psdenno

The worst was the first Porsche 914 that I owned - a 1974 1.8 liter. I never drove it farther than I cared to walk home. I was on a first name basis with AAA tow truck drivers in my area until AAA threatened to cancel my membership. My apologies to the current owner. When it was stolen, I should not have reported it missing. Dennis

When the clutch on this Z needed to be replaced almost 30 years ago, I was under the car and doing the work. For some reason, I no longer bend as well as I did in 1981. I think this will be a job left to professionals. Dennis

That's about what I've figured. Since the working condition of the 5 speed is unknown, I feel more comfortable having it rebuilt before installing, rather than installing and then having to pull and rebuild it. The next task is finding someone to do it. Thanks for the information. Dennis

My mechanic has had it in a back corner of his shop for years and planned to use it on his Z. He just sold his Z and the 5 speed is now "excess". I've talked to him about buying the transmission for a couple years and now the time has come. Dennis

I'm picking up a close ratio 5 speed this week and plan to swap it for the 4 speed in my '71 Z. I'd like to have it rebuilt before installing. What's a typical price for a rebuild and any suggestions on who does good work in the Orange County or Riverside area of SoCal? Dennis

I've had one in my '71 since about 1972. When I refurbished the center console last Spring, I had it rebuilt with new foam and upholstery. Not only is it a nice place to rest the right arm, but it also makes a nice lid for the coin tray on the console. Dennis

I vote with the "None of the Above" group. The BRE style has looks and function and can be shipped to your door in a nice box - no need to fabricate unless you have a need for personal expression. In which case, our votes really don't matter. Dennis

That's probably easier than using a Dremel tool to cut the openings to make a Series I into a Series II Dennis

Three times in 38 years. The First (1977): Fan belt broke about 10 miles from home. I limped home by driving until the temp needle climbed to the danger zone, turned off Z, waited for it to cool, repeat. The Second (1978): Fan through the radiator a couple miles from home. Towed home by a friend. The Third (1983): Main pulley detached from engine and rolled into an empty field on the way to work. Fifty miles from home, recovered pulley, walked to nearest house to call AAA, towed to a shop that made it all better, tow truck driver took me to work, picked up Z at the end of the day. Dennis

Thanks for the perspective, Carl. That $325 seemed like a big chunk of change in '72 and represented over two weeks' pay. The inflated 2008 dollars were a little easier to part with - that's progress. Dennis

The complete cost on my '71 in July 2008 for the kit from MSA was: MSA Kit: $910 Installation at local shop: $650 (10 hours labor) Total cost $1.560 My cost on the same car in 1972: ARA A/C Kit and labor $325 total. Times & prices change. Dennis

You have the car and it runs, so you weren't "totally scammed". Keep in mind that you bought a car that's 12 years older than you are. It's going to have some issues. What you're learning from this purchase is that you need to really go over a car thoroughly before buying it and not expect the seller to disclose all of the defects. It's a learning process. Now that you have it, keep learning about it. Drive and enjoy it. The Z is a great car and almost anything can be fixed or replaced. Dennis

If you put the new seal on like the old seal was installed, it's probably a matter of just letting it acclimate and compress. Door seals do the same thing and letting the car sit in the sun with the seal compressed will generally help it form into place. Dennis

Casting shame on the people you're contacting for help is probably not the best approach. However, you're entitled to your opinion. I've always found this group to be very responsive and helpful - perhaps it's how one asks. Dennis

It appears that you've answered your own questions - nice job! Now, you just need to decide which rack you want based on your expectations and how you plan to use your Z. Life should always be so easy. ) Dennis

OK, I'll bite - draw it. ) Dennis

Any licensing conflict in printing the "Bob Sharp Racing" logo for resale? Dennis

Welcome to the group! The good news is that you live just minutes away from a great source for Z parts and accessories in Orange. Keep us posted as you go through the Z learning curve. Dennis

Looks like a low pressure Facet brand aftermarket pump. I have one sitting in my tool chest since about 1980. Dennis

Thirty-eight years without a flat tire may be some sort of a record! Some of the newer cars, like the Mini, no longer have a spare. I guess road hazards are fewer and tires are better. BTW, I still have my original spare, but it's been on the road. Dennis

Isn't that a picture of the little girl who went blind because she always sat too close to the TV, even though her parents warned her not to do so? Dennis

Very nice! I like to see the old press kits and brochures. Dennis

Did that a couple months ago. On June 14th he said that he'd pull a seat and take some pictures of the mounting set-up when he had time. I look forward to seeing the pictures when he has the time. Dennis

Have you checked prices at a local muffler shop? Dennis

When I got my 15" Rewinds from MSA a couple years ago, they included a set of extended center caps and "Z" emblems to replace the standard caps that don't easily fit on the front wheels. Did they mention if they still do that? Dennis