71 restoration

[71datsunZ]

A while ago I posted about restoring my dads old 71 240z. Well currently the project isnt going anywhere with a lot of family stuff going on. I was thinking about it and I never plan on selling this car and it should be done right. So my dad talked to this mechanic and he is going to take out the engine and transmission and I am going to gut the rest. The mechanics dad owns a tranny place so he can take care of that part. Also, we are planning to have the car either sandblasted or soda blasted. Then, when the car is totally stripped its going to the body shop and they are going to take care of that. Everything will get fresh paint and most likely a rust proofing on the bottom and it will be like new. Then, I am going to give it back to the mechanic and he is going to run brand new brake lines and replace the master cylinder. So far all I have done is replace rotors, calipers, drums, and shoes. Also, the clutch master cylinder has been changed and the gas tank was replaced. Then when it is freshly painted and all the mechanics are in tip top shape I am going to take care of the interior. My parents own a car audio place so I want a decent system. While the carpets are out the car I am going to dynomat it. Then, I am getting new carpets, racing seats, and etc. I would like to be safe so im getting the harnesses and roll bar. After that, I think im going to get a new steering wheel with a detachable hub for security. As far as body modifications, I just plan on getting a urethane front lip and a small wing in the back. For colors I have been thinking of black, gunmetal, or blue. Please feel free to give your opinions and suggestions.

[Ed]

Sounds like your in for a fun time. I'm getting close to finishing my restoration and one thing I can tell you is that it isn't cheap. From what you've said it sounds like you have a fat wallet since your going to send out most of the work. Hope it all goes well. One thing is don't get discouraged. You will have parts everywhere and it will be a mess. Build some shelving and try to stay organized. Keep a notebook (diary) of items you remove for that day. Stock up on zip lock baggies and try and keep track of what screws went where. Take lots of pictures. All this will help you when it comes time to reassemble. Don't get burned out. A little here and a little there. I've been at it for two years and some days I just don't want to look at the car.

Have fun and good luck.

[chickenwafer]

Have fun.

Just wondering, how come the car is currently de-badged?

As far as your color suggestions, I am a fan of titanum metallic grey, a little different but similar to the gunmetal you mentioned. Blue is nice as well, if it's a darker shade (just my personal preference).

You're lucky as the car look pretty straight as it is right now. I would bust a nut if my car I'm going to retore looked that good in the first place. Good luck and have fun! This is what Z cars are all about!

And to agree with Ed, organization is key. Label zip-lock baggies and keep everything placed and organized. I like the journal idea he suggested as well- I haven't done that before but it would have been helpful if I had. When helping a friend convert a 4 cylinder '92 Mustang to a 5.0 we lost multiple bolts, screws, nuts, etc and probably ended up costing him an extra $400 bucks or so and countless extra hours (I would venture a guess at 9 extra days). Also, the pictures won't only help you but you can post them here under the technical thread section for reference to anyone else doing what you are doing. They can be invaulable- trust me, I know.

Dave

[26th-Z]

You need to fix the windshield wipers.

[71datsunZ]

Im hoping for the project to cost about $10k. Right now I have about $5k in some stocks to cut costs. The rest of my money is in the bank. As far as the car being rebadged... I think my dad took them off because he didnt like them. That isnt the original hood because he smacked into something and the replacement was badgeless. And yes I know my windsheild wipers need to be fixed. Please keep the comments coming!

[71datsunZ]

Here are some more pics

[beandip]

Im hoping for the project to cost about $10k. Right now I have about $5k in some stocks to cut costs. The rest of my money is in the bank. As far as the car being rebadged... I think my dad took them off because he didnt like them. That isnt the original hood because he smacked into something and the replacement was badgeless. And yes I know my windsheild wipers need to be fixed. Please keep the comments coming!

