Checking out a 240Z, in New Zealand!

[kyteler]

Hey guys,

I've been here for a wee while now and I think I know most places to check and the basics of what to looks for but if anyone wants to refresh, by all means, do so.

My brother and I will sometime this week be going along to a guys place in my own hometown even, to check out a 1973 240Z.

He wants $11,500NZD o.n.o (roughly $7,300USD) and by the pictures, it appears to be in relatively good shape, if anyone has anything to mention, feel free.

I've already queried him in regards to the Air Cleaner being black, he informed me the PO painted it black and also cut a hole in it. So I'll be sure to investigate that a bit further.

Thoughts? Opinions? Advice?

I'm busy being dreamy about having a 240Z and a 240K in the family to go on cruises

[240znz]

GET IT UP IN THE AIR AND LOOK UNDERNEATH IT !!!!!!!!!!

Take it for a full inspection at a Vehicle Testing Station, if the owner objects, then can it. They will get go through it well and help you to make a more informed decision of its worth. Ask them to perform a compression test for you also. Yes it will cost you a little but I don't imagine you have costed parts from outside NZ yet. Part prices are OK but freight is a real killer. Brake vacuum hose from inlet manifold to booster (without the check valve) will set you back $150....yikes!!!!

$11500 is up there. For that you should expect a very clean and original example. There is a 73 here in chch that has had a full body resto back to bare metal and he has come down from 26K(what was he thinking!) to 14K I think. I know that it will cost you more than 2500 to get to the same condition. I'll drag out his details if you want, not too sure if its sold or not though.

Rust will be an obvious one for you being from Invercargill. So be careful to look at all the usual water pooling spots. Lift up the door rubber seals and look for surface rust in the seams. Water can track under the rubber and munch away happily.

Make sure everything electrical works, including the gauge backlight dimmer. The reostat is a huge PITA to replace (small japanese fingers and olympic standing skills are required).

Heh, if it were in chch then I'd be happy to help you check it out.

Good luck and keep us posted.

James

[240znz]

Ask him why the underside of the bonnet is painted as well.

Check the paint code. It is located on the radiator.

[kyteler]

Cool, Thanks.

I'm checking it out tonight. Apparently the guy bought it form another guy down here in Invers but it's spent the majority of it's lifetime in CHCH after it was imported in 1978, I think I spy an Oz compliance plate in the engine bay so that could be where it came from.

Yeah the CHCH dark green one, he's trying to sell it for $16,500NZD :stupid: now, it's on www.classiccarfair.com.

Apparently this car I'm going to be looking at is all matching numbers but I'll certainly be having a good nosey and if my brother is really keen on it after the nosey we'll probably see if we can't get a VTNZ check done on it.

Thanks again for your help.

[240znz]

NEVER LOOK AT POTENTIAL PURCHASE WHEN ITS DARK!!!!!!

You will most certainly miss the little areas that could make all the difference.

What you should also do is go down to the post office with the rego plate no. in hand. Pay them $3 and show some ID and you will get a VIN confirmation and the owners name and address. Ask the owner to confirm the name and address in some way. That way you know that the person in genuine. It also means that you can confirm the VIN....zweet!!!!

I used this when buying my ZED. Better to be safe than sorry. You can also get full owners history online. Have you done that? It will show you if indeed it was imported and where it has spent its life.

[sjcurtis]

Great looking Zeds. Good to see such quality is available for the right buyer. Can you help me with some info, if you come across any production detail for either of these two Zeds please let me know. I have very little information on Zeds in NZ and these two look like they will be around for a while.

I would like any body number, engine number, trans type, colours, age / compliance plate, that is any production data plate info even delivery if you find out, so I can put it in the registers.

thanks

Steve. :classic:

[240znz]

As I need some advise on the resto on mine, I'll contact the owner of "HOTZED" and ask if he will release the info. I'll keep you posted via PM.

I've been waiting for an excuse to see this green beast in the flesh.

[sjcurtis]

Thanks for that, let me know if you need any thing from this side of the trench. I will see what I can do.

Cheers

Steve :classic: