2+2?

[mimregi]

Hey everyone, long time no post! (and for those who may remember my dilemma of several months ago... long story short: I had two potential buyers, couldn't sell the car, still have her, she's no longer for sale... been a VERY long 4 or so months for those and a few other reasons, but really glad I kept the car, so thanks to those who encouraged me to do so).

Aaaaaaaanyway... looking ahead, I am starting a new list of projects for the car but it has been tough to prioritize as my wife and I are planning a family, and I am going to need to pick up a third car at some point, which affects some decisions. I was looking at maybe picking up a parts car when something occurred to me:

Why not a 2+2?

We have an SUV, so what we need is a second car that can run to day care or whatnot from time to time, not a primary family car. I have always had a hard time imagining how I would split my attention between two cars, so all of a sudden, a Z that can sometimes accommodate a baby seat sounds like a masterstroke (note that it is late and that I haven't run this past my wife yet, but that's neither here nor there right now ).

I know that under normal circumstances, a 2+2 is not the most desirable, but given my situation, anything I should consider? Any major drawback to owning one that I may not be able to foresee? I have even heard that the ride is nice and stiff thanks to the frame design.

Another thing to consider is that I may do a full transplant from my current car -- my '73 runs fabulously and getting a 2+2 that has been gutted could save me some serious cash. Am I wrong to assume that the majority of the parts are interchangeable?

Thanks as always!

[bigoak]

Mimi...

Although though not as desirable, the nice thing about 2+2's is that they are significantly cheaper and tend not to have had the crap beat out of them to the same extent.

The silver '87 300ZX below is my daily driver. It is a 2+2 NA automatic (I do wish it was stick, may convert that at some point). Although it is has some decent miles behind it (220,000 kms - 137,000 mi), it is near mint and drves like it was brand new.

Glad to see you kept the little yellow '73. If you transplant, are you going to drop something else in the '73?

Cheers,

[ggarrard]

Mim - Speak of the 2+2 as the "family Zed". When our son was big enough ride in the 240Z he started to claim the passenger seat as "his" which pushed my wife out, so when we wanted to travel (with the Zed) we needed to take 2 cars. Solution was to find a 2+2. So now we have 2 Zed's...the "family Zed" (280ZXT 2+2) and the "toy" (72 240Z). Works out great because now I have 2 to play with. Mechanically they are the same, and parts are interchangeable.

GWGarrard

[mimregi]

-- nice advice =)

Not sure what I would do with the old one. I have had a hankering for a while now to drop an L28DET in for a while... maybe build it up as a track car, not sure. Heck, if I could find a buyer for the shell it's in nice enough shape that it could pay for the whole project, who knows? Definitely a fun problem to solve though =)

[boyblunda]

The 2+2 does have the advantage of more passenger space and is also a very nice touring car for longer trips - I personally think it rides (rather than performs) better for longer trips on the sort of roads we have in this area of my home State.

Further, if you are looking to extend your current Zed with a new motor or some other project then you have the enjoyment of still being able to drive a Zed while your current vehicle is in the garage.

With regard to parts, there are some differences but a lot of parts are common to both. Other than the obvious differences in the doors and the rear panels, I think that there can be differences in some suspension components and around the rear tail lights. However, I think that there are few differences forward of the dash and windscreeen.

[KDMatt]

...However, I think that there are few differences forward of the dash and windscreeen.

Bigger clutch, bigger brake booster... err, what else?

[boyblunda]

With regard to differences forward of the windscreen the intent of my sentence was meant to say that there are few (as in not many) differences forward of the windscreen. There may also be some differences in the front struts between some 2+2 models but other than those that you have mentioned - and thanks for naming those -I do not think that there are any others I could name.

However, the intent of my comment was that the situation changes once we start heading towards the rear with variations in seat mounts (even, I think, between two seater models), door, rear tail lights and the obvious differences in body panels. I am sorry that I am not well informed enough to be able to immerdiately produce a definitive list.

None of the above detracts from my support for the purchase of a 2+2 as a functional complement to the 2 seater as one of a stable of cars in the family garage. The original post did ask whether or not there was a high degree of compatability between the two seater and the 2+2 models and I was trying to respond to that particular query.

Hope this is clear. Perhaps others can chime in here.

[boyblunda]

Missed the 5 minute edit period and a light came on.

I am nort familiar with the north American market but I think there were also differences forward of the windscreen and dashboard between models and / or years of production with regards to carbies or feul injection, gauges, and the front bumpers

[Carl Beck]

I had been thinking about a 280ZXT 2+2 - but then found the 510 Station Wagon... it's almost as much fun to own as the 240-Z. Lots of cargo space and you really can put 4 adults in it if necessary. Just needs a little more HP in todays world... maybe a KA24DE swap...

The only drawback to any of the Datsun's from the early 70's is that here in Florida, the A/C on them simply sucks.. very little heat/sound insulation, small evaporators etc.

If you have a "family" on the way - you don't need another nor larger project. The girlfriend you had will quickly turn into a "Mother" and your world will not be close to the same. Been there and done that twice....

A good clean used, low mileage Chevy Chevelle about two years old... the five door... will be just the ticket. Good gas mileage, reliable for the next five years or so...

Good luck,

Carl B.

[mimregi]

the AC is actually a big concern. I would really like one in my current ride, but have almost given up on bothering with the trouble and expense for the stories I have heard =/

at the end of the, my gut tells me we will probably end up with a quest or a hyundai minivan and I'll keep my Z as is, but only need it on weekends instead of daily (which isn't a bad thing at all).

That said, I am still scanning listings for a 2+2, I just have grown fond of the idea =) We'll see... Now that I have decided to keep the car forever and ever, I am getting a consult on the body and what I find out there could affect my decision one way or the other.

Thanks for the comments all =)