• KNOWLEDGE: A Hitachi KM-1520ZC Radio deep-dive

    Today, we are going to have a very deep look at the Hitachi KM-1520ZC Car Radio, which was a factory-installed radio in many of the export market Datsun 240Zs. There were many other Radios / Antennas / Audio components used throughout the S30 line of cars, but that’s something I would like to save for a future Post. Disclaimer: I have a professional background and education in audio electronics engineering and used to repair such audio systems for many years. But it has been a while since, so forgive me if I messed up some details. If you have any correction, input or additional information, I appreciate if you let…

  • 240Z: Some parts from JP again

    I’ve been busy dealing with life recently, but that doesn’t mean I forget spending money on more or less useless automobilia 🙂 First, the Japanese L-series Service manual. I have it in various language, but never had “the original” one from JP. And since it popped up for a reasonable price, I had to have it. Then i got another Datsun Switzerland price list. This time from April 1980. As usual, you can find all of them scanned in high-resolution for free download, here Some may know my List of various Japanese L6 Intake manifolds, carb kits and Turbo / Surge tank kits. And thanks to a hint, I recently…

  • 240Z: Transmission, Hatch damper & Hood hardware test fit

    So, I have been busy test-fitting various parts on my Z again. To set the alignment of the hood and fenders properly, I had all the hood hardware spacers, dampers and rubbers installed. Next on the to-do list was the rear hatch damper, so I can work on the hatch without having that temporary wood rod as a not-so-safe hatch holder. Wile both dampers I had were still working nicely, the mounting brackets were worn out on both and both had missing or cracked plastic / Teflon spacers. So after I got everything straight and assembled a temporary setup (I still need to find a good set of those plastic…

  • 240Z: OEM vs Aftermarket center consoles comparison

    The Center console of any Z is, unfortunately, prone to cracking over the years, or previous owners have modified it with additional switches or lamps and therefore often cut holes into it. Finding a good center console is hard these days, so I have been trying to find a good replacement over the years. And I think I finally found one. Note: I appreciate anybody who makes aftermarket / replacement parts for obsolete Nissan parts. This is my personal view and I don’t blame anybody for the quality of their parts or anything, but I just share my personal experience with various products. In The past, I have gotten mad…

  • 240Z: Some small NOS parts arrived

    Yesterday I got another bunch of NOS parts for my project, straight from the Nissan Stocks: Fuel tank sensor / sender Mounting ring and O-ring, plus the timing cover gasket. Front and rear bumper rubbers, Inspection lid foam rubber pieces and rubber seals Various spark plug wire brackets Hood bumpers, Hood stoppers and inspection lid rubber bumpers Window crank fasteners, Engine tube hose clamps and some heater panel knobs And last but not least, I also got a Swiss 260Z 2+2 brochure, which i for whatever reason didn’t have in my collection yet: I also did some actual work on the car again, so stay tuned for another update, soon.

  • 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,…

  • 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…

  • 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…