Ebay it....Part it...Etc......

[mally002]

Well,

The last 4-5 weeks have brought me to a conclusion......I am a driver not a wrencher. I don't mind the basics and really thought I would enjoy tearing down and rebuilding this car......but.....I don't. I think some people just have this skill and passion, and I wish I did, but my passion is sitting behind the wheel and doing the interior work. I'm actually glad I figured this out now than later.

So with that being said what should I do with this 73 240Z. The car does start and run, but can't drive it because the clutch has no resistance. Parting it would probably bring the most dollars, but I hate to do that to a running (kind of) car. If I part it I would let the board know first before the wonderful Ebay.

Anyway, Just looking for opinions.....

Thanks,

Randy

[zhead240]

parting it out might bring more $ but will also bring more headaches. maybe u only need a new clutch slave.

ps- what condition is the body rust wise?

[Sailor Bob]

I understand where you are coming from. Me - I like most of it and get some joy out of figuring it out how it works.

You were implying that this one was practice for the next one. Are you still going to get another car?

Edited October 7, 2008 by Sailor Bob

[mally002]

Zhead, it still needs more work besides the clutch slave and I just dont think I'm up to it. As Rick said I was going to use it for practice so I could "master" these mechanical skills, but I've found out I dont have the knack for it......or the patience.

The body will need some work too, here is the worst of it. Way beyond my skill level. (ok, the floors I could handle, but not the firewall or inner fender)

Here's a link to more pictures if your bored....

http://s158.photobucket.com/albums/t119/mally002/

[Arne]

Randy, I've been through the 'parting out' routine, twice in fact. Please believe me when I tell you that recouping a decent value from parting it out requires mechanical ability as well. People will be contacting you wanting to know the price and condition of part X. You'll need to be able to identify it, assess its condition, and guesstimate how much time it's going to take you to get it out of the car to help you set a price. If you are now doubting your ability and/or enthusiasm to repair the car, parting it will not be very rewarding - in fact you'll probably grow to hate it before long. It is also a long process, you'll have a half disassembled car sitting around for months, most likely. And you'll still need to arrange disposal of the remains when you're done. Frankly, the process is not quick, clean or easy.

So if the car is close to drivable at this point, I cast my ballot for selling it as is, even if you think you could possibly do better by parting it out.

[Zs-ondabrain]

Patience is the biggest rule of the game. We are older, kinder, gentler, MORE patient and deserving than your local honda kid. We deserve these cars because we have spent a lifetime dealing with cars that need too much work or not enough.

When people see you driving down the road in your beautiful Classic ZCar, It's because YOU put it there, it's full of your blood, sweat and tears. If you break away now, you might as well be leaving your men while they're under fire, behind enemy lines. Stick with it, fix the little things, then go enjoy your car, knowing that it did'nt break you and your that much smarter and wiser than some kid in a fricken Honda.

Keep the car, put in the work, enjoy the ride,

Dave.

[turbo 260]

Randy,

My brother has a shop just outside Knoxville. He is very knowledgable in the S30 cars and should be able to have it up and running without a problem. He has owned a couple Zs and currently has a 280 of mine up there. You can reach him at 865-269-4667, ask for Dave. I think that your car will bring more money and less headaches running.

Jim

[MikeW]

I agree with Dave. Just sit back and take a break from it all. You've got the space to just let the car sit until you have the inclination to do some more work on it. If you feel like you're in over your head on something then just pay someone else to fix it. It seems to me that talk of parting it out or putting it on eBay is an overreaction to the frustration.

[mally002]

Thanks for the input fella's,

You guys may be right, but my 42 year old brain is having a hard time figuring out some of this mechanical stuff. It just seems as soon as I actuallly figure one thing out three more go wrong that are more complicated.....

I was just hoping this "learning car" would have been a little more enjoyable. I have always done interior work and cosmetic refurbs and enjoy that aspect so much, I just assumed the mechanical phase would be as rewarding....so far it hasn't been.

Think I will just let the old girl sit for a few days and also call Jim's brother.(Thanks for the heads up Jim, I appreaciate it.)

Z ya

Randy

PS.....Dave, your killing me with the leaving your men on the battlefield .....point taken........

[Carl Beck]

Good decision Randy....

BTW - no resistance to the clutch pedal - could also be caused by the clutch disc being rusted to the flywheel. Sometimes if you get the car running and warmed up - you can break them free by turning off the engine, then holding your foot on the brake, putting the car in gear, and tapping the starter.

You can tell if that's the problem, by having someone push the clutch pedal in, while you watch the slave cylinder to see if the piston is pushing the rod out...

Carl B.

[Arne]

Randy's other thread on the clutch issue said that he tried that - the clutch fork doesn't move. It's a hydraulic problem.

Randy, this is your second Z, isn't it? Not the green one? If so, and you already have one nice one, keeping this one only to pay someone else to repair it for you doesn't seem to make much sense to me. And again, I know this story first-hand.

[mally002]

Arne, yes my 71 is in almost perfect condidtion, this 73 was going to be my "lets learn mechanic skills and more indepth engine work" car.....

I figured I couldn't really hurt it anymore, and actually got the carbs and intake manifold installed and got the car running pretty smooth. But now the clutch, various leaks, stripped bolts, and other issues keep popping up so it's one step forward and twenty-two back........Again that patience thing.

Could be a knee jerk reaction, so I'm going to let it sit for awhile and see what happens. The issues lately make the TR6 look like the most reliable car ever built.....:laugh:

But if someone wanted the car I would sell it.

Thanks for the input.

PS...Carl thanks for the tips on the clutch.