At Z Car Garage we love keeping Z’s on the road. From concours-level restorations to light refurbishments, making a customer’s goals reality is our passion. Richard Y’s 1970 Datsun 240z is a great example of an S30 that has been maintained and restored by us for over a decade. We met him years ago when Rob was working at Scott Performance. In 2004, when we bumped into Richard at Tan’s car wash in Santa Clara he didn’t realize that Rob stayed local, opening ZCG. He brought his Z to us thereafter and we maintained it for the last 15 years.

 

In addition to being a great person and a working professional, Richard daily-drives this Series 1 240z. He is also a purist of sorts, not wanting large wheels and tires, a high-power engine or fancy brakes. His desire is to explore, drive, love and touch the Series 1 car as it was back in the day. In 2011 Richard decided it was time to give his Z some love, and the refurbishment was performed with his “vintage” preferences in mind. A few ZCG touches were added along the way.

Interior

 

Part of enjoying the daily-driving experience comes from a functional, pleasant interior. The dash was previously covered with a cap, having multiple issues underneath. We removed the dash and had it re-conditioned by Dash Restoration:

   

While the dash was out we refurbished the entire heater assembly. The heater core was cleaned and pressure tested.

  

All duct-work was resealed to allow full HVAC function including defrost at max settings. A Honda fan upgrade allows faster air flow and all cable/actuator linkages were re-done:

   Heater /motor back in place:

 

We finished restoring the HVAC by getting the vintage A/C unit functioning again. New condenser and lines:

  

Once the new dash returned we started re-assembly. All hardware was replaced and gauges were tested for proper operation:

   

A host of rare, NOS factory parts from Rob’s stash helped complete the dash. Series 1-specific parts like the map light trim and coin-tray were broken:

 

The NOS coin tray and map light trim installed:

  

We updated the sound system with a modern head unit and hatch speakers:

 

One of our favorite upgrades to the interior of an S30 is our ZCG sound deadening package. Usually found in our full-blown ZCG restorations, the result is a less tinny sound and almost Germanic-like “clunk” when you shut the doors.

   

Full weatherstrip replacement on the doors, hatch and windows. We also ensured that windows travel up/down smoothly:

  

The finished interior. Ready for Richard to ready enjoy daily driving:

The Z Must Go On

Our man William did some light paint work on car, as this was a “light” restoration and we didn’t want Richard missing his Z for an extended period.  Unfortunately in 2017 the Z suffered from a front end impact.

The car was hit bad enough that the appraisal house, Richard and all of us thought the car was totaled. Rob luckily had just acquired a Series 1 car as a donor. The front end was grafted on and William fabricated a new radiator support and front fenders to make car whole again.

Engine Bay

 

Fresh from paint and with the engine out we focused on making the bay look sharp. All hydraulic lines were plated with new NOS brake and clutch master cylinders, distribution block and booster:

  

New heater hoses, plated fasteners and new rubber isolators:

  

The radiator was upgraded to a Koyo Race unit:

 

The drivetrain itself received minor refreshing including new drive belts, overhauled and tuned SUs, and a new clutch/flywheel backing the factory 4-speed transmission:

 

A few more details and the engine bay is complete.

 

Chassis/Suspension

Although we looked at every nook and cranny nook on this Z we always kept in mind that Richard did not want everything upgraded. He lives and breathes Vintage Z. The suspension was replaced front and rear with NOS parts like new factory ball joints, steering rack bushings, etc. More pictures in the gallery!

   

Eibach springs with Tokico Illumina struts:

 

The rear diff was cleaned up:

 

The brakes were restored to factory spec with upgraded Stoptech slotted rotors and our favorite 309 pads:

  

The rear drums received new wheel cylinders:

  

Since the harness was damaged in the accident we used one from the Series 1 parts car.  All connections were degreased and cleaned, resistance checked and finally 3M wrapped.

  

The entire fuel system was gone through. Here we drop the fuel tank, boil it out and replace all rubber lines. Also visible is the ZCG exhaust system:

  

Exterior

 

The exterior had to look as good as the engine bay and restored interior. All chrome pieces like front/rear bumpers and door handles for straightened and re-chromed.

   

All of the stainless trim was straightened and polished. Shown are drip rails, all window frames, turn signal frames

  

Window and door hardware plated including latches. Re-chromed handles:

  

Little details like factory Nissan wiper blades and a NOS mirror finish the vintage “look” we all cherish:

   

 

NOS wipers:

  

Tail panel assembly:

  

A variety of NOS parts like Euro front turn signals and a full set of emblems adorn the Z:

  

Series 1 pillar emblem:

  

The final touch: 15″ 5-slot wheels offer more tire choices while resembling the classic 14″ size slots:

 

 

Ready to Enjoy The Ride

 

With a nice interior, paint and chassis work Richard’s Z is ready to be enjoyed on a daily basis. As long as you have the parts and the passion Z Car Garage will do all we can to keep Z cars on the road. Enjoy The Ride, Richard!