gav240z

Here is another detail I missed at first but found the other day. Note: The ignition switch position called 'Garage', I am pretty sure my 72 doesn't have this. Can others confirm? What is garage meant to do/be? I always found it strange that Nissan had exposued wires showing under the dash in these cars. However I've since realised that many cars must have had these covers removed. This is in the drivers footwell, the brown marks everywhere in the car and on the dash are dirt it appears that rubs off. I haven't bothered to clean the interior yet, there are bigger fish to fry lol.. Having a further look around the car I suspect it was repainted again at some stage in it's life to the factory colour, I see evidence of overspray on some rubber seals and the bogged up doors and lower guard also tend to confirm this. The engine bay however and interior don't seem to have had the same repaint so perhaps it was a quick 'rust removal or cover up' and re-coat? This is probably when the guards were changed to 260z style ones also and perhaps the Ford mirror was fitted to the door around this time too.

If I can find out what the original rego number was then I'm pretty sure I could order a custom plate in NSW in the old style black. Do you think the original rego was ENR 466? Seems like the correct number for 1970. My other 240z was LCU 540 which seems correct for the year. Yeah I totally agree, much of the info is focused on the US / North American market based cars. I want to do some restructuring of the website in general to make more of this information article based - as opposed to forum discussion based. Which is useful when using sticky posts etc.. but also has it's drawbacks in terms of site structure and if you have 100 sticky posts it sort of misses the point of a sticky. With regard to the headlights yes I've seen the Lucas items on our cars before, I suspect they were original but I'll look into it further. The seats belts in my 73 were also a lap belt design but had a different buckle set up. I suspect local seat belt companies to the state / area probably were contracted or commissioned to provide 'Australian standard' seat belts. Hence why the earlier belts were different from the later style lap belts. I tried to look up the company based on the name, I'd say they are long since out of commission though... The others I had said "Datsun' on the belt buckle. My 72 still has a lap belt on the passenger side, but the drivers side has been changed to a more modern design. I would often find that the belts would unhook themselves if you didn't have them on tight enough. Not really safe, so perhaps best used for shows and display as opposed to used in a practical sense. I am considering fitting a 'period' looking roll cage to the car, so might have a harness set up for safety reasons really..

They originally penned a roadster.

Can you get a decent mig welder that cheap?

Not sure if you know this but you'll also need the tail light garnish from a 240z.

Think I've seen Mustangs done like that, I like the idea. Not sure how expensive it would be? But deep dish wheels with hub caps could look cool .

I'll be in Melbourne around Christmas I can come pick it up . Yeah for sure, I'll start with the floors I think, as they will be hidden by carpet and what I'm currently thinking is rather than strip it down completely and sandblast I'll fix up the critical areas that are coming through, then I'll focus on interior, engine bay and finish off with a full strip / blast and full repaint (which is probably when I'll remove the sunroof also). This way I can revise what I did before and fix it and improve it later . Yeah that's the aim mate. Yeah i agree, more than likely the gasket gone. Yeah it would make sense that Koito supplied the originals, my other 240z had Lucas units and it was pretty original so I thought it was standard. Wats are a good thing, it won't hurt to have the originals also - perhaps with white wall tyres? . Yeah I've sat idle for 6-7 years watching as other cars slowly take shape and getting frustrated I didn't have a garage or space of my own to do the same. The RX-7 got a very light restoration all things considered but it gave me a huge sense of satisfaction rebuilding something that would have been scrapped by insurance. I really regret not finishing my first 240z. Of course I was much younger, much more broke and probably worst of all afraid to try, thinking I would stuff it up. I've looked back all these years with regret about it, so this time I'm going to dive in. http://www.viczcar.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=199 I didn't realise at the time how original it was for a 240z and how rare it was to find such a complete car like that. Being my first car it still holds sentimental value, would love to see it on the road again in future. So who knows this might be the first restoration I do, followed by more Zeds in future. The only way to get good at this sort of work is practice . Thanks mate, I'm also looking at lead filling, instead of body filler. Been watching a few videos on Youtube. Have you ever tried that? For sure, we can give it a crack. I'll need to get a battery for it, perhaps some new fuel and hoses and see what happens . Yeah it's a common stress point on Zeds. Now I know what to ask for at Christmas lol... I can post so many pics because they are not stored on the server. They are uploaded to Google Picasa (which is now Google+ Photos) and I just reference them from there. If I get a chance this Christmas holiday I want to look into migrating the forum to another platform which might make it easier for everyone to do this. Thank you Alan as always full of interesting information. None of my Zeds have ever had working hazards and my 73 didn't even have a switch. I noticed also my 73 and this 70 both have the original rear glass which didn't have the defrosting elements in it like the US cars. So I'm not sure if the AU market cars had the hazard switches standard? I've seen those optional fog lights before and switch on Yahoo! auctions. Pricey!

LOL I wish mate, no I think that money will be better spent fixing my floors. Some day I'll get 1.

