mtbnathan

Hi, I am attempting to assess the damage to my 240z. I bought it some 12 years ago and am now, again, looking to go thru a few rounds of restoration/upkeep. Issue #1: The front passenger fender has been replaced (other blue, behind my otherwise off white z). Evidence of a collision. Also, noted on the passenger side, at where the front tie rod goes into the frame, the (female) mount, that is part of the body, is cracked and poorly welded as a repair. This damage never seemed to affect the driving, but after discovery, I vowed to properly repair: put on laser frame rack, to check/repair, clean out/up poor welds, reweld. Issue #2: The engine rests on the frame with washers! The mechanic checking the alignment discovered that the engine was resting on the frame with just solid steel washers. I am missing the rubber motor mounts. Why would someone do this?! Issue #3: What's more, after hours of work underneath doing the brakes, I was 19 at the time, I discovered this car was airborne, as evident by the pebbles dragged thru the factory undercoat. There is not too damage, it appears. Just made me chuckle...I didn't do it. HOWEVER, the front frame rails are my main concern: Appear crumpled, dented in the middle/forced up, as they run to the rear of the car, possibly from making contact with a road (upon landing at speed). I naively thought this might just be how the car was made. Now, I feel I might need to have these rails pulled/straightened off the firewall (if I know what I am talking about). Appears, some front collision occurred, or that is what I want to determined. I am looking for photos of frame (on a good/clean 240Z) to compare with mine. PLEASE. I need them to make a decision to keep or sell my 240z. Sadly, if the body/frame needs extensive repairs...I would rather buy a manual 2 door gen. 3 VW Golf or a Mini Cooper S. Sorry, yall. Thanks all!

To add. I too plan to drive my car. As a matter of fact, the Z GI Joe Barbie ad for the 350z is what solidified my decision to buy my 1973 240z, back in 2000? Anyway... I have a storage garage, but I'm not all bent on keeping my 240z with less than 65,000 miles forever. Though, I don't pull it out in rain, cause the seals are shot. BUT sticking to topic, I thought to use a "club", but know that does little. I was going to run up some toggle switch that kills the ignition system...need to know where the switch is to engage the ignition. Having said that, I haven't looked into how to execute this deterrent. Seems like my father an electrician and former gear head could figure this out for me. I like the fuel cut off idea as well, and I'm not shy about getting on my back or dust a little dirt off, to save a joy rider from stealing my fun.

I am researching swapping out my '73 carbs on my 240z, to earlier '70 carbs for better performance. I believe I will need to change the intake manifolds (going from square, to round ports?)? Is this correct? Also, as far as the choke cable. I will need to replace this? Correct? While considering this what swap might I also need to change some other components (delete some smog controls...live in Wisconsin) as I am sure some of you have more knowledge then me. I NEED YOUR INPUT. Aside, in the future I hope to replace the head to an N42, as I believe it to be the simplest (bolt on upgrade) from stock.