boyblunda

Got my book with the usual express quality service from Pitstop. Very happy with the value I received in the bok but I would caution readers of a wholesale acceptance and perpetuation of the information and credit given to Goertz as a pioneer of the thought processes that lead to the design for the 240Z. Without going into detail, there is a lot of alternative thought about the influence of Goertz and the issue is a controversial one. The "myth" continues to raise and perpetuate itself when people quote older sources without checking the relatively recent and thorough discussions on sites such as Classicz where the matter has been, and continues to be, scrutinised and researched by some key Z historians. What does raise an eyebrow with me is the "Nissan Corporate Communications" Managing Editor Jeffrey Fisher connection quoted on the rear page. Given the controversy of Goertz with Nissan and his parting, I would have expected there to be more credit given to the Japanese designers in this matter if there is an official Nissan connection with this book. Type Goertz into the ClassicZ search item and you will get plenty to read. That aside, I am very happy with my copy of the book.

Paulo Great tip - thanks. Ordered my copy two minutes ago. Regards Dave

With regard to money being made out of importing and selling cars in Australia, I have some reservations as to whether this is profitable as it maybe used to be a few years ago. I have been looking at the prospect of importing a 60's Mustang from North America for some 18 months or so and I think the market has been changing due to a combination of an increase in the value of the Australian dollar, recent changes in import regulations, the effects of the global financial crisis, rising interest rates and whatever other economic hocus pocus and regulation might be at hand. My subjective impression is that the prices of muscle cars has dropped in the past twelve months and that collectible cars are close to just holding their own. I have held off from making a purchase partly because I think I see that muscle cars are not moving or are selling for lower prices than they were 18 months ago. At one point in time I was thinking it might be better to buy a car that was already in Australia but I think the prices for these vehicles have remained higher in comparison to prices that seemingly similar vehicles are selling for in North America. I see advertisements, internet discussion and Ebay auctions for several individuals who are selling cars to Australia and looking after shipping and paperwork etc and a lot of these vehicles appear to be bought by people in Australia who have never seen the cars that are still an ocean away. I suppose the advantage that some of these sellers have is that they are not stuck with a car in Australia where the market might be hanging back. I do not really know exactly what I am saying here except that things are a little unpredictable. All of the above is purely my personal impression and may be way off he mark but the end result is that at the moment (and also until I address my home garage issues) I have not rushed in to any new financial commitment for another toy. FWIW Dave

G'Day Lynton and thanks for putting the matter straight with the 2+2 - I did put the "less desirable" in my original quote in inverted commas to indicate that it was a thought commonly espoused by a few as might be found on ClassicZ for example. The fact that I have two 2+2's in my personal stable and a single two seater would indicate my lack of preference for one over the other except for the fact that, for me, the 2+2 is unquestionably the better tourer. As you say it is all a matter of opinion and I genuinely thank you for the effort you made to present some objective facts in ably stating your point in this matter - loved the style of your post. With regard to whether or not the 240Z two seater is a better car than the 260Z two seater, we could have a longer discussion over that and I can readily see the arguments stacking up on both sides of the fence. However, I readily concede that the 240Z is likely to be the more desirable of the two. Oh dear, I think I may have done it again. Regards Dave

Emil If after talking to the seller today you remain keen on following up on the car, you might go to the South Australian section and PM a few of the more active members there to see if they can help OR if they can recommend someone to you who might be able to help. They might also know of some good workshop Zed contacts who might do the inspection on your behalf. All the best. Dave

Freshy, in the photos this car presents really well and if the mechanicals are up to the standard of the presentation in the photos, then you would be on a good thing PROVIDED that it is not rusty. I bought both of my 2+2's sight unseen BUT in both cases I had a friend with a good idea about Zeds go and check them out for me and I found that I got exactly what I was expecting. I do not think I could recommend buying a car from a few photos without getting it checked out by someone who can give you an honest appraisal. The ebay Zed certainly looks like one that is worthwhile following up and seems to be at a fair price at the moment. There is another 2+2 on ebay at the moment in parts, rubbed down for painting, at $1500. Not the car for someone who is a starter in he field without good workshop skills. Even a rusted parts car can fetch $750 or so. A daily driver in poor condition but going will likely cost $1800+ and halfway clean cars start at about $3000. From first appearances the ebay car rates above any category I have listed here. My thought is that the better the body, the more money you will save yourself and that is worth paying a higher price for a car with a good body and interior. All the best with your considerations.

