Hey everybody what's up? I'm Danny. I'm from Miami, FL but I live in Oceanside, CA right now due to my job. I've recently purchased a '71 Z. I moved out here once I left Japan after a few years; which is where I was introduced to the car. I've always thought it'd be cool to own one some day and get some hands on work in a garage.

My younger brother and I have started to strip it down and chemically remove/ sand the car down to the metal surface. I want to prevent any problems if there are any. If anyone has any tips feel free to pass 'em on!

And some pics of the car

http://img815.imageshack.us/g/002mz.jpg/

Hi, Danny. Your car looks pretty decent. I'd lose the red lug nuts, though.

Welcome aboard! Looks like a nice base to start from. What are your plans for the refresh/restoration of the car?

Cheers,

Doug

nice car i have the same blue on blue 71 #17465 some more pics of the interior please i am restoring my z just put the engine and trans back in now the dash and wiring will be connected naxt ,have fun . carl

Hey Danny,

You are lucky enough to have picked up a relatively scarce Series 1 car in what looks to be excellent condition. Be sure to share the VIN and build date with all of us.

As to your refurb work, you have a couple of directions to go: restore to original "as-delivered" condition, or restore/refurb to a thoroughly updated car. Option 1 can be mind-numbing expensive and frustrating as you search the world for those NLA parts. It would be easy to wrap up $30-50K in a resto to "original" and it might take 2-3 years to complete such an effort.

Option 2 is far less intense and less costly to pull off but you will potentially get some flak from purists who see every Series 1 car as only worthy of a full resto-to-original effort. Always remember - this is YOUR car to enjoy as you see fit. Do what makes YOU happy and proud of your car - you don't have to live up to the expectations and demands of others.

On your current work here are a few suggestions: throw NOTHING away, no matter what condition it is in. Label/tag/bag everything that comes off the car. Get in a good supply of zip bags and a Sharpie; bag and tag EVERYTHING that comes off the car immediately as it comes off - even if it is a single screw. Don't rely on your memory to go back and do it later. Get some string tags for the electrical connections and tag both ends of each plug or terminal as it is pulled apart. Finally, pick up some books and manuals: the two factory manuals if you can find them (engine & body), a factory parts catalog, a couple of resto books (no single book is perfect), perhaps a couple of repair manuals, ...you get the idea. Others on the board can give you great feedback on books, etc.

Good luck, and be sure to have fun along the way.

Jim

Hi Danny,

Welcome to the board and the Z community. It's a very good group here. You live in a great location. Classic Datsun Motorsports is located near you in Vista. They have just about any part or item you would need for your Z. I am over there quite often.

I definitely have to agree with jfa.series1 on keeping the parts. You'd be amazed at what some of those items go for, even in well used condition.

Regarding your Series 1; if the motor is the original motor, I personally would keep it as original as possible. If the the motor is a transplant, I would modify to your hearts content-it's a great platform.

You also might want to check out the local Z clubs. The San Diego club meets right down the 5 from you. They meet the first Tuesday of every month at the Denny's in Clairemont Mesa.

Keep the pics coming of your car. It will be nice to track the progress.

Best Regards,

Rich

Danny, What do the floors look like rust-wise? The engine compartment looks like the car hasn't been around the world underwater so it appears you have a good sound box to build from. Local SoCal car?

Dang carbs are even clean...... Bummer.