59ghia

I'm with you on the BMW parts, the csi shares 90% drivetrain parts with the Bavaria....tons o-parts. So mechanicals are there, but as you say, try to find a chrome headlight surround, and your in trouble. And they also suffer from rust,as does the Porsche, as our cars do. I'll have to post some pics of the damage, so you can get an idea of what might be involved in a repair. Fact is we have lots of Z-cars out here, and if I'm patient, and willing to spend the $$ I should be able to find a decent shell. As for swaping parts over that should give me time to detail everything, and make #2 better. I think I'm convincing myself allready.......

I thought about fixing it, I don't think you can get 1/4 panels anymore, and really don't want to saw and weld. I think a clean donor is in order.

Hello fellow Z'ers, Long time no post...Z's was running fine. Until two weeks ago....Parked in front of my house, sitting down resting from knee surgery (repaired torn meniscus) when I here "the noise" looked out the window to see my car rolling forward.. NOOOOOOO! I jump off couch, hop out door on good leg, realize I'm not going far, yell to kids "get my crutches and call the cops" The goof-ball up the street taged the left rear corner, barely cracked the tailite and crumpled the 1/4 panel. Could not of hit it in a better place to do maximum damage.I was so pissed my wife had to hold me back from beating this guy with my crutches! Then I realize who it is (family friend, NOT mine). He wasn't going anywhere, and guy was in total shock. Fast forward a week, adjuster comes out, takes pics and said we'll get back to you. Get a call and say, it's a total loss, we'll give you $2,400 for it. I say, whats your fax number, your getting all my receipts (they total around $5k). A few days later an appraiser calls and makes an appt. to see the car. Yesterday I called insurance, to see whats up.....appraised at $7,792.00. excellent. I asked If I wanted to keep the car, how much will I get? She says $7,467.12. I said mail the check, I'm keep'in the car. Now begins the soul search, Buy another Z, attach parts, keep the difference, or go another direction. I have a feeling I know what members here might think! There are two cars I'm considering, '72 BMW 3.0 CSi or 70's Porsche targa, always wanted one of those! Moral of story, Keep all receipts, take pictures during restoration, never ever take insurance companies first offer. Dave

On that captive plate, can it be easily removed once an access hole is made from behind the dogleg? Or did they spot weld that angled plate in there so it stays in place? My top bolt on my latch stripped the other day, and I was thinking I'd weld a nut in place. Dave

My car is a '72. It was given to me by an older gentleman who was the original owner. He had rear-ended someone and pushed the radiator into the fan. Parked it and 5 years later it was mine. But before actually taking ownership I found this site and read every thread possible. Brought it home, and began the refresh..Started with all new brakes(front calibers siezed) new brake hoses, rebuilt carbs, flushed fluids, Petronix ignition. pulled front radiator support out enough to clear the radiator, and fired it up.Drove it for a month or two to clear the cobwebs. Then replaced all suspension bushings, bigger sway bars and eibach springs. Then the body got some lovin' cut out rust and welded patch panels. Found out the rear quarters had been "re-shaped" (big time bondo) But since this was to be a presentable daily driver I was going to lose sleep over it. Put a decent paint job on it (110 red) and now drive it every day to work @30 miles round trip. Have taken it skiing to tahoe a few times and just enjoy every minute I have with it. Currently she has over 300,000 miles and from the inch thick of records is on her second engine, an L26. I LOVE THIS CAR!!!

OK, Here's mine: HLS30072119 Born 3/72 Original engine was L24-091201. I just realised the replaced engine is L26-023971...I've had this car over 3 years, replaced head gasket, timing chain etc etc and now realized its an L26....go figure! :stupid:

How about up high were the strut mounts inside the cabin, pull the cap and have a look there. Maybe you can have someone follow you and have a look at the rear and see what she does? Best of luck, Dave

Could be getting to much fuel, with the choke in the full down position, engine not running, put your hand under the carb, and see if the nozzel is still pulled down, try pushing it up. Mine on rare ocassion will hang up. I pull the choke handle up and down a few times, and I'm good to go.Also check points, cap and rotor on ignition side. Last tune up? Good luck Dave

Just another word of thanks!

.....best investment ever, she watches t.v. and I work on the Z, Ghia, Bug or Dart. Life is good!

Hey thats me in the second pic getting my dash signed! (thanks Ron!)Really, this is a must go to event. It's our version of Goodwood, another WILL go to event. Dave

Welcome to the site. It really helps to be mechanically inclined when you own one of these cars (or any 30+ year old car). With help from these guys almost nothing can't be or hasn't already been fixed. I've been daily driving (30 miles +/-) a day for 3 years. Before I took ownership, the car had sat for 3 years.Do a search on pulling cars out of extended hibernation for things to look for. And after you think you've got everything replaced or fixed, something happens (30 year old part). But the beauty of these cars is most problems can and are fixed relatively easily. Best of luck, Dave

Do a search "fender mirror question" Your answer is within

Have you checked it? Any of that squeling <sp> going on? Otherwise, put a volt meter on the battery, see what you have at idle, then with higher revs, then start adding loads, ie lights, heater, etc. Good luck, Dave

Just wanted to drop a note of thanks for taking the time to post these pics! I've enjoyed them immensely. Your efforts are applauded. Thanks again, Dave