New User

[thesearch_10]

Hi all,

I have just registered and am very interested in any z cars and information about them! The 240 and 260z's are especially interesting and I would love it if someone could reply on what to look for when purchasing... would it be worth it restoring one?

Cheers, Tom

[EScanlon]

Browse the forums first. I think you'll find that just checking on the older posts will more than answer your question as far as what to look for and where to look for.

As far as to whether it is worth it to restore or not;

If you are looking for an investment opportunity....forget it.

If you are looking to work on a car, spend some money (and sometimes big $) in order to get it running just right and be able to drive it around and know people are looking at it somewhat enviously....go for it.

Sadly, the cost of repairing, replacing, and repainting a car that needs it, at this point in time, makes it NOT a good return on investment. Figure you can spend up to $5-6k and STILL find items you wish had been taken care of. There will be some who will argue that for $5 to 6K they would expect the car to be perfect before they would buy. Well don't confuse EXPECTATIONS with ACTUAL SALES.

You are much better off buying as complete and pristine a vehicle as you can. Even if that means spending more money.

I recently saw a 71 Z Garage Queen. She'd been driven very little (less than 50k original) still had original tires, engine bay was pristine, no rust, interior was as close to perfect as you can imagine. The vehicle is for sale. He wants about $12k-$15k. Will he get it? Probably. Like I said, this car had never spent a night outdoors. Is it worth it? I think so. All you would have to do to this car is give it a wax job, and maybe a slight touch up on some of the interior silver trim.

Could you restore a vehicle to the same status as the garage queen? You bet, but not for $15K.

2¢

[Victor Laury]

Tom, Enrique has given you sagely advice. Let's see if I can add some at equal value.

First - Where are you at? Chances are, you have a CZCC member in your area to help you evaluate a prospective purchase. Having more than one set of eyes to check out a car is never a bad thing.

2nd - Be prepared to walk away. God, I wish I had taken this point to heart when I bought my first Z. Lets say you drive 100 miles, with the purchase money in your pocket. The seller says "This IS the car you've been looking for". If that Fairlady is not as fair as you expect - Walk AWAY! I swear, the day after you compromise, the car you REALLY wanted comes on the market.

3rd - Be prepared to check out the car. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Bring a flashlight. Get down on your back and look ant the frame rails. Use your hands and feel under the battery.

[cbrunberg]

The previous posts are right. Just to add my $.02. Check the floor pans for rust (from under the car). It can be fixed but it's tough to get at without a rack. Also my first Z was a 260 and was tough to get smogged here in California. For the cost of rebuilding the carbs I could have got a smog exzempt 240. Also some of the interior parts were missing and were very hard to find. So to echo previous advice; buy the most complete car you can afford. Make repairs in areas you feel confident in.

Carl

[thesearch_10]

thanks all very much,

In a fairly general reply I will have around $10,000 AUS to spend and I am located in Melbourne, Australia. I am aware that the three of you are from North America which is not exactly around the corner. Though I am much obliged that you replied with valuable information for when inspecting a possible buy.

With this further information, is it worth pursuing as would I be able to get a decent 240 or 260z (preferably 240z) for around 10k AUS?? I believe the exchange rate is currently around $0.60 to $1 US. Cheers once again

Tom:classic:

[thesearch_10]

Sorry I forgot to add that there is no investment interests and pure enjoyment is my driving force in this area,

Tom:classic:

[Alfadog]

Hi mate,

$10,000 will get you a VERY NICE Zed indeed, if you can hang out long enough to find one !

[beandip]

thesearch The advise given before me here is right on the money. Keep an eye on this web site as there are several Blokes from Oz here and I know they would be more than happy to be of help.

[biker]

Beandip

Several blokes from Oz????? - seems like hundreds of us!!!!!

[thesearch_10]

thanx all,

Firstly I have a good year to search for the perfect 240z but would it actually be reasonable to be able to attach a bodykit or are they too expensive/rare. Ummm thats all for now

Cheers, Tom

[cbrunberg]

hey Tom what kind of body kit are you talking about and why? Do you mean flares and spoilers? Ground effects? Farrari, Cobra...? Is it to replace a bad body or just for a new look? There are I belive lots of replacement body parts available at reasonable prices, it's just a lot of work to apply them. Unless that's what your good at.

Carl

[thesearch_10]

Hey Carl i'm not an expert and in fact the total opposite so therefore im not sure what bodykit! would u like me to get some pictures of the ones ive seen? they are pretty plush z's and i dont think i can expect to make mine that good with only 10k. I think all the pics ive seen would be somewhere within the club's gallery. Cheers

Tom