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!

 

  

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“Love cars. Love people. Love life”…this motto was immortalized by Nissan legend Mr. K, and embodied perfectly by car enthusiast Ben Y with his 1974 Datsun 260z. We met Ben in Fall of 2016 when he visited Z Car Garage for a full mechanical restoration and it’s been a joy helping him realize his sportscar dream. Read on to learn about the Z’s history and how our restoration efforts culminate with a memorable father-son roadtrip.

 

A Family Affair

Ben has owned this S30 for nearly eighteen years. The car really is a family affair beginning with his father:

 

“I was showing it a lot as a college student and won best stock 260Z at the MSA nationals in 2002. The picture below (left) of me and my dad with Matsui-San was a great time in my Z life. I was learning so much and he was and still is one of my hero’s. The car he is pictured in is Katsuaro-San’s (Kats) 1970 240z. On the right,  I mounted a free set of stock steelies/hubcaps because I thought the factory fresh look was what I was going for. I waited until I found the right set of Watanabe’s.”

 

“In 2005 I took my 260Z to a show in Fremont at Ohlone college where I saw Rob with his green 240z complete with red Porsche brakes, RB25, and the photo of his “Z” tooth.  His car was unforgettable and with me pursuing a career in dentistry I would never forget his tooth.”

 

Ben has written a blog dedicated to his Datsun addiction HERE. His ultimate goal with the 260z is to complete a coast-to-coast trek of the United States for the 50th anniversary of the Z car in 2020 with his family.

Let’s move on to the restoration…

Building the Dream

  

Ben’s vision of his perfect Z car comes from his admiration of period-style Japanese tuning:

“My concept is to create a 260Z as if it was owned in the 1970’s in Japan by someone who worked at the Datsun Sports Corner. When looking at the car’s engine-bay, interior, and exterior it is neither original nor modified.  I am open to making modifications to improve the car’s drivability, but outside of the Datsun Competition parts the changes will need to be internal.”

We performed a full inspection on the Z and it had a long list of needs. Ben reported the car lacked power and we found cylinders ‘3’ and ‘5’ in bad shape, necessitating a rebuild. The engine was removed while a 3.0L Rebello was built.

 

We wanted to build the car exactly to his specification and Ben decided to not leave a single rock unturned with engine, cooling system, exhaust, suspension and braking refurbishment. We would also install his prized Datsun Competition racing seat.

Engine Bay

With the tired engine removed we began the clean-up process.  Many more pictures of the teardown and assembly in the gallery:

  

All new hydraulic lines replaced corroded parts:

  

In keeping with Ben’s desire to have a factory-looking appearance, the new 3.0L engine retained SU carbs, built by Z Therapy. A JWT Aluminum flywheel and HD clutch back the powerplant:

    

Ben’s excellent choice of exhaust: the Fujitsubo Legalis R twin-pipe system:

 

From header to twin tail-pipe we love the craftsmanship, finish, sound and performance this setup offers.

  

We added our own touches like a factory-like silver finish at the rear and O2 bungs for Wideband tuning in-house:

   

Small details in the engine bay make a huge difference:  powdercoated air filter assembly with reproduced OEM decals throughout,  proper plating, wire clips for hoses, ZCG mods to intake/exhaust manifolds and a stock radiator updated to 4-core:

 

The completed engine bay:

 

Chassis

As the engine bay started to come together we realized the chassis needed to match the rest of the car. The drivers’s side inner fender had enough rust to compromise the sway bar mount. We cut it out, built a new brace for the sway bar mount and welded in a replacement panel.  All inner fenders were cleaned/undercoated.

