Hello,

I am George Vieira. I am 18 years old and going off to college in Sept. I really like the 240/260 Z's and am looking for one to purchase and keep forever. I have always liked older cars. My first car was a 1971 VW Camper Bus that my dad and I built. Great starter car and really great when you want to take a nap and are in the middle of nowhere. I hope t purchase a nice Z before leaving for college.

Welcome to the club George.

You should have a relatively good amount of Zs to pick from in the Bay Area. There were actually a few Series I cars listed this morning and last night on the Bay Area Craigslist ads. Hope you have some good "work" and "play" balance, as the Z will be taking a good portion of your "play" time!

George-

Best of luck on your journeys - both college and travel!! Welcome!!

Thanks for the support. My dad is going to look at a 260z tomorrow and a 240z on Sat. I hope one of them will pass muster with my dad. GI

Look for little to no rust. Rust bad very bad it is the most expensive thing to fix. Don't forget a refrigerator magnet to test the body for filler carefull pay exstra attention to the battery area rear deck lid and rocker pannels

Thank you. GI

I saw the Z today. Totally stock except rims (they have to go!). Bubble rust pacth (approx 4" diameter) at the pass. rocker. Perhaps a small spot on the pss cowl (1/4"). Looks as if the pass door had been repainted. All the smog goodies I don't want. It is a clean car for it's age. Not sure if it's worth the asking price (perhaps to a purist) of 9500.00. Looking at a 240z on Sat.. Wondering if I should look for a z w/o an engine/trans since so many other options are available. One other note was the seller (who is really a nice guy) was not able to produce any receipts for work done to the car. Thanks, GI

Edited January 14, 201114 yr by GIchiro

I saw teh Z today. totally stock except rims (they have to go!). Bubble rust pacth (approx 4" diameter) at the pass. rocker. Perhaps a small spot on the pss cowl (1/4"). Looks as if the pass door had been repainted. All the smog goodies I don't want. It is a clean car for it's age. Not sure if it's worth the asking price (perhaps to a purist) of 9500.00. Looking at a 240z on Sat.. Wondering if I should look for a z w/o an engine/trans since so many other options are available. Very nice stuff. Thanks, GI

260Z with rust at 9500 pass it up you will find better, even if it was a 240Z I'd say skip it. That rust repair would make the car almost 15,000 when done and that's if everything else was good.

Thanks, wish me luck on Sat when I look at the 240Z. GI

Saw a 240 on c list in lake county. May have had some rust but it was maybe 3k.

George-

Be sure to peel back those carpets on both floor boards and inspect for rust there - that area is just as prone for extensive rust damage as under the battery is. Be sure to inspect where the hatch meets the body around the latch - that area is prone for rusting as well. Wheel wells need to be inspected as well - also remove the spare tire (if it has one) and check that area too.

I would mainly be looking for somebody else's project that they want to sell to begin another project -

Be an educated buyer!

If I was going to buy a "Z" here are a few of the things I would be looking for:

What engine is in it = L24 / L26 / L28?

What carbs are on it = round top / flat top/ triples / FI?

What transmission = 4 or 5 speed?

What rear end (that's a tough one to tell - use the search engine)?

Do the lights work on the dash - and all around the car?

Is the dash cracked - dash mat - dash cover?

Look at the fuse box and see if there is any meltage?

Original paint - or repaint - does the engine bay look correct?

Does the car sit good - mash on each of the four corners to test suspension?

Has the car had brake upgrades (front and rear)?

Tire Wheel combo - is it what you are looking for?

At this point most older "Z's" have had some kind of work done to them by the PO's. Take your time and get what you want -

You can only expect what you inspect!!

Good Luck tomorrow - I hope she is everything you and your father are looking for!

Good post Traveling Man. George, good luck finding a Z, I know there out there, just keep looking and keep your options open. Pay close attention to some of the responces from this web site because these guys REALLY know their stuff! Good luck and remember to check the frame rails and the radiator core support. Many times small fender benders can crack or bend small body parts and they are expensive to fix.