New Member + New Z!

[HuD 91gt]

Hello Everyone!

I just pulled the trigger on a 1971 240z last week. I live in Vancouver myself, and will be trailering it up over the border tomorrow (Washington vehicle).

This is my first Z, and my first classic. I'm extremely excited, and a little overwhelmed. Hopefully with the vast knowledge on here, i'll be able to get this thing on the road sooner then later.

First i'll start out with it's story. It is a 1971 240z Automatic in Orange (918?). It is basically a one owner vehicle. Originally a California car, the original owner passed away, and it went over to his son in Seattle (about 1999) who stored it for many years. He then sold it to a family friend who also stored it for 6 (Never registered). It was driven a couple times a year in that period of time. First I was thrown off by the fact that it was an automatic, but I decided to check it out anyhow. I am amazed that everything is there from the original manual signed by the dealer, down to the spare tire with all hardware.

Obviously it's been sitting for many years, it's going to need some love before I can get it to pass a safety here in Canada, but as far as I can see the body is extremely clean. Rubber bit's aside, I think it's a great car. I'm not very educated on these vehicles yet, but I hope I found a good one. I'll post some pictures the previous owner sent me, as I will have to take my own once the vehicle is in my possession tomorrow. Maybe you guys can point me in the right direction as to what is stock, and what has been modified.

-It has been repainted. I read somewhere that the body on the old Datsun's were metallic, but the doors jams and engine bay were not. Now the body is a slightly different colour then the engine bay, I'm going to assume it's not the stock colour, but is close enough for me. I still question why the door jams were painted black though.

-The interior was restored at some point, and either recovered, or different seats used. Any ideas?

-Slot Mag wheels

-Aftermarket Tape player

I'm really undecided on what I want to do to this vehicle. A lot of purist's will say keep it stock, but with the aftermarket paint and interior I feel I can get a little more free on what I can do. I'd love to get a 5 speed in there one day, as I did my first auto x recently and had a blast. A few track days would be great too.

Anyhow, enjoy the pictures!

Edited March 26, 2014 by HuD 91gt

[jfa.series1]

That's a great looking car, you're going to have some real fun with it. The paint code decal is still in place on the radiator bulkhead and the exterior looks like the engine bay, altho a lot more fresh on the outside. There are several threads here to bring a stored car back to life, I'm sure someone else will probably have the links at hand. Be patient and enjoy your new find. We'll be looking for your progress updates.

[psdenno]

Welcome! Nice looking '71. Always good to see another '71 Z going back on the road. Looks like the painter took a few liberties with the paint scheme and door jambs. The panel around the tail lights should be grey (see other topics for Duplicolor match). The underside of the hood should be the same color as the rest of the car. Door jambs should be body color. Not sure what you mean by "the body on the old Datsun's were metallic, but the doors jams and engine bay were not.". If you're referring to the paint, no metallic paint on a '71 Z anywhere. If you mean the structure, everything on the body shell is metal.

Also, the upholstered door panels are not stock. Nice, but not stock. The transmission tunnel was originally vinyl covered, not carpeted. However, the car will be a ton of fun. Enjoy it and keep us posted on what you do with it.

Dennis

Edited March 27, 2014 by psdenno

[Montana Z]

Nice Z! I also have an Automatic and have debated for the past 16 years on whether or not I want to install the 5 speed sitting in my garage. Strangely enough my auto is quicker off the line and hits a higher top end than my friends 5 speed. Either way you are in for some great driving.

Cheers,

Scot

[Mark Maras]

Welcome & WOW! That's a great looking Z. IMO, If you're going to keep it, Make the swap & save everything that's removed. I don't think that an auto tranny is going to serve you very well on the track. Pull the auto while it's still in good shape & save it. I love the color of your Z. I don't remember any bright orange ones around Portland in the early seventies, That one is an eye catcher. Great find.

Mark in Portland

[HuD 91gt]

Welcome! Nice looking '71. Always good to see another '71 Z going back on the road. Looks like the painter took a few liberties with the paint scheme and door jambs. The panel around the tail lights should be grey (see other topics for Duplicolor match). The underside of the hood should be the same color as the rest of the car. Door jambs should be body color. Not sure what you mean by "the body on the old Datsun's were metallic, but the doors jams and engine bay were not.". If you're referring to the paint, no metallic paint on a '71 Z anywhere. If you mean the structure, everything on the body shell is metal.

Also, the upholstered door panels are not stock. Nice, but not stock. The transmission tunnel was originally vinyl covered, not carpeted. However, the car will be a ton of fun. Enjoy it and keep us posted on what you do with it.

Dennis

I thought I remembered reading somewhere that the body panel paint had metallic bits in it, and the engine bay/door jams were just a flat orange (To save money). I could be mistaken, as I've been researching a pile of old British vehicles while in search of a new project. Either way, i'm still confused why they painted the jams black, as it is close enough in my mind. At least it still looks decent. But is far from perfect. A good 10'er.

Once I get it home, I need to deal with the rear left seized brake/hub. I assume it's probably just the brake. Sway bar end links definitely need replacing, new rad hoses and coolant flush. Oil/Trans/Diff fluid change and then I need to get the thing running properly. My first run in with Carbs (I think I just revealed my age ), so that could be fun. Once that is done, I'll try and get it inspected, and see where I sit. I'm sure there is more to be done. Looking forward to it!

I'll get some more pictures once it's in it's new home!

[psdenno]

My first run in with Carbs (I think I just revealed my age )

Part of the fun of buying a car older than you are.

You're going to have a great time with your Z.

Dennis

[EhlersRS]

Colten,

Not sure how I missed your original post, but congratulations on getting your first Z! Out of curiousity, what's the VIN and manufacture date of your car? It's always nice to see another '71!

Robert S.

[HuD 91gt]

The VIN is HLS30-41814. Not sure on the build date though.

[Kurbycar32]

Happens to be on my desk:

[rossiz]

beautiful car - sure to be lots of fun!

as i'm sure you're well aware, some of the key things with a car that has been sitting are:

- rubber parts dry out (radiator/heater hoses, belts, tires, fuel lines, vacuum hoses, diaphrams in vacuum advance) and should be replaced, doing these all at once makes sense before you get leaks

- gas, sitting, turns to varnish and gums up the entire fuel system - a good cleanup and some seafoam are in order

- gas tank may have rust/sludge - drain from the bottom plug, then install a cheap fram clear plastic filter right after the tank and keep an eye on it, changing when it fills w/mud

- electrical connections (especially plugs & grounds) corrode - pull 'em all apart, clean w/deoxit and 400 paper, re-connect and cover w/dielectric grease

- cooling system, if not filled w/antifreeze (which is a rust inhibitor) can rust - a good flushing and new coolant is in order

a side benefit to doing these whole-car/whole system clean & refresh exercises is that you will really get to know your car well, learn the various systems and how they interact, and possibly find a few issues before they present themselves on the road

oh, and pb blaster is your friend!

[siteunseen]

Happens to be on my desk:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]72279[/ATTACH]

I have one of those too but mines a '72.