New member searching for a Z, have some questions

[Carl Beck]

Hi Brian:

I guess that pretty much covers the spectrum. A Green 70 Barn Find {deserves a full restoration}, the Yellow Street Mod {pretty much ready to drive} or the Blue numbers matching fully refreshed 71.

I'd grab the Green 70 and just stick it away. Then buy the Yellow Street Mod with the L28 if it sells for a reasonable price - For about $16K you could have the best of both Z worlds. Five or ten years from now - if you did a Show Quality proper Restoration - the Series I Z would be a Classic Car to keep. In the mean time you could drive/auto-cross the Yellow Z.

I'd like the Blue 71 a lot more - if the undercarriage had not been undercoated. If it was clean, rust free and original I'd like to see it kept that way. Nonetheless it looks like it could be very nice Z to own and enjoy..The modifications like Euro Bumpers, 260Z seats, somewhat incomplete engine {no air pump, part of an A/C system} Speakers cut in the door panels etc - all lower the value of the car at this point. But that might be a good thing for the Buyer..

decisions decisions..

FWIW,

Carl B.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[bacarl]

Regarding the Blue not-quite-original 71, all those things would be good for a buyer if it was a typical private sale where I could negotiate and subtract here and there for specific blemishes I noticed. Unfortunately, the nature of ebay means that folks who know nothing about Z-cars (myself included to some extent) must out-do each others' bids without necessarily being aware of those specific items. I didn't even realize the seats were from a 260, or that the air pump was missing; I only noticed the speakers and the missing A/C bits (those are included in the sale, though). I'm bummed about the undercoat as well - never know what it's hiding.

Unfortunately I don't have the resources to squirrel away the Green barn find until the time comes to restore it. I would have to buy it now and restore it, or simply pass altogether.

And of course, the option exists to hold off on all three and continue looking. Patience is a virtue... sigh.

[bacarl]

Regarding that air pump... that just feeds air into the exhaust somewhere to aid in combustion for emission purposes, correct? It's on the manifold side of the block, right? Where exactly?

Also (in looking for its air pump) I noticed the Green car has a battery disconnect installed. I wonder if that points to a discharging issue that might have been the reason the car got parked. That's an assumption, but I do hate electrical gremlins.

I wish they hadn't started that engine with 20 year old oil in it...

Edited April 17, 2013 by bacarl