Best way to tell a calif car

[pontiacguy]

Looking at a 73z ,it was supposed to be a calif car, they have no old documentation -so -besides the obvious any earmarks I should look for that are typical to 73 sold in calif ? All help will be much appreciated thanks

[Arne]

There were no physical differences (as far as I have been able to determine) between cars sold in California and the rest of the country. So if they have no proof, there is likely no way at all to tell.

And even on later cars that had both CA and 49 state variations, the CA versions were often sold in other parts of the country as well, depending on supply and demand.

[montoya_fan01]

even if it was sold in Ca, that doesn't mean anything. It could have stayed in CA for 1 year or 35 years but without documentation in the form of registration cards you have no way of knowing.

Inspect the car and worry about it's current condition. That's what matters. CA cars CAN and do rust when subjected to the wrong conditions and poor care.

[TomoHawk]

Usually, the CA cars have a letter in the VIN. For example, 280Z will have a VIN that has a V after the S30-, with the V for CA spec. There might be others letters before the V tho.

[sblake01]

Those letters only show up in the cars paperwork i.e. window sticker, guarantee card etc. You won't find them on any of the tags mounted on the car or stamped in the firewall.

[Zrush]

Didn't the 280Z's have the "Floor Temp" sensor light? I remember reading that this designated a California emissions approved car. My 1978 280Z had this, yet the 1977 280Z doesn't.

Stephen can you confirm or correct me on this :nervous:

EDIT: I know we're talking 240Z's but I just wanted to verify info on a 280Z.

Vicky

[240ZX]

Garth makes a good point! You should be more concerned about the overall condition of the car and not where it came from. The seller may be using this line as a sales point as typically California and Arizona cars are subjected to less harsh conditions as occur on the east coast. However, I've seen California cars that were rust buckets because the owner lives at the beach and parks the car outside in the weather. Check the usual areas on the car that are prone to rust....under the battery tray, rocker panels, floor boards, hatch area, etc., etc. Also, look under the car for possible damage to the chassis....basically, is it straight. Just some food for thought!

[sblake01]

Didn't the 280Z's have the "Floor Temp" sensor light? I remember reading that this designated a California emissions approved car. My 1978 280Z had this, yet the 1977 280Z doesn't.

Stephen can you confirm or correct me on this :nervous:

EDIT: I know we're talking 240Z's but I just wanted to verify info on a 280Z.

Vicky

My 78 has that light and is a Cali car.

[TomoHawk]

Vicky,

My 78 has the light on the dash, but not the floor sensor, which is (supposed to be) mounted just in front of the LR taillight.

[pontiacguy]

Thanks -I <<am>> concerned with the condition ,having owned countless rusty and non rusty pontiacs ( and others )over the years . I know what to look for as far as rust (I work in a body shop) having not owned a Z before ,I was just wondering if there was something I could look for that was particular to a 73 calif Z you guys are right on all counts-- I myself have seen rusty calif cars ( and very rust free new england cars ) and BTW dessert sand is very bad too thanks for your posts I apprieciate all the advise--keep it coming

[TomoHawk]

Those letters only show up in the cars paperwork i.e. window sticker, guarantee card etc.

I got that information from the Haynes book. It's supposed to be part of the VIN tag.

Obviously, it should be printed on the car's original paperwork that it has California emmissions equipment.

[mdbrandy]

My 280z is also a CA car. It has the floor temperature light and sensor, and has a catalytic converter. It has no V in the VIN on any of the car number plates. I don't have the original paperwork. It was purchased near San Francisco (I am the 2nd owner - the first owner bought it new and kept it until 2 years ago when I bought it).