3RD ANNUAL FRIENDS OF MR K FUN RUN
Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE
A DRIVE DOWN MEMORY LANE J A N / F E B 2 0 1 8 • I S S U E 4 .1/4 .2
ZCARCLUBMAG.COM
Contents
zcarclubmag.com • january/february 2018 • issue 4.1/4.2 cover photo by Diego Perri
Features
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12 Lasting Impression For some, dreams may never come true. For others it’s just a matter of time. For Greg Giacchi, an impression etched in his mind when he was seven years old and saw his brother’s 1976 280Z for the first time, and dreamed of wanting one ever since became a reality 40 years later.
Departments 5 From the Editor 8 Events 20 Around the Curve twelve
publisher: Nelson Ackerman, nlackerman1@aol.com editor-in-chief: Art Singer, arts.zccm@gmail.com managing editor: Keelan Murphy, keelan.zccm@gmail.com advertising: call 505.835.9170 for a media kit operations: Printing: Short Run Printing Ltd, distribution: Lita Singer
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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 (April, August and December). 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 • Five years already! Where does the time go? By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Albuquerque Z Car Club Can anyone explain to me why time seems to accelerate once you hit 50. All I can say is, the last five years have flown by so quickly. ZCCM is heading into its 6th year and it seems like only yesterday I was on the phone talking to Mad Mike Taylor about starting another Z car magazine. He thought I was crazy then and I’m willing to bet he thinks I’m just as crazy now, if not more. I’m still (basically) a one-man operation, work with an incredibly tight (small) budget which forces me to choose what events I can attend and others I cannot since I can’t be at every Z show in the country. If I had my way, I’d be at all of them. ZCCM would not be around today if not for a small group of advertisers that have been very supportive. They include Motorsport Auto, ZTherapy, Bad Dog Parts, Courtesy Nissan, FutoFab and ZTrix (formerly known as Reaction Research). There have been others that have come and gone, but these six companies have been around since day one. Others have come on board starting in 2015. They include ZCarDepot, Import Parts Pro, Zedd Findings and California Datsun. All of which continue to be very supportive to this day. And I can’t forget to mention ZCCM’s newest advertiser; Datsun Freeway. The latest in a line of companies (mentioned above) that help to keep the Z club community alive by supporting this magazine and Z events around the world. People always tell me “you must love your job” and my answer has always
been “yes, but I wish it made more money.” They say money can’t buy you happiness. I wouldn’t know, but I sure am happy with what I have. There have still been quite a few readers wanting to send in articles on their Zs. The problem (if you want to call it that) is, they are mostly coming from the S30 crowd. I would love to see some later model Z owners (280ZX, 300ZX, 350Z and 370Z) get involved and start submitting some articles on their cars. As much as I love the S30, 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.
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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:
CALIFORNIADATSUN.COM
• • • • •
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
KEEP IT COOL WITH 280Z AND 280ZX CUSTOM HOOD VENTS These fiberglass cowl--style hood vents are direct replacements for the factory hood vents in the 1977 and 1978 280Z as well as the 1979 to 1981 280ZX. Vents can also be used on earlier 240Z and 260Z models to improve engine bay cooling at idle or in traffic, prevent vapor lock, and reduce thermal stress on wiring harness connectors and other engine components.
We also carry a wide variety of fiberglass rebody kits along with widebody fenders, flares, hoods, airdams and various body parts for the 240z 260z 280z and 280zx.
Visit our website or give us a call at
www.ZTRIX.com • 480.229.1831
NEW VENUE, same old Ozark Mountain Madness at the Honeysuckle Inn and Conference Center
Scheduled Events (subject to change): • Car Show • BBQ • Drag Racing • Funcross • Daily Drives
Z-FEST
2018
May 30- June 2,
Become a Repeat Offender Registration opens May 1st at 7:00 am central time. Go to www.bransonzfest.com/ and register TODAY!
