Introduce yourself to the class?

[MDyer]

Hello, I'm new to the club, and recently became a Z-owner again; just turned 40..., had a 74.5 260 2+2 while in high school (Dad's)..., my wife swears it's an early mid-life thing.

I live in Waynesville, OH (20 min from Dayton, 40 from Cincy). 2 great kids, 8 year old daughter and 5 year old son. Great wife, even though she's going to be running out of patience w/ my "new" 77 280. I love golf, music, and generally screwing off. (I can't believe that I cut this deal: One year leave of absence from golf club for 280Z)

Oh, the car: Originally purchased in Cleveland area, then went to Texas at about 3 years of age. Came back to central OH in '93 with 77K miles. Been primarily garaged until now (87K miles).

Exterior is blue and rock-solid, paint is sh*t. Has one spot of rust on the inner front fender well (behind the head light bucket).

Interior is in the process of being converted from cream to black. I'm using SEM vinyl die, and its EASY and looks fantastic. Carpet's in decent shape. Seats need reupholstered or replaced. I'm going to put a MOMO steering wheel, shift knob, boot, etc. in a blue and black coordinated interior.

Mechanically, the car runs very strong. Some cold air induction and header are probably the extent that I'm going to fool with from a performance standpoint. Rear end has a "clunk" if I'm abrupt w/ the clutch. In time, I'm going to replace the 4spd w/ a 5spd. Although I love my current 1st and 2nd gears, the 4th gear at 65 mph for extended periods wears me out.

Suspension / steering could probably stand tightening up. It's certainly not an unsafe vehicle though.

Electrically, this car amazes me. The ONLY electrical miscue is the right front indicator does not intermittantly flash in the hazard mode... works normally when acting as a turn indicator... go figure.

I'm only $3500 into it, and I'm afraid I'm at least $5000 more from finishing it. My wife's gonna wish I stayed focused on my golf handicap! I'm dead meat.

[59ghia]

Hello

Names Dave aka 59ghia. Live in South San Francisco CA. I'm a car nut to the nth degree. Was at the yacht club (nothing snooty, just a place to hang out and drink adult beverages) And was talkin cars with one of the older members, he said he had an old Z in the garage he wanted to get "rid" of. My ears perked up and I asked him "how much you want for it?" He said "he** you can have it!" I withheld my complete exuberance and said ok Couple days later it was in my driveway. Its a 72 that sat around 2-3 years. currently going through the brakes (see my post), and Rebuilding carbs. Compression is good, no under body rust, but some bubbling on rear hatch ledge. Should be a solid driver.

My "other" cars, starting from the oldest are 2 1959 volkswagens a sunroof sedan and a karmann ghia. The ghia is my toy. Its running a 2 litre with weber 48idas, ported and polished heads engle 130 cam, scat nitrited crank with chevy journals, 5.5 inch chromoly rods, roller rockers. it stops with 4 wheel disks. A 1966 Dodge dart convertable, 273 v8, An 87 BMW 325i (wifes car) And an 89 Ford taurus sho (the family flier).

E-gads!! What a mouthfull!

Of course theres my wife who puts up with all my hyjinks (gotta love her!) And two girls 8 and 10, who fight over what car they get when their sixteen. Can you say "chevy cavalier?"

I'm also into anything old, furniture, clocks etc.

Thats my story and I'm stickin' to it.

Dave

[Mr. ImportGuy]

Hi,

My name is Rob I'm 15 looking for a 240z to restore and drive daily. My mom had a 240z i forget what year it was but she sold it. I love old sports cars and love to work on cars thats why im looking at the 240z my first car and project car. I think its great that there is a message board like this for these cars and I'm sure I will be asking many questions so bare with me.

[Alfadog]

Woohooo I'm not the youngest anymore!

hehehe

[Mr. ImportGuy]

so I'm the youngest I take it

[Graeme Suckling]

Hi folks,

my name is Graeme Suckling and I'm from Adelaide South Australia. I am 51 years old and my son Ben (26) and I are both well and truly into Datsun/Nissan vehicles. I have owned a 1600 4 door sedan (510 to you folks) since 29/1/71. Bought brand new for $AUD2670. I also own a 1973 240Z which is currently undergoing a bare metal up rebuild. The Z had an L28 fitted so I am replacing the L series & auto for an RB25DE & 5 speed from an R33 Skyline. Colour will be GP White (Fuji white), with a 'G' nose, R32 Skyline tail lights and bumper. The existing tail light panel is trashed from rust so If I have to re-build it I'll update it as well. I have made all my own metal patch panels with the exception of the rear sill doglegs (bought from MSA in USA). To date I have top coated all the under side and engine bay and it is lookin' good!

