Two40MuscleZ

Invest $25 and buy yourself an inexpensive set of metal working hammers and dollies. Find yourself basic body working information in book form or better yet search the net. Read, study, practice and you'll do just fine. Patience and practice is the key. A grinder is nice, saves on muscle fatique, or as a last resort chuck up a drill! Also use a rubber sanding block...keeps things flat. Good luck VAN

Scotty: After reading all the posts there is alot of good information there. Sort it out and think about it before you do anything. Without going into detail, I was married for 22 1/2 years. Good marriage until near the end. People change over time and so do their interests unfortunately. However, do not be discouraged by this setback. Its really minor in the scope of things. Its a target rich environment out there and a variety to choose from. So don't get bummed out. Heres a twist...Occassionally, when discussing situations such as yours with others, I go off and say; "Now days things for me are somewhat different...I have a Mistress. Shes great! And kinda cute too! Always, waiting to greet me when I arrive home. Usually, wearing very little. Never complains, or puts peramiters on me. I buy her nice things and provide for her needs. I occassionally bath her and rub her all over with exotic oils, and in turn, she provides me with hours of titalating enjoyment. She never bores me with idle chatter, nor advises me on how to do things. She knows her place and does pretty much whatever I ask. Whenever I want to take her out, shes ready at a moments notice and usually dressed to kill! At parties she seems to draw a crowd, usually the guys. Yea, she's great...and once in a while when she (my Z)breaks down...I even get SCREWED! So, bearing that in mind...lol, don't let the small challenges in life cause havoic. Time is too precious, so do the things that make you happy. Emotional sensitivity has its place...just look around, and you'll find someone that will compliment you, and the things you enjoy most in life...and you will do the same for her. Comps, VAN

Hey guys, have a question for you. Can anyone recommend where I can buy a good gear reduction starter motor that would work with a 12-1 compression 350 cid motor. Without spending an arm and a leg. Its getting old waiting for the stock one to cool off enough to roll over the motor. Appreciate the help. Thanks, VAN

If you can't find the flairs you want try; talking with BlueOvalZ. After seeing Terrys' creation, and after a bit of practice, I was able to make my own flairs. Rear flairs max width outer edge to outer edge is 76 1/2". I'm running 15.5" Centerline ConvoPros, on Mickey T Sportsmans that are 18 1/2" wide each! But, what I have done is a bit extreme. 8) Comps, VAN

There shouldn't be a major problem with the filler neck section or any other for that matter. I pulled the one in the MuscleZ in about 15 minutes. Everything was a snap...I did however, replace the rubber braded lines and attach new hose connectors. A shot or two of WD-40 and a few hand tools should do the trick. Comps, VAN

A North/South gathering sounds great. KMA and let me know what I can do to help. Great BBQ Tim, and having an opportunity to see everyone again. Thanks. Comps, VAN 8)

The '72 240 that I picked up from LoneinAZ, renamed "Orange Crate", is beginning to start its transformation. After a considerable amount of rework, wiring, body and suspension, I am finally getting a chance to start on the engine. It's a new GM Crate with almost 6,000 miles logged on, so I figure its just about broken in. This build up will be different from the MuscleZ. It will serve as my daily driver, whereas, the MuscleZ is more oriented toward the Show and Go aspect. Bearing that in mind, I decided on a cam that would give me that throaty rumpty-rump sound, and still allow me some assemblance of gas milage; my choice was Comps Extreme Energy 12-246-3. Along with that came the lifters, roller rockers, springs, rods etc. Since this will give me an opportunity to finally get into the engine, a Pete Jackson Gear Drive seemed to be in order. As will the Port Matched Victor Jr. Intake. To go along with the intake I ordered a polished aluminum "ShotGun dual barrel intake scoop", which will pop out of the L-88 Hood Scoop and add a bit more flash. I wish I had more time to get into the lower end of the engine, but, this will have to suffice for now. PICS forthcoming, as soon as I get the "Crates" website up... Comps, VAN

