Look at my car, tell me what you think.

[Cooper260z]

Hello, my name is cooper, I’m 18 and this is my ‘74 260z I recently bought. 
 

I've wanted a 240Z for a few years now, but when I saw an ad on Craigslist for a 260z being parted out that was a complete A/C car that had been in a garage for 25 years, I thought that was just absurd and made a deal to buy the whole car. 
 

This is my first Z but not my first project car so I at least think I kind of know what I’m doing a bit. I have a basic idea if nothing els. 
 

The pictures show the current state of the car, just a bit different from how I picked it up. I’ve cleaned it a bit in an attempt to get the smell of rat pee out, I’ve removed the carpet and the Louvres but otherwise it looks the same as it did when I got it. 
 

The car is very solid, has minimal rust and is pretty straight. 
 

Since I’m not familiar with these cars yet I’d like the opinions of some people that are. Like if anything stands out as surprising, or cool or absolutely terrible, let me know I’d love to hear it!

 

I have already started working on it, I’ve done the brakes and put in some new ignition parts in, It does run and drive now. Runs surprisingly well too. Doesn’t stop quite as well but I’m still working on that

[Mark Maras]

 Welcome. Your 260 appears to be in quite good shape and quite original. Congratulations on a great find. Most of us have had to start on a Z that was in much worse shape than yours. What are your plans for it?

[heyitsrama]

Hello! Whats the Vin/production Year on the chassis?

I think it just needs some odds and ends sorted out and it would be perfect to putt around in.

I'm also in the SF Bay, I've been working on a Early 260z for a while now, nice to see more local people. ?

[wheee!]

Smart boy keeps a fire extinguisher handy... [emoji1303]

[Cooper260z]

@Mark Maras The plan for now is just to get it running and driving well. Then I’d like it to be a bit lower, better wheels and triple carbs look pretty cool and fun. But that stuff will be later. And I still want a 240Z too, but this car seems too solid to get rid of right now. 
 

@heyitsrama Hey, maybe we can get together sometime! I don’t have any Datsun buddies yet. 
The vin is 023321its a February ‘74 car. 
 

@wheee! Gotta have an extinguisher, especially with the new unknown cars. 

[heyitsrama]

Woah thats not too far off from mine, `19462`

I've been itching to get my car out, I've spent the last couple weeks repairing the hatch panel rust, almost there, was getting the rear seal glued down yesterday.

Early 260z's  can be weird with subtle changes, esp in the electrical/wiring section. Let me know if you need a hand! ?

[rturbo 930]

Looks like a great starting point, and good on you for saving it from being parted out. 

[Cooper260z]

@heyitsrama thanks! I’ll send you a message sometime for sure 

[LeonV]

Welcome! Nice save, love the original blue plates and flat-top carbs on a running motor are a rare sight these days. I'm on my second 260Z and have a bunch of old parts from my previous 240s and 260s, shout if you guys ever need anything. I noticed the condition of your bumpers and I know I have at least one early 260Z bumper, can't recall whether it's a front or rear. I also have brackets to convert an early 260 to 240 bumpers.

My current one is also a 2/74 build, serial number 24368. ?

[grannyknot]

Welcome to the forum Cooper, nice find, your Z appears to be in pretty decent shape. They are easy cars to work on and any problem you may run into someone on this forum will have the answer for you.

I love those wheels, they are certainly period correct aftermarket. 

[HappyZ]

Congrats @Cooper260z!  One lesson I learned when I bought my first 240Z was rust.  As I began to take a closer look at the car, I found rust here, there, and everywhere.  Mainly the under side of the car.  I finally decided it wasn't safe to drive.  I plan to save it, but it'll take about $15K to make it right.

I'm not trying to scare you, but you really need to look hard under the car to ensure it safe to drive.  If it is safe, then you can restore it slowly.

Lastly, if you can, learn to do body work to include welding.  If you have those skills, then you can really look at old cars in a different way.  I can do almost anything, but I can't weld or do body work (hence the $15K to restore one of my 240Zs)

[Captain Obvious]

Welcome to the club!  Flat tops rule!

Is that your 2002 as well?