psdenno

However, in typical Datsun Parts LLC style, he states in the ebay ad that he doesn't like typing and prefers to talk about the car, so call him. I guess it's easier to deny what you say in private than defend what you put in writing. Dennis

For stripping all the paint from a car, I only have experience with using a chemical stripper - works OK, but messy. As for the primer color, you may want to use two contrasting colors so that you can block sand the car and highlight any low spots in the sheet metal by sanding down the top color. Fill low spots, sand and repeat. Good luck with the project! Dennis

I installed an expanded sheet metal panel, like you used on your grille, on my '71 Z in about 1972. I took out the stock grille and bolted in the expanded mesh panel using the original grille mounting points. That left enough room between the "new" grille and the bumper so that I could bolt two driving lights mounted on a custom mount panel that attached to the inside of the bumper using the bumper mounts studs. I've since acquired a Japanese grille and retire the homemade solution. Dennis

Very nice! Planning to go bumperless? Dennis

Nice compromise, but a bit pricier than a light fogging from a $3 rattle can of black paint. However, decreasing the light with an external coating will probably draw the attention of the law. Be safe. Dennis

Nicely done! Forget school, specialize in dash repair Dennis

Sounds like you need to do some homework before you set off on this adventure. Here are a couple places to start: http://www.cstsales.com/tutorials/fiberglass_mold.pdf http://www.fiberglasswarehouse.com/fiberglass_mold_making.php Dennis

I tend to like the NEW New Beetle - especially the turbo model. Nice improvement over the previous model. And, yes. even though chicks may be seen driving them, it's a more masculine looking car. No more flower vase on the NEW New one. Dennis

I've replaced the studs on three fiberglass headlight buckets. Old broken studs are easily removed. I bought new studs at my local ACE hardware parts bin. Take a nut with you to match threads. I filed down the round head of the proper sized threaded screw so that it was flat on front & back instead of a round head - result is "T" shaped. The cross bar on the "T" fits nicely in the hole/socket left by the old stud and serves as an anchor to keep screw from turning when you snug up the nut during installation on the car. Fill socket with epoxy, insert "T" head first, let dry, reinstall bucket on Z. Dennis

Coachella Valley. Dennis

Make that 41 fun filled years. I bought the Z upon returning to the States after living in the Philippines for a year and a half. I sold my Pontiac Grand Prix there and had a pocket full of cash. At the time, demand was so high that there was a nine month waiting list for Zs unless you wanted to "buy" your way to the top of the waiting list. I paid about $600 over sticker (something that was unheard of in those days) and got the car. Dennis

I bought my 240Z off the showroom floor in 1971. It sits in my driveway today and continues to provide driving pleasure with little fuss. Dennis

I've been shopping compacts for my son who is in college and have similar criteria. The Honda Civic is tacky/cheap, everyone has a Corolla, the Veloster is underpowered. The Scion tc was is the top of our list at around $22K, followed by the Ford Focus which currently has a $2K factory rebate. We also like the VW Beetle turbo, but a little more pricey. We're waiting to see the new Scion/Subaru 2 seater that will be out shortly and may have a base price around $25K. Although with the early buzz on the car there will probably be big dealer mark-ups. Dennis

It's probably safe to say that any 35 year old tire shouldn't be considered to be a viable "spare". Museum curiosity - yes, emergency backup - no. Dennis

Let's not forget the two main qualifications for "fighter jocks". First born male and self absorbed. And how do you suppose they'd get to those fighter planes if it wasn't for Bus Drivers? I speak from a 20 year career. But, we digress...... Dennis, Major, USAF Ret.

At the time I finished my ROTC college career, it was just a matter of filling vacant slots with warm bodies. We all took aptitude tests for pilot or navigator qualification. Missile Launch Officer was another area being pushed. I graduated with a teaching degree and extensive coursework in cartography. My two career choices were Instructor and Cartographic Officer. My orders came shortly before graduation and I was destined to be an Aircraft Maintenance Officer - a career field I had never heard of. A couple years later, I was stationed in the Philippines and had the opportunity to visit the Cartographic Map Center for the Pacific and Southeast Asia. I remarked to the Officer in charge that he must have had way more cartography classes than I did in order to land my dream job. He remarked that he had been a Forestry major and didn't know cartography existed. Military job vacancies - warm bodies. No experience necessary. Dennis

If the brass bushings seem like too much effort to find, install, and fit, there's always the factory original plastic ones available for a few bucks at your local Datsun Dealer's parts department. My original bushings lasted from 1971 until 2010, so I figured another set would get me to the end of my Z driving days. The Nissan dealer had them in stock. Dennis

Actually, K-12 takes 13 years. Your point is well made. Dennis

Speaking for the college experiences of an older generation, my tuition was $106 per semester and that included books. Books were checked out and returned, just like in high school. College was a 15 minute walk from my parent's house. Yes, it was possible to get a four year degree for less than $1,000 total cost. My son, however, is a computer science and engineering student at USC in Los Angeles. His campus health plan coverage costs more than my annual tuition did. After living in the dorms for a year, he moved off campus this year and shares a house with seven others. He has his own bedroom and bathroom - all for the tidy sum of $750 a month plus a share of the utilities, 12 months a year. Each month, his room and board costs more than it cost to get my BS degree. Trust me, at some point, you will look back at this time of your life as "the good old days". Hang in there! Dennis

Spoiler brake duct openings with no brake ducts attached are just cosmetic boy racer eye candy IMHO. I prefer the solid air dam. Although, there must be some flexible tubing that could be attached to route air to the brakes. Dennis

I owned a non turbo 944 for over 20 years. It's a wonderful car to drive, but when something breaks, it's very expensive to fix. Years ago, my wife and I had a "loaner" from the factory for a few days while we were in Germany for meetings with Porsche and I can assure that 149 mph on the Autobahn feels just fine. Water pumps, radiators, timing belts, and most of the other wear items are very labor intensive to replace. If you get one, ask for all maintenance receipts to verify what's been done in recent years. But, as I said, it's a wonderful car to drive. Dennis

Nicely done, but the front opening is a little too big/open for my taste. Dennis

Clean looking Z! Dennis

I think I'd go with the mud instead. But, to each his own. I've certainly done enough strange things to my Z over the years. Dennis

Mine rubbed slightly on the front valance on tight left turns with the Konigs and 225/50/15 tires. Rather than hack up the valance, I replaced it with a fiberglass front lip spoiler/valance from MSA that accommodates the turn signals on my '71. No more rub. Dennis