Datsun nubie here...

[ericshaw]

Hey Everyone!

After 5yrs restoration work and 5mo on the road without blowing another head gasket a bad motorcycle misshap w/an 86 Chrysler NYer's front end took the life of my baby (...a mint 74 Honda CB750FourK4 o.b. to an 863cc w/a full factory race conversion minus the body work *sniff sniff*). Now after the reconstruction of most of the bones in my right arm and +/-1.5yrs of rehab in which I learned how to write and more importantly how to shift again, I've decided to get back to the road. This time on 4 wheels! So I went straight for the original Japaneese muscle car... a 68 Toyota 2000GT j/k!

1973 Datsun 240z-

-$5000usd

-4speed manu

-Engine rebuilt by Nissan

-+/-1500mi (YES, Fifteen HUNDRED miles)

-3-4 yr old $4000 Porsche Midnight Blue paint job

-Front lip of somesorts ...?

-Interrior all stock excpt Grant Racing steering wheel

-Prime 16" mesh alloy wheels

-Shipping it from Cali to MO will cost +/-$1k

-$600-800 to get it running and on the road

-Has been sitting unmoved for 3-4 years

Does that sound unreasonable? I'm buying it from a friend so I know all the work is good. It has been sitting for 3-4 years tho, so I know I'll have to do some work... bad seals, maybe major engine/carb work, dry rotted/flat spotted tires? Anything else I should look for or look out for??? ...oil change, new gas/fluids... small rodents... anything else?

I was thinking $4-4.5k since I have to go half way accross the country to get it and it prolly won't run. Is $5k fair or should I shake him down to $4.5-4k?

Thanx in advance!

Later.

~ eric

[peterpit]

personally, i would not pay that much for a car that was not running in the first place. but with the mileage you will definitely pay more than average. do you have any pic for everyone to see and make a good judgement call?

[ericshaw]

Yeah... but... its not that its not running, the car's been fully restored, its perfect inside and out, its just been sitting for a few years... with bikes (since thats my automotive history) a carb clean and new tires, battery and such is pretty standard and its not unusual for a bike to have fuel crystalized in the lines after just one winter of sitting. My thought is that the carb seals have probly gone bad, the gas in it is definately bad, the tires, etc... It will basicly need a big ol' tune up + a little, which is why I was thinking of talking him down to $4.5-4k.

I'm trying to find a pict... I'll get back to you with one asap.

Just imagine a mint 73 on the showroom floor that hasn't been moved or started for 3-4 years and thats it. What all do you think could be wrong with it and is it worth $5000, $4500 or $4000usd?

Laters.

~ eric

[Rob]

Did you mean 1500 miles on the rebuilt engine or 1500 miles on the whole car?

I'm in the wrong country to comment on price but if that car has 1500 miles on it then surely it's worth a lot 'cause it would have to be one of a kind!

[chocobosteve]

i agree that it should be running for 4-5 thousand. it may be restored, but a car that's been sitting for a few years WILL need work, and probably more than you plan on. for me to buy a z for that much, it'd have to be running tip-top!

[2ManyZs]

If the car is in imacculate shape as you describe, it could be worth the 5K, BUT, I would make your friend get the car in road ready condition so that you could drive it before you put any money in his hands. If not, then I would drop to 3750 and dicker with him as much as possible. If it still has the flat top carbs tell him that's 500 bucks off the price to begin with, who knows you might end up being able to drive the car home for under 5K. Take a magnet to the car to check for bondo in the usual areas ( never know what some "body men" will pass off as body repairs) unless your friend did all the work. Check for any signs of chassis rust, it may have been in great shape when parked, but the "rust monster" never sleeps. When haggling over the price, think with your head and not your heart, even a beautiful car can hide a headache which only appears later when the paper work is done. Good luck!

[Alfadog]

Buying a car off a friend is a bit dodgy to begin with...

Not being in America, I can't say much about the price, but 5k seems a bit steep for something that doesnt run, and if the motor is in that condition, I find it hard to believe the rest is in "perfect" nick...

[ericshaw]

I think I'm smellin' what you guys are steppin' in...

+/-1500mi on a rebuilt engine.

He's a good guy, I trust him. Basicly he built one in Cali and it got stolen and chopped. He found the 73, had all the work done (body/paint/engine), drove it a few times and moved to St. Louis. Its been stored in his mom's garage in Cali in that condition ever since. He now wants to sell it so he can pass his V6 Accord on to his wife and pick himself up a 2002 WRX Roo.

2ManyZs, thanks for the tips, I'll definately put those into use when I'm checking it out!

Thanx! and hopefully I be posting soon with picts of my new Z car!!!!

Laters.

~ eric

[ericshaw]

BTW- You're site is great! Pleanty of info to help get me started.

Thanx!!

Any of you NZ guys from Southern Otago? or any where on the Southern island?