silverz

You may have to cast the net a bit wider than just Melbourne. Regards Peter

Glad to hear everyone is ok. I had an interesting time of it as well. I left Townsville on Sun 09 Jan on my way to Albury/Wodonga. I had to drive inland via Hughenden, Winton, Longreach, Barcaldine, Charleville, Cunnamulla, Bourke, Nyngan, Dubbo etc. It was an interesting trip and I think I only just made it through, I had to drive through a little bit of water in a flood way about 50km south of Cunnamulla. The roads were very rough and it seemed a big risk taking such an old car through such conditions but they are tough little cars and other than picking up some crook fuel in Hughenden and the speedo going phsycho over 50MPH I had no real mechanical issues in 2769 KM. Got good fuel consumption too and used no oil or coolant so very happy. Regards Peter.

Yes we were lucky, thought we were having Christmas on the side of the road for a while. For a 37 year old car it was surprisingly comfortable. The seats are a bit flat for my liking and after a while I stuck a pillow under my thighs but this was also to assist to support my left leg which causes me pain since I injured it. Better seals on the doors would help reduce the noise and leaks and a decent stereo would be nice. I also have to admit before we fixed the diff I could not have driven that distance without hearing protection! One nice surprise was due to the rain I was driving a lot with the windows up and I had no noticeable fuming problems - which has been an issue in the past. The new gear stick boot might be the difference? if this is the case I am quite happy because I couldn't get one from AllZparts so made one out of what was left of my boot with one from my mates shed (we think it is from a Datsun 720 Pick Up) packed down on top. ALLZParts tell me they are getting more boots so this will only be a temporary measure but it is working. I also think restoring the water heating to the inlet manifolds has helped as the car has run heaps better (fuel atomising and burning better?) since we fixed that issue. Regards Peter

Hey Pauly thanks I am going to Albury/Wodonga by myself. My family are remaining in Townsville and I will be more than happy to meet up with other members of team Z particularly as I will have plenty of time on my hands. regards Peter

Yep laughed myself when I saw it, it is a silly mistake however with the amount of water we went through quite accurate. I can vouch for the fact a 240z makes a good diving bell. regards Peter

I was going to go a fairly direct route as I have been the coastal route a few times and I wanted to avoid the big cities. I was going to go west to Charters Towers then down the Gregory Development Road through Clermont, Emerald, Roma, St George and then through inland NSW. However with this weather it will now be safety first - major coastal highways. Even if flood waters have receded the potholes will be horrific. Regards Peter

