What are the top 20 early Z-car modifications considered to be "molestation"?

[gtom]

I have owned one original '70 Z car about 15 years ago. Now, I've been searching for a while for another early Z for keeps, so if anybody knows of a good car out there for sale that won't cost a small fortune, please let me know.

I, like many others, share the belief that the early Z is a great car and was beautifully designed. So, my question is, why are so many of these cars modified in a way that is described as "molestation" and what modification is considered a "molestation" of the early Z car?

Before I get into this discussion, I want to make it clear that I understand what may be described as, the need for 'personalization/personal taste', the need to express 'individuality', the need to 'improve performance, reliability and/or appearance', and 'purists ideology', so there is no need to go there.

The list can go on and on, but in my humble opinion, the number one "molestation" of an early Z-car, in general is:

1. Non original factory color paint.

What else?

[Arne]

...so if anybody knows of a good car out there for sale that won't cost a small fortune, please let me know.

First question - what is your definition of "a small fortune"? Also, where do you live, as that will have a huge bearing on price/availability.

The list can go on and on, but in my humble opinion, the number one "molestation" of an early Z-car, in general is:

1. Non original factory color paint.

What else?

Non-factory color is way up on the list, another is those damned sunroofs. I'm SOOO glad not to have that hole in the roof anymore. Edited September 26, 2011 by Arne

[Jetaway]

First question - what is your definition of "a small fortune"? Also, where do you live, as that will have a huge bearing on price/availability.

Non-factory color is way up on the list, another is those damned sunroofs. I'm SOOO glad not to have that hole in the roof anymore.

I'm not a total purist, so grains of salt or whatever.

I don't know if I'd agree with a non-factory color. There certainly are colors that are molestations, even abominations, but a classy looking paint job is a classy looking paint job and its not unreasonable to expect a repainting somewhere along the way with a forty year old car.

Engine other than a L-24.

It's simpler for me to list the modifications that I wouldn't consider molestations. Judges at a concours would no doubt disagree.

Electronic ignition. I shed no tears for points.

Stock exhaust collectors, but after-market from the down pipe to the tail. Heck, try finding one of those round mufflers.

K&N air filter in place of a pleated paper filter.

Headlight relay with stronger headlights.

LED turn, brake, side, etc. lights.

A later year, higher output Z alternator. On the fence about a non-Z internal voltage control alternator. I'd do it, but readily concede that many would consider it a molestation.

Larger tires, but not larger diameter wheels.

Quality gas shocks.

Stiffer springs, but not much stiffer and no, or only a very, very slight change in ride height.

Newer sound equipment, but no new holes! Anywhere!

Probably a few more, but I think that covers my major non-molestation modification list.

Chris

[gtom]

First question - what is your definition of "a small fortune"? Also, where do you live, as that will have a huge bearing on price/availability.

Non-factory color is way up on the list, another is those damned sunroofs. I'm SOOO glad not to have that hole in the roof anymore.

"a small fortune" examples: http://www.datsunclassifieds.com/showproduct.php/product/6365/title/1971-datsun-240z-rb25det-exquisite-restoration/cat/1 and, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649&item=290613568469&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

I live in the SF Bay Area

2. Non factory pop-up glass sunroof. - I agree, this is also high on my list. I'll rank it number 2 for this post.

[Threehz]

I have definitely seen some awful paint jobs on Z's and I mean the entire job not just the quality but color/design, however I have also seen some beautiful non-stock Z paint jobs so that is a job by job deal in my opinion. For instance I'm going to repaint my Z the stock white it was however I might add a stripe.

I do have to agree that convertible Z's and Z's with sunroofs are an abomination, and in my opinion one of the worst molestation's you can do.

At first I hated all body kits on Z's however now I appreciate a lot of body redesign as long as it is mostly still Z.

I'm pretty open-minded, so I can appreciate a lot of the crazy things people do with their Z's even if I would never dream of doing such things to mine.

[gtom]

"I'm not a total purist, so grains of salt or whatever.

I don't know if I'd agree with a non-factory color. There certainly are colors that are molestations, even abominations, but a classy looking paint job is a classy looking paint job and its not unreasonable to expect a repainting somewhere along the way with a forty year old car.

Engine other than a L-24."

I Agree, some colors are worse than others, also agree that an some engine swaps are worse choices than others.

3. Chevrolet 350 SB V-8 motor. - I think this would qualify as something other than a L-24 engine.

Edited September 26, 2011 by gtom

[EScanlon]

Let's drop the use of "molestations" as well as the "abominations".

Both of those words can be argumentative and to some offensive.

A discussion of what you would or wouldn't do to your car, once you buy one, is acceptable as long as you don't intentionally offend others who may see your point of view as abrasive, especially if they have done those things you wouldn't do and take umbrage at your labels.

FWIW

E Scanlon

Moderator

[gtom]

"Let's drop the use of "molestations" as well as the "abominations".

Both of those words can be argumentative and to some offensive."

Thanks for the post EScanlon. I appreciate your comment and agree that some people may find the use of specific words argumentative or even offensive, however, I my search for purchasing another early Z-car, the use of the word(s), 'molested' or 'unmolested' are far too frequently used by sellers to describe the condition of their cars for sale. Such a frequent 'use of words', in this case, may seem to imply that they have become commonplace when it comes to describing early Z-cars. In other words, many cars have been 'labeled' in this way. If this is so, I was just wondering what it is, that makes a Z-car 'molested' or 'unmolested' to hopefully provided some insight on a topic that may be in need of some clarity. If I offended anybody, I sincerely apologize.

gtom

Edited September 26, 2011 by gtom

[Reverend]

Those are all the improvements i count as "non-molestation" too. Because i got half of them.

I count these as molestation

-Recaro and all other racing seats, they may feel nice and but they look hidious (these all are just MY humble opinions)

-Gauge upgrades also looks ugly (usually, there is exceptions)

-MSA boom box with 2 speakers, dont like it at all.

-V8 swap, the most unholy alliance ever.

[gtom]

Those are all the improvements i count as "non-molestation" too. Because i got half of them.

I count these as molestation

-Recaro and all other racing seats, they may feel nice and but they look hidious (these all are just MY humble opinions)

-Gauge upgrades also looks ugly (usually, there is exceptions)

-MSA boom box with 2 speakers, dont like it at all.

-V8 swap, the most unholy alliance ever.

...ok, I'll take that.

4. Racing seat swap. - for non racing cars of course...

[Hunter260Z]

Sunroof, Mine has never leaked, but I wished I never put one in. At the time I was looking for more air in the Z. The air condition was crap.(Dealer Install)

[DougN]

Well, gtom, I was going to offer you my Z cheap, but since it has been "molested" with a non-factory color paint job, I guess you wouldn't want it... Guess I'll just keep it.