ZCCM 7.1-7.4

BACK TO (OLD) SCHOOL: PROJECT 240Z BEGINS

Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

We Missed You! First Z Event since the passing of Johnnie Gable

J A N /A P R 2 0 2 1 • I S S U E 7.1 /7. 4

ZCARCLUBMAG.COM

Contents

zcarclubmag.com • jant-apr 2021 • issue 7.1/7.4

Features

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8 6th Annual Friends of Johnnie and Mr. K Fun Run With the passing of Johnnie Gable, I knew this year’s event was going to be an emotional one.

With this being the first Fun Run without her, the memories of her will live on for years to come.

Departments 4 5 6 18

From the Editor Moving Parts Out of the Garage Around the Curve

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publisher: Nelson Ackerman, nlackerman1@aol.com editor-in-chief: Art Singer, arts.zccm@gmail.com managing editor: John Moran, moranjf@hotmail.com advertising: call 505.835.9170 for a media kit

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subscriptions: zcarclubmag.com $4.50/year - e-magazine (6 issues) $29.00/year - e-mag and print magazine (6 digital issues and 3 printed issues) paypal accepted

Z Car Club Magazine is a bi-monthly digital publication and a printed version comes out three times a year (January, May and August).

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the expressed written permission of the publisher. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the information presented herein is from various sources for which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy, safety, or completeness. Unsolicited material will not be returned. PRINTED IN U.S.A.

FROM THE EDITOR • Out with the old, in with the new By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Albuquerque Z Car Club It looks like there is light at the end of the tunnel and the Z community is ready to get back to a normal life. Events are starting to form again Z owners can start making plans to attend shows around the country.

I myself, kicked off 2021 with a trip to SoCal back in February to attend the 6th Annual Friends of Johnnie and Mr. K Fun Run (formerly called the Friends of Mr. K Fun Run). The title change was made to honor Johnnie Gable, who sadly passed away back in December of 2020. The event is the feature article in this issue of ZCCM. Branson Z Fest returns in 2021 at full strength from June 2nd to June 6th.

This event has been around for 16-plus years and is a must attend event for any Z car owner. I had a 13-year run attending BZF and enjoyed every minute of it.

ZCON is also back. The National Convention in 2020 was a smashing success being one of the only Z events in the year of Covid19. The 34th Annual will be back in Colorado making it the 3rd ZCON to be held in the state. The first two were in Aspen in 1988 and Denver in 1996. This year, Colorado Springs will be the host city. Having lived in Colorado for 6 years, I can tell you that there are a lot of fun things to do in and around the city.

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Want to see your car in print? Got a good story about your Z? Maybe an adventure that’s worth telling. I would love to hear from you. Every model is welcome (240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX, 300ZX (Z31 and Z32), 350Z or a 370Z). To get started all you need to do is send me an email (arts.zccm@gmail.com). The magazine has had a lot of S30 coverage and as much as I love the S30 (I’m stating a new 240Z project car), I would like to see more variety, including the newer models in the pages of ZCCM. A few good pictures and a good story behind the car is all it takes to make it happen. Even the 510 and Roadster owners are welcome to submit an article.

ZCCM is still in search of Z-cars for the "Behind the Wheel" section of the magazine. If you own a nice Z and would like to see your car gracing the pages of the magazine and don't mind writing about it then send me an email at arts.zccm@gmail.com to get the ball rolling. Who knows, it might turn into a feature (see above) if there is a really good story behind it! Most BTW's only need between 400 to 700 words and about 5 to 8 hi-res images. This is your chance to see your car in print and it also looks nice displayed in the rear hatch area of your Z at your local car show. So get out from behind the wheel and show the world what you got.

NISMO PRODUCT RELEASE With a name derived from Nissan Motorsport, NISMO is the embodiment of ultimate Nissan performance.

NISMO parts and accessories are inspired by the most unforgiving proving ground–the race track–and tested at the highest levels to deliver the finest in factory-tuned performance for Nissan street cars. NISMO also offers a complete line of parts for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles, including the almost mythical Skyline GT-R.

NISMO FRONT AND REAR BRAKE CALIPERS AND ROTORS FOR THE 370Z New NISMO brake kits bring the power of 6-piston front calipers to any 370Z. Track-tested, 2-piece vented and slotted rotors provide a larger brake pad surface area to increase thermal capacity.

Features: • Increased stopping power vs. OE • 6-Piston front calipers with hardware • 2-Piston rear calipers with hardware • 2 piece vented and slotted rotors with a high strength aluminum alloy billet hat • Larger brake pad surface area vs. OE (increased thermal capacity) • Type III Hard Anodized Finish and NISMO Logo on the calipers • Kits are available for cars equipped with standard or Sport brakes

For pricing and parts information, see your local Nissan Dealer or visit:

NISMOparts.NissanUSA.com The installation of NISMO or INFINITI Performance parts on a vehicle intended for use on public streets or highways may violate laws and regulations relating to motor vehicle safety standards or emission regulations.

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OUT OF THE GARAGE • how to: 240Z to 350Z to 300ZX (Z31) and back to 240Z, a new project begins By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Abuquerque Z Car Club My time involved with Z cars has finally gone full-circle. My first Z I owned was a 1973 240Z, which I bought back in 1984. Since then I have owned 10 Z cars. The only series I have never owned is a 300ZX (Z32).

In the last 10 years, the 240Z has become quite the collector’s item. You could find a 240Z, a 260Z and 280Z’s in the southwest for an average price of about $500. Parts cars could be had for $100 to $300 and drivers that needed restoration work would cost no more than $1000. The low priced Z’s usually were not from the southwest and they had more rust than metal making them good for parts only.

Fast-forward to today and you can’t find a series 1 or series 2 240Z for under $3000.00.

And most of them are rust buckets. I followed an auction on a 1972 240Z where the owner described the car as a dependable daily driver with minimal rust (mostly surface rust). When I looked at the pictures, I was amazed to see what his definition of minimal rust was. It definitely wasn’t mine. The floor pans had rust, the frame rails were separated from the body towards the front and the rear hatch deck was rusted out on both ends. The Z ended up selling for over $10,000 and thats when I realized it was time to

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get back into a 240Z. So begins another Z project. The good thing is, this Z is the true definition of minimal rust. One dogleg and minor issues on the passenger side floor pan were the only places of concern. Other than that, it’s one of the cleanest rust free Z’s I have seen in a long time.

The car was originally from California and has all the CA emissions crap on it. So that has to go. The original AC also needs to go. Yes, it needs a lot of cosmetic work, but the foundation is solid. The drive train is in good shape (I already rebuilt the carbs) and the brakes are good.

I’ve decided that this Z is a keeper and worth the effort to restore. I don’t plan on ever getting rid of it. Let the project begin.

www.baddogparts.com Bad Dog Parts specializes in the sale of used, new, and custom designed parts for owners of 1st generation Z cars (1970-78). We do on occasion carry parts for later model Zs. And for those looking for something a little different, that adds strength, or ease of operation to your Z car, we have a line of custom made parts which are available: • • • • •

240/260/280 coupes and 2+2 frame rails optional rear rails replacement OEM style seat brackets front sway bar strengthening plates single jack point plates

REAR RAIL

FRAME RAIL

Have a need to make your Z more rigid? Add our optional rear frame rail section and you tie in the front end to the rear wheel well making your Z handle like it was always meant to.

What we design and build we use ourselves.....and for those of you concerned with sending your hard-earned Z dollars to someone you’ve never meet, we offer a 100%, no question asked refund policy.

Email: john@baddogparts.com Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE

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Kenny flying a kite in honor of Mr. K’s love for kites.

The 6th Annual Johnnie and Mr. K Fun Run went

ZCON in Nashville, TN. All in attendance had fond memories of

off without any problems considering Covid19 pretty much shut

her which made this years Fun Run that much more memorable.

down the country for over a year. With the passing of Johnnie

Kenny Ueda (Johnnie’s son) did a great job of organizing this

Gable (Mr. K’s personal assistant for over 30 years) this past

year’s event, as always. The event is designed with Mr. K in mind.

