I did it! Got myself a '71 240Z (HLS3012365, 10/70)

[GoldAir]

Hi all,

I flirted with it for a long time... and finally pulled the trigger from a recent BaT auction:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-datsun-240z-274/

I'm still a newbie, but excited to dive in and meet some of you in the future. And more than happy to be more than a lurker!

It'll be taken on limited drives, but do want to get it out and enjoy it in Southern California. That being said, I am excited to work on restoring and updating as much as possible and keep it stock.

Some information pasted from the listing:

Early series 1 car in Safari Gold.
California blue license plates.
Matching engine numbers.
Matching numbers on shock tower plate, door plate, dash vin, and firewall vin.
Original “D” hubcaps.
Correct early seats with tilt knobs.
Correct early steering wheel w/o spoke holes.
Correct speedometer starting at 20 MPH.
Correct oil pressure gauge to 140 PSI.
Tool bins behind the seat, not in rear hatch floor.
Correct metal cooling fan.
2400 script valve cover.
Correct E31 head.
Early 4 screw SU carbs.
Early air cleaner w/o winter – summer flap.
Engine splash pan guard present.

With that being said, I have a grasp on some basic things to immediately work on (based both on the photos but also the seller's comments), but would welcome any of your expertise and tips on things to focus on, take care of, look to fix etc. Especially things on early Zs that should be looked at. Would also love any thoughts on any glaring pieces that don't look stock that I can get changed out.

Work done by previous owner (copy/pasted):

re-trimming the interior
fuel system service
replacing the dashboard cap
replacing the carpets
machining the cylinder head
rebuilding the brake booster
replacing the head gasket
replacing the ignition wires
replacing the spark plugs
replacing the thermostat
replacing the intake manifold gaskets
replacing the tie rod ends
replacing the tires
replacing the brake components
replacing the steering rack boots
replacing the brake master cylinder
replacing the front brake calipers and pads
replacing the rear wheel cylinders and shoes

What I have right now. Obviously, some of these are just cosmetic, but listing what comes to mind:

• Battery tray rust remediation
• General rust remediation
  • Are there any standouts?
• Rubber seals (misc.)
• Strut bushing replacements
• Assess jack point damages
• Check the glasspack-style muffler that was installed under prior ownership
• Splash pan with holes (from later model year)
  • Likely not a good idea to go back to one with no holes?
• Engine hoses (replace with original styles?)
  • I read that Philips-head clamps are newer adds
• OEM (or similar) radio to make drives a little more enjoyable
  • This also depends if the car came without an AM radio originally. If so, I may keep it without
• Check if the powered antenna works
• Check if the clock works
  • Not sure it does based on the auction driving video and photos
• Check gauges
  • Not sure they do based on the listing
• Check map light
• Wheel and hub cap restoration?
  • Hub caps look dark... not sure if the chrome has worn or there was a style like this?
• Oil/restore (steering wheel) wood
• Gear shift knob replace to stock
• Shift boot replace (check if original style)

Thanks to @SacCyclone for selling and thanks in advance to all of you for the forum knowledge I'll be searching through and your expertise! Excited to get going.

[Patcon]

Good looking car, welcome

[jfa.series1]

Great looking car, congrats on your acquisition! You certainly picked the right color for your first Z and I'm not at all predjuiced, nope - not one bit! 😉

Welcome to the group, the source of lots of helpuful information and no snarky comments.

[zed2]

Welcome to the joys of 920 ownership.

Keith