Questions about repainting, A/C installment, and reputable mechanics?

[ag2384]

Hey,

I'm new to this site, its seems great so far. I'm in the market for a 72' 240Z. Anyway, I had a few questions; will repainting it to a different color cause it to lose value?

How much is it going to cost me more or less to install an A/C?

Finally, can anyone recommend a good mechanic in North Carolina? As close to Jacksonville as possible would be great.

Thanks!

[Inf]

Hi, welcome to the site.

1) Generally speaking, yes. If you take a very good condition stock and mostly original car and paint it some other color, the value will go down, especially if you do not do it right, which would entail stripping the car down, etc.

A better question would be: do you care if the value goes down? Are you planning to sell it in a few years?

2) The modern R-134A kit you can buy from MSA or Courtesy Nissan will run you close to $1000 all told, and paying someone else to install it may run you a few hundred on top of that ($300-$600 if I had to guess).

There are other (technically superior) options, like the Vintage Air super cooler setup that some members here have used, but that will cost you more, especially in terms of the installation (requires a lot more work, but worth it in the long run I think).

Also, the Vintage Air Gen II:

http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30411&highlight=vintage+air

Edited May 29, 2010 by Inf

[ag2384]

Hi,

Thanks for the input. Thank you for posing that question, I don't plan to sell it anytime soon but as I've heard from other guys, life happens! Marriage and a couple of kids will change things.

Thanks for the info about the A/C too. I'll check out those links.

[psdenno]

Welcome to the group!

Regarding your question about if changing the color of your Z will decrease its value, it all depends. What is your Z worth now? How do you intend to use the car? How extensive will your repaint be - body strip and total repaint inside & out?

People who buy interesting cars, like old Zs, sometimes think of them as financial investments. Generally, the only people who will ever make any money from your Z will be your mechanic, painter, and parts supplier. Unless you have a very rare Z, an early Z, or a Z with a documented racing heritage, it's best to think of it as an emotional investment. Have fun, let it make you happy.

AC is a worthwhile upgrade, IMHO. As mentioned, kits run about $1,000. My Mechanic charged $600 for installation a year or so ago. There are owners who tackle the installation themselves.

Enjoy your Z and keep us posted on your adventures with it.

Dennis

[jackboxxx]

Hi,

I don't plan to sell it anytime soon but as I've heard from other guys, life happens! Marriage and a couple of kids will change things.

Wife + Kids = my Z in the garage, and the wifes SUV in the driveway!

[ag2384]

Hey,

Like I said, I'm in the market for one. Haven't bought it yet. I just found a 72' 240, I just didn't like the color is all, so that's why I wanted to ask.

Hopefully, here in the next few weeks I'll be the happy owner of a "new" Z! Thanks for the help.

[MikeW]

Which color did you not like? Here's a page showing all of the available colors. By modern color standards you may find that you don't really like any of the original colors. It's even possible that the car you looked at is already not an original color which would make the repaint value question moot.

[ag2384]

Thanks for the answer and you're right, it would make it a moot point. It was the metallic brown, not very appealing at all..at least to me. I personally liked just about every other color except the brown!

Another member made a very good point, this is an emotional investment. When I get it I'll adjust it the way I want it and hold on to it for as long as I can. Thanks for the help.