I am looking to order new hardware for the 1980 (to build up a stock for whenever I need it). I searched the boards and the FSM already. Does anyone have such a list?

 

You're speaking of "hardware" as nuts, bolts, screws, fasteners, clips, and all other manner of pieces that hold the car together?

I'd say get a parts car and take as many as you can. That's what I did with mine before I sent it away and I have a good sized bucket with almost everything I'd need to put together another FB.

 

Okay, I should have been specific: just nuts and bolts and lengths of bolts. I always collect hardware from parts cars but ordering bulk on the internet is surprisingly affordable. I end up cleaning up and painting the old stuff and that is time consuming. Also, buying local at hardware stores requires paying a premium. If I find a list or eventually make one I will post it.

Imagine how much quicker a car would go together if you had bins full of nice shiny parts. You could lose a specific bolt and easily replace then find the other on a random day when cursing is not your only vocabulary.

 

I usually buy up the zinc coated M6 flange bolts from auto parts stores and keep a steady supply on hand, in various lengths. They're the most common and like you said, it's really nice to be able to replace them when you remove something.

I was going to order them in bulk from Fastenal, but the cheapest ones are still 56 cents a piece, which seems rather high.

 

Donor cars are great.

Years ago I bought an -SE for $600 that needed a TPS to make it run smooth, which the PO didn't understand. I pulled the 13B, trans, rear-end, gauges, fuel pump, injection, oil cooler and loads of other stuff.

Then I sold the non-rolling shell for $200. Two groups of buyers showed up at my house at the same time, so no haggling about the price. I sold some other the other bits, so now I'm into the parts for only $100.

I wasn't thinking though. I could have taken so much more off the car, but only took what I need for my project. I wasn't thinking of going into the salvage business. I could ebay the remaining parts for a good profit.

I also like to visit my local Pick-a-Part yard and bring home a odd item or two now and then. $1 admission keeps me entertained for hours.

 

Oh yes it is entertaining!

It would be nice to have a comprehensive list of bolt sizes and threads for a rebuild, guess it never crossed my mind..

 

I think this is what you might be looking for. Where I use to work we had a saying "See a snake, kill a snake." This means that if you discover a problem, you own it. In this case, you could own the task to come up with a comprehensive list.

Black Dragon Automotive - Parts & Accessories for Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, 280ZX & Mazda RX7

 

Oh man, I would gladly pay for new hardware - seems like a good business idea. Can't believe there isn't an aftermarket option for a complete set of hardware for first gens.

 

Come to thing of it, I remember a guy on ebay that sell bags of random 1st gen hardware. You never know what you'll get. But I recall that the price was reasonable. Looks like junk to some, gold to others.