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EVENTS • 3rd Annual Friends of Mr. K Fun Run By: Art Singer, EIC (ZCCM), Albuquerque Z Car Club This year’s Friends of Mr. K Fun Run was once again based in Laughlin, NV at the Riverside Resort. Johnnie Gable (Mr K’s longtime assistant) and her son Kenny Ueda are organizer of this event. This event was created to honor the great Mr. Yutaka Katayama (Mr K), the father of the Z. During his time with Nissan, Mr. K had traveled the roads in Nevada and Arizona many times and especially enjoyed his travels along Route 66. With every new year, there is something added to the three day event. This year as well as last year, we as a group headed north to Henderson, NV to spend some time with Peter and Gayle Brock at BRE headquarters. But before heading to Henderson, we made the trip to the Hoover Dam for some pictures and to meet up with other attendees. It was a great day for driving. Blue skies and warm weather were in stark contrast to last years event which was cold and rainy. After a visit to the dam, we all headed into Henderson for lunch. Then it was on
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to the BRE store for a tour of their shop where they produce covered car trailers called the Aerovault. As always the Brock’s were gracious hosts. On Sunday it was on to Oatman, AZ once again. The stretch of road leading into Oatman is a Z car owners dream. A very twisty, curvy, narrow road that will test the skills of any driver. There are no guardrails (okay, there are some, but they wouldn’t stop you from going over the side of the cliff). This stretch of road isn’t that long but the narrow lanes, blind turns and loose gravel will test the nerves of even the most experienced drivers. Unlike last year where we made stops in Kingman, AZ, this year we went straight to Oatman where we had lunch and spent a couple of hours walking around the town and in shops. There seemed to be a lot more donkeys walking around looking for anyone to feed them and there was the reenacted gun fight in the street. Be
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EVENTS
prepared to spend a few hours there since it can get very busy with all the tourists coming through. This might be the last year for the event being staged out of Laughlin. There is talk that it might be moved to a new location next year. At this time, no decision has been made. No matter where it is held, you can be assured that Johnnie and Kenny will make it enjoyable for everyone.
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L
ASTING IMP
STORY BY GREG GIACCHI PHOTOS BY DIEGO PERRI
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RESSIONS
TURNING A DREAM INTO REALITY
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ne particular spring day, I returned home from school to find a sales brochure for a Datsun 280Z on my bed. The year was 1976, and I was just seven years old. I thought it was so cool, the glossy paper, big pictures, sophisticated and grown up subject matter, it was indeed very impressive. I carried it around like my security blanket for many months. I would later find out that my older brother Joe placed it there. It foreshadowed a bigger event soon to come. A few weeks later, Joe pulled into our family driveway with his brand new silver-blue 1976 280Z. I can recall with great clarity how the entire car sparkled in the sunlight. It was nothing like the big, heavy American cars that my parents owned. It was so small and compact. All the edges of the Datsun were thoughtfully curved and smooth, nothing sharp or jagged, as I had come to know on American automobiles of the era. The doors were lightweight, yet opened and closed with a feel of quality. My Dad was not so keen on my brother buying a foreign car, a brand new foreign car at that, and even less thrilled with me, young and impressionable, being so fascinated by this car. My brother worked hard for several summers and saved his money. He had done this all on his own. As for me the hook was set. I didn’t realize it yet, but I was already well on my way towards becoming a lifelong “car guy”. It seemed to happen easily and naturally. Over the next few months, I watched and learned as my brother began to “mod” his new toy. First came the Craig stereo and speakers. Next it was a walnut “Datsun” shift knob. Then it was a rear hatch louver and a front air dam. He also added Cibie amber fog lamps below the front bumper, and beefy Semperit tires (Austrian brand) mounted to Western Cyclone II mag wheels. He joined a Z Club and put the membership decal on the driver’s side quarter glass. The new Ansa exhaust transformed the way the car both looked and sounded. Often times, he did the work in our driveway, so I was right there looking over his shoulder, soaking it up like a sponge. Saturday mornings were car wash time, and I looked forward to this immensely. I was tasked with scrubbing all 4 wheels and tires. I took the job very seriously. I knew if I missed a spot, I was going to get an earful. He would say “watch the edges cause they’re sharp” and if I cut my hand, “I better not get any blood on the car”. Typical big brother stuff. The best part was my brother’s dry off technique, which consisted of a brisk spin around the block, sometimes done so on two wheels around the corners! During the colder months, he would take the car to the automated car wash. I would usually accompany him. He would blast classic rock like Foghat and Frampton on the
O
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new stereo, although it wasn’t classic at the time. If one of Joe’s buddies came along, I would jump into the back, sitting on the parcel shelf, straddling the transmission tunnel. I was just happy to get to go for a ride in that little Z car. The Datsun 280Z was hugely popular in our neighborhood. My brother had at least three friends who got their own Z’s after high school. These guys often visited the house and had mini shows in our driveway. I recall one guy had a gold 1975 2+2 with the Hot Wire mags, another guy owned a dark green coupe with 5-slots. The third guy got Panasports for his light blue coupe. The Panasports were my favorite at the time.