Hi, This is long, I hope you don't find it too boring. I have been doing quite a bit of work on my car with the idea of getting it ready to drive to Albury/Wodonga when I move in early January. We pulled the inlet manifold off and fitted new welsh plugs in it after cleaning all the gunge out so water can flow through. Boy has this made a difference, the car warms up and becomes driveable heaps quicker. We also made a new breather hose for the fuel tank, the old one was kinked and leaking. No smells of fuel now and I can fill the tank all the way up. Painted the fuel tank while I was at it. Also fitted a new gear stick boot and clutch lever boot. Tried to fit a new handbrake cable but unfortunately the replacement one I had was the wrong cable for my car so back on with the old one - a lot of trouble for no result unfortunately. Did some other basic stuff like replacing the fan belt and several hose clamps & some heater hose etc. After all this I decided I needed to test drive the car on a far distance run. I also needed to go to Cairns to look at a rental property we have and meet my sister & brother in law and their three boys that had flown down from Darwin to spend Christmas in Townsville with us. Checked the weather, rain expected, however didn't look that bad when we set off and although I hate driving the car in the rain, figured I would probably be driving through some rain on my way to Victoria anyway so i needed to get used to it. Wed 22 Dec set off with my 15 year old son to Cairns with the Z loaded up. Got to Ingham and the rain started, luckily I had put Rainex on the windscreen and used Rainex anti fog on the inside. It belted down between Ingham and Cardwell then eased off a little though as usual it was raining at Tully. Car went beautifully, widows wound up, fan on full, no fogging up etc though we quickly found out the windscreen was leaking (new windscreen approx one month ago and the seal is only 18 months old if that) Made note to go back to windscreen fitter and get him to sort this out, hopefully he will be back at work before I head off to Victoria. I did have a couple of exciting moments with the car aquaplaning over deep puddles however - tyres are Godyear Ducaro's 14 inch 215R65 approx half worn if that. Got to Cairns with no major dramas, drove around saw the house etc and went for a bit of a run towards Port Douglas on the Cook Hwy. Filled the car up 49.5 litres after 304 miles. Very happy with this as probably 90 -100 miles were in the city (I had done 65 miles in Townsville on this tank before setting off. Did some quick calculations I reckon this is close to 10 litres per 100km and I hadn't been driving for economy so obviously I have the car running reasonably well. Stayed at Lake Placid Tourist Park (where my sister and her family were staying). It rained all night. Next morning checked car (oil fine, coolant level seemed unchanged etc) Set off a bit after 9 with brother in law following in their hired Camry - after they filled the back of the Z up with presents and stuff they couldn't fit in the Camry. One of my nephews had to ride with me as he loves the car and it was good as he could talk the leg of an iron pot which is okay when you only have the original AM radio to liten to. It was a slow trip as sister and brother in law wanted to keep stopping and look at stuff and it rained off and on. When we got to Tully the water levels were noticeably less in the creeks than they were on the way up the day before. After Tully heard on the radio that the Hwy was cut just south of Ingham due to flooding. pressed on anyway hoping it would be down quickly and we would get through. Dodged massive pot holes on the way to Ingham and drove through one small flooded section just before Ingham. Got to Ingham at aprox 1.30, checked with Cops road still closed but may open soon to Trucks followed by 4WD then passenger cars as water levels dropped. Queued up until dinner time then went had some dinner and thought we had better pepare to spend the night, by now no accom available. went through the Z and pulled out all possible sleeping gear - 1 x blanket, two sleeping bags, 2 x pillows, some towels and a car cover- not much for seven people. Started to prepare to sleep the night on the verandah of the Tyto Wetlands Info Centre as this was the best and what we assessed as the safest shelter. We could also watch the road from here and would know by the traffic when the road opened. After a while the Trucks started moving as the road opened to them. Then a Shire Rep came along and told us we couldn't sleep the night where we were and we should go get in the queue as cars would soon be allowed through. We queued up on the seemingly endless line of cars until about 1030 with no information being provided by anyone, then the Cops turned us away and told us no cars would be allowed through that night. Back to Tyto Wetlands Centre, opened out and spread out sleeping bags and blanket all layed on top - seven people in a row with the Z car cover over us all as a blanket. After an uncomfortable night with rain, gusty wind and an electrical storm we got up on Christmas Eve stiff, sore and damp. After breakfast at Maccas we queued up on the road again. By 9.30 we were told that Trucks only would be allowed through and the road would not be reassessed for 4 hours. By now the road North was also cut and we all realised we could be there for days and the kids in particular were getting a bit anxious. Luckilly a lovely local couple (John & Lyn) took us to their house for coffee etc, they also offered us a roof for the night if need be. After a while we went back into town and bought some food while it was still available. Checked with the Cops after lunch and were told that there was still 500mm of water over the road and we could be stuck for days. By now we were very concerned just then my sister got a call from John & Lyn saying that they had word the road would be reopening soon so go queue up. Quewed up for a couple of hours watching 4 WD s and Trucks go although they would let North bound and Southbound go one group at a time as it was a single lane proposition only. We also watched all the other selfish people push in on the queue, tempers flaring etc, by now many cars had also given up and pulled out of the queue to return to Ingham. Eventually we got the word they were going to do a trial run of cars through the flood and Southbound was going first, slowly we edged forward most people said there was no way they would let my car go through as it was too small. As I got to the Cop that was controlling the cars going in the first group she walked towards me and I thought this is it after 27 hours of waiting she is going to stop me at the last minute she turned away, so I took my place in the test group. My brother in law reckons the car is so small she didn't see it! From there we set off slow and steady through the flood waters I reckon it was only about 300mm deep at the deepest but it flowed quite fast and the flooded section was at least 600m long. I would not have liked to do it at night and I really cringed driving a 37 year old car through flood waters but everyone assured me it was fresh water only and unfortunately it had to be done. To it's credit the car never missed a beat. Unfortunately my brother in law was now three cars behind me and could not take photos of me going through. When we got to the other side the Northbound vehicles were queued up for probably 8km or so as we went past people were pointing at the Z, waving and cheering etc. I guess they thought if he can get through we all can. More wild weather the rest of the way to Townsville, then spent the remainder Christmas Eve stripping all carpet etc out of the car and washing the car underneath etc. Not an experience I ever want to repeat, now I will be carefully selecting my route to Victoria. Very impressed with the car though. Regards Peter

