Hey guys, As you can see in the title, I purchased my first S30 this afternoon from the original owner’s mother. It is a silver 1974 260z. VIN RLS30-035938 with Build Date 5/74. It has rust in the usual places, but starts, idles, and drives. This is my first resto project, and I am excited... I paid $600, and couldn’t be more proud. What details can you gather from my VIN and Build date, as far as production #s, options, etc? PS, I know the 260 is the black sheep, and to some, the least desirable... so if you are going to be negative, I don’t need your opinion. I bought this to restore with my son, not to send to auction. Can’t wait to hear from you guys, THANKS!

Edited March 18, 20186 yr by Champs74S30

Congrats!  This should be a great father/son project.

Thanks! I think it will!

Congrats!  Best of luck with the project.  A lucky son!

From the build date, it should be what is considered a late 260.  Bigger bumpers,  both mechanical & electric fuel pumps, and the carburetors were originally the flat top design although many have been retrofitted with the earlier round top version for various reasons.

Search for some pictures of member Mike W's beautiful, gold cup winning 260 for some inspiration ....

Welcome to a fellow Southerner!  Years and years of experience represented on this forum, all at your fingertips.  Mine started out as a father/son project but now it's all Daddy's car!  As to which year/model Z is the best, the only right answer is the one your driving (or on jack stands in the garage...) .

Be sure to download the FSM for your Z here.   http://www.xenonzcar.com/s30/fsm.html

 

Congratulations!  The 260z is a proper sports car and one to be very proud of owning.  I have had mine for nearly 17 years and I've never wished I had a different Z. They are 'The real McCoy.'  You and your son are going to have a blast with the project.  As for your car, you have to provide us with some photos. My car is RLS30-034436 so they are quite close!

 

Congratulations again and welcome to the club .

 

Ben

Edited March 18, 20186 yr by v12horse

8 hours ago, Champs74S30 said:

I paid $600,

HUH ??  In europe you buy a set of wheels for that.. and they are ugly ones!!!   PIC's  !!!!   wanna see that parts car!!  (kidding!!)  good luck! and welcome here..

7 hours ago, S30Driver said:

From the build date, it should be what is considered a late 260. 

Yes, can be in de States..don't forget that the 260z was for sale in europe till 1978!  There was no 280z overhere!  I know of a 1979! 260z..  it was a car that was in a dealer's showroom for a long time and sold in 1979.. so in our books (Year of putting it on the road with a licenceplate..)  it's a 1979 car.   Here in europe the 280zx was the car that came after the 260z..

9 hours ago, Champs74S30 said:

PS, I know the 260 is the black sheep, and to some, the least desirable...

I Always thought the 280zx and 300zx z31 were the black sheeps...   But they are also starting to get more expensive.

Edited March 18, 20186 yr by dutchzcarguy

Thanks for the responses! I am sure I will need you guys as this resto moves forward! I will post all the pics the owner sent now...As for good pics, I will post them as soon as I get it home. Looks like The brakes are going to be my first (of many) issues... It cranks, starts, and moves... transmission is free, and engages in every gear... but left rear drum, and both front calipers seem stuck. I am trailering it home next Saturday. Let me know what you can gather from these low quality photos... I know it looks rough, Hell, it IS rough, but it’s a complete, and running start. Cant wait for the feedback

 

Welcome to the club from another "good ole boy", some will argue that for sure. 

You have a great project car there, some good father son work sessions.  Looks like a Georgia tag?

Here's all I could find on a recent thread about this 260 but it's from last year.

 

The great news is ... it has no sunroof.

Looks like you got a good deal.

Love that EQ and the speakers on the transmission tunnel.  Never seen that before.

That’s an ancient CB radio mounted to the right of the Shifter... I have yet to examine the speaker on the left. ha, I’m sure I will find lots of “extras” I will have to shuck. With the pictures of the front and rear of the car, can you guys tell me if it appears to be an Early or 74.5/75? I’ve read you can tell by the placement of turn signals/parking lights, and the where the reverse lights are in the taillight assembly. I’m still in the “trying to identify” what exactly I Purchased...