New to this board - just bought '71 Z

[SJGREEN71]

I flew down to Southern California yesterday to check out a Z. I had been thinking about getting one for a while, and noticed that the owner of a trusted Datsun restoration shop had his personal Z up for sale. I don't know that much about body rust and such, so this seemed like a safe way to go. The car is very solid and has many desirable upgrades, but is not cosmetically restored. The car is not mine yet, but I plan to pick it up Nov. 13th in time for the Mossy show, then drive it back to San Jose on Sunday. Maybe I will see some of you there.

[DatsunZGuy]

Sounds like you went down to Vista and bought Les' '71 with the CF hood. If so, nice ride!

[SJGREEN71]

Sounds like you went down to Vista and bought Les' '71 with the CF hood. If so, nice ride!

Yes, that would be the one, however, I took the stock steel hood option so the CF hood is still available. The CF hood is a quality item, just not my style(I scored too low on the "ricer test").

[v12horse]

That is great. I can't wait to see photos of the car. What are some of the desirable upgrades that the 71' has?

Ben

[26th-Z]

Wecome to the club! Sounds like you scored a nice one.

[sblake01]

Welcome, Peter! In my experience, you can't go wrong with Les. That car is nice. Here's a pic from last year's Mossy show for those that don't know the car. I agree that it will be even more stunning w/o the cf hood. See you there Oct. 13.

[SJGREEN71]

That is great. I can't wait to see photos of the car. What are some of the desirable upgrades that the 71' has?

Ben

Nothing radical. Les has owned this car for about two years. The prior owner went throught the suspension, doing springs, struts, and eurothane bushings. The engine is an L28 with round top SUs, and Les recently put in a rebuilt 5-speed. The engine is believed to have been rebuilt, but was never detailed and painted as it was built back up. Les mounted 16X7 Panasports and Yokohama AVS ES100s that still have good tred left.

The main thing I was worried about was rust, and reading on this board it seems a lot of seemingly knowlegable people have discovered horrific rust issues after they bought a "rust free Z." I had a '68 roadster for the last 10 years, and have dealt with Les on many occasions and always found him to be honest and straight forward. So while this is not a "rust free Z," in his experience in observing the car over the last couple of years Les believes this car does not have any rust in areas that would compromise it's structure. The frame rails, battery box, doglegs, deck lid threshold, and wheel arches all look good. Normally I would not take this much on the advice of the seller, but in this case I feel comfortable that I made the right decision.

[26th-Z]

I like the hood.

[Chino 240Z]

Smart buy from a good guy. Also good attitude too, nothing is perfect these days. We just drive the Z cars, we work on the Z cars, we care for the Z car, and some of us even have enough talent to raise Z cars from the dead. In return the Z car puts a big smile on our face. Enjoy the ride and the life of your 71 Z! :classic:

[SJGREEN71]

I like the hood.

The CF hood is a real work of art, and saves 24 lbs. off the front end of your car. Check it out at http://classicdatsun.com/

Les Cannaday, who runs the place is the most honest Datsun vendor I have ever dealt with (and I delt with a lot of them with my roadster). If you want a CF hood give him a call (he is not that good with e-mail).

The CF hood off the car I bought is in perfect condition, just not the look I was after.

P.S. - Moderators, I'm new here, so please let me know if I am out of line plugging a specific vendor.