Well initially I thought I was never going to post about what transpired last Sunday (yes, Easter Sunday) but figured everyone would eventually find out anyway. The brown Z, or Sunset, or whatever color you want to call it, will have to visit the body shop again. Yep, only one month after completing the bodywork, I got into a fender bender. When it happened my first reaction was that the car is totalled but after geting it home and assessing the damage, it seems I only have to replace 7 parts, 3 or which must be painted. Not so bad but 4 of the pieces are NLA from Nissan! So the search begins for a grill, right side turn signal assembly and a right side turn signal finisher. I'll be buying a new hood and right fender from Nissan today. It's a set back but hopefully be as good as new in a few months. Hey, it's only money right?

For those with a strong stomach you can see the carnage here:
http://evilz.smugmug.com/Other/Joe-Ragno-4410

Oooooh Noooooo.

That actually looks like it might have been Pilot Error, too.

I was hoping to offer you the R/F signal assembly from the Club Parts Car, but it's a 1971 240Z and that's not what you're needing.

How's the radiator?

I have a cowled fiberglass hood, 2 sets of fiberglass fenders, one set with FG light buckets, I think I might even have an extra grill kicking around, and about 3 radiators taking up space.... I also have a near mint 260Z hood on my car...and I'll just use the cowled fiberglass hood for my build. I also got an MSA type 2 or 3 body kit... and a lot of other parts I want to get rid of...

Buy, fit...and paint... I'm in Meriden, ct...

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Also Known As Clayton Pace

Oh man that is horrible. This is a great lesson to all.

Joe I hope that everybody is ok!

Sorry that happened.

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1972 Datsun 240z #88178

Hi Frank,

Nope, not pilot error. Actually an elder complete with cataract glasses and a handicap badge hanging from the rear view who wanted to make a left across traffic into a ShopRite parking lot. Unfortunately, I happened to be occupying the space she needed to go through. What can you do? Accidents happen.

Airjockey,

Already got a fender and a hood from Nissan and was lucky enough to find a head light bucket in the attic. I'm in the process of stripping it to see how it looks. Still need to find a turnsignal, turn signal finisher, and a grille. Radiator is fine as well as the bumper and airdam. Go figure.

MArc,

Yeah everyone involved came out unscathed. Total speed was probably about 5MPH. But if you just keep driving through, all kinds of damage happens!

MAN, what a positive attitude! I'd be locked in my room, crying.
(Or in a jail cell, calling for a defense lawyer).

Good on Ya, Rags ~ way to go.

I'm pretty sure I have a decent grill and turn signal parts for ya.

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71 on a rotisserie, two more in pieces in my shed...and a 69 1600 waiting for me to get to it

Well maybe I didn't tell the story straight away because I was incarcerated and crying my eyes out ?

Mark, that's great news! What do you want for the pieces? You wouldn't happen to have the turn signal finisher also, would ya?

Joe

Joe, if it would help and if you work out a deal with Mark and if Mark is not planning on attending the 4/14 meeting, I would volunteer to pick up the parts from Mark and bring them to Old Saybrook. I'm sure one of our southwestern CTZCC brothers could then bring them to their end of the state....

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Phil
1981 280zxt - Now in the care my son!
2014 370Z Sports Touring Roadster

I may be in New Haven this weekend if that makes it closer for anyone.

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Clive Bogle President - New York Z Car Club - NYZCC.COM
1971 240Z - LS1/T56
1974 260Z-L30
1976 Fairlady Z

Rags, you didn't have to cry, I did it for you.

I do that kind of thing whenever an S30 gets hurt. Especially if the
owner gets hurt and/or the S30 ends up being a partZ car.

It comes from having undergone exactly the same scenario as you did
while I lived in TX, only at 72 MPH on an open highway. Elderly gentle-
man with Coke-bottle-bottom glasses driving an old Chrysler Imperial.

Glad you're OK, but sorry I don't have anything but 240Z and 510 stuff.

All Z Best,..................................Rick (and Kathy, of course)

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All Z Best,.......Kathy & Rick

1969 Z.CAR (#00013 10/69) 8/30/76
1969 ITSA.Z (#00171 11/69) 8/24/73
1970 OLD.Z (#06289 6/70) original owner
1971 510 2dr since 12/31/75
1969 1600 rdstr (our 160-Z)
1971 (#19851 1/71) sold
1975 75.Z (#01343 1/75)

Thanks for all of the kind words guy.

A little update. Ordered a fender and hood from Nissan. Hoods are now discontinued but one happened to be in a warehouse in California. Hopefully it and the fender will be in NJ in a few weeks! Also, I found a headlight bucket in the garage attic. I chemical stripped it and the thing is perfect! Still having trouble with finding the directional, directional finisher and a 77-78 grille. Any help you guys can throw my way is greatly appreciated.

As you can probably tell, no matter what the ins adjuster says, I'm putting her back together

Joe

Joe, I am glad I was able to take those photos the other night. The car was gorgeous and will be even better after the repair. If you need the photos for insurance reasons, let me know. I have high-res proof on my hard drives.

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-Dave
76Z Turbo'd
72 In Progress---DONE!

sorry to tease you about the grill and turn signal parts...I have them but they are for a 240, which has the lights mounted below the bumper.

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71 on a rotisserie, two more in pieces in my shed...and a 69 1600 waiting for me to get to it

This is a later 260, correct? So some parts from a 75 will work, I have a hood, maybe a grill and some lense surroundings, and I also have found a early 260 with bumbers, but thats early style. Come down with $50 and take all you need. Or I could deliver in 2 weeks on my way out to N.Y.