We can all understand the urge and I can picture the way a Zed would flow through the roads I remember of Wales. I would imagine that it could be a harder task to find and purchase a Zed in the UK than in Australia or the USA and then you are probably looking for a RHD vehicle. While most favour the higher priced early 240Z's I believe that the 260Z had quite a few refinements that make it an equally, if not a more desirable consideration. The biggest problem with the 260Z's are the flat topped carbies which many swap for the round tops from the earlier model or exchange for triple webers. You sound like you know your way around car projects so good luck with the search.

I think that it is a fairly adventurous move to consider buying an old make of car with a reputation for rust without inspecting or having it inspected first. With the paint job being a few years old then at least if rampant rust is an issue then it should be starting to show signs by now. Other than rust, which is the first and probably most important question to be addressed, it is almost normal to expect a non working clock, a cracked dash and a damaged console but non of these latter items prevent the car from being a great drive. Do you have undercover parking available to you? Keeping these cars out of the sun and the rain is a good thing. The final question I would suggest you consider is whether or not you really want a 2+2 and whether you are going to be happy with an automatic over a manual. On the other hand, any Zed is a good starter, the 2+2 is a better tourer, the auto can be swapped for a manual, and the prices are cheaper for the "less desirable" 2+2. One of the best thing about Zeds is that they are relatively easy to work on and that second hand parts can be tracked down through the Zed community and from wreckers yards where there is quite a source of suitable Nissan parts from later model cars. Information and encouragement to do your own maintenance is offered freely on this site. My first Zed purchased was a 1977 auto 2+2 - I just eventually, after 30 plus years of wanting one, had to take the plunge. It is now a little rustier, but with the only modification being a MSD, is still a great drive and is my daily driver while I am at home while my other project cars are being worked on. I bought the 1977 car with the knowledge that it was rusty but was happy to drive it until it died and then keep it as a parts car but so far it just keeps going and I think it will continue to do so until the body falls off around the mechanicals We all understand your want here, but you do need a few backup dollars when owning an old car. Good luck with your Zed quest.

Hi Kobes Your purchaser got a good deal on your car . Even if the body was beyond redemption the desirable and easily immediately sold parts will easily realise the price he paid for the car. From your own point of view we can appreciate the sadness of a car that runs well but where the body just cannot match the life of the rest of the car. I once drove a 280ZX around Tasmania and it was a great touring car. I hope we are not going to lose you from the forum. I personally liked the enthusiasm that showed in your posts and kept on thinking that if you liked the 280ZX, you will love what an S30 2 seater has to offer. Unfortunately good quality 2 seaters rarely hit the market in WA so it is a matter of being patient and waiting for something with a good body to come up, or looking to the eastern States where there is more to choose from. Good luck with your Z future.

Thanks for your response Brabham. As previously stated I have two sets of gold painted rims, one of which I will definitely be taking back to a clean alloy surface and repolishing but the other set are clean and unmarked. You have now got me thinking that I might try putting some tyres on the clean second set and try them on my black car. All the best with your own wheels - from the photo they are certainly a smart looking set. I agree that the gold rims were a period thing. Was it the LE Monaro that came out with the gold honeycomb rims as a standard item?

Good looking set of rims from what can be seen in the one picture you have posted. Do they look to be original rims or do you think they might have have refreshed to look as good as they appear to be? What is the general condition of the rims with regard to wear, marks from wheel weights and the like? Can you tell us a little about how you came across these rims and what the previous owner might have said about them?

