Can anyone tell me up to what year my 73 240 can be used for parts. Thanks

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30 yr old project car IS NO MORE

Well, the basic S30 series shared some (but not all) partZ from 1970-1978. Some parts will fit any year, others only the year they were made.

The interiors changed most during those years (altho the headliners never did), and small improvements in several systems took place as time went on. The electrical units of the early and late carZ are almost totally incompatible ~ some items (like windscreen wiper motors and 4-way flasher circuits) actually changed slightly during some production years. Radios changed every year. Transmissions will all bolt into other year cars (and the 1978-later ZX cars can donate 5-spd gearboxes to the earlier, lighter 1970-78 carz).

Body panels should fit every year, except that the 2+2 carz are unique, and the 1969-71 hatch used horizontal vents below the glass, rather than on the sides of the "C" pillar. Rear taillights changed after 1971-2. Wheel lug patterns remained unchanged from 1970 (1969) thru 1978. With the onset of the ZX carz in 1979, the wheels went to a 5-lug pattern and were not interchangeable without converter/spacers. Collectors & restorers today are demanding PERFECT spare tires from that period, and not having much luck finding them.

The engines changed almost every year after 1971. Different heads and carburetors gave different performance to different model year Zs. The early 240 'round top' 4-screw SU carbs are considered the best performers, altho the round top 3-screws are no different as far as I know. And the flattop SUs from 1973/4 are great for racing due to their accelerator flap circuit, while they have problems in normal traffic. The fuel injection system was introduced on the 280Z and resolved the issues with the flattop SU carbs, but many people prefer to replace it with SUs (or Webers) anyway.

Knowing what you have in the car helps you sell the parts. Differentials in that year came in two sizes/strengths ~ the lightweight R180 and the heavy duty R200. Limited Slip or 4.11:1 ratios are highly sought after. Know which head is on your engine. It will be marked on the passenger side, near spark plug #2. Altho stock exhaust systems are seldom swapped btwn carz, sometimes special systems are worth that effort.

If your power antenna actually works, you can probably sell it and retire.
Better (adjustable) seats are sought after by earlier car owners.
Bumpers changed with the 260, so earlier lightweight bumpers are sought after.
Ashtrays, cigar lighters, 4-way flashers, defrosters all changed position over the years.
That stupid cardboard glovebox insert should be CAREFULLY saved & preserved!
The radio coaxial cable back to the speakers is hard to find today
Original radio speakers are frail (!) but worth preserving
The plastic interior panels should be carefully removed & preserved
Grilles and signal lamps changed after your year, I think?
Any brakes which fit the stock 1973 wheels will fit other Zs 1970-78.
All glass should be interchangeable, except with 2+2 carz.
Handbrakes & cables never changed.
Dashboards vents and center consoles changed often.
Pedal boxes remained virtually unchanged as far as I know ~ they are sought after for A/T-to-standard swaps.
The two secret storage wells behind your seats are reusable in 1970 cars.
Interior trim parts (door skins, window cranks, mirrors, sun visors, steering wheels) all fit other cars
Vinyl 'carpeting' patterns changed in each model
carpets and mats fit all cars
4-spd transmissions changed (71A became 71B) after 1971; all fit
driveshafts are semi-precious and MAY fit other cars/transmissions (not all)
suspension partz are interchangeable among breed (240-240, etc)
brake master cylinders are NOT all interchangeable
clutch master cylinders are interchangeable btwn all S30s (I think)
Two-key door/hatch/glovebox key sets are $100/set, interchangeable for all
transmission mounts are becoming semi-valuable and should not be scrapped
Engine electrical items (alternator/starter) are swapable, but why bother?
Radiators and hoses fit all models
Fans changed over the years, but they all fit other carz
Air conditioning systems and auto transmissions were rare and fit other Zs
If you have a clean battery box, it should be cut out before scrapping the Z
Instrument lamp bulbs are becoming hard to find, believe it!
All instruments can be reused, but some changed over years and clocks seldom work anymore.
The overhead press-light is priceless ~ please save yours for me?

There's probably more to discuss about this, but I can't think of it right now.


Frank T

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1970 240Z

FRANK T Thanks for your help, You are a puriferal of knowledge! I shall pass this on. P.S. I reduced my asking price to $600.00 for posted project car

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30 yr old project car IS NO MORE

Well, I might know someone interested at that price.

I'm off to look up puriferal, to see if I'm in trouble!

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1970 240Z

I have to make time to get up to zee your Z and take some pictures. I am SO overcome by events here, it isn't funny. Soon!!!

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1970 240Z