psdenno

Correct me if I'm wrong...... You bought a car from someone who didn't own it. You're looking for a cheap similar car with clear title and VIN plates. This is heading down a very dark road. Can you contact the person who holds the title to the Z you bought? Dennis

There are probably dozens of members of this forum who have the old original A/C kit pieces sitting on shelves in the garage after converting to modern rotary systems. Sooooo, finding the missing pieces you need shouldn't be too difficult if you want to maintain the "vintage" look. I'm not an A/C expert, but I'm guessing the old condenser can be cleaned and reused if it doesn't leak. On the other hand, a new system with a rotary compressor and modern refrigerant is smooth running and easier to service than the earlier R12 systems. It will keep your Z cool, especially if you have rear window louvers. Good luck! Dennis

The rear quarter can probably be pulled/pounded out without too much effort or expense. I think I'd be a little more concerned about the sprung rear hatch. Getting that to fit and close properly might be a bigger task if the hinges and hinge mount points are bent. The hatch, itself, may be a candidate for replacement rather than repair. Let us know what you do. Dennis

Not exactly ZG flares, but flares nonetheless. Dennis

Guaranteed Chick Magnet! Nice job. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Good luck with your search. You may have to save a bit more before buying and don't forget to budget for the parts and services the Z will no doubt need once you find it. Keep us posted on your progress. Dennis

A stock 240Z can go fast enough to get you in trouble quite nicely, so no real need to transplant a 370Z drivetrain. As for getting better gas mileage with the 350 or 370 motor, any financial benefit realized would have been more than spent in the conversion process. Perhaps buying a cheap 240Z and a used 350Z would be a nice compromise and give you plenty of projects to tinker with. Dennis

Just curious...anyone here ever have a flex fan disintegrate or personally know someone who was injured by one? I'm not advocating for flex fans, but it seems that there's a great deal of second hand information about them and little first hand experience. The term "Urban Legend" comes to mind. As far as being more dangerous than the factory fan, I have first hand experience with my factory fan augering through my radiator that leads me to believe it wasn't too safe, either. Dennis

What would be the advantage of removing the return line? Not sure that I follow your line of thought on this. I installed an electric pump on my '71 35 years ago and left all plumbing in place. That same pump is still pushing gas to the carbs. Dennis

Car Show for me.....so far. Top Gear America is too contrived and poorly executed - very little chemistry between the hosts. I realize that the BBC's version of Top Gear is also contrived, but it's far more entertaining and the hosts more likable. Dennis

I had one on my Z for years. I installed it after my original fan went through the original radiator and i didn't have access to stock replacement parts. I upgraded the radiator and installed a flex fan and spacer. The only issue I had was that it slightly "ticked" the A/C hardware at a certain RPM range. I ignored it and had no problems - ran it for years. When I pulled the Z out of storage a few years ago, I pulled the flex fan off and replaced it with a stock plastic fan & clutch. There were no signs of fatigue or damage to the flex fan after tens of thousands of miles. Dennis

Oiluj, Especially a seven year old copy of the WSJ Hence, my observation that the car information was quite dated and perhaps not of value except in an historical sense. I wasn't slamming the article, only pointing out it's timeliness and, perhaps, lack of applicability to current trends. I agree that any positive Z press is a good thing. Hugs, Dennis

Just like I don't track my investment portfolio or make my stock buying decisions by using a 2004 copy of the WSJ, I probably won't put too much value in their 2004 240Z advice other than as an historic perspective. But, it is fun to revisit the outlook at that time. Dennis

The story carries a Dow Jones 2004 copyright that implies news from the past. So, as they say on Wall Street, "Past performance is not a guarantee of future results". I was, however, pleased to see that my Avanti also made the list. It tends to be appreciated by the automotive public about like the Z. Dennis

Welcome to the group! Enjoy the wealth of information in the message archive and let us know when you pick up that next Z. Thanks for doing what you do in Afghanistan. Dennis

Close substitutes are available from several sources including Harbor Freight with some bin searching and driving around. However, the "real thing" is readily available, doesn't cost a huge amount compared to some of the things we buy for our Zs, once in place fits right and doesn't get changed out very often, so why not just buy a bag of the real thing from MSA - unless it's the thrill of the hunt? Yes, I understand that looking at the cost per piece makes the real thing look like a rip-off. But, the fit is perfect, not just close, and they're still available. Just my 2¢, not looking to argue. Dennis

I've had American Collector for years with coverage on several cars. If you can live with the driving limitations, the rates are good and the one claim I had was handled without drama. Dennis

Nice find! Welcome to the group. Dennis

Welcome to the Group! Enjoy your Z project and be sure to ask lots of question if you get frustrated during the process. Dennis

You may have a change of heart after you take it for a drive in August. My Z sat for 15 years. I went through all the systems to bring it up mechanically and did a "driveway" fix on the rust. The repair cost was about twice what I paid for it when I bought it, new, off the showroom floor. Every time I drive it, I'm glad I still own it. Fun car + Great memories = Keeper. Dennis

Typically, the daily temps reach over 100º every day from June to early October here in the SoCal desert. They're usually 110-115º this time of year. Even with the A/C on, I haven't experienced vapor lock with my '71 Z. The only mods on the car are a bigger radiator and aux electric fans that come on with the A/C. Prior to getting my current Porsche 914-6 which has carbs, I had a 914-4 with fuel injection that was easily vapor locked. A wet towel on the fuel lines helped with that car. Slow stop & go traffic on hot pavement was deadly - had to keep the air moving through the engine compartment. Dennis

Just make sure your Tetanus shots are up to date before digging into it. Looks like a good parts source. Dennis

I'll add my vote to those who said, "Get it running, sell it, go shopping for a "fixer" Z. Or, make your offer to trade on your local Craigslist. Dennis

A $1,000 clock is probably no more a case of "wasted money" than a $10,000 paint job, IMHO. At least with the clock you know what time it is BTW, let me know where to find that $1000 Rolex you mentioned. I paid 4K for mine. Sometimes we all spend waaaay too much for silly things that make us feel good. Dennis

Since you asked. My first impression was.....fried egg, sunny side up, at speed. But, if self expression and personalization are important, go for it! I'm sure we've all done things to our Zs that make others wonder. Dennis