I learned that the Panasports were a replica of the popular British Minilite wheels of the 1960s. My brother kept his Datsun for several years, before trading it in on something newer in 1980. I believe he was growing tired of his constant battle with rust on the car. I seem to recall Nissan covering the cost for rust/bodywork repairs early on in its lifespan. As the years rolled along, I never got over that little Z car. It represented something very special for me, a very precious time in my life, with priceless memories. Fast-forward a few decades. I finished school, embarked on
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my career path, got married and started a family, even bought my dream car at the time, a 1984 Celica Supra, an excellent car in its own right. I still have it to this day, and it will always remain with me. But planted in the back of my mind was the dream of owning an S30 Z of my own. I started looking for 1975/76 280Z models because that’s what I was attracted to and of course, what I was most familiar with. I noticed values were climbing and I decided the time to act was now or never. I spent a couple years searching the Internet for the best car I could afford. I found a nice bronze 76 coupe in New Mexico, but we just couldn’t come to terms after numerous phone conversations. The car was good, but the value didn’t add up considering the needs it had. It was the first one I seriously considered, unfortunately I had to pass on it. Over the course of
many months, there were several other cars that I investigated, but all seemed to disappoint me in one-way or another. Then along comes “CLAZZIC” as the seller’s tags read. It was on a popular auction site. #305 light blue metallic, same as my brothers, and it had only 33k miles. It was highly original with a small golf ball-sized rust spot under each fender. The clear coat had some issues around the fuel filler, but nothing horrendous. The interior was in original condition, virtually untouched and pristine throughout. However the auction had a reserve along with a very large Buy-It-Now price, and it was much more than I was willing to spend. I contacted the seller anyways. He explained that the car had already failed to meet the reserve once before, and if it didn’t meet it this time; he’d be willing to negotiate. Fate must have intervened,
because the auction closed without making the reserve figure again, and we were subsequently able to hash out more agreeable terms soon after. I was unable to fly out to inspect the car in person, so the seller agreed to an escrow deal where the money would be held until the car was shipped to me, and passed my inspection. The seller would hold the title until my money was in his hands. Of course I asked a million questions, and requested tons of photos and proof of life videos. All looked too good to be true. I had the car delivered by enclosed carrier. It took an excruciating two weeks before the car would arrive at my house. The driver backed my new Z car out of the trailer, and rolled it off the ramp. I stood there speechless, at that moment I
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thought back to that sunny spring day back in 1976. It was happening all over again! The moment I opened the door and sat down inside the car, I was transported back to the first ride I had taken in Joe’s car. Everything looked and felt as it should, and astonishingly, “CLAZZIC” even smelled EXACTLY as I remembered Joe’s Z smelling when it first came home! I knew right then and there I had made the right choice with this car. The Z arrived in my life in late October 2016, just a few short weeks before Thanksgiving. I decided to keep it a secret from my brother Joe, and unveil it on Thanksgiving Day since we were hosting the holiday dinner. He knew I was searching,
but I never told him I bought the car. The plan was to ask him to fetch me something in the garage. It worked like a charm; he flipped when he opened the door! Luckily it was a beautiful afternoon as we spent most of the day out in the garage, and taking turns driving it around the neighborhood. Joe hadn’t driven a proper sports car since the mid-1980s, when he switched to practical utility and family vehicles. It was a great time filled with lots of nostalgia. I don’t think he fully realized the impact his old Z Car had on me until this moment. I enjoyed watching my brother rediscover the car, and to see him recall small details about it. One example he said was, "open the inspection lamp in the engine compartment, I think the wire is purple" and sure enough the wire lead was purple! One of the first projects I did was refurbish the original wheel covers and steel rims. The car wore modern Konig Rewind mag wheels when I got it, and they looked great, much like the Panasports that I loved so much. But I wanted to return it to its factory look. It was a fun project, and they came out looking great. Next, I had the rust spots and clear coat issues professionally repaired. I was concerned