Build or buy?

[Bill.Oakes]

Hi gang,

I currenlty have a '73 240z that I've got to the point of being a good autocross car. New coilover suspension, new paint, good clean car.

Now I'm ready to take the next step and go wheel-to-wheel. To do that with my current car would mean at least a roll cage, fire supression and fuel cell. I'm sure there is plenty more, but those are the big ones, especially the cage as I'm finding out.

I also have an option on a rolling chassis in good shape, suposed to have been being built as the back up car for a former racer. It needs a cage and probably a new suspension but there are enough parts (engine, goodies, etc.).

I kind of like the idea of building a new race car, fun project, but I don't know much about roll cages (learning now). It's always a coin toss as to which costs more money (build or buy).

So, anyone know of a ITS/eProd/Vintage 240z for sale out there?

Where can I learn more about roll cages and what to look out for?

thanks

Bill Oakes

Libertyville, IL

[Jackhammer]

Yes... to your first question. A top notch Z guy in Houston has a ITC spec. 240Z for sale. He built the car and also owns a first class Z shop here. If you look at my photo gallery there are some shots of his shop and some of his work.. Let me know if your interested and I will get you in contact with him.

[Bill.Oakes]

Maybe it's me, but I can't seem to find your gallery - help?

[Virto]

I think galleries are still offline from the site update...but i've been wrong before. It looks like I can't even get to the main photo galleries, so I'd imagine it might be another couple of days before everything's back up and running.

EDIT: Yup, I'm wrong again. The galleries are back up, but it looks like you have to actually go to the member galleries' section and choose the member now.

Here's a link to Jackhammer's gallery.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7601

[Jackhammer]

Here's a link to Jackhammer's gallery.

http://www.classiczcars.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=7601

Thanks.... Virto.

[Ron Carter]

Tough call, ultimately a good purchase would be my recomendation. research the car that you are buying and the work that has been done first hand and make sure that the work done is on par with your expectations. After all this is your safety we are talking about.

Ron

[Izzy's Cages]

Hi gang,

I kind of like the idea of building a new race car, fun project, but I don't know much about roll cages (learning now). It's always a coin toss as to which costs more money (build or buy).

Where can I learn more about roll cages and what to look out for?

thanks

Bill Oakes

Libertyville, IL

PM sent... feel free to pick my brain

[jmark]

Looks like a nice EP 240Z.

http://www.coloradoscca.org/prodcar/viewtopic.php?t=5336

[jmortensen]

If you like to race, buy a car. If you have the money and you like to putz around in the garage, or if you're especially anal, build the car.

[jmark]

Bill I hear you bought Wayne's ITS 240Z. Cool.

[preith]

Bill I hear you bought Wayne's ITS 240Z. Cool.

That is cool, and Bill and I are in the same club! Bill, are you going ITS with it?

[Bill.Oakes]

That right, Wayne's red machine is now mine!

Wayne (and his wonderful girls) were great, trailer'd the car and spares from DC to Chicago. I flew out Friday night, we all drove back to Chicago (14 hours) Saturday and then he turned around and headed home (car and trailer-less) on Sunday.

Great hospitality and great fun the whole weekend, the Z-family way. My eternal gratitude to Wayne and his whole family, I hope to make him proud.

My plans are to run ITS, though this year will more likely be track days and anywhere I can get some seat time, can't make the driver's school in May so probably later in the year. I will be at the Milwaukee Mile this weekend for the Friday track day and probably run the AX.

Posting some pictures now, more later - Having so much fun!

-Bill