Hi Guy's, I just bought a set of plastic headlight covers for my Black Pearl. I do not like to "Modify" a Z, I am for ALL ORIGINAL....but I do like how these look on our Z's. What do you guy's think? Any experience with istallation etc....

Personally, I consider these items the best modification you can make to any Z (next to a chin spoiler). They are stylish, but very functional in that they eliminate the two least-aerodynamic areas of the Z nose. The E-Type and most Ferraris came with them; the Z should have come standard with them, in my humble opinion.

One problem noted with some of them is that they can fog up inside, when the temperature inside them is warmer than that outside them. This happens to me most often when I wash the car. But my old-style Datsun lens covers are raised ever so slightly around the edges to allow airflow under them and into the 'sugar scoops'. So by the time I reach the end of the driveway, they are clear again. Small amounts of road dirt and dead bugs gather under them, requiring me to remove them and clean out the scoops every few months.

Another (smaller) problem with them is that they are only sold in pairs. If you damage one, you have to buy two whether you replace the good one or not.

Frank

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1970 240Z

Datsun didn't use headlight covers on the 240Z due to the fact that they were not legal for North American cars. And knowing Datsun, they did it to keep the cost down as well. Jaguar also eliminated headlight covers on the XKE at that time.

As far as the covers go, my objection to them is the fact that to properly install them you have to drill holes in the scoops for brackets. Yes, there are some covers where the brackets attach with adhesive, but I have yet to see those stay on properly. And as Frank mentions, they do have a tendency to fog up and get dirty inside which necessitates removal for cleaning. A real PITA after a while.

I've always thought that the "sugar scoop" headlights were the one defining characteristic of the Z, it should stay that way. FYI, the reason Datsun designers went with the sugar scoop headlights was to meet the motor vehicle safety regulations of the time which specified the height of automobile headlights. The original design called for hidden "flip up" headlights!



FWIW!

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

Hi Frank, I agree! I think they look awesome on our Z's and should have been an option from the factory. Mine come with an adhesive strip, or you can drill a small hole in the bucket (really do not want to do that) but i do not have any faith in an adhesive strip to hold them on. What to do?

I had mine on with adhesive tape for 3 years through car washes (not automated), all kinds of weather (-20 to 105) and speeds 75 and above almost everyday with no problems. The only problem was they did not survive the golf ball size hail. But the pieces were still hanging by the double faced tape when I got home.

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Bill James
Western Nebraska
1979 280zx coupe parts car
1980 280 zx coupe
2005 Pathfinder
1971 240 z
1982 280zx, 1977 &1974 corvettes

Glue strong magnets to the light covers, then you don't have to drill holes.

Some of the sugar scoops were fiberglass. Then what?

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1970 240Z

or like me one is metal and one is fiberglass.

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

3m double sided tape will hold them on just great.

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Bill James
Western Nebraska
1979 280zx coupe parts car
1980 280 zx coupe
2005 Pathfinder
1971 240 z
1982 280zx, 1977 &1974 corvettes

Get a plastic magnet.

So Pete have you decided to go with covers?

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

Yes, I will be putting the covers on my Pearl. I just don't know what way I will attatch them. I am leaning toward the 3m tape instead of drilling small holes into my headlight buckets. I will take pics as soon as I get them on.....

GOOD.

Please ask that pretty lady to pose in the photo, pointing to the headlamp covers. (Some of us might like pin-ups for our garage. )

Frank

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1970 240Z

Frank i think you might need a cold shower...

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Mike Tubiak
1978 Datsun 280Z - HLS30-438694

At a garage sale recently, one of ZCCR's members recently came across a NOS pair of genuine BOB SHARP RACING headlight covers for the S30, STILL IN THE ORIGINAL BOX WITH RECEIPT!

I'm sure he would be willing to part with them for the right price. If interested make an offer and I will be happy to pass it along to him.

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