about the color match and was persuaded to re-spray the entire car. I was apprehensive at first, but it was pointed out that the car was previously repainted, so there was no reason to get caught up in preserving the original paint. This would also yield a nice consistent color throughout the whole car, as long as it was an accurate #305 finish, which it is. Overall, I’m very pleased with that decision. I’ve done some other minor projects to restore the car back to exactly how it left the Nissan factory over 42 years ago. I repaired the antenna switch on the radio bezel so the aerial goes up and down, as it should. My brother even donated his original factory shift knob, a new unused Z-Club decal and a factory service manual. I was shocked that he managed to save these items after all those years! I also installed a pair of new Koito H4 headlamps. Koito was the OEM light supplier for practically all Japanese cars at that time. Now I just want to drive and enjoy the car. I’ve won some trophies at shows, but nothing beats driving it. I’ve managed to add 2000 miles to the odometer since I got the car. In an age where many S30 people are adding huge wheels, flared fenders, and engine swaps, I love the purity of my original, numbers-matching L28 motor, skinny tires, and large, thin-rimmed steering wheel. Nothing beats looking through the low windshield and peering over that long curved hood. This car is like my own personal time machine where I can teleport back to my youth, and I feel very fortunate to possess her! Z CAR CLUB MAGAZINE
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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: Jim Ault 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: Jason Green - President Email/: zoncpres@gmail.com Phone: 707-681-8717 Website: zonc.org Colorado Z Car Club of Colorado Location: Denver & surrounding area Contact: Ira Sanders Email: zroadrunner14@gmail.com 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 Maryland Maryland Z Club Location: Finksburg, MD Contacts: Mark Lambert - President JoAnne Gardner - VP Email: mdzclub@mdzclub.org Phone: 410-857-4320 Website: mdzclub.org Missouri Ozarks Z Club Location: Springfield, MO Contacts: Josh Lyman - President Email: Ozarkszclubprez@gmail.com Phone: 417-597-0872 Facebook.com/groups/ozarkszclub
Connecticut Connecticut Z Car Club Location: Connecticut & surrounding area Contact: Ross Williams Email: officers@ctzcc.com Website: ctzcc.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
Illinois Windy City Z Club Location: Chicago Metro Area Contact: Ty Ozgen Email: tyozgen@gmail.com Phone: 630-910-3616 Website: windycityzclub.com
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
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 North Carolina Triad Z Club Location: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point Contact: Matthew Ragan - President Email: president@triadzclub.com Phone: 336-399-0961 Website: triadzclub.com 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: Tony Tanori Email: atanori@yahoo.com Website: Clevelandzclub.com Z Car and Roadster Owners Club Location: Central Ohio Contact: Tom Marshall Email: tommarshall1@twc.com Phone: 614-451-1890 Website: zroc.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 South Carolina Upstate Z Club Location: South Carolina Contact: Greg Groppe - President Email: bluez280@afo.net Phone: 864-884-7001 Website: upstatezclub.com Tennessee Middle Tennessee Z Club Location: Central Tennessee Contact: Lee La Email: lee.la.0073@gmail.com or mtzclub@gmail.com Phone: 615-426-1918 Website: middletennesseezclub.com
Smokey Mountain Z Car Club Location: Eastern Tennessee Contact: Tony Price Email: tonyprice1@yahoo.com Phone: 865-681-7986 Website: smokymountainzcarclub.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 Club of Texas Location: Dallas Metro Area Contact: “Mad” Mike Taylor Email: zmadmike@airmail.net Phone: 214-533-0922 Website: zcluboftexas.org Virginia Tidewater Z Car Club Location: Eastern Virginia Contact: Todd Wagner Email: zfixers@cox.net Phone: 757-851-8098 Website: tzccva.org Z Car Association of Richmond Location: Richmond, VA Contact: Chris Grigg Email: President@richmondzcar.com Phone: 804-467-5067 Website: richmondzcar.com And we're on Facebook! Z Car Club of Northern Virginia Location: Tysons Corner Contact: Bernie Bilski Email: yugobernie@cox.net Website: zcarclubnova.org Washington Z Car Club of Washington Location: Washington State Contact: Marty Molloy Email: twin.turbos@yahoo.com Phone: 425-367-9065 Facebook: facebook.com/DatsunClub Web Based Z Car Clubs Classic Zcar Club Location: Internet Contact: Mike Gholson Website: classiczcars.com
UPCOMING EVENTS NISMO Fiesta 2018 Date: April 13-15, 2018 Location: San Antonio, TX Details: 2018.nismofiesta.com
ZDayZ 2018 Date: May 16-20, 2018 Location: Fontana Village, NC Details: zdayz.com
Branson Z Fest
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Date: May 30 thru June 2, 2018 Location: Branson, MO Details: bransonzfest.com