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

[ktm]

To each their own I say. I am not a huge fan of the over fenders which is why I'll never run ZG flairs or the like, however, I will not disparage those that do.

[Travel'n Man]

And most of all I hope that Z owners never become a group that look down our noses at other owners because of their choices. There are plenty of things I don't want done to my car and things I think look terrible on other cars but I won't think I'm better than you because my Z doesn't have that done to it. It takes a fair amount of time/work/money to keep these cars going so if making it yours keeps you interested in keeping it going then all the better.

Trevor

http://www.240z.me

Very well said and I agree totally on each owners choices in their own cars. Unless you are wanting a 100% original car (which is just not practical in today's world and there are not many left that have not rusted out entirely) make your car the way you want to enjoy it.

As I say - "life's a journey - enjoy the ride"!

[gtom]

To each their own I say. I am not a huge fan of the over fenders which is why I'll never run ZG flairs or the like, however, I will not disparage those that do.

7. Fender flares.

[gtom]

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.What else?

First of all, I would like to apologize if my boring 'academic style' writing is not clear. Its seems as if many out there are interpreting my words in a misunderstood manner. And then, there are the cheerleaders. The point of this thread is not to disparage, offend, put down, ect., others, but rather to identify what may be considered to be an early z-car "molestation". Although I realized that word "molestation" may be a provocative one, it is nevertheless in abundant use, when searching through early Z-car ads. With that said, the question may bring about answers that may begin to clarify a topic that appears to be rather ambiguous. For whatever its worth, all I know is that some cars are way, way more in demand than others and are in short supply, which drives up the price...and that is what concerns me. Again, I'm sorry if I created any misunderstanding.

On a lighter note: A bit of Z-car trivia. Can anybody identify my avatar image? Where does my avatar image come from? BTW, it's not my car, because I'm still searching for one.

Edited September 27, 2011 by gtom

[Jetaway]

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 replied that he has seen "unmolested" in conjunction with Z's. It is an unfortunate word choice as it implies a malevolent intent. Unfortunately it has become quite common in describing cars, even in the mainstream press. The latest Hemming's, (October 2011) on page 72 as part of their show coverage describes a 1969 Town & Country as "Looking like an unmolested example."

Abomination is a word for intense dislike. 1st example from the on-line Merriam-Webster:

Some people view the sculpture as art while others see it as an abomination.

gtom asked for opinions on what others would consider a molestation to a 240Z. Maybe I'm patting ourselves on our backs too much, but the conversation has been nothing but respectful. I've been a bit surprised to find out that I might be a bit more of a purist than I thought I was. But I've read nothing that I would even remotely consider insulting to me or anyone else.

Ta240 had two points that I heartily agree with, and I hope that expressing them in my own words does his no insult:

1) Cars are living things. They were made to move, they are not sculpture, they are not art for arts sake, they exist to move. And when they don't move, they lose their reason for existence and they die. Yes, of course, I recognize that there are a few cars, due to historical significance and rarity that shouldn't be driven, or, more exactly, I would give a "pass" to for being eternally parked. But my "few" are far less than the number of trailer queens, garage decorations, and status symbols that would be taxed by a period-approporiate brisk cruise.

2) I've met other Z-owners. Some have done, or a P.O. had done, or they have failed to have done things to their car that I simply find ugly or stupid. But you know what? I ain't going to tell them that, unless it is very dangerous or puts the car at risk of eminent destruction. If I'm asked for my opinion about something, and I feel that I know something about it, yes, sure, I'll give my opinion. I picked up a 1971 gas cap door that I then painted black simply because I liked the look of the latch and the black paint. Most of my friends said, looks like it's damaged or something. To them,, I said: "It's my damn car." I expect the same sentiment, perhaps less forcefully put, lives in others and extend them the courtesy that I expect them to extend to me.

On a somewhat related note:

gtom: I work in the Bay Area and live in the Central Valley. If you are looking for an early 1970, like you had years ago, I'm hesitant to give you a guess on what one would cost. But for later Z's I'm thinking you can find a very nice one in the $6,000 -- $10,000 range. Not in "showroom" shape of course, but rust-free, straight, and reasonably maintained over the years. Paint might be a little dull, but shines up without heroic efforts. A nice looking, turn-key driver in other words. Unless you have plenty of time on your hands and 1/2 a garage full of parts, those in the $2,000 -- $3,000 range probably aren't worth looking at. In-between, you'll find something like mine. I paid $4,800 for a 1972 three and a half years ago, probably over-paid $300-$400 , but it was worth it to me because it was only a mile and a half from my house and I didn't have to worry about it, say, giving up the ghost on the San Mateo bridge on the drive home. It looked good, even better after polishing and waxing, had one item requiring immediate attention, in my case a leaking oil pressure sending gauge, isn't entirely original: engine and body number match, the ZX 5-spd most definitely does not. A couple of the usual suspects in a 1970 era car needed replacement within the first year, in my case, the radiator and power brake booster, while others -- water pump, alternator, etc., are still plugging away. Oh, and its a constant source of amusement with its habit of parts coming of in hand;) Nothing major though.

