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My Z History


Mike

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Just wanted to share some photos of my Z over the years...

This photo is just after I bought and rebuilt the engine.  I drove it around through college.  At the time, I purchased the car from a family friend who was storing the car in his garage.  Purchased for $500 with a frozen engine block, bad head gasket, and seized brakes.

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After a few years, and the first split with my ex, I decided to 'man-up' and start taking the car apart.  I spent the next several years sand blasting, with a gravity feed blaster, and disassembled the entire car.  I then took her to a body shop of a guy in Corvallis, Oregon.  he did the unibody work and painted the inside.  The drive-train and brakes were installed so I could push it around in the garage.

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Soon thereafter, I re-united with my ex and we moved to a place in Albany, Oregon where I managed to get some more work done and the car painted.

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My Z then sat in this state for 4-5 years, neglected in the garage while I went through some even more challenging "life" situations (new house, final divorce, etc, etc)

At one point, I ran into Steve Epperly from Ztherapy at a club outing.  After hearing my story, he brought about 6 guys to my house and proceeded to take my car to his shop for restoration.  This process took about a year.

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Until finally one day, he called me over and said, "Your car is running, do you want to see it?"

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We fumbled around with the car for another few months until Steve went to the Portland Roadster show and showed off the project for all to see.

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I then took delivery of my baby and drove her around to various different events and functions.

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I must say, without the support and encouragement of the Z community, this project never would have happened.  Our cars may follow us through a lifetime, but, its always rewarding to sit back and appreciate the accomplishments.  Sometimes I just go sit in my Z and stare at all the wonderful parts surrounding me.  Thank you to everyone for all the support over the years, I wouldn't be here without you.

Mike

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Thanks for the pics, Mike. This site helped me in so many ways. I met people from all over the world and visited a few in New Zealand. The Zed is a unique car. There is actually none like it for the affordable enjoyment. I had one back in '74. Traded it for a 3/4 ton 4X4 Chevy p/u when I moved to the mountains. But I never forgot the excitement and love I had for that first car. In 2005 I bought another one and made it mine with new parts, paint, upholstery, etc. My wife calls it the "acceptable mistress". 

I actually met you at the MSA show in 2006 when you complimented me on my hat (purchased from this site). This site is by far the BEST Z car site where folks can come and not be snarked on by the old members. The members here are the most helpful of any site I have visited...so THANK YOU! And thanks to the members who make it so good.

Cheers, Mike

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I agree. We have some great members.

@Mike

Just remember "Imitation is the sincerest form of flatter". I have a similar yellow and the same bullet mirrors. I love the Rota's on your car although my bumpers will be pure chrome. No strips...

It looks great!!!

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