Wow, That is one sweet looking 240Z, congratulations. I have bought quite a few parts from All Z parts and have found them very good to deal with, they have sent parts to both Darwin and Townsville for me (I ordered more today to get my car ready to drive to Albury/Wodonga in early January). All Z Parts are located in Hornsby so that should suit you. They have a site on the internet with contact details, in my experience it is better to ring them than send them emails. I am also amazed at the amount of parts that can be sourced at general suppliers if you look around. We have sourced complete sets of rear wheel bearings and all of the bearings and seals required to rebuild the diff here in Townsville from local bearing shops etc. Windscreens etc have also not been a problem locally. I have been through the carb issues and could not find anyone I would trust to work on them without ripping me off to the max, it seemed many carb experts don't want to know about the hitachi carbs and try to sell you British SUs. With the help of the internet, a workshop manual and a few older friends coaching me (experienced with SU type carbies) I have managed to get my car running reasonably, the carbies are quite simple. Your fathers contacts in historic racing may be able to assist in this area. With the symptoms you describe I would be looking first at ignition issues however - particularly if it is the original points type distributor with the ballast resistor. Regards Peter

Hi, My car is Hs30103694, compliance plate shows 9/73. Receipt for original purchase from Lennock motors in Canberra dated 12 October 73. Regards Peter

After much thought and guidance from family and friends - all of whom want me to keep the car, I have decided I definitely won't be selling it at this stage. Depending on recovery progress from my hip/leg injury I will either drive the car from Townsville to my new job in Albury/Wodonga in early/mid Jan or It will be deregistered and put in the garage in Townsville. I apologise to those people who indicated genuine interest in purchasing the car, I am genuinely sorry for stuffing you around and getting your hopes up and I wish you luck finding a suitable car. Thanks Regards Peter

Contact Details: For any further details on this car PM me.

Tony, PM sent, I will wait to hear from you when you are able. Take care in the bush. Regards Peter

no rust in the wheel arches, I am notsure what you are looking at - stone chips? As for the other questions: Contact Details: For any further details on this car PM me. Regards Peter

Hi, I am considering parting with my Z as I am being moved with work again and I am concerned I will not have suitable facilities to keep the old girl in, there are also long term health issues that make it difficult for me to sit in the car for too long. I have not discussed this with my sons yet as both are keen to get their hands on the car one day, so things may change however I will consider offers over $15000 because that's what I consider it is worth to me. If I can't get this amount I will probably buy another car, deregister the Z and keep it in the Garage in Townsville. Model: 1973 240z 5 speed manual L24 Engine (compliance plate shows 9/73) Location: Townsville QLD Item Condition: Good daily driver. Body: Very little rust. Purchased car from rust free Canberra from original owner in 2007. Mechanical: Mechanically quite sound. Since I have owned it I have replaced seat belts, steering rack bushes, rear wheel bearings, rear wheel cylinders, clutch slave cylinder and hose, rear gearbox mount, reconditioned the harmonic balancer, reconditioned 280ZX distributor. The has Diff recently been reconditioned. carpets replaced, seats recovered, windscreen & seal replaced. Carburettors set up, bent needle replaced, float levels reset etc. Car comes with some spares including spare diff housing, 3 x cylinder heads and original distributor, coil, ballast resistor etc. Price and Payment Conditions: Offers over $15000 Registration: QLD Registration until Aug 2011. Extra Info: I am the second owner of this car, it is not perfect and is not heavily modified (even has the original AM radio) but it has a great old school look and I have driven it for over 13000 miles with very little trouble. Pictures: Pictures date from 07/08 when car was in Darwin. If anyone is seriously interested I will provide pictures of whatever they want. <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=SideViewNonoriginalwheelshavebeenon.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/SideViewNonoriginalwheelshavebeenon.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=Showingoffveryoriginalinterior.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/Showingoffveryoriginalinterior.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=000_0300.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/000_0300.jpg" border="0" alt="side view"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=000_0298.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/000_0298.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=000_0294.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/000_0294.jpg" border="0" alt="rear view 2007"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=000_0293.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/000_0293.jpg" border="0" alt="datsun, rear left hand view"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=000_0302.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/000_0302.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <a href="http://s725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/?action=view&current=image.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww254/rob082/image.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> Contact Details: For any further details on this car PM me. Regards Peter