 

The entire fuel system was gone through including all recovery hoses/lines, fuel sender and boiling out the gas tank:

  

The Z received entire front and rear suspension refurbishment with full coil-over suspension from Techno Toy Tuning. New parts included adjustable T/C rods, rear control arms, new bushings, rack bushings, steering coupler, ball joints and more. All parts were powdercoated:

 

Steering rack before/after and the T3 suspension going in. All nuts/bolts were bagged for zinc plating:

   

T3 f/r coil-overs and Suspension Techniques f/r sway bars:

  

The braking system was restored to factory spec to keep it vintage. Mild performance upgrades included Stoptech 309 pads with slotted front rotors and stainless steel braided brake lines.  All wheel bearings were replaced. Up front we replaced the front calipers with NOS units:

 

In the rear, stock suspension and old brakes vs new:

  

The drums were turned and new Nissan wheel cylinders/shoes installed:

   

The T3 coil-overs allow ride-height adjustment and Ben’s Z now sits much lower over those gorgeous Watanabe wheels with generous sidewalls:

“One of my hero’s had Watanabe’s on his car and that sealed the deal in terms of me eventually deciding on a wheelset.  My set’s dimensions are 14″ x 7.5jj (+1.5mm) for the rear and 14” x 7jj(+8mm) for the front, Type B. “

Stock suspension vs T3, more pics gallery!

 

We love it:

 

Datsun Competition

Ben’s appreciation for Datsun’s Competition-specific parts can be highlighted in the interior where he has an original rallye shift knob, steering wheel and for the tifecta: the competition seat. He even tracked down the matching headrest from a Bluebird.

   

He’s super passionate about the Comp seat, you can read more about it in his personal blog post HERE. We removed the factory seat, made a bracket to allow his comp seat to fit and installed it. It looks great with that un-cracked factory dash!

  

We paid attention to all of the little things that make a Z car fun to drive everyday. Finalizing door fitment and getting the vintage A/C unit working again was important:

“I want to drive it across the country. That is a big goal of mine, but really I just want to drive the car always.”

Since A/C had been on Ben’s mind, we fixed and made one of the lines, all mocked up to clear the Fujitsubo header. More details in the engine bay to satisfy’s Ben’s penchant for the vintage look: we passed along our rare factory spark plug wires and OEM choke cable set.

 

  

Enjoying The Ride

With the mechanical restoration completed, Ben embarked on his originally planned road trip with his father.

“I got back last night from my trip with my Dad. We went a bit north of 1000 miles in three days in my Z Car Garage 260Z! The car is perfect. I really want to thank you for building such a glorious machine. It does everything it should. Handles well, makes all the right sounds, is comfortable, and soaks up the miles. I took it up to an elevation of 7500′ without even a hiccup. My Dad drove a lot and he loved it too. He got it up to 100mph on the highway and I didn’t even know it the car was so smooth. He told me later.”

 

 

We were stoked for Ben. Seeing him drive the Z everywhere, including a visit to the epic 2018 RMMR where Datsun was the featured marque. Being on the road is really what he loves and the S30 is a scalpel.

 

Love for the Z, with Family

Ben’s family is an integral part of his Z passion. He even had these T-shirts made for his crew. Rob has one as well 🙂

 

George S returned to ZCG for a few items on his 57k-mile survivor S30. Here is a brief history on the Z:

George owned a 1971 Datsun 240z back in 80’s, sold it in the 90’s and recently tracked the car down to its current owner in Atlanta. Sadly, after all those years the Z wasn’t in the greatest shape (2013):

 

I purchased it in August 1981 with 75,000 miles from a single girl in the Marina District. It was my every day car for 10 years, putting on an additional 75k miles. Along the way added the Enkei gold rims, added a Monza exhaust system which was popular then and re-painted it in 1990(similar shade, but not the Datsun blue)

Serviced it regularly and never had to do anything other than the basics. She ran like a charm, was never in an accident.

Sold it in 1991 to a guy I worked with who drove it back to Tennessee a short while later. Thought about the car often, but had no info on it until the guy in Atlanta called me in October 2013. Think he said the car had about 190k miles.

George, obviously missing his Z car after tracking it down had considered restoring it and consulted with us at ZCG. It turns out that Rob actually knew the current owner in Atlanta and the two discussed the Z’s state of repair. Rob felt that it was one of those cars that would be difficult to stay ahead of the curve on. The recommendation: buy an S30 that’s ready to drive, and that’s exactly what George did…

 

In 2016 George picked up a 1972 240z with an automatic transmission in SoCal. We were impressed with its super low 57k miles, original paint and stunning red interior.

