cracker

When I bought my 240z not too long ago the PO provided a black dragon kit not fitted. I found the door seals to be too thick. I trimmed the driver side rubber to see if I could get a good fit but ended up instead following some advice found on here and on hybridz that seals from a Kia Sportage do a good job. They did - fit great, seal well, and provide a firm shut for the door. I haven't tried to replace other rubber around the car just yet but from a few hours spent on forums researching the issues I was having, it sounds like the OEM rubber provides the best complete car kit. There was another company in the US called vintage rubber that came with good feedback http://www.vintagerubber.com/240z.aspx and I am sure you can do your own research on them. James

As the topic says I'm looking for a pair of 260z front indicators/park lights to fit to my 240z. I currently have the indicators which sit atop my front bumper bar (as per factory spec) and have decided to go for the cleaner look. Would be happy to swap with someone should that be desirable, my indicators are in good condition with a very minor stress crack in the bottom corner of the RHS lens. I am unsure of the condition of the park lights without proper inspection during daylight. Can provide more information on mine if and when a swap becomes a consideration. I also have a spare indicator lens which has a repaired crack which could be included if desired. I am unsure of the value of these, happy to take feedback here or negotiate a fair price (or swap). Happy to pay for postage for those interstate. Feel free to PM me or call/sms on zero four 03 527 398 Cheers, James

Any word on these?

Thanks everyone for the comments, and glad you approve of things Peter! I actually managed to fit the drivers side door with a new seal today except now I can only JUST close the door! The mosquitos were biting so I'll tackle the latch adjustment tomorrow. I suppose the door definitely won't bounce around in it's housing now, haha :/

Thanks - yep. In SA we have "R & S series" plates. They must begin with "r" or "s" funnily enough, and must be 3 letters/3 numbers but otherwise customisable. Because of the combination restrictions they are quite cheap too.

A little while ago I made an impulse purchase to get back into the zed scene. I had sold my previous 240z with much hesitation and through a largely forced hand, and I'd always end up back on this forum reading up on other people's build progress and watching on with a little envy. So when this sexy little number popped up I simply couldn't refuse. It was priced fairly, was neat and tidy and was very nearly completely rust free - a perfect start. I was keen to have a car that was driveable straight away but that had room for improvement and would let me put my own stamp on things as time went on. Luckily I called first and agreed to buy sight unseen, because the crowds were building and I think a couple of people missed out. A week later and after a short drive (haha!) to and from Wodonga, I was again the owner of a beautiful Datsun 240z. Unfortunately that's where the fairytale start finished... about 3 leisurely drives later, the gearbox decided enough was enough and refused to continue. A few extra dollars later and with the expert guidance of Peter Hall in Lobethal, I had a reconditioned L28 5-speed installed and the car was going great (sort of). It has a few little issues that need to be sorted, one of which being suspension, which is very tired indeed - the front right is very stiff and the rear springs sag and bounce quite badly. I am currently considering either coilovers or new struts and have been scanning the forums for options and associated costs etc. In the near future I will be addressing the suspension and the rubber door seals which also need replacing. The old rubber has "decomposed" onto the door frame so the removal of the old seals will be even more difficult than the installation of the new seals. With these jobs complete the car should be very comfortable and capable for weekend (or even daily) driving, though will not be by any means fast. I'll be happy enjoying it for what it is and for the same reasons people enjoyed it back in the early 70's. A little bit more about the car... September 1973 240z - factory silver L24 with reconditioned L28 5-speed manual gearbox and twin 240z SU's Red vinyl interior (previous owner re-upholstered the seats which look fantastic) 14" Hotwire mags Down the track I will look at changing wheels, installing headers and exhaust, replacing suspension and rod bushes all round (probably at the same time as I get around to replacing the suspension) and repairing the cracked dash, along with some other small interior imperfections. I'm not in any rush and will enjoy learning about the car as I make repairs and improvements, as I never really tackled too much on my old car. James

I sent them an email yesterday asking for pics and clarification of age of build. No reply as yet... will let you know my findings if I ever do get a reply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LcwTUEstzs

Hi Curtis, What are the tyre specs? Also where are you located? Cheers, James

http://www.datsun.com/ Only 400,000 rupees My prediction is zero impact on zed car values, but if it changes it's more likely for the good than the bad. The further from classic rear drive coupe's they go the more desirable zeds become!

I know the Crows aren't doing very well but surely theres some Eagles fans out there?

Hi All, Looking to borrow a car trailer late next week as I need to tow my zed up to Peter Hall who is going to help with my gearbox woes. I have two members area tickets for tomorrow nights Crows game vs West Coast for anybody with a trailer I can use! 7.10pm at AAMI stadium, and you don't even have to sit with me PM here or call/sms, zero four 03527398 Cheers, James

Great, thanks dat2kman, I have heard his name before in Z car circles - in the hills somewhere if my memory serves me correctly. A quick forum search has found his number as 8389 6635 so I'll give him a call!

Hi All, I've got some problems with my gearbox and likely clutch and am looking for an expert to take a look for me - initially I wanted to do the work myself but I'm really not equipped with the right equipment or enough time at the moment. (my symptoms are here: www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,12918.0.html ) Can anybody recommend somebody in Adelaide that has worked on L series boxes before? Cheers, James

I'm becoming a little time poor in the next month or so I'm going to take the box out and have somebody else take a look for me - can anybody recommend a good workshop that knows L series gearboxes? I am just South of the CBD but if there is quality workshop somewhere in Adelaide I'll use them. I'll also posted in the business directory. Cheers, James ps. apologies if this information has been posted somewhere previously - I did try quite a few different searches of the forum!

Thanks everyone for your EXTREMELY helpful advice... show's how useful and awesome this forum is. I've had it towed (on the back of a truck not with wheels trailing) back to my place and will hopefully find some time next week to pull it apart and try to find the issue(s). I believe it is the later box (73 car) so hopefully not a bank breaking fix. Would not have had a clue what to look for without the comments above, much appreciated all! James

It seems to be stuck in gear so that if I release the clutch while the gear position is neutral the car will attempt to accelerate then clunk noisily and stall. I can select first quite easily while the motor is running but while first is selected it seems almost like a high gear is actually selected as I can't take off and the car stalls.

Hi All, I'm looking for some input on a problem I've just had with a 240z I've just purchased - fortunately made it back from Vic before the box sh*t itself! In the last day or two I had noticed occasionally first gear was "hard to find" and then earlier today I had to really shove it in. When this was the case the take up point was very short and almost caught me off guard to stall the car. Then, whilst driving around today, I was coasting in neutral down a hill at about 60km/h when what I thought may have been diff or box created a massive clunk and hampered the cars progress and was very clunky and noisy. I clutched in quickly which allowed me to continue rolling but I hit problems as soon as I attempted to get back in gear. I can start the car with the clutch in but now can't get the car into gear at all. "Neutral" seems to be stuck slightly in a low gear because when I try to take up the clutch the car tries to move forwards as if in first gear, but wont take off properly. I'm nearly certain the problem is the gearbox but I wonder if anyone may be able to shed light on what specific issue may be and how serious it is? (possibly having experienced the same problem?) I'd like to guage the damage as best possible so I can either look for a new box, fix this one, or have it rebuilt. Working with the gearbox is beyond my skillset so I would need to outsource, unless it was fitting a new box which I could attempt... (maybe!)

How dare you stereotype me like that, thriller! Haha, I actually own my daily/work car and its not a flashy German marque, rather a sensible, presentable Liberty

Well, not really, no. I am a real estate agent in Adelaide and quite often deal with some high end clients that would scoff at an "old car"! Whilst technically I dont care what they think, if I persisted with this attitude I would lose business as a result... I can now afford to own the z as a second car and pending a drastic change in circumstances this one won't be going anywhere any time soon. PS. Only after committing to buy Peters car did I try to find some progress on my old 240z and found out about its unfortunate demise.

Hi All, I am the lucky new owner of this fantastic machine. I can't thank Peter enough for being simply fantastic to deal with. I trekked over from Adelaide and felt really confident I knew the car even before inspecting. Thank you again Peter, I hope to do the car proud and enjoy it as much as it seems you have. It stood up well over the 900km back to SA and hopefully improves as I address a few of the bits and pieces that need attention. Regards, James

PM Sent

Hey guys, I went along to All Japan Day after lunch and was blown away by the zeds on display! I saw you all organising to get them lined up on the forums and couldn't wait to get down for a look. Absolute hats off to you all on some brilliant modification and restoration work. Paul, thanks for taking the time to have a quick chat with me at the end of the day - as I mentioned, really love how the patina project has worked out. I'm a little disappointed I live on the plains and don't get to see you driving around a little more I'm looking at getting back into a zed asap because I really do miss the character of the things, they are just a pleasure to drive and appreciate. Hopefully I'll have one again soon and be a bit more active on the forums. Congratulations all on a great show, from a real fan and enthusiast it was an absolute highlight to see some of your hard work first hand. Cheers, James

hi guys, I've been looking to get back into a zed for a while - I'm looking at this one and spoke to the owner earlier today. There's a bit of work to be done and despite its current looks, it fits my budget. Is there anybody quite close to Mowbray and willing to give it a good look over for me? preferably with a good knowledge of zeds! More than happy to wire you some cash for some beers for your trouble, as it would be much appreciated! feel free to pm here or call/text on (zero four zero three) 527398 cheers, James

Yeah, sorry, I should have been more observant - noticed you are in the Hills after I posted. Probably about 7km closer to Tasmania than I am... haha