Kito: I admire your sense of adventure with respect to painting your Z. No, painting is not the tough part...its the prep work. And along with prep work comes the proper equipment to do the job right. The "Visqueen" spray booth will work just fine. To help keep dust down lightly dampen the floor of the booth. The fan leave outside the enclosed end of the booth. Cut a few slits in that end; periodically, turn on the fan to low and exhaust or blow out NOT suck out the overspray toward the open end of the booth. If you are using an HVLP gun, use a good one, and that in itself should cut down a majority of the overspray. Pick a day that is at least in the mid 70's without any measurable wind. Early in the mornings ususlly work best. Take your time, don't rush, there really is no need to. Purchase a spray sok for your head, and especially a good double canister resporator. Music will calm you down, and actually help in your spray rythum. Practice on scrap surfaces prior to actual spraying, to get down your spray consistancy and flow. All paints do not spray the same, so that is where your practice and patience comes in. Purchase your paint from an automotive paint supply house, not your local paint store. That may sound funny, but some people think paint is paint! They will also be happy to give you advice and direction. The job that you will do on your car, I'm sure would be far better than Earl Scheib... By-the-way, he started in the late 50's early 60's and his original slogan was..."I'll paint any car for $19.95. Also, black looks great, but shows everything, blemish, bodywork, etc. Have fun and stay safe. Comps, VAN

Everything mentioned above are all items that I'm sure you've already considered. How about giving yourself enough time to enjoy your tour. Allow for side trips, stops whenever you see something interesting and have a well thought out itinerary. Study and be somewhat familiar with the route you will be traveling. Leave your "flight plan" with someone, in the event something unforseen happends; will be able to advise or send assistance. And one last thought...take a cell phone, some water and a few choice eats. Enjoy your journey, take lots of PICS and make it the dream drive of your life. Comps, VAN

I recently acquired Lone in AZ's '72 240Z; which has been renamed the "Orange Crate". It has a 350 4 bolt main, with a T-56. In answer to your question, I noticed that the passanger side of the tunnel has been "dimppled" approx. 1/2 - 3/4" in order to allow for tranny clearance(s). It is bearily noticeable and has minimal impact on the passanger side seating area. Compaired to my "Two40MuscleZ" which is a show build up, I have cut both sides of the tunnel; replacing those areas with stretched and shaped metal type covers. This feature allows increased space for the installation of the "wider" T-56 tranny, as well as a removable access plate for future needs. Hope this helps. Comps, VAN

I sympathize with the plight of the human factor. Funny, that never seems to happen to me when I am on duty and/or in uniform. Could it be the gun and the badge! LOL. However, when off duty and I am approached, I usually present my badge and explain what they are doing is illegal, and to move on. They usually close up shop walk across the street and get into their Caddy! Unfortunately, it's usually to head off to another spot not too far away. On a few occassions I have been confronted by someone standing in pouring down rain asking for money to buy food. If I have the time and they look genuine, I will not give them money, but instead offer to buy them a hot meal, at the nearest fast food place. If they decline, then there is no question that they are on the take. But twice, my invitation was accepted and I had no problem with providing them with a hot meal. Thats when you know they are really in need. Otherwise, all bets are off. The masses usually don't expect or even want that degree of kindness. They just want the money for other pleasures. These are just a few thoughts I wanted to share with you regarding this situation. Just remember, what goes around, comes around. Next time use your resources, not your impulse. Comps, VAN

Mine humms too! It's kinda like a B-52 making ready for take off! Gotta love it though. The idea about isolating the pump in an enclosure is a great one. I will have to give that one some thought. Comps, VAN

Mike is absolutely right. It sounds like it was a production '72 first sold '73 model. That is very common. Sounds like a great project car. Comps, VAN