   

Once it arrived at ZCG we went on and corrected issues with braking system and fixed front suspension parts. We found a really clean set of Series 2 wheel covers to replace the later units and really made the car standout proper.

 

George recently came in for more sorting, paint correction and passenger mirror replacement. In the engine bay, a Pertronix ignition was installed and timing set to ensure the car ran perfectly.

  

Moving to that gorgeous red interior, the shift handle was replaced:

 

The exterior was treated to some dent removal and paint matching on body panels. The previous owner installed a black aftermarket passenger mirror:

 

We removed the black part and installed our favorite mirror:

    

This Z is a great example of how a stock car can be updated and maintained to bring many smiles per gallon. Enjoy The Ride, George!

 

Gorgeous weather, an amazing variety of cars and exhilarating driving all on today’s drive organized by Naveed Y. The starting point was Buck’s of Woodside with an absolutely bonkers mix of vintage/modern sports cars from all marques:

 

Our customer James Stevens showed up with his turbocharged 1972 Datsun 240z, check out the Speedhunters article with great photos by Naveed HERE!

  

We departed up 84 to Skyline heading towards 9. There were so many cars in the group that we split up–some took Bear Creek Rd down through Felton and eventually we all met at Whale City Bakery in Davenport. Jeremy Gomez’ G-nose S30 was looking sharp sitting on Longchamps:

  

I was honored to pilot Rob Fuller’s S30, affectionately known as “Ms Butters Z”. This Series 1 240z has recent engine, suspension and further chassis upgrades we are very excited to share with you. I was impressed with its performance, stay tuned for a full report!

 

Reminiscent of Driving While Awesome Cars n Coffee, the parking lot was incredible with cool cars everywhere.

 

 

Our final leg of the trip was the best: HWy1 and 84 back to Alice’s Restaurant. Thanks Naveed for organizing the run it was a blast! More pictures in the gallery below, enjoy!

 
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We are extremely happy for our friend and fellow Datsun enthusiast Tom D and his newly acquired B-sedan Datsun 510. This is a historically significant race car built and run originally by Norm Balzer.  Here it is at Road Atlanta in 1977:

 

Tom brought the 510 to Z Car Garage to have it prepared for the upcoming race season:

“I bought the car rough three years ago from Steve Link with the help of Dave Stone. Since then I exchanged information with MaryLee Balzer (the original builder and owner’s widow) and Jon Koobation, the last guy to campaign the car. Both kept all the records and materials associated with the car.  They graciously gave me all of it, even Norm’s race jacket (so cool). My plans are (with Rob and ZCG support) to get the car track ready.  The car will be campaigned with its original livery and as much of the original equipment as possible, including the FIA prepped L18.”

 

 
The car was wildly successful on the West Coast.  Many, including Larry Oka referred to the car as the “other BRE car” since it was built with the help of Mac Tilton and hardware from the BRE garage as the Trans Am series ramped down.  Tom plans to run several events this year including CSRG April at Infineon Raceway, The HSMA Festival of Speed in Late May,  The Rolex in August and the CSRG Charity Event in October. We are currently breaking the car down for race prep. It is shockingly original and a treat to see!

 

 

Enjoy that twin-Mikuni carb’d L-series sing!

A Rich Racing History

Purchased from a local Datsun dealer in 1971 for a one dollar, Norm Balzer took this Datsun 510 which was damaged in shipping straight to the garage to create one of the most successful B Sedan race cars on the West Coast.  With help from Mac Tilton, many parts were sourced from the BRE garage.  Norm raced the car from in B Sedan from 1973 until 1979 and then later as a GT2 entry in 1980.

Willow Springs 1976 and RA in 1979:

  

Jon competed with the 510 in GT2, GT3 and IMSA/GTU Special Group 2 from 1981 to 1992, amassing a number of first place finishes including a win in IMSA SP2 at Laguna Seca in May of 1983. Together Norm and Jon took this Datsun 510 to the podium forty times with thirteen first place finishes and six Southern Pacific Division Championships. Overall they competed in eighty-six races between 1973 and 1992.

 

 

Stay tuned for an in-depth look at this historical Datsun race car!