The balancer I had reconditioned at Precision Parts is still going strong. they did a good job. Regards Peter

My problem was the mount at the front of the diff where the diff mounts to the differential unit front mounting crossmember. This mount is described as the front flexible mounting in the Haynes Manual . The rubber was split and allowed movement (you could pry the diff up and down off the crossmember with a large screwdriver) The 'Moustache' Bar rubbers seem OK. Regards Peter

Sorry no photos , my friend is retired and rebuilt the diff while I was was at work, I was very surprised it wasn't really planned at all - at least not by me. I am just really appreciative of what he has done for me and very surprised all the parts could be purchased locally over the counter here in Townsville at bearing shops. Regards Peter

It does fit, job is now completed. The new mount looked similar to the broken one, which may have been changed for a 260Z mount at some point. A Friend rebuilt my diff for me while we were at it, new bearings and seals, now the whine is gone as well as the clunk from the broken mount. The bearings and seals were all purchased over the counter locally. When I get more time I will list the bearings and cost for reference for others if anyone is interested. Regards Peter.

Hi all, I have my 240z up on blocks at the moment to replace the front diff mount, rear gear box mount and some other bits and pieces. When I realised my Diff mount was stuffed I contact Warren at All Z Parts as I always do. I am very happy with the prompt service and good advice Warren provides. I have been away all week and got home last night to find my parcel from All Z parts. Warren has sent me the diff mount for a 260Z as he says they fit straight in with no mods and are larger and therefore stronger. I trust Warren as he has never steered me wrong in the past however I wondered if this is common knowledge and if any other Z owners out there have changed the 240z diff mount for a 260z mount? If so were there any issues and did the 260Z mount last longer? I am about to go away for work again so it may be a little while until I get the job done however I will let everyone know how it goes. Regards Peter

Try Allzparts. http://www.allzparts.com.au/ Regards Peter

Hi, I recently had problems with the harmonic balancer on my 240Z. It seems after 37 years the rubber damper started to disintegrate. This meant the pulley had moved forward from the centre of the balancer and was continually slipping so the fan belt was running on an angle and the timing mark kept moving. I looked around for options and wasn't really happy getting a second hand one and running the risk of the same thing happening. I was told a new one was only avail ex Japan for around $400. I found a Company called Precision Parts in Wagga that said they could rebuild my balancer if I sent it to them. I posted the balancer to them and within a week I had it back looking like new. Total cost including GST and Priority Air Freight to Townsville was $166.90 I was concerned that the timing mark may not be in the correct position so as advised by Precision Parts we checked this on re assembly and it appears to be spot on. I am extremely happy with the result and would recommend to anyone that they check out this option if they have harmonic balancer issues. Contact details for Precision Parts: www.precisionparts.com.au phone: 02 69378888 Regards Peter

Shaun, Thanks very much for the reply. Yes I am definitely interested in ordering the parts. I need the Vacuum Advance Unit and the breaker plate assembly. Though do you know if you can buy just the metal housing for the bearings? As this is all I really require. I would very much appreciate it if you could let me know how to facilitate payment etc. Thanks also for your replies Lurch and Scootag, I did consider the Pertronix conversion kit prior to fitting the 280ZX Distributor. As the old points distributor is worn and also had advance issues (baseplate plate bearings seized?) It seemed to me that the Pertronix Unit wouldn't be the whole solution. The 280ZX distributor was a huge improvement, even though it is clearly "flogged out"as you describe it the car ran a heap better than it did with the old distributor. Now if I can get the 280ZX distributor in a more service state all should be well. Regards Peter

Hi, I also need parts for a 280ZX distributor model D6K9-17. My second hand unit has given up the ghost. If anyone can help me I require the Vacuum Controller (No 16 in the diagram) and the Breaker Plate Assembly (No 8 in the diagram) I have tried Nissan, they don't have them in stock but reckon they can get them ex Japan for $170 for the Breaker Plate and $110 for the Vacuum Controller both plus freight. This seems a bit dear to me. I am considering a supposed reco distributor from US for $226.00 plus $45 freight but am looking at all options. If anyone has any advice it will be appreciated. Regards Peter

Just over 10000 miles Regards Peter

Good luck Dandaman, you may have to look far and wide to find one. Regards Peter