December, she was sadly missed but not forgotten. It was the

The route is based on some of Mr. K’s favorite places to drive

first major Z event of 2021 without her. I consider myself lucky to

and visit back in his early days with Nissan North America.

have been able to call her a good friend over the past 25-plus

It started with everyone meeting up in Randsburg, CA for

years and so happy I was able to spend time with her during

breakfast. From there we headed to Death Valley with stops at

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ANNUAL FRIENDS

OF

JOHNNIE AND MR.K FUN RUN STORYAND BY PHOTOS ART SINGER

Artists Palette and Bad Water Basin. Two places I had never

us driving south to Lake Havasu to see the original London

heard of before. Who would have thought that Death Valley could

Bridge with a stop at Parker Dam for another photo op. Having

look so beautiful. We spent the night in Pahrump, NV before

never been to the Lake Havasu area, I now know why so many

heading south to Hoover Dam and Oatman, AZ. The Dam is

people in the southwest talk it up so much. Oh to be 20 some-

always good for a nice photo op and Oatman is just plain fun to

thing again.

visit. The burros always make themselves the main attraction.

From Oatman, we made our way to Laughlin, NV, spending the second and third night there. The third day of the event had

I’m already looking forward to next years run. Kenny has started working on the route for 2022 and as in the past, will let people know a few months in advance where we’ll be headed.

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ARTISTS

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PALETTE

AND

BAD WATER BASIN Sea level sign

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HOOVER

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DAM

KINGMAN ARIZONA

AND

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OATMAN

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ARIZONA

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LONDON

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BRIDGE

PARKER DAM

AND

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AROUND THE CURVE ZCCM is for car clubs and their members. We encourage you to join your local club or consider starting one of your own— it’s a great way to grow the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun community. If you already belong to a club and you don’t see it listed contact Art Singer at arts.zccm@gmail.com or 505-835-9170 for more information on how your club can become a partner.

• Partner Club Directory Arizona Desert Z Association Location: Phoenix, AZ Contact: George Geringer Email: dza@desertzassocation.com Website: desertzassociation.com California Group Z Sports Car Club Location: Southern California Contact: Ian Stewart - President Email: ian@groupz.com Website: groupz.com Z Club of San Diego Location: San Diego, CA Contact: Chuck Golden Email: chucksbarandgrill@cox.net Website: zcsd.org Z Owners of Northern California Location: Northern California Contact: Linda Williams - President Email: pres@zonc.org Phone: 408-761-1869 Website: zonc.org Colorado Z Car Club of Colorado Location: Denver & surrounding area Contact: Jason Spegal Email: jspegal@spegalnetworks.net Website: zccc.org

Indiana Indy Z Club Location: Indianapolis, IN Contact: Scott Caylor - President Email: IZCC@indyzcarclub.org Phone: 317-698-8144 Website: indyzcarclub.org Kentucky Bluegrass Z Car Club Location: Louisville, KY Contact: Bill Edens - President Email: bzcc@bellsouth.net Phone: 502-241-3812 Website: bluegrasszcarclub.com New Hampshire Z Car Club of New England Location: New Hampshire Contact: John Jeffries - President Email: john@baddogparts.com Phone: 617-510-2694 Website: zccne.org New Mexico Albuquerque Z Car Club Location: Albuquerque Metro Area Contact: Nelson Ackerman Email: nlackerman1@aol.com Phone: 505-239-6833 Facebook: Albuquerque Z Car Club

Connecticut Connecticut Z Car Club Location: Connecticut & surrounding area Contact: Ross Williams Email: officers@ctzcc.com Website: ctzcc.com

New York Z Association of New York Location: Upstate New York Contact: Mike Roth Email: rothm@srgarch.com Phone: 518-857-5026 Website: zanyz.com

Illinois Windy City Z Club Location: Chicago Metro Area Contact: Ty Ozgen Email: tyozgen@gmail.com Phone: 630-910-3616 Website: windycityzclub.com

North Carolina Triangle Z Club Location: Raleigh, NC Contact: Bud Hansen - President Email: budhansenus@hotmail.com Phone: 919-215-2698 Website: trianglezclub.com

Ohio Cleveland Z Club Location: Northern Ohio Contact: Karen Karl - President Email: kmk@bricekarl.com Website: Clevelandzclub.com

Texas Cowtown Z Club Location: Ft Worth and Arlington Area Contact: Mike Brunner Email: mtbrunner14@hotmail.com Phone: 817-441-6471 Website: cowtownzclub.com

