When is it time to give up the Z?

[Pop's Z]

Hi all,

I am wrestling with the rot of old age. I have a "trigger finger" in my right hand. It's looking like surgery is going to happen. My hands both are being invaded by arthritis which makes wrenching difficult if not impossible to do. As this is what gives me the most satisfaction it is becoming obvious that I may not be able to continue to maintain "the renowned Mr. Brown" in the way he needs. I've had him since 2005 and I don't want to see him go to someone who can't or won't maintain him to the standards necessary to keep him going. So, what to do? I hate to admit that I may not be able to continue in the Z world because my body is letting me down. I have a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and money invested in this love affair. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers, Mike

[jonbill]

I guess you know the Dupuytren's is fixable,  but not the arthritis. what you need is a younger keen relative who'd like to inherit it. you can be the brains and they can be the brawn. 

[SteveJ]

I've started hiring myself out to members of our club for the simple (at least I think it's simple) wrenching and wiring needs of the S30s. I could probably do the S130s, too, if there was interest. Even in my mid-50s, I'm at the lower end of the age range in my club, so I help others keep their Z cars. So along @jonbill's suggestion, maybe if not a relative, a local club member might be willing to turn the wrenches for you, possibly for a reasonable fee.

[DatsunZGuy]

Since your profile says you're up in Fort Collins, have you reached out to https://www.zccc.org ?

It was one of the best clubs with the most helpful members I was fortunate to be a part of when I lived in Denver years ago.

 

[Pop's Z]

I know that the thumb surgery will be successful, but as you say it won't help the arthritis. I may be able to get a few more years, but the end is coming...

For the most part ZCCC is Denver based and later car oriented. I was not impressed with one of their VPs when we did a meet-n-greet at a Nissan dealer in Greeley. He was very arrogant and dismissive of the older cars and he treated one of our friends who was actually a ZCCC member very poorly. So I don't think the answer lies there.

I do have a friend who is much younger and we have done many Z projects together, but I don't want to tie him up on my stuff as he has a life and his own things to do, so that would only be a temporary solution for me.

As far as a younger family member goes my 16 year old grandson is not really into cars, and my 6 year old granddaughter who loves "Grampa's brown car" can't reach the pedals. I can still drive the car and do enjoy it although long trips are a thing of the past.

Thanks for the input, though. Anybody else have words of wisdom?

Cheers, Mike

[Zed Head]

I'd put it on BAT, it's the hot scene these days.  You'll have a set of good pictures stored for the world to see, and it will go to someone that values it.  

Just because you sell your Z doesn't mean you can't still be part of the Z world.  

[heyitsrama]

From how you describe the car it seems like there’s not much left to do with it (as far as restoration is concerned). Is there something that makes driving it difficult? I would think the steering might be a bit heavy.. (electronic power assist might be able to help with this).

I’m sure you can find new ways to enjoy the car.

[DatsunZGuy]

35 minutes ago, Pop's Z said:

For the most part ZCCC is Denver based and later car oriented. I was not impressed with one of their VPs when we did a meet-n-greet at a Nissan dealer in Greeley. He was very arrogant and dismissive of the older cars and he treated one of our friends who was actually a ZCCC member very poorly. So I don't think the answer lies there.

 

Sorry to hear that ZCCC has been taken over by a few clowns.  It was a good club back in the early 90's when this photo was taken.

[madkaw]

I feel your pain . I have been dealing with neuropathies with no known reason . Sometimes it’s a struggle to get through the day let alone work on the Z . I hired a young man who is eager to learn to help me out . I’ve decided I can afford to pay someone else to help limit my pain. At the same time - working in the z can be a nice distraction from the pain . I feel fortunate that I can still get around as well as I can , but at 58 I expected I would be able too. The pain can be mentally challenging and makes me want to give it all up . If I knew working on my car was the cause of my pain I would probably let it go after 25 years . Pain can be a big motivator .

Hope you find resolution 
 

[S30Driver]

Sorry to hear about you dilemma.  I hope it can somehow work out for you and your car hobby enjoyment can continue.

Our small club here is pretty good, about 24 members, all very helpful.  We have tech days, drives, etc.  A good mix of S30 thru the latest 370z stuff.

Bring your beauty down to Colorado Springs this August for Zcon.  Myself, Zup, and Scott will talk you into relocating to NW Arkansas.....

Edited March 4, 2021 by S30Driver
spell

[Pilgrim]

Hey @Pop's Z....I live in Fort Collins. I'm 70 and not enthusiastic about dropping trannies or pulling engines, but if I can lend a hand or contribute a cold beer I can be available.  I take care of my '83 ZX Turbo without problems. 

I live in the NE corner of Fort Collins south of Lemay and Country Club road.  Feel free to drop me a PM. 

At 70, I'm facing the same issue in a few years.  I have two daughters who like the ZX a lot, but neither have room for another car. I suppose I'll eventually look for a buyer who wants to preserve it, not turn it into a chopped-up rice rocket. 

[dutchzcarguy]

16 hours ago, Pop's Z said:

Anybody else have words of wisdom?

I once had a friend with also arthritis and stuff.. problems.  He had alot of air tools that way he could tinker still on his S-class Mercedes..which was a big hobby of his.  You could do that also.

Me myself.. i just turned 60.. I've got so many problems (Heart, spine, knees, neck, tailbone, thyroid gland, hands etc..) i also have days that i don't do a thing.. Once a specialist sayd to me i had cancer.. than it went away.. after half a year or so i got it again.. went to Radboud (a very knowledgeable university hospital) again and again it was the same cancer.. (Just on another spot on my scul.. and.. it went away.. this came and went another 4 times over.. 

These last years i got a problem with my lymf nodes and told a specialist what kind of trouble i got.. and the answer was: Sorry but thats impossible!   (I'm still angry about that stupid answer!!)

At  the end of the day you just have to think: there are people who have even worse problems... i do...