I know this is a subject for another Post, but someone once told me those black 'smudgepots' on the rear bumper of the '70 240Z weren't made of rubber, but of some sort of plastic which slowly deteriorated in sunlight.

If/when I remember who it was or what they said, I could generate another Post about it. (Sorry to drag this Post off-track).

Frank

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1970 240Z

I use to use Mothers Back to Black for my faded moldings on my 83 turbo. Great stuff!

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

Those rub strips on the 240Z bumpers are unlike any other black "rubber" parts on later bumpers. I'm not sure if they are 100% rubber, plastic or a combination of both, but the bottom line is that UV rays and outgassing take their toll on them over the years. They actually chemically break down losing their pliability and consistency which causes the "black chalk syndrome" you all are well familiar with.

I have actually had some luck slowing down the process by coating the strips with vaseline for the winter and letting them sit. The vaseline seeps into the strips and somewhat revitalizes them. Come spring, you gently wipe off the remnant. Doesn't totally solve the problem, but it helps.

I removed the strips, welded shut the holes and powdercoated my bumpers for my restoration, so the rubber strips are not necessary. Looks cleaner too!

My 2 centZ

PS- The vaseline treatment also works well on Z dashboards to keep them supple to prevent cracks. Gently massage the vaseline into the dash with your fingers, let it sit (the longer the better) and wipe off.

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

First is was cheese, now its vaseline. "Gently massage... with your fingers...". Are all the NY guys this kinky? I thought this was a family-friendly forum. Where's a moderator when you need one the most?

Jim

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Jim Arnett
Richardson, Texas
HLS30-15320 12/1970 (original owner)
ZCON 2015 Gold Cup - Street Modified class

Geez, you Texas guys have your minds in the gutter!

LOL!

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Does any1 have spare door panel clip counterpart? I have clips but the rectangular counterparts have gone bad and those panels barely stay. Also the panels itself are bit twisted so i've been driving without them.

Rev, you are better off using 3M double sided emblem tape to secure your door panels. The clips rust and fail as well as scratch the interior paint on the door which can lead to more rust. The 3M tape holds very well and is able to be removed if necessary.

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John Taddonio
1970 240Z
1977 530Z
1984 300ZXT
zcarnut@hotmail.com
FB: Zccr zcarclubofrochester

Y'all just don't know the differ'nce b'tween a gutter 'n' a barditch.
Fer starters, a barditch is a lot bigger 'n' wider cuz it's in TEXAS!

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

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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)

Alrighty. Now i just gotta find it somewhere.. That is a good idea, i dont want to scratch this almost 40yr old baby

edit: i found it now i got to order fuzzy strips from MSA to complete my doors

FuZZy strips? You mean "Cat Whiskers" for where the window rolls up?

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1970 240Z

Y'all just don't know the differ'nce b'tween a gutter 'n' a barditch.
Fer starters, a barditch is a lot bigger 'n' wider cuz it's in TEXAS!

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

Always wanted to try waterskiing in a barditch;never got around to it tho...

Yea, those that attach to door panel. I just ordered them from MSA 19.90$ each.