Where to start?

[onuthin]

Okay guys I really need some expert help on my big project.I started out by buying a finished 70 model Z. That turned out to be not as much fun because it didn't need anything so I made up stuff to do to it.Then I bought another 70 model that needed a lot of work.Great,Now I needed parts for it so I bought another Z. It was better than the parts car so I was going to fix up both of them.Now I need another parts car.After several more cars I purchased 000913. I now have more cars than I can use but that don't mean I don't like all of them.My problem now is I wan't to completely restore 913.I have read as many threads and post as I could find and I find so many different ways to restore a z but no two are the same.I realize it depends on the shape of the car and how much time and money you are willing to spend on it.I am retired and time is of no issue.Basically money is not a major factor but I don't want to spend needlessly.Between the extra cars and all the extra parts that came with it I think it will cut down on cost considerably.What I need is some direction to go in to get started.I know there are a lot of you guys that have gone this route before and have great knowledge to share.I am not looking for anybody to hold my hand but to set me in the right direction by recomending books,cds,pictures,or any other information on the subject.I will post pics on the project as it moves along so if anyone sees something needing changing please let me know. Thanks Ronnie

[dogma420]

Well to start with, do you have the original motor installed for the low-vin 240z you have?

That would be important for anyone on here to know in going forward for any help.

[Arne]

Considering the visible cancer I see on 913, I'd start by stripping it to the bare shell and getting the shell de-rusted, repaired and painted first. Then you can replace, rebuild or refurbish all the parts as necessary during the slow re-assembly process. Since you have several series 1 cars you have both models to compare to and cars to pull rare parts from as you go.

[dkd021]

I'd have to agree with Arne. Because of the amount of rust I'd definitely see what all the body was going to require before I did anything. At the same time I'd inventory what could be salvaged from HLS30-00913 and determine what need to be purchased or acquired through a donor.

[peng155]

Get this book...

http://www.thezstore.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=70-1091&Category_Code=TB

[dkd021]

That's a good book, but don't get it there. Get it here for less: Amazon

[Arne]

I've got that book, and it's probably OK if you've never done this type of thing before. But I've done bare shell restoration on other cars in the past, and with that experience as background, I was mildly disappointed in Humble's book. Not nearly as much detail as I had hoped, and the pictures aren't all that great.

[240ZX]

The only think I'd add is.......patiencs!!! If you find yourself getting over whelmed, pissed off, or what ever, just walk away from it for a while and come back to it when the positive attitude returns. Stay focused on the end result and don't take any short-cuts, especially when going completely original.....you'll thank yourself later on!!!!

[peng155]

That's a good book, but don't get it there. Get it here for less: Amazon

I'd have to agree with you there... But on the other hand he might be able to talk MSA into throwing in their catalog in for free... I think they want 10.00 bucks if you don't order anything at the time you ask for it.... either way won't hurt to ask :cheeky:

[peng155]

I've got that book, and it's probably OK if you've never done this type of thing before. But I've done bare shell restoration on other cars in the past, and with that experience as background, I was mildly disappointed in Humble's book. Not nearly as much detail as I had hoped, and the pictures aren't all that great.

I sort of would have to agree with Arne.... The pics aren't all that great.. but since I was take the body pieces off the car for paint, and referb.. it was a pretty good reference source on how things came apart, and went back together again...

[hls30.com]

Look at our Member, Ed. He has outlined exaclty what he did, and why in his posts and gallery. While his car is a later 240Z, the work will be close enough to interpolate!

Will

[=Enigma=]

The only think I'd add is.......patients!!!

I don't think patients will help you unless they used to be auto body men. And with a bunch of patients around, you would need to have a lot more patience to get the job done, or you would end up a patient yourself.