Classic or Custom

[Rusty1]

Guys,

I am interested in your opinion on what I should do with my zed.

I spent the last six months looking for a reasonably rust free 260 2+2, Like anybody I would prefer a 2 seater but the GLW (Good Lady Wife) did not want to exclude our kids.

To cut a long story short I settled on my current car, a 74 2+2, standard except for wheels. I traded off the fact that it was an auto for the lack of rust. It has the usual cosmetic rust but nothing in the floor/firewall/doors etc.

The original plan was to fit a 5 speed and respray the car to a more pleasing color (it is light metallic blue with white interior), and then slowly trick up the suspension, brakes, engine etc.

My dillema is this, the car has original books, original service history, matching numbers, even the original ignition and door keys. The rego plates are original, and I think the original spare tire has never been used. The car even came with the tool kit complete with wheel chocks sealed in their original plastic bag.

What does everybody think, Is the car more valuable restored the car to original specs and should I look for another one to modify, or should I just modify the current car?

I would be interested in your opinions.

I cannot decide.

[billcapp]

I would think that what you have should be kept original because it has a good start already. It's a rare find to get one still stock with new stuff (not opened). IMHO:cross-eye

[DatsunZGuy]

I spent my teenage years modifying perfectly stock Z cars and wished I left things well enough alone. As I’ve grown older (and maybe wiser), I have learned to appreciate a stock looking car.

Just my humble opinion…

[JEFF]

Take the Yamaha out when ever possable and flogg on it!!!

no, really, if you want the general public to turn thier heads... Modify it alot. If you want the Z lovers to respect,adore,& stare?

keep it as stock as possable.

MHO..

- Jeff

[2ManyZs]

I'd have to vote original as well, but with a few differences.

If you want to do a few simple bolt on mods that can be changed easily I don't see why that would hurt either. Things like wheels and tires, and other things such as air dams that can be bolted onto the car without modifying the original body or chassis. Just as long as you can change it back without having to resort to filling, body work or buying new parts to replace door panels etc....

Few enough cars are 100% original, but to "personalize" it to suit your tastes if it can be put back original in a matter of an afternoon or two would also be fine in my book.

[Bambikiller240]

I vote for keeping it very close to original. You have a great start with the car that you found. It would be a pity to drastically alter a "SURVIVOR Z". Mild mods such as 2Many mentioned wouldn't hurt, but anything major should be avoided IMHO.

[Rusty1]

I think that you guys have pretty much confirmed what I already knew. The GLW would approve of buying another Z to customise but I would have to sell the bike, I am not ready for that sort of commitment yet.:classic:

[280zx Fever]

Dont even think of modifiying it keep it stock as a rock in 20years from now it will be rare as hens teeth

[peterc]

Rusty,

If nothing else, try to make only mods that are reversible. I.e. its o.k. to change wheels, tires, radios, etc., just be sure to keep the originals. That way you can enjoy the car customized to your likes and still have an "original" if/when you decide to sell.

Cheers,

Peter

[PrOxLaMuS©]

now when you guys mean stock.....

is that stock on the outside?

What about a L28eT engine... with a 5-speed tranny swap, with new suspension and exhuast?

Looks stock everywhere else except under the hood and the exhuast.

[Bambikiller240]

Originally posted by PrOxLaMuS©

now when you guys mean stock.....

is that stock on the outside?

What about a L28eT engine... with a 5-speed tranny swap, with new suspension and exhuast?

Stock means Stock. What many have suggested is to only make changes that can be undone easily. That would preclude changes to an different engine and trans and new suspension, UNLESS you plan to maintain the old engine/trans in good running order by keeping the entire engine and transmission internals well lubricated including the metal parts and seals etc. so that it could be dropped into the car at a moments notice and be driven immediately without any worries.

What you are describing would (by most people) be considered as MAJOR changes to a car.

[280zx Fever]

to true bambi,

its a classic keep it as a classic it will reward you. in 40 years time a classic 240z kept in good order should fetch a good figure !