Introduction/SF Bay Area mechanic recommendations?

[TJ_]

Hi everybody,

I just recently purchased a 1972 240Z, the problem is, is that I grew up around old Toyota Corollas and Celicas (the Z's sleek body lines and rich history finally got to me). Even though I did some research about vintage Z's before the purchase, I realized I really don't have any human resources or know anywhere to go when it comes to the Z camp. This is also my first Nissan, and the only Nissans I've ever really worked on were 240SX's.

I was wondering if any Z owners around the San Francisco Bay Area could recommend a good mechanic and body shop that specializes in 240Z's? It would also be great to know of any parts resources in the area too (I only really know about Eric at Zparts and the guy at the San Jose flea market).

About the Z (I'll try to get pictures later):

The Z I picked up has a relatively clean body. The paint (an olive green color) is still in really good condition aside from the clear fading on the roof. The body is really straight with only 1 or 2 unnoticable dents and the frame rails are straight. There is some light surface rust in some places (around the tail lamp garnish and under the hatch and battery), but nothing life threatening.

The car has a transmission problem however (gear doesn't engage). Previous owner said the clutch is fairly new, so I suspect that maybe it's the fork, or possibly a throw-out bearing, or possibly just the whole tranny. I was thinking of throwing in a later model 5 speed anyways.

I don't really plan on anything crazy for the Z. Just to refresh, keep running smooth, and maybe go towards the "classic-Japan" look. Just cruise it around and maybe autocross it or bring it to Buttonwillow from time to time.

Thanks.

[Bambikiller240]

You won't find much in the way of Z parts places in the Bay Area (except for Eric and Rod). Very occasionally will a Pick N Pull yard have a 240Z that hasn't been stripped of most useful parts.

Scott Performance

2555 Lafayette St # 104, Santa Clara, CA 95050

Phone: (408) 988-2233

and Dando's in Fleamont http://www.dandos.com/ are two repair shops that work on Z's, I think there is one in Richmond called Z Doctor also.

[S30ZT]

Don's Nissan in Campbell works on older Z's. There's also Z Car Garage in San Jose.

[Bambikiller240]

Don's Nissan in Campbell works on older Z's. There's also Z Car Garage in San Jose.

Got any websites, addresses, phone numbers for these places?

[MikeW]

Got any websites, addresses, phone numbers for these places?

Google is your friend:

http://www.switchboard.com/Automobile_Repairing_and_Service/Campbell/CA/110876184-6/Campbell_CA_Repair_Auto/Merchant.html

http://www.zcargarage.com/

Finally, this page looks useful:

http://www.zonc.org/theZguide.html

[chickenwafer]

Hi everybody,

The car has a transmission problem however (gear doesn't engage). Previous owner said the clutch is fairly new, so I suspect that maybe it's the fork, or possibly a throw-out bearing, or possibly just the whole tranny. I was thinking of throwing in a later model 5 speed anyways.

Thanks.

The problem is your syncro's. If the throw-out bearing was to fault, the gear would engage only the shifter stalk wouldn't stay in gear, it would keep returning to neutral.

Dave

[TJ_]

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

I'll give those places a look.