VintageNissanEnthusiast

More than happy to do a Z only commute. Wouldn't mind getting there for a 9-9:30 arrival.

Im heading there. Yeah I think a solid Z squad would go down a treat! Do you mean to cruise in before hand and then join CSA?

Damnnnn Daniel! Great find mate! Congrats

Yeah I thought so. Are you aware if the original sealed beams were flat or curved lens?

Yeah this will be nuts!

Great looking 2+2 good luck with the sale!

For me its not really something I am not willing to be cheap on...I would never have purchased a Z if I wanted to save money! Both mentioned taking off the panels and door cards. Getting into the cavities, drilling holes in the sills, going through the inside. I'd be more concerned if it is a two day job, rather than just one day? Unfortunately I didn't ask if they were aware of common rust places on z's, as I didn't even think of it myself!

Ok so have contact 3 restoration/ panel shops so far. Both the first and second seemed to confirm our discussion here but a big difference in price? Place 1 - PJ's Panels Quoted maximum 1k - 1.5k. Described the process of stripping panel, drilling holes in inner sills using fish oil and cavity wax. Would need to get in contact with them in a couple of weeks to see if they have space. Place 2 - Hayes Garage Quoted around $600 plus materials cost (would take a full days work) Mentioned the same as before and inner doors, getting into the cavities using a product called Lanotec which is a combination of fish oil and Lanolin, cleaning and drying out the sills. Place 3 - JC classic car restorations Mentioned doors and quarters acid treatment that I should bring the car in for them to look at to get a quote.

Also is anyone aware of reputable panel repairs/ restoration specialists in Melbourne as I feel there would be a fine line between a job done right and being completely ripped off.

All makes sense. Again I am not sure why the previous owner didn't do it when repainting. Essentially the car is under a carport under a cover as I am mid looking for a new place to live (one that has a garage/ underground parking essential) As I want it done right thats why I was a little concerned doing it myself, that I may not do the best/ effective job with my very limited knowledge, and also don't have a garage to store it in whilst I complete this process. I will be giving a call around to some panel shops/ finding business that do quality restorations. I have been quoted 2-3K for a complete job on it by friends father who has a shop. Not looking at skimping out but it seemed a little.... excessive... Will continue looking around as he isn't free for the next month.

Thanks Gav. Thats right its a beautiful area. Grew up here my whole life, went overseas and have now returned!

Unfortunately I am not sure where these are obtained from. They are actually helmet nets. A great addition!

Cheers! The guy is waiting on a call to come down to Melbourne in a few weeks so he said he is happy to bring it. If that doesn't eventuate the pallet it is. I agree too! A race car for the road. Will be getting it on the dyno in the next few weeks so will have a definitive power figures. It is supposedly putting down 149kw at the rears according to the previous owner but we will find out soon.

Hey everyone so here is my dream car a 1973 240Z. Purchased and driven from Adelaide to the Mornington Peninsula about 3 weeks ago (8+ hr drive with no issues). Car was fully restored (moderately budget body wise) in 2008 with the intention of being used as a weekender and occasional Hill climb/ Tarmac rally car, then sat dormant since. L28 bored and stroked to 3L. It still retains the twin SU's but has fully built internals, including pistons conrods etc Car was also sold with original matching numbers L24 which I am still finding out the best method to get it back to Melbourne. I am over the moon with the car. I consider myself lucky I can have even own one of these. Most of the hard work has been done so now it's my time to put the icing on the metaphorical cake! Future Plans - Full rust prevention treatment (as it was skipped during the resto...) - Trims and other small bits and pieces need replacing or touching up. - Full 240z embalms - Chrome/ Silver fender mirrors - BRE rear spoiler - Triple Webber's (One day!) - Dash mat (Critical!) - Who knows... Apologies for the delay in posting this one!

Great looking car mate!

Cheers road rider. I will keep this thread updated with what I come across. I have no idea why the previous owner did not do it, the car was only intended to be used in tarmac rally/ hillclimbs and was garaged indoors. Either way it is something I plan on getting done sooner rather than later, have noticed a very small bit at the front of the car. Note * After checking the restoration dates it was about almost 10 years ago!

Ok they look great will go an order them! Did 240's originally come with flat lamps or curved? Either way I will go and order one! Thanks !

I went down to my local dealership today and they gentlemen mentioned that they had some of these in stock. He couldn't disclose if they were semi sealed beams or sealed beams and mentioned that they are flat with no pattern not curved? He said they had to order them in, and I would have to pay upfront ($121 each, he was adamant it was on in a box) , and if they were the incorrect lamps I'd be stuck as I couldn't return them (as they are electrical). So I decided not to do go ahead today as the guy didn't really have the answers I wanted. I bought the cheapo "autopal" ones the other day and I do not like the look of them currently, so need to change. Essentially if I go down, pay the cash and get that exact part number and name "90981-01H22 Sealed Beam Unit" X 1. I SHOULD be in the clear? Its a costly risk. Thanks!

Slight bits were just some double sided foam tape cut slightly between the outside of the lamp and the metal, as when I put it back together it was a bit loose on both sides. Originally it had sealed beams either side, one IKI and one Lucas (no idea why they were different). Didn't know I needed too! I was told when I purchased the globes and the headlamps that I wouldn't need to upgrade any of the relays etc, just swap the lamp over for a semi sealed and get a globe....

Yeah the metal rings are indeed in front. It must either be the rings them selves or the style of these top of the range "Autopals" that make them look off, and not fit perfectly. Note* apologies for the pictures, seem to change angle on upload.

So I managed to do both today. Ended up just taking the wheels off as it was considerably easier just to spend a 5 more minutes on it. Now I have put on the new lights but there is a bit of an issue. The lamps I purchased were universal ones (178mm) and they did not totally fill the metal bracket that surrounds them (seemed a couple of mm off) so I put in some slight bits to help fill it out so it doesn't move, now only problem is I think they look a little...off. Not sitting quite right in the terms of the style of light is a bit...shit. There seems to be a white line around the lamp that is visible (probably due to its size) I was told that they were generic and they would suit great but...they do not at all. The are some brand called autopal. Does anyone know the actually measurement of the original lamps? Have attached some images of lamps that are now in. Any recommendations for better lamps that can incorporate the semi sealed beam design with the globes?

Alright. So ended up purchasing new aftermarket H4 globes and headlamps today. Was tricky doing it with the wheel on (like 3 hours tricky) and needed to go somewhere in it so put it back together without 2 screws (the left inside top and bottom) as I just couldn't get them to line up! I will give it another crack tomorrow, taking the driver side out again and hopefully putting it back together then doing the left (hopefully in less than 6 hours ahaha) I had a bloody hard time trying to put the metal plate around the light back into the unit itself. I imagine the whole job would be so much easier with the wheel off! Here are some pics. On the job/ the new and one and the light difference at night.

Hey everyone. So I found out when I purchased the Z that it hadn't been rust treated after its build (5 or something years ago) Now we've has it on the hoist and found a tiny bit at the front (nothing of any concern really) but it has highlighted the importance to get the whole car treated. Question 1: How long/ how difficult a job is this to DIY. (Note I am a complete novice with no shed/ garage to store the car in) Question 2: What is the rough cost/ time taken for a body shop (if this is the right place to get it done) to do said job. Thanks!

Hmm I am no fan of plastic mirrors. At all. I think that as I want chrome ones, I will have to look for 510 ones!

Hey guys. Looking to get a tune done by a shop that specialises in Z's. Would love recommendations by people who can vouch for there top notch work! Thanks! VNE