To make things easier the body shell is mounted on a rotisserie.

I just roll it round to do whatever and the job is easy(?).

I have Digital photos so if anyone is interested, just drop me a message. I have 12 months to be on the road, There is a National Z rally in Toowoomba Queensland Aust. Easter 2003.

Of course I'll make it!

Regards from "Downunder"

G. Suckling (nissanman)

[grantman240z]

Hey all. My name is Grant, im 16 and live in Orange County, CA. I WAS a proud owner 72 240z until the big accident and am currently on the prowl for one right now. The first time I saw a 240z, at age 10, i decided that i was going to buy that car no matter what. Summer rolled around after my 16th birthday and i worked my arse off, saved just enough and got a crazy deal on a 240z. It didnt have much done to it yet, but the previous owner had put Toxico struts, Eibach springs, anti-sway bars, 280zx 5-speed, electronic ignition, and NO rust or bondo (thats what you get on Southern California ) I had that Z for about 5 monthgs and the original L24 threw a rod, I couldnt find another L24, so i decided on a 82 L28 i found for $300. I had if for TWO days with the L28 when i rolled her, that was probably the worst day of my life, i loved that car and i was proud of it. All the car guys at school loved it and i got so many compliments from people at stop lights and gas station, but thats all over now . Oh well...thats it about me, nothing interesting yet!

Grant

[Alfadog]

Graeme your project sounds very exciting !

Some pics would be great, especially of what you plan to do with putting R32 tail lights on a Z!!

Also, This National Z Rally could you please tell me what this is about?

[justaZcarguy]

Holy Moly,

First of all congratulations to all for helping contribute to what I feel is one of the strongest "family atmosphere" clubs on the 'net.

I gotta say, 2ManyZ's, the tribute to your father is awesome.

I found the Z car virus when I owned my first Z which was a 1978 280. It had the basic auto X package until the master cylinder failed on a corner that I was zipping thru. (Big shock.) :eek:

But, once again I was reminded of the strong cage these cars have as I rolled off the road. Not ONE salvageable part. But I was ok and learned that life is still good after basically walking away from an accident that occoured at around 90. And yes, I've had a talk with that little demon that sits on my shoulder.

Since that little crackup, I've owned 5 more and currently have my first 240 under construction. Which by the way, the valve problem was something simple and yes, that spindle STILL has not moved. Hey, where can I get that puller again????

Maybe this time I'll write it down...

I'm yes, 33 yrs old, am a supervisor for Waste Management, yes I talk trash all day! Have 3 kids and the wife. (ok, 4 kids including myself...) The wife will join me in auto X hopefully this year (if the car is ready) which I should probably tell her she is doing, huh? She's NEVER raced so it should be fun for her, (and all... ) Come to think about it, she hasn't driven anything but automatics. Hmmmm, may need to rethink this.

Well, I appreciate all the advice that all have given me, the Z that keeps us all together is a stong one and that's nice to see in a world that usually needs second guessing...

[Ivan]

Hello everyone my name is Ivan, I'm from New Zealand and I am 21 years old. Not married, no kids my first Z was a '90 300zx 2 years ago (still got it) and just recently I picked up a '72 240z and have been restoring it for about 5 months now. I have bought a RB25DET from a '93 skyline and a R32 gearbox which I am currently fitting into the engine bay.

[hmsports]

Hello All!

My name is Rick Hanson and I live in St. Louis, MO. I'll be 38 this month, married with a 3 1/2 year old Son who is an aspiring Z car fan.

I currently own a 1970, 1971 and 1972. The '70 is being prepped for SCCA ITS racing - first outing this August at Gateway International in St. Louis. The '71 is being made into my daily driver. The '72 is my two year project being prepped for SCCA E-Production. I've been racing 240s for seven years in ITS. Had two '72s. Both have been re-tired (pardon the pun, but you have to have a sense of humor after smacking the 'tire' walls at 100mph+).

It's nice to race a car that is 30 years old and still whip up on the new BMWs and Mazdas!

I'm a software engineer and run HANSON Motorsports on the side, specializing in custom roll cages and brake cooling ducts (www.hmsports.com).

This is a wonderful forum and an enjoyable web-club.

Later, Rick

[Graeme Suckling]

Hi Ivan,

I'm doing an RB25DE conversion to a '73 Z which is currently under going a complete re-build - see earlier posting.

I would like to see some pics if you have any.

My pics have just been approved and are on view under the "Body and Paint" category.

New pic is my proposed front brake conversion!

Regards,

Nissanman.