Hello all. I was browsing the net in search for a 240Z car club and saw your sight. I have a question. I have the chance to trade my 1990 Honda Civic Hatchback for a 1970 240Z. It has recently been restored. The body is good with a very nice paint job. The steering seems tight and straight.

It has a 2.4 OHV 4sp. Which runs good. The seller says it will ping and some times deisol unless he runs on Chevron fuel, 89 octane. I would run higher octane, would that cure this problem? Or is there other variables to look into?

The interior is in very good condition. He is askeing 2800 for it, and will trade instead. I am not very knowlegable on Datsuns, I just know allot about Hondas, so any advice would be appreciated. I have loved 240's since I can reamember, I saw it on the side of the road and I was hooked.

Thanks,

-Ben

Before you make a deal, search the forums here for where to look for rust. That is the biggest enemy for the Z car. You will find many threads and posts about where to look, and how easy it might be to fix.

As far as the pinging goes, it could just need a good tune-up, or the carbs could be out of adjustment....

They are a great car if you find one that isn't hiding rust in a bad or impossible place to fix....

The mechanicals are the easy fix as many aftermarket and OE parts are still available, it's the body parts that are getting harder to find....

I had a dieseling problem that was solved, at least for the last two months, by using higher octane fuel (91). It sounds like your engine is in decent shape though.

I think a 240 for honda civic is a great trade, as far as looks and performance are concerned. rust is another matter.

Good luck,

Ty

I did give it a good look over and there was no rust as far as I can tell, I'll do some searching and find the problem areas. It was previously owned by an older woman who kept it in a garage, and it has been here in California, no salt The seller bought it from her and restored it with his dad.

My first question would be why is he selling it. As far as having a Z over a Honda, well to me and most others on this site it's a no brainer, but everyone has their own love, and mine is spelled with one letter, Z.

As of right now i'm waiting for a response from my insurance agent to see the costs. Once I get that cleared up, it should be a go. Well, the seller is 17. He and his dad bought it from an older woman to fix up. He just recently got into a wreck, (in other vehicle), and needs to sell the car to free up some costs since his insurance rates are about to spike. He was asking $2800, but seems to like the idea of a straight across trade. I'm sure the market value for one in such good condition is higher. $5000 or so? Me and my dad, (I'm 18), gave it another look over and didn't find rust in the main problem areas. The only thing I could find was a small hole wearing through the wheel well, (you can see the battery through it.)

If you can see the battery form inside the wheel well, be sure to check it out VERY carefully. This is one of the hardest places to patch, as there are no patch panels made for this area. You will have to patch it up with hand made patch panels..

This is not an easy fix if you have no experience with a welder or making panels.....

Thanks for the info. My father has been welding for over 20 years, so I don't believe it would be a problem. I'll deffinently go over it very carefully...

I think since it is cal car and all and you have access to a welder especially the car most likely is good , but do as was mentioned before , check it out . Look at the bottom of the front fenders just in front of the doors by the script , look for bubbling in the paint , also just back of the doors down low another place is ,with the hatch open on the sill corners. Another vary important place is the floor pan under where you put your feet when sitting in the car, both drivers and passangers side. If you are going to use the car for a daily driver , be aware of the age and know that components do not last forever , and the car will take maintainence . But if you drive it you WILL BE INFECTED AND THERE IS NO CURE. The best of luck Gary

But if you drive it you WILL BE INFECTED AND THERE IS NO CURE. The best of luck Gary

that is so very very true. no matter what the guise i love:love: Z's

Well, I was going to pick it up today, but the seller wants one more day to think about it, so i'll know by tomorrow if it's a go or not. Rust spots check out, only place is the floor pan seeing as how I can't inspect it. Would their be any usable signs from underneath? Oh yes, I did drive it, my civic doesn't even come close to comparing Like I said before, the paint is flawless, interior's perfect engine runs great, (2500 miles on the engine actually, receipts to prove it), ect ect

This SOUNDS like a fantastic deal. The only concern I would have is if the seller is needing cash (for repairs on another vehicle), why is he agreeing to a trade? You may find out if they know about this website and find out their login name. Then you could search for past posts by this person. Just an idea. I hope it turns out to be a great deal for you.