In a senario like the one you mentioned there are several aspects to consider: If the infraction occured on private property, then a cite should not have been issued. The next question is; was the issuing Officer PD, SO or Rent a Cop (Mall Security)? PD and SO usually won't cite, because it is private property. However, if it is a contract city, then the Mall can fall under the Cities jurisdiction. If on the other hand it was a Mall Security Officer, they will detain or at least try until the locals can be contacted and 97 the call. Another question is Letter of the Law vs, Spirit of the Law, meaning "letter" I will cite you, "Spirit" its my discression to cite or warn. Which is usually the case in such circumstances. Each region of the US has their own laws/Ords. Best thing to do is read who the cite was issued by. Then dress real nice and repot to the court for disposition. Plead your case and hope for a fair decision. Oh, some additional information for all those who still think that Cops don't show up for Case hearings. In days past we were NOT compensated for showing up at hearings. That no longger exhists. We always show up now and are fully compensated. So the days of us not showing up and forfeiting the case are long gone. Just thought that I would give you that info as I saw someone saying something about that in a previous post to you on this subject. Good luck with your case. Comps, VAN ...the long arm of the law!

ATTENTION HYBRIDZ MEMBERS: A weekend of Z's, BBQ roll'n in the background some great tunes...Yeah, Im up for that! I will get the information on the Riverside Show N Go and post it later in the day or on Christmas day. Its always a great time had by all. My house has plenty of room and is close to it all. Will continue when I have more time. BTW HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL AND HAVE A GREAT NEW YEAR...........ZZZZZzzzzzYa, VAN

Curt: Funny how that gets into your blood!!! You've just crossed over to the other side and welocme. Your malady notwithstanding is common to this realm. And yes...Terry it's all your fault, just kidding. The group that makes up this enterprise are all great folk! Helpful, kind, usually considerate, but most of all down to earth. They love their persuits and take solas in their accomplishments. Look forward to hearing your passion develop as I am sure you cars will. Again, welcome to HybridZ. Comps, VAN

ds, The Sanderson CC3 is the basic same design as the 2's, however, they angle back a few degrees. I choose these as I have 20 degree angled plugs in my 462 fullie heads and I needed a header that would allow enough clearance. I spoke with one of the owners and she said if for any reason they didn't fit, just return them no questions. In talking with them, they were very helpful, and the quality is first rate. BTW, the silver powder coated look extremely nice! Hope they work well for you. Comps, VAN

MUSCLE CARS RULE, whether it be a HybridZ or Classic American Muscle. Have fun with your new project. Mopars definately bring back memories, for many of us old farts! Let us know how your doing on it as time progresses. Comps, VAN

The owner of the DatsunZ definately did a nice job on the body and interior. Your thinking maybe this just might be after looking at a few well shot PICS and listening to his story line. But, that all stops once you open the hood and look at the engine bay! Dead give away to anyone associated with the Z Community. Admit, the car does look nice...for a GTO, or maybe a better acronym is GTA Grand Theft Auto, because that certainly is what he is trying to do! LOL To each their own... Comps, VAN

Thanks guys for the feedback. Really appreciate and proud to be, a member of HybridZ. Thanks again. Comps,VAN

I need to replace/upgrade the original wiring harness on a '72 240Z. Has anyone ever replaced the stock system with a "Painless #10102 Universal Wiring Harness?" Or for that matter any other brand? Thanks. Comps, VAN

Tim: Several weeks ago when I registered Lone's prior Z at AAA, I asked them about registering my other '72 240 regarding fees, taxes, etc., which has been off the road since early '83. It doesn't matter what engine you have in it, because that is not what they are looking at. They just want to ID the Vin, matching it to the vehicle being registered. This is done to curtail 10851 (stolen) vehicles, from becoming reregistered. Once that happends, recovery becomes more of a problem. So put your worries to rest. They only want to check the Vin on the vehicle, and nothing on the motor! Hope that helps. Comps...VAN

Look'n good Tim. Give me a call next week when your in town. Comps, VAN

Len: Is there any way to get in touch with "Hoover"? My understanding is those flairs are no longer in production, and there is only a handful of them in exhistance! Would appreciate any feed back on contacting him. Much appreciated. Comps, VAN

It sounds like you are paying for the name! Things get very pricey when you are talking full on custom and show quality stuff. Unless this individual is doing something uniquely special, or doing a $3,500+ chameleon paint job, or I've missed something you've said...I think he may be a bit exclusive! Unless, you are satisfied with his work and his price, I would research it further. Comps, VAN