Considering buying #237 - Need Advice

[Mike B]

I'm considering buying #237 and was wondering if anyone in or near Linden NJ could check it out for me.

http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/datsun/240z/403348.html

The seller has sent me lots of other pictures and I can post some when I get home. It looks to be mostly stock. Non orig items include 5spd, steering wheel, radio, carpet on trans tunnel, radiator fan, etc. The vehicle was supposedly "restored" about 6 years ago. I am dealing with an employee of the sister of the late (original) owner, so they don't know all the details. The car has supposedly been stored inside and started and moved every 3 months or so since the restoration, but otherwise not driven. Not sure if any motor work was done or just body/interior. The negatives include 4" crack in dash, small repair patches in both floors, no receipts or service records. Positives are the low VIN and most costly early items appear to be in good shape (hubcaps, rear glass, ashtray, etc.). The price sounds like a good deal. Can some of the early VIN owners on here chime in. Also, there appears to be some red coloring on the underside of the floorboards. Not sure what that is. I'll include photos of it later today. I need to move quickly on this, so any help is much appreciated.

-Mike

[Arne]

Please post back how this goes. Looks like a very worth while car, assuming it's not rusted to junk underneath. Other things I noticed - non-original antenna, missing emissions equipment and aftermarket black wiper blades. But a really great starting point.

If you get this car, I may have an original early steering wheel (indented, not with holes) I'd be willing to part with.

[Mat M]

I would offer them 6500, just to see if they would bite, especially since the employee of the sister of the late (original) owner can't answer your questions.

I too would like to see how this endeavor plays out for you. If you are a stickler about stock parts, I have a smog pump and dashpot I would be willing let go...

[zbane]

Am I blind, or is it missing its fan blade? (bottom photo)

Other than that, looks good.

[Mat M]

Oh, yeah, I have a plastic bladed fan up for sale, too.

[BRE-240Z]

Am I blind, or is it missing its fan blade? (bottom photo)

Other than that, looks good.

I'm guessing that it's been wired for an electric fan. That would explain the electrical stuff on the left hand side of the radiator, as well as what looks like a temperature sender emerging from the top radiator hose.

Looks like a decent little car, though. Let us know what happens!

[Arne]

Am I blind, or is it missing its fan blade? (bottom photo)

Other than that, looks good.

Not blind. It's been converted to an electric fan mounted in front of the radiator to push through the radiator. You can see the thermostat control and coiled temp lead in that same photo.

[Mckrack]

I know of this car. It is not a restored car. If it was it's a real bad job. The car needs alot of work from interior to engine compartment. No emissions has european balance tube. Some other things are missing. I can see this car costing from head to toe about 20 grand to do it correctly.

Having said that $7500.00 is a steal in my book for one of the first 500 cars made. BUY IT before someone else does right out from under you. It's a valuable car and an opportunity that doesn't come along often.

McKrack

[zbane]

OK, it makes sense now. I saw the coil of wires over there-just didn't know what it was for.

My concern was that someone had been running the Z around w/o any fan whatsoever thus bringing the health of the engine into mind.

[76Datsun280z]

I'd go for it! If you're really interested, I'd fly out there and go check it out in person.:devious:

[BRE-240Z]

No emissions has european balance tube. Some other things are missing.

How do you figure that?

Pulling the emissions gear off instantly turns it into a Euro balance tube? I don't believe this is correct at all, because the 'euro' tubes that I've seen don't have any of the ports, supports, or bolt holes for the anti-pollution gear. This car clearly does have that stuff.

Am I missing something totally obvious here?

[BD240Z]

I'm considering buying #237 and was wondering if anyone in or near Linden NJ could check it out for me. -Mike

There's been some good feedback but no one has answered the request to take a look at it. Is there anyone in the area that can check things out?

It would be nice to see a member of this Board get such a low numbered car.

Good luck Mike!

Bruce