I looked up my parts manual and there was only one magnesium wheel listed as available for the S30 although there is also a competition or performance catalogue around that may have an additional listing for the four spoke Watanabe rims that were used on early S30 race and rally vehicles. I have a clear memory of the Australian Nissan rally cars using a four spoke gold (Enkeii???) wheel with their Stanzas. Just to support what has already been contributed by other members on this topic ; * Peter Evanow “Z 35 years of Nissan’s Sports Car” page 60 has a picture of the gold recess four spoke Iron Cross wheels that were a feature of the 1980 10th Anniversary Z (read ZX). * Wick Humble “How To Restore Your Datsun Z Car” on page 191 describes the introduction of the true aluminium alloy wheel “these were coated with a clear epoxy that suffered yellowing and deterioration from weather and direct sun. Datsun recommended having the clear coat removed by stripping or polishing and respraying with an acrylic clear.” It is sometimes a little hard to make definitive comments about what was available to the S30 given the variations in the Australian, North American, European and Japanese domestic markets. FWIW Dave

I got in early and ordered a numbered (#7) model signed by both Peter Brock and John Morton. I was particularly happy with the quality of the product and the level of service and communication that accompanied the transaction. If you are into Z memorabilia then I can recommend this purchase.

I am not sure in my mind whether or not we are talking about the 260Z alloy rims or the 280ZX "Iron Cross" rims here. They are the only two genuine four spoke rims that were fitted to Zeds but to the best of my knowledge the 260Z rims were unique to later model 260Zeds. I do not ever remember seeing gold 260Z rims as standard although dealers may have given them such a treatment. However, I do have gold rims on one of my Zeds and I have also bought a set of gold rims on ebay from a NSW seller - both sets were painted by the previous owners and were unpainted prior to that. I do think they look okay with some paint colours but will soon start removing all paint from these rims and repolishing the flat surfaces and painting the recessed areas black as the rims are fitted with new tyres. A polished rim with black paint would be more versatile for my situation if I want to move rims between cars. I will follow up at home next week and check if there were paint options for rims in the factory parts manual - unless somebody beats me to it in the meantime. Regards Dave

Onya Rev Donation made both for the obvious worthiness of the cause and for the respect and contribution you make to this site. You should feel free to sprout about what your organization does for these kids. I have never been really close to this sort of a situation in my experience but I find it difficult to imagine a more vulnerable or deplorable situation for this population of victims. I was once a person who organised many camps for kids. The value of the camp experience to kids is exemplified by the number of ex participants who say to me that these camps were the most memorable and valuable experiences of their school experience. Appropriately facilitated camps with a targeted population and a well designed program can be exceptionally effective in assisting youngsters to be exposed to some positive experiences and life skills that might stay with them for the rest of their lives. All the best for your cause.

Thankyou for the welcome. Please do not hold your breath waiting for the pics as I am techno challenged and rely on the support of she who must be obeyed to take the photos and do what it takes to get them on to a post. I might add that my infinitely better half struggles with the concept of my need for any, let alone three Zeds - she insists on calling them the old man's sports car or the 260Y which in itself deserves recognition for knowing how to push the buttons of a Zed afficionado. I am also a member of classicz and the WAZ register and have always been impressed with the positive, supportive and enthusiastic nature of Zed forums. My compliments to the members who contribute to this forum and particularly those who devote the time and effort to administering and moderating what is clearly the premiere Australian S30 site. Billy, sent you a PM - the WAZ guys are a great group of people. Unfortunately I live in Albany and work south of Laverton so time in Perth is minimal. However, I do look forward to making a WAZ event as soon as I have one of my cars to stage that is worth looking at. I look forward to making my own contributions to this forum in due course. Regards Dave

Hi All Have been a financial member for some time but have just been lurking in the background and checking in regularly for excellent Australian content before entering the fray as a contributing member. I appreciate the flavour, candour and informed comment contained in the forum postings. I have harboured a yen for the S30 since time began in my automotive life and was finally able to enter the ownership fray a few years ago once I had the storage space and the means to accommodate my lust. Regrettably, or even possibly fortunately, my acquisition of three road registered vehicles and a parts car has rapidly exceeded the space prerequisite and I now find myself designing my ultimate Zed shed to feed the need. My current Zed problem (other than space) lies with finding the time to devote to my vehicles which has forced me to have to contract the work involved for my projects out to others who have the knowledge and expertise to fill the gap - in my case thanks to Martin and Robin Falconer in Western Australia who do outstanding work. I will post pics of my cars and new shed as they become available and look forward to becoming a forum contributor in the near future. Regards to all members Dave