Z Car and Roadster Owners Club Location: Central Ohio Contact: Jessica Padavana Email: jessica.padavana@gmail.com Phone: 614-315-1955 Website: zroc.org

Z Club of Texas Location: Dallas Metro Area Contact: “Mad” Mike Taylor Email: zmadmike@airmail.net Phone: 214-533-0922 Website: zcluboftexas.org

Oklahoma Oklahoma Z car Club Location: Tulsa and Oklahoma City Contact: Pete Pitchford Email: petepitchford@gmail.com Phone: 405-612-1146 Website: okzcc.com

Virginia Tidewater Z Car Club Location: Eastern Virginia Contact: Todd Wagner Email: zfixers@cox.net Phone: 757-851-8098 Website: tzccva.org

Tennessee Middle Tennessee Z Club Location: Central Tennessee Contact: Bob McGehee Email: rmcgehee22@gmail.com or mtzclub@gmail.com Phone: 615-260-5669 Website: middletennesseezclub.com

Z Car Club of Northern Virginia Location: Tysons Corner Contact: Bernie Bilski Email: yugobernie@cox.net Website: zcarclubnova.org

Smokey Mountain Z Car Club Location: Eastern Tennessee Contact: Tony Price Email: tonyprice1@yahoo.com Phone: 865-681-7986 Website: smokymountainzcarclub.com

Washington Z Car Club of Washington Location: Washington State Contact: ZCCW Officers Email: officers@zccw.org Website: http://zccw.org/zccw/ Facebook: Z Car Club of Washington Members Web Based Z Car Clubs Classic Zcar Club Location: Internet Contact: Mike Gholson Website: classiczcars.com

UPCOMING EVENTS Branson Z Fest Date: June 2 thru June 6, 2021 Location: Branson, MO Details: bransonzfest.org

34th Annual ZCCA Z Car Convention (ZCON) Date:August 16 thru August 21, 2021 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Details: zcon.org

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SU’S RETURN OLD OR NEW SCHOOL, THE CHOICE IS YOURS

SU ‘roundtop’ carbs were first developed for Nissan in the 1960’s by SU Carrburetter Ltd. Due to stricter emission standards, the roundtops were replaced in 1973 by more emissions friendly Hitachi flat top carbs which in turn were replaced by fuel injection. SU Carburetter Ltd. decided to produce a limited supply of the origional ‘roundtops’. These are the exact same carbs from the 1970’s but with upgraded hoses and gaskets to be able to tolorate ethanol.

SU Carburetter Ltd. also developed a more advanced set of SU’s for your Z car.

The 2019 edition (ABF973) can be installed in about 2 hours and includes an integrated enrichment valve for easier cold starts, a dual pass through fuel feed system that helps balance fuel levels between carbs, an integrated float system that resists vapor lock and a dyno tested needle configuration that allows you to drive easily around town without sacrificing performance. Both versions are new in the box and require no core charges or exchanges.

HIF44 velocity stacks for the 2019 Roundtop are a traditional race track option that looks great on the street. A mounting system has been developed to handle deep K&N filters.

HIF44 - $100 a pair plus shipping

Classic Roundtops - $975 plus shipping

ABF973 - $1175 plus shipping

Turn key installation available at Choice Auto Repair, Raleigh NC 919-233-0033 For more info visit: roundtopfuelsystems.com

ZEDD FINDINGS Zedd Findings has been selling the Z & ZX floors, front frame rails along with the lower rear panel for over 25 years. We have recently added the inner rocker panels for the 1970 to 1978 Z cars, as well as much more to Z enthusiasts all over the world.

“Small enough to listen - large enough to service” Replica Z & ZX Floor Systems, Front Frame Rails and Rear Lower Panel

240Z Floors

280Z Floors

Inner Rocker Panel-Inside Inner Rocker Panel-Outside

280ZX Floors

Lower Rear Panel

Front frame Rail-Inside

Front frame Rail-Outside

Zedd Findings

603 Compass Court, Kingston, Ontario K7M 8V9, Canada Telephone/Fax: 613-389-1397 • Cell: 613-539-7966 • Email: zeddfind@kos.net Domain: www.datsunzparts.com or www.datsunzparts.ca

Operator/Owner: Charles Osborne

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