New 240z owner

[MickR]

Just thought I'd introduce myself as a proud new owner of a 1973, 115 blue 240z. I have been a member since December 2017, watching discussions in the forum. My datsun is the one sold at the NEC CC auction in March. I believe the last owner was a member here, and restored the car very nicely to stock back in 2004 from a 1981 Canadian import. The first test of the car mechanics was a 70 mile drive back from storage in Northampton to Kidderminster, and the car behaved impeccably. The only thing that took getting used to was the lack of wing mirrors, especially on Motorways. Made me realise what good all round viability you have from the drivers seat compared to driving a more modern car.
Quick question to end a long first post:
Does anybody know of a Z car specialist in the Midlands area for a Service? I plan to keep on top of maintenance and servicing myself, but would want to have someone with more than Haynes manual experience check it out first.

 

[Mr Ex Jnr]

Welcome to the club
doninghton historic is a good event if your free there still time to buy a ticket be great to see you there

Sat 5th may and Sun 6th may

 

[Jay.]

Congrats on your purchase! Get some pictures up ASAP

Unfortunately I can't help with the specialist, but definitely a great idea to get it checked out properly as a good benchmark.

 

[MickR]

Thanks folks, unfortunately annual holiday booked at the same time as Donnington, there are a few local small vintage and classic events I plan to attend this year, then maybe go bigger next year.
Here are a few photos taken around Clee Hill in Shropshire.

 

[uk66fastback]

Gorgeous looking car, I have to say. Think you maybe need to at least get ONE wing mirror on if not two. Couple of nice chrome ones would fit the bill, and NOT those ones that sit on the end of the wings ...
I've not seen those wheels on one before now.

 

[MickR]

I agree, the more I use the car, the more I feel the need for at least one wing mirror. Arriving at a destination is less cool when you have to open doors to reverse gingerly when parking. I have placed strategic mirrors in my narrow garage to compensate for no wing mirrors.
I have read that the bonnet mounted mirrors are too small and far away to be of any use, but I do like the look of those bullet shaped chrome mirrors.

The alloys are period Cosmic alloys. The car came into the country with them in 1981, but I don't know if they were new with the car. I thought they would be the first thing that I would change, but I have grown to like them. They have a certain 80`s lesney matchbox look.

 

[SacCyclone]

First set of Cosmic alloys I have seen on a Zed, very rare over here across the pond.
Beautiful Z by the way.

 

[yellowz]

I agree, the more I use the car, the more I feel the need for at least one wing mirror. Arriving at a destination is less cool when you have to open doors to reverse gingerly when parking. I have placed strategic mirrors in my narrow garage to compensate for no wing mirrors.
I have read that the bonnet mounted mirrors are too small and far away to be of any use, but I do like the look of those bullet shaped chrome mirrors.

The alloys are period Cosmic alloys. The car came into the country with them in 1981, but I don't know if they were new with the car. I thought they would be the first thing that I would change, but I have grown to like them. They have a certain 80`s lesney matchbox look.

Is your insurance invalid if you have no wing mirrors?

 

[uk66fastback]

If they seem to be pretty rare, then that's as good a reason as any to keep 'em on! Apart from being next to useless, those 'end-of-the-wing' mirrors look pants in my opinion! It's like your dad's Ford Zodiac all over again ...

 

[MickR]

That is a very good question, and one that will play on my mind until I get an answer from my insurance company.
I know that they are not a legal requirement as long as there is a rear view mirror.
I will post my answer when I get some feedback.

 

[MickR]

I think the end of bonnet mirrors seem to look better on the Fairlady Z with the longer snout and covered lights but not as good on non Japanese spec.

 

[Rob Gaskin]

I think the end of bonnet mirrors seem to look better on the Fairlady Z with the longer snout and covered lights but not as good on non Japanese spec.

You mean the G-nose cars.

 

[MickR]

That's the one. Lesson learned.

 

[JK240]

Like this...240ZG.

When my numbers come up

 

[MickR]

Very pretty and quite amphibious looking in a duck billed platypus sort of way

 

[uk66fastback]

I could live with them on that car!

 

[JonB]

Lovely looking Z!
I had the 'samuri'? mirrors on the front wings on my original Z back in the early '70's- dealer fitted option... they were pretty useless, but there were many fewer other cars on the road then!
My present mirrors are OK, but flat glass- I keep meaning to find some wide-angle mirror glass and cut them to fit...
I would go for chrome or body coloured 'bullets'- they do suit Mr K's aesthetic? (But get wide angle!).

 

[Albrecht]

....they do suit Mr K's aesthetic?

What is "Mr K's aesthetic"...?

Yutaka Katayama was not a designer, stylist or engineer. His background was in sales and, more specifically, advertising. He was in the USA when the S30-series Z was being conceived, designed, styled, developed and engineered (in Japan). He had little, if anything at all, to do with it.

Mirrors? Now there's a can o' worms...

 

[JonB]

Consider me suitably chastised... I did know that, but was just typing away merrily!

Thanks... J

 

[jasmiaz]

Wow! I really love that paint color