Chris

[WingZr0]

Any part marked Honda . Or a MSA "Twinkie Bus" front spoiler . . . . (you know what i mean). !!

[HS30-H]

7. Fender flares.

I own two 'HS30-H' model Nissan Fairlady 240ZGs, which came from the Factory with riveted on 'overfenders'.

I wouldn't class this as a "molestation" in the case of official Factory model variants. And as Nissan themselves sold several different designs of Overfenders for the S30-series Z as 'Sports Option' and race parts, and they were all homologated by both JAF and the FIA in period, it seems to me that they don't fall into the same category as some of the other things you are proscribing here....

Alan T.

[gtom]

Any part marked Honda .

8. Installing incorrect parts that belong on a different make and model.

Edited September 27, 2011 by gtom

[gtom]

I own two 'HS30-H' model Nissan Fairlady 240ZGs, which came from the Factory with riveted on 'overfenders'.

I wouldn't class this as a "molestation" in the case of official Factory model variants. And as Nissan themselves sold several different designs of Overfenders for the S30-series Z as 'Sports Option' and race parts, and they were all homologated by both JAF and the FIA in period, it seems to me that they don't fall into the same category as some of the other things you are proscribing here....

HS30-H, I am not proscribing anything and I am well aware of the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG. In fact I have a video about the ZG posted on my FB page declaring it as a birthday gift to myself. Oh, sorry, not the ZG, but the 432. So, let me make a clarification.

7. Non-factory fender flares and/or body kits. (body kits mentioned in a previous post; not mine as well as this minor issue with the fender flares)

BTW, If you were to sell one of those ZGs, how much could you get for it?

Edited September 27, 2011 by gtom

[gtom]

gtom: I work in the Bay Area and live in the Central Valley. If you are looking for an early 1970' date=' like you had years ago, I'm hesitant to give you a guess on what one would cost. But for later Z's I'm thinking you can find a very nice one in the $6,000 -- $10,000 range. Not in "showroom" shape of course, but rust-free, straight, and reasonably maintained over the years. Paint might be a little dull, but shines up without heroic efforts. A nice looking, turn-key driver in other words. Unless you have plenty of time on your hands and 1/2 a garage full of parts, those in the $2,000 -- $3,000 range probably aren't worth looking at. In-between, you'll find something like mine. I paid $4,800 for a 1972 three and a half years ago, probably over-paid $300-$400 , but it was worth it to me because it was only a mile and a half from my house and I didn't have to worry about it, say, giving up the ghost on the San Mateo bridge on the drive home. It looked good, even better after polishing and waxing, had one item requiring immediate attention, in my case a leaking oil pressure sending gauge, isn't entirely original: engine and body number match, the ZX 5-spd most definitely does not. A couple of the usual suspects in a 1970 era car needed replacement within the first year, in my case, the radiator and power brake booster, while others -- water pump, alternator, etc., are still plugging away. Oh, and its a constant source of amusement with its habit of parts coming of in hand;) Nothing major though.

Chris[/quote']

Thanks for the info Chris. I'm still looking for a car that I can't pass up. You know, the car I really, really wanted was Mike Young's '71 920 gold. I still look at the pics often. I drove the car a few years back but at the time he wanted $15K for it. I thought around $12 tops so I didn't pick it up. I recently called him on it again, but it was sold. Not sure who the lucky owner of it is now, but if they ever decide to sell, I'd definitely make an offer.

Edited September 27, 2011 by gtom

[HS30-H]

On a lighter note: A bit of Z-car trivia. Can anybody identify my avatar image? Where does my avatar image come from? BTW, it's not my car, because I'm still searching for one.

Looks like a still from one of the many live action film representations of the 'Devil Z' from the 'Wangan Midnight' manga.

And it's wearing non-Factory fitment overfenders, so it's been "molested".

[gtom]

Looks like a still from one of the many live action film representations of the 'Devil Z' from the 'Wangan Midnight' manga.

And it's wearing non-Factory fitment overfenders, so it's been "molested".

Correct! dingdingding!!! You know your stuff man! And yes, the 'devil Z' has been "molested" because its not a factory ZG!

(my avatar is a cartoon image from the actual 'Wangan Midnight' manga)

Edited September 27, 2011 by gtom