Z car Mission

[lcdck]

Okay, so I made it there, and was able to assess the condition of the car, after sitting for such a long time. It's funny how memory makes the past seem better than it actually may have been.

I was disheartened when I realized this car is very, very rusty. The driver's side floor pan is virtually nonexistent. most of the undercarriage is rusted and the rear quarter panels are turning to dust, I mean rust.

But, I had already ordered parts and decided to see what I could do with her. I followed the advice of everyone here and starting at the fuel system checked, and/or replaced everything, drained fuel, blew back fuel lines, replaced the fuel filter, checked over carbs, pulled the spark plugs, poured in ATF, luckily the engine wasn't seized and turned easily, checked valves, removed valve cover, drained oil, replaced oil filter, new plugs installed.

Everything seemed good. The radiator leaked a bit so I took it to a local guy who boiled it and repainted for $50.The clutch slave cylinder was leaking so I replaced it, and will need to replace the master in the future. When I finally tried to turn the engine over, I got nothing, even with a good battery, so I tried to clean the contacts at the battery and the starter. Now I think my starter is shot.

On top of that the rear drivers side wheel appears to be seized. Augh! The positive side to this is my father and I are enjoying some time spent in the garage together, even if he manages to stay clean the whole time.

I'll be back in Indianapolis in August and I'm planning on replacing the starter, the clutch master cylinder, and trying it again. I think my dream of driving her for years is over, as the body is just too far gone. But I would still like to get her running again, for a few last drives, and because it will be worth slightly more as a running, rusty car than as a non-running rusty car.

I'm considering a restoration with a rust free (Hah!) 240 of similar vintage (pre 7/72) but I wonder what my chances of finding one near Indy are, and what it would cost.

Out of curiosity, what is a running parts car worth these days? The interior is great except both seats are cracked.

[Travel'n Man]

It's amazing what a bid war can do for some of these parts - a signature clock just sold for over $1,000.00...............bumpers go for as much as engines...................carbs get more than heads..............a great dash is worth more than any of the above!

If you ever want to restore one I would keep this one as a parts car and then get one with a great body and let the fun begin!!

[psdenno]

You may have a change of heart after you take it for a drive in August. My Z sat for 15 years. I went through all the systems to bring it up mechanically and did a "driveway" fix on the rust. The repair cost was about twice what I paid for it when I bought it, new, off the showroom floor. Every time I drive it, I'm glad I still own it. Fun car + Great memories = Keeper.

Dennis

[5thhorsemann]

Also keep in mind, these are about the easiest cars to work on that were ever made. That, along with the wealth of knowledge and experience found here (not to mention the parts sources) make your old Z a worthy candidate for a restore or fix-(h)er-upper

[lcdck]

I think the amount of rust disqualifies my particular Z for a restoration. I'm into the simplicity of the mechanics and electrical systems for the reasons mentioned but my thought is putting hours of work onto a frame rotting away isn't time worthy. I am considering buying another car with a solid frame but they don't seem to come up often. Still thinking it over, and I'm in no rush. Either way, I'll get the car in running condition before I do anything.

[lcdck]

Back in Indy for round two. I just installed a new starter and the car turned over for the first time. Beauty! I had to clean up the points on the distributor, charge the battery a bit more and voilá. Up and running. I let her run for a while, listening and checking temperature, oil pressure and everything seems good. The best part is that I got to do it when my father, and brother were both around so everyone was excited. I feel good now!

Next up, I need to double check the brakes, inspect what appears to be a seized drivers side rear wheel and make sure the clutch is function as it should. The clutch pedal feels light but after reading through the forums I see a number of daily drivers who've complained about it after changing the fluid in the hydraulic system.

[DougN]

Congrats on getting your Z running! Now that the hard part is almost over, nothing to do but drive