were prone to coming loose. The problem was that they got brittle in cold weather (like on ski trips etc) and cracked and broke away around the screw holes. I couldn't find anything to successfully repair them with, so in time I gave up and they were discarded. Hopefully the plastic compound has improved by now. So I will try again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 19, 2017 Author Share Posted May 19, 2017 Mine's 115, so built what a month or so before? Yeah I like those wheels, they look very Corvette-ish to me. Is there a brand on the back, & what size are they? I'm guessing we're the same month. The build plate on mine is 1/74. Ditto for you? The wheels are American Racing. I'm still trying to find the model name though. Size = 14 inch 195/70. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndBir Posted May 19, 2017 Share Posted May 19, 2017 I'm guessing we're the same month. The build plate on mine is 1/74. Ditto for you? The wheels are American Racing. I'm still trying to find the model name though. Size = 14 inch 195/70. My plate is partially covered by some electrics so I have yet to "see" what the build date is. As mine is RS30 000467 I suspect as similar build month. Will have to check it when back at the "farm". aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj_ Posted May 27, 2017 Author Share Posted May 27, 2017 Just spotted this - the new exhaust from underneath ... https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAnxyOjlGl/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gilltech Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Nice job of that exhaust! Those big rubber bungs in the rear valance do look better in body colour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndBir Posted May 27, 2017 Share Posted May 27, 2017 Nice job of that exhaust! Those big rubber bungs in the rear valance do look better in body colour. I agree re the bungs, I hope to get mine permanently filled in prior to the repaint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators PB260Z Posted June 20, 2017 Moderators Share Posted June 20, 2017 Hi AJ Great looking car, original with just a few period mods. I look forward to seeing it in the metal one day. Cheers PB aj_ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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