New to the Z family....

[Zcane]

Hey everybody,

My name is John and I'm a newbie to the whole car restoration scene. My knowledge on car building and engine work is very limited. I recently started looking for a new hobby to share with my son and the only thing I could think of that made sense was this. I love my son and I love cars so what could be better?

Anyhow, I've gotten the bug for building a 1971-73 240Z. Not really looking for a pristine ride but rather something I could really put some elbow grease into and build from the ground up. I'd like to build a nice and clean Z with some subtle modifications (mostly to the interior and motor). The body will look mostly stock with the exception of the wheels and possibly a racing stripe themed paint job. Haven't decide yet.

Why a Z you ask?

I must admit I've never really acted on my gearhead tendencies, but I've always loved cars, and growing up in the 80's, I had a special affinity towards the 280. I had a couple of friends that drove them and I thought they were the coolest thing on the road.

If this goes well, I plan on starting a collection of Z's, building them in chronological order. That's the reason I've decided to start with the 240.

I realize this is going to be challenging and will take a lot of time and money to complete. I have some money put aside for this project and time really isn't an issue. I don't care if it takes 2-5 years to complete, I just want to do it right and make it a head-turner by the time I'm done. I'm pretty sure I'll learn some hard lessons along the way... .

Anyhow, I'd like to know if any of you guys might have some tips or suggestions for a first-timer like myself before I embark on this mission. Thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to reading your responses.

[240260280z]

Find a car with least amount of rust.

Inspect carefully.

[LeonV]

Find the car with as little rust as possible! This may require you to travel far, possibly out of state. California is full of essentially "rust-free" Zs, so is AZ, plus they are cheaper than on the East Coast. Everything else is easy: engine, drivetrain, suspension, interior, when compared to doing tons of rust repair.

If you're very patient, 2-5 years is okay. I got impatient of my '71 being on jackstands for 2 years, so I bought an early '74 260Z. I needed to drive a Z already and it allowed me to take my time with the 240Z.

Lastly, do your research. There is tons of Z-related info that you can find by searching here, hybridz.org, zcar.com, through which you will likely find links to other interesting Z sites, like http://datsunzgarage.com/'>DatsunZGarage, http://atlanticz.ca/index.php/tech-tips.html'>Blue's Tech Tips, Zhome and Xenon's site.

Welcome to the addiction!

[Zcane]

Thanks for the info. The rust is definitely something I'm trying to avoid.

I've had a bit of difficulty finding a car here in Florida. I'm gonna keep looking in-state for now so as to keep my costs down, but I realize that going out of state is becoming more and more a possibility.

Thanks again. Every bit of information is welcomed.

[LeonV]

Just think of it this way, if you buy a less than stellar-bodied example in Florida, will it be more expensive than to just take a road trip or fly out of state and drive/tow/ship the car back to Florida? Answer that and your objective will become clear.

Keeping intial cost down, versus paying more for a good body, may seem fine in the short term but keep in mind that costs add up.