My 1st 240z

[SteveJ]

20 hours ago, bluez said:

Greetings all, new member joining.  Just picked up a green 71 Z. Seems to be all original, (no rust😁) with 69k miles, other then a repaint about 25 yrs ago. Planning to fix all the seemingly minor issues. Car has been sitting for many years, about 3k miles over the 34 years. Car actually runs pretty good considering it’s been parked for so long. Sitting in it seems like a throw back in time. Previously owned a 74, 78, and a 82 many yrs ago. Can’t wait to bring it back to life.

Welcome. This thread I started on getting my car back on the road after 11 years in the garage may be helpful to you. 

 

[bluez]

23 hours ago, Captain Obvious said:

Uhhh... bluez,  You know your car isn't blue, right?  

Seriously though, welcome aboard!     😃

Thanks all. My 78z was blue, and I almost purchased another one recently, thus the reason for my I’d. Ended up getting a 71 instead, so I should do an name change.. Since I’ve been away from Z’s for so long I need to do some serious catch up. Plan is to keep it original as much as possible.

Car is from Md, built 12/70. Minimal work done, over last 30+ yrs. Here’s what I’ve found so far:

The good- Motor, clutch, trans, steering, lights, body panels, floors all appear good, interior, dash, seats, rugs all good.

The bad- Tires dry rotted, antenna cord to be replaced, speedometer orings leaking, most hoses need replacement, suspension bushings are disintegrating, clock not working, new drivers seat cushion doesn’t quite match OEM.

Still in exploring stage, car going on lift today. Can’t wait to see what lurks below.
Here’s some pics.

 

 

[psdenno]

Very nice interior!  I wish my '71 was that clean and tidy.  Does the red button on the center console activate the fog lights?

[bluez]

Yes, the button is for the Lucas lights, they will be removed shortly.. Incredibly, I found the small plastic piece to replace the button, in the glove box. It’s been in there for 50 yrs..

[psdenno]

Nice find.  That plug is an elusive piece.  I used to run fog lights on mine, but above and slightly behind the bumper.  Too easy to break no matter where mounted.

[Johnz1971]

Very nice condition!  My z is also a 12/70 car.

Question though, what is that thing seemingly mounted over the ID plate in the engine bay?  I cant really see it in the 2nd engine picture..

[bluez]

That’s the relay for the Lucas lights.  Fortunately it’s mounted using the existing holes for the id plate, so no extra holes are in fender. Soon to be added to unused parts bin.

[jonathanrussell]

Welcome. Looks like an awesome car. We might have similar stories. I had a 280z when I was a kid in the early / mid 80's. Ended up selling it when I got serious about college. 20 years later (15 years ago now) I got interested / addicted again.

My unsolicited advice is to resist the temptation to take it apart and try to fix / address everything. Stick with weekend or 2 weekend projects and keep it running.

This is a great forum. I have learned so much from the smart people who are regulars. In other words, you have come to the right place.

 

[bluez]

On 9/15/2021 at 11:15 AM, SteveJ said:

Welcome. This thread I started on getting my car back on the road after 11 years in the garage may be helpful to you. 

 

Great that you’re documenting your progress. 👍

[SteveJ]

43 minutes ago, bluez said:

Great that you’re documenting your progress. 👍

It helps to share some of the surprises, especially when people join here because they want to "wake up" an old Z. On the other hand, I haven't been documenting some things like the oil leaks from dried up seals...

[bluez]

Quick progress update..

Pulled wheels off, front rotors in need for resurfacing, measured at 12.75mm. Rear drums came off fairly easy (very surprised), in good shape. Hoses need replacement.

Did Compression test 1-3cyl @165psi, 4 @167 psi, 5 @173psi, 6@170psi

Just ordered new front suspension parts, most rubber disintegrated (ball joints, tie rods,end links, control rod & strut & sway bar bushings)

Found missing screw on carb linkage that held the nozzle head in carb, which explains car running a bit rough and fuel seepage, runs much better now..

 

[grannyknot]

8 hours ago, bluez said:

Did Compression test 1-3cyl @165psi, 4 @167 psi, 5 @173psi, 6@170psi

Did you do the compression test with the engine hot or cold, did you do the wet test after the dry with a squirt of oil in each cylinder?