Sounds like you have a plan. Synthetic oil is probably a bit 'over the top' for a 40 year old vehicle IMO. You'll find many pros and cons on the subject.

Bet you a lunch that by installing synthetic oil at this late stage, you'll soon find it leaking from everywhere. Don't do it.....

If the underside is sound,your life is gonna be a lot easier.Everything else is easily replaceable.The only place i's use synthetic is the rear-end & gearbox.I would Seafoam the snot out of that motor.

I've had excellent success using Royal Purple 20W50. No leaks, no drama. Of course, it's hot in this part of the world and a different viscosity rating might produce some problems.

I've had excellent success using Royal Purple 20W50. No leaks, no drama. Of course, it's hot in this part of the world and a different viscosity rating might produce some problems.

How 'tight' is your engine? In other words, how long since the last rebuild? If the answer to that is unknown, as in this case, I'd stick with dino oil.

Throwing synthetic in a high milage motor with a KNOWN history is a crap shoot at best.But in a motor with UN-KNOWN history?......

I needed synthetic for -degree weather starts, I thought,..... I do have a coolant heater I could hook up to it...but that's for the snow plow...maybe the Z will hibernate for the snow months? hopefully not when the roads are clean,clear of snow....

apparently the motor does not drip oil now, at least.....but I was told the valve cover gasket was replaced due to an old one which was beginning to leak.

Edited July 12, 201014 yr by bounce

the plan is to have a primer grey Z for a few years... stop deterioration/rust

unsure of fender flares but that would prolly hide alot of the rust work... what say u?

sanding disks, primer spray paint....and some polyester resign, micro ballons? (or Bondo?) and cloth for the tail...all though I prefer the slick, no spoiler look...minus bumpers as well....

I'm gonna get a replacement plug wire set...mount a new battery, synthetic oil and put air in the tires...and drive it!.......uhh...to my mechanic.......I'll have him look at it...

any advice? thanks fellas....

Fender flares are worth considering if you like the look - they cover/replace the rusted areas nicely. Fiberglass bumpers aren't too expensive as replacements for the damaged originals.

Don't forget to spend $15 on a Datsun Z Haynes repair manual - money well spent considering what lies ahead for you. It will help your get through maintenance you can do yourself and indicate when to leave it to the professionals.

Dennis

Edited July 12, 201014 yr by psdenno

You could use this until you get a hard copy of the 1972 factory service manual.

Thanks!!!

Congrats, and good luck, keep us posted on your progress.

Looks like a perfect LeMons car to me!