I wish you the vary best on the ''restore''. A redo of the sort that you have outlined and with the visible rust shown . I am afraid that the 10K wont come close . The rust repair alone will likely cost you 2 1/2K if the rocker are as bad as shown and most likely a floor pan is involved. Engine rebuild around 2K+ , body and paint depending on what you desire and rust damage 2 to 3K . Rebuilding the trans 5 hundred. Replacing all the brake lines and going over all the suspention , struts and all , another 1K+ . We havent started with the interior and we are at $8,500. There will be a lot of little things like a cooling systime , chrome , weather stripping alone is $200. The labor cost is what is going to mount up. As you said just take it to the mechanic and then to the body man , then to the painter. I dident include the labor cost to remove and replace the engine and trans and get it back in running order . How is the glass , are there any scratches or chips ? They may look ok now but when the car is all brite and polished if the chrome or glass look dingy it will not be acceptable to you. I am only telling you this as a reality check and to prepair you for what is ahead . Especially since you are having most of the work done by others. I truly hope it works for you , and if you ever need any information this web site is the place to find it. Many of us have gone down this road . Welcome to the club. Gary

[mlc240z]

reality sucks!!!

bean is right, it will cost a LOT more than you have planned for. it becomes a case of the 'might as well's", as in "while i have the console apart, I might as well replace the heater core, valve and hoses ($160)." as long as i have to take the hatch glass out to remove louver clips, i "might as well" replace all the weatherstripping ($150)".

but as it moves along, you begin to realize what great cars these are and the fact that your money is repaid to you when you drive.

congrats and welcome to the club.

[phil359]

Reality Does SUCK

I finally got enough of the house projects done to the point I don't feel real bad about sinking some $$$$ in to my Z.

Same as yours, mine's a 71 with various upgrades here and there... It's been sitting in the garage for the last 3 years while I was looking for a painter to paint the car without it costing me a Liver, an Arm, and both legs... I get to keep a leg :nervous:

Paint, body work, and new seals around the doors, and hatch will cost me in the neighborhood of 7K, not including the cost of parts. And speaking about the cost of parts.. my advice to you would be any stock interior item that you currently have in your possession keep it around.. I am finding that some of the interior items aren't made, and can't be found anymore... new or used.... One of the few pieces I needed to finish the interior just costed me big time on Ebay... I'm soooooo freaking embarrassed , but gotta admit oh soooooo happy I got it :laugh:

Have fun with it, and save your pennies, you'll need em

[71datsunZ]

Thanks for all of your input. Suprisingly my floorpan isnt that bad. The only major rust areas are that one rocker, bottom of fender, the notorious one in the wheel well, and some on the battery tray. Other than that its not bad. Dispite the car sitting in the woods for 8 years I would say I am lucky. My dad had the car ziebarted when he got it so that helped me out a lot. One part that I am sweating is that I think I might be replacing the quarter panels. I have no clue how that is going to go. If someone could give me a good reliable source for rocker panels, fenders, and quarter panels I would greatly appreciate it. I have a small rust spot on the door and I dont know if i should have it repaired or just buy a used one. As far as the parts im not using, I think I am going to sell them to cut costs. Also as far as the glass goes, I think I am going to replace the front windshield. The engine is now running with the execption of the battery which is dead. The tranny is also in good shape. I need to replace the clutch because my dad has had problems with it before. For the brakes I replaced one of the lines because when I did brake work the existing line broke when I disconnected the caliper. I planned on having the body guy paint it, but I was wondering if I should have a paint specialist do it. What do you think? I know it will cost a lot but its going to be well worth it. I have always dreamed of a sports car and this is a nice classic that will make me very happy. Also the fact that it was my dads means a lot. I would greatly appreciate any input that you have that could help me. Thanks

[71datsunZ]

I have a question about my car that I think is somewhat rare. I have a switch in the spot where many people just have the indent. Is this unusual? Also, is there a market for the stock radio, lap belts, and seats? My seats are crappy but the frame of them are in good shape.

[Bambikiller240]

I have a question about my car that I think is somewhat rare. I have a switch in the spot where many people just have the indent. Is this unusual? Also, is there a market for the stock radio, lap belts, and seats? My seats are crappy but the frame of them are in good shape.

You'll need to explain what indent you are referring to, and provide a picture of the switch, etc. Many previous owners added switches in different places. Those would be worth nothing. In order for it to be "rare" it would have to be a factory option or something like that. A picture is what is needed to confirm what you have.

As for stock radios, lap belts, and seats, there is a market for them, but as to value, it's like most things; the condition of the item makes all the difference in the world. A "crappy" seat probably isn't worth much, but a stock radio in good (fully functioning) condition w/ the original face plate could be worth decent money on eBay. Same for lap belts, stains, fading, wear on the webbing, scratches, peeling chrome, or other damage can kill the value of the belts.