RX8 is a great car, a friend in Ireland had 1. Only thing about it was lacking power compared to the FD. Still 9000 RPM is pretty cool and the back seats are actually quite nice and comfortable on a long journey. I didn't actually get to drive it unfortunately, but the chassis on them is amazingly well built. I don't know anything about your 240z, I just saw it on Gumtree. I watch the classifieds like a HAWK! It's a horrible habbit, but I suspect I'm not the only person doing it. Hence when I see a good deal I can usually spot it right away. I recall what your car was listed for, great price when you consider the cost to ship, import, customs, quarantine etc.. Man what a ball ache that was with the RX-7. Some people don't like the idea of a LHD car on Aussie roads, but frankly I don't think it matters that much. Especially if it's a rust free car.

Actually maybe the Compe Wheels do cost that much now? http://page10.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/m115184726

I had to laugh at the fact that you said you couldn't sleep, man I can relate to that. You have the same addiction as the rest of us. Unfortunately there is no hope. R32 GTR has always been a car that appealed I considered getting 1 when I lived abroad as they were quite cheap, but I went for an FD RX-7 when I lived abroad because it was the closest car to the feel of the original 240z and I couldn't find a Z in Europe. As refined as the FD is, the 240z just has so much more character and is a much more special car to be in for me. That's why I bought a second 1 - which is actually my fourth Z. My first car was a 240z, it's funny they all have that same smell too. That old vinyl or something, it brings back memories for me each time I hop into 1. The 240z is a very special car, a true classic car that's why you're so compelled to own 1. I once read a comment on Youtube that said "The 240z was the most famous Ferrari of the 70s" and I tend to agree. Looking forward to pics but I get the feeling It's an orange 1 I saw on Gumtree a little while ago.

Or do you mean tail light garnish?

It would be plenty fast with a 20 mate. If you're not happy though, rip it out and slot in an RB25 instead.

Lookin' the goods mate. I have a pair of 240z style rear lights - actually I have a few. All very very average though mate. I'll dig out pics of them when I'm at my parents place around Christmas. However I'd probably just keep the 260z lenses. I heard in the 70s many 240z owners were converting their cars to 260z style using 260z turn signals and lights. Sounds pretty funny now doesn't it? Then again I converted my FD RX-7 from the earlier style to later style. So I guess I can understand it.

Oh yeah I checked the motor oil, it's of a milky consistency (not black, but a milkshake grey). Perhaps it blew a head gasket? Has the E31 head on an L28 bottom end. Aftermarket extractors (the ones we see on loads of Aussie Zeds) and still running points distributor. I think my first step is to slot in a motor and see if it will fire up, at least that way I know it will run and I can possibly move it around the yard under it's own power. Then gradually I'll tackle sections of rust and as a I build the confidence up I'll look at putting it up on a rotisserie (gonna have to learn to spell that word, think I'll be using it a lot). . It was funny the Tow Truck driver said "shame about the sunroof" and I laughed to myself and thought, yep that's the 1 thing out of the whole car I'm disappointed about, but I'll keep an eye out for a 2 seater roof. I have a spare bonnet also, but I might see if I can use a hammer and dolly on the original one and beat her back into shape. What's the worst that can happen? . Might also paint it flat black like the 432R's and Alan's replica project, leave the under side in Safari gold. The fuel tank has overspray on it (from when someone tried to touch up the backend) and the fuel tank has taken a bit of a beating on the underside. So I might look for another tank.

Thanks mate, you've certainly helped inspire me to take the plunge on this 1. Yeah all things considered I'm pretty happy with it. Hmmm I guess it depends if you stripped the car yourself etc.. I got Rob at ZFactory in Victoria to do some rust repair on my other 240z, which consisted of sills, rear of chassis rails etc.. from memory it was very reasonable prices. I can't recall exact amount now as it was 10 years ago nearly! I would need to look it up. But rust repairs are the most expensive part of restoring a Z I'd say. That and finding all the missing bits and pieces. This will definitely be a budget build. Thanks matey, maybe I can come down for a few welding lessons? . Mate I'll take any charity I can get. If I don't use it I'll make sure someone does. So yes I'd love to grab that off you.

