• 240Z: Another load of small bits & pieces

    I’ve collected some parts again recently, so it’s time for another update full of random bits and pieces. Reader RIP260Z pointed out that the Pump diaphragm is missing in the American Mikuni rebuilt kits which I got recently, but are included in the Japanese Mikuni rebuild kits. Luckily, I was able to find a guy in Japan who sells all OEM Mikuni / Solex parts individually, and I ordered plenty of parts, that were still available – Including the Pump diaphragms and many wear and tear parts like springs, etc. Speaking of Mikunis, I also found an original Japanese Solex NPHH44 service manual.  I had a Copy of it before,…

  • GARAGE: Old grinder cleanup / Table restoration

    So I recently managed to get this grinding machine for free from my father-in-law’s old workshop. It’s an old-school heavy duty (literary) Swiss-made WASU (Walter Suter) industrial grinder. The whole thing was fully functional, but quite dirty, hasn’t been used in a long while and the stand was really oil soaked and dirty. The good thing, though, is that it came with a lot of accessories, like plenty of high-quality sanding belts, grinder disks, a wire wheel and a grinding disk grinder (to make the disk even again – that long handle thing). First i removed the grinder from the table, and got rid of all bolts: Then i started…

  • EK9: Window visor removal (to keep the car street legal)

    Certain laws make sense, some don’t. Allegedly, it’s now illegal to have window visors installed on the car in Switzerland. Even if they are OEM H.O.P (Honda Optional Parts) that were sold here via dealerships, and were no problem for the last 15 years. Well, rules change, and if I want to keep the car on the road, I have to play by the rules and remove them. I waited as long as possible, but now I have my bi-annual MFK (= MOT / Shaken) check ahead and need to remove them. I wanted to be very careful, since they’re not available anymore, pretty rare and expensive collectors items these…

  • 240Z: Door Locking Mechanism & Rear quarter windows Test-fitted

    I’m having a good pace currently and making some small progress almost daily. Currently, I’m test-fitting all the items so that they can go back to the bodyshop for final adjustment and panel-gap correction etc. The first thing I wanted t install were the rear quarter windows, but I quickly realized that some areas needed rework. Some time in the history of this Z, someone bent one of the mounting brackets heavily, so I had to get it straight again… And after spending 2 hours or so fixing various small details, the rear quarter windows finally went in, and fit perfectly: While working on it, i noticed the doors didn’t…

  • 240Z: Taillight Panels & Door steps test fit + trim cleaning

    I spent some hours in the Garage again and got some tasks checked off my to-do list. First, I started to test-fit the taillight panels: So I was able to get the installation holes back into the replacement rear panel: Where the plastic rivets go. Luckily, I have a few for reference: It took me a while, but in the end, all worked out. I have to say, after studying a bunch of original, unrestored cars, those Panels are quite poorly aligned from the factory, and with a few adjustments to the rear hatch lock panel, they could have made this much more appealing, but at the end I wanted…

  • 240Z: Lots of small parts / factory manuals arrived

    I Just came back from the workshop (more on that in the coming days), and realized I never posted about my recent purchases. Firstly, a set of L-series Factory Service Manuals in German language: The Lot also included a German training manual for Nissan OEM Register carbs. Mainly of the A-series and L4 Engines, but also of the L6 of the C230, etc. Not relevant to my project, so I’m going to sell it. The Lot also included the Service bulletin N0. 201 “modification of the 260Z 2+2, One which was missing in my collection of S30 bulletins yet: I also got the last piece of the puzzle to complete…

  • THROWBACK: JDM RHD owners meeting 2007 / 2008

    For those who don’t know. In 2007 and 2008, I organized an event called JDM RHD Owner’s meet. A meeting specifically for the small group of Japanese import car owners in Switzerland. At both events in 2007 and 2008, we met at a location somewhere in eastern Switzerland, had a nice blast around some mountain passes and then met somewhere to take photos. In 2007 we had a Daihatsu Copen, Impreza Coupe, an R33, my EK9, Andy’s two S15 Silvias and an R34 GT-R: We also had hired Sashstyle for a nice photoshooting inside the nearby wood storage complex: Where every participant got a set of nice professional photos: I…

  • 240Z: Fuel Tank, Splash Panel and more installed

    I did not only buy plenty of stuff for the project recently, but also spent some time tinkering around on the actual project itself. The first task was to install the S30.World fuel tank together with the recently acquired S30.world fuel tank installation kit. To prevent the shiny tank from scratches, I wrapped everything in plastic. And after finding the right technique to hold up the tank while installing the mounting straps, i finally had it installed. Fitment is just like the original one, and it looks great together with the NISMO / Competition electric fuel pump and bracket: Next on the list was to install the fuel filler neck…

  • 240Z: OEM Hitachi Radio & Loads of cool stuff arrived

    In the recent days, I picked up various items again, which I bought recently for my project: The elephant in the room is obviously the all original KM1520-ZC AM / FM Radio. It’s a bit rough around the edges. Just perfect for a restoration. In case you don’t know. Restoring old audio systems, including Car HIFI, from that era was my profession for many years, so this one will be fun for me to get nostalgic. It’s said to be in working condition and complete. Let’s see. Then i also got an original June 1972 Datsun Switzerland dealer price list. I had it scanned, and you can download it HERE…

  • EK9 / ATENZA: Leather steering wheel degrease

    You know this. When using your car regularly, your leather steering will become glossy and loose it’s original texture from dirt and greasy hands. Like this: I wanted to have back the original look and decided it’s time to google for the best solution to get back the OEM look. First step: Buy a good leather cleaner (I got Q2M Leather cleaner) and a leather brush: Step two: Spray the leather parts of your steering wheel (avoid any buttons or electronics) and then gently work it into the leather with the brush. Let it soak for a few minutes Then gently remove it by pressing (not rubbing) a soft cloth…