Brace yourselves, Z-car pics are coming... So the 240z arrived today in the late afternoon. It was a hot day in Sydney and we (the tow truck guy) and I managed to get the 240z down the driveway and into my yard. The tow truck driver seemed keen to sit behind the wheel, he was asking if I'll restore it etc.. and then said should put an RB26 in it. I mentioned it was an early car worth keeping original, but he seemed uninterested in that sort of silly talk. First thing I noticed, driver door handle is broken. It lifts but does nothing so you have to access the car through the passenger door. Not a big deal, but it will get annoying. Rust in all the usual places, which on a 240z means everywhere! . I have to say I had a mixture of excitement and a hint of, Oh Noes what have I got myself into. But only just a little bit. For the most part I'm really anxious to 'carefully' rip into it. I found some old rego stickers going back to 92/92/94 Notice how it was classified as a 71 model? I thought that was funny considering how early she is. Drivers side still had the original DR Lucas headlight. I haven't seen these since my 73 240z... The passenger side though was a GE item. Panel beating is hard work apparently.... so someone gave up. Check out how long the grass is....my lawn mover won't start. Going to try a new spark plug tomorrow. Spent the afternoon taking it apart. Bloody Victor mower's lol.. No stowage bins. Those cheese grater style holes are a weird shape because it's the sound deadener that's cracked not the metal underneath. No stowage bins obviously due to being an early girl. Still has the original anodized style hood hinges. Most 240z's by now have these painted.... Sunroof is an 80s item looks like Aussie made too. Ashtray lid why you snapped? Glovebox stickers, not sure if they're all original? It would be awesome to re-create them as part of it's restoration. Adam (A.K.A Mr Brown Hornet) - please sit down, because I'm about to show you the original lap belts and i know you're going to get excited.. Another item that would be good to replicate the logo of... Dashboard... I'm always amazed that the glove boxes in these are not in pieces. Considering they are made from uber expensive cardboard material. It has a mystery 5-speed. So secret it's not written on the knob . Early style map light. It points into the cabin, where as the later ones point downward more... The floors are probably the worst part of all. They look like they have been in a boxing match... guess these are going to get replaced anyway. Original Nissan key. Choke knob seems different, must be an earlier style no? Early steering wheel had no spokes cut out of it. Going to need help figuring out what these do. My 72 doesn't have these here. Pioneer - not hitachi I'm afraid. Still has original Nissan stamped glass. I always read it as Nissan Template instead of Temperlite Spot the rust. Drivers sill and door (will more than likely need a new door skin or fix the existing 1). I got sills, with different rust holes. Someone has tried to bog the doors at 1 point. Lower front wing.. I want my Datsun badges back In fact all the badges are gone, someone has nicked them at some point when it was sitting around I guess. Yeah mate I wanna fit a tow bar to my 240z so I can tow caravans or something.. Seems like a stock muffler with aftermarket tip welded on.. Bit of a pinch.. For a good time call... Original sticker is coming loose on water/washer bottle. I find your lack of rust disturbing. Cowl isn't rusty... These NGK leads are the BOSS my old 240z had them, they are really high quality and good fit on the old L-series. Anyone know if they are still about? Chassis is dead straight. Another original sticker. Fragments of original stickers under the hood. Paint Code Sticker under bonnet. 920 has been rubbed off ;( Minor rust on front wing. Firewall rust.. Battery tray - rusty but not rusted. Still has original battery tray - I've never seen a 240z still have 1 of these! Door and front wing are a little close. Sunroof - you were hot shit in the 80s if you had 1 of these. 1/4 panel roof stress crack. I'm guessing under here lies a surprise for me . Usually they rust good up here, but seems pretty good on this car. Someone replaced the diamnond vinyl which I love with shag pile carpet But I did like this feature... Spare Wheel Well only has surface rust to contend with. Rear of boot area, you can see it has a slight bend due to the rear hit. Jute Material and Spare Wheel Cover. Shame I can't redeem this voucher! Rear number plate assembly and vent for rear hatch. I couldn't believe this wasn't even cracked. It feels very fragile though...I think the later ones were better quality no? But if you look closely you'll see I scored some replacement chassis rails. Vintage carpets. Storage box - cracked pretty well beyond recovery. Missing console piece. Nissan Datsun Sports Owners Club Newsletter from 1992! - Simon will loose his shit over this . Rear hatch slam panel looks ok from top, but she's got rust underneath.. Nice use of body fill. Tape was used as the rear light unit is a bit loose and didn't want it to fall off. I was going to turf these but then I thought hmmm maybe I should keep them? Install them again when it's finished or something?

I don't think my 260z ever had those .

hahahahahahhahahahahaha good 1. in 1971 no and I don't believe any of the S30 series even the late ones. 280zx maybe...

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but looks like you missed out on a couple of cars recently. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Datsun-260Z-Coupe-2-seater-Project-Car-/281223133104?clk_rvr_id=562432398871 http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/melbourne-region/cars-vans-utes/nissan-datsun-240z-/1034401673 There is however a decent looking 260z 2 seater for sale that wouldn't require much to finish it. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1976-Datsun-260z-Coupe-Project-/121236903100?clk_rvr_id=562442423405

Looks like it's gone now, it was this seller. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-seller/David%20Browne/1003911527

They could be reproductions although they seem vintage enough. The passenger side was a PITA to fit. Drivers side OK. Someone repainted black from TAN colour and the chrome strip is no longer present. They are just on there until I can justify buying new ones .

Where are you located mate? NSW? Car looks like a decent starting point. Even has original grey on tail light area. What do you mean by 'drift theme'?

Hi mate phone number was wrong. 0408 699 878.

Phone number is 040 869 9878