PHSHARKEY

Back in the early 1970s I had a great time hitchhiking across the country several times. Now I’m grown up (53), and I’d like to try something similar, only different: I’m going to drive my 1977 Z across the country in a couple of weeks (basically I-80 from California to New York), and I like to meet a cross-section of the Z-Car community on my drive. I’m looking for three kinds of participation (Two: “for sure,” and the other: “for I sure hope not”). The 1st “ for sure” is a, “let’s have lunch,” for any of you who live midway between my planned stops. My 2nd “for sure,” is a chance for a little car-talk and a need for accommodations for one night, (anything from a couch to throw a sleeping bag on up) in any of the following areas (except stops 2 and 6). Start: Los Gatos, CA 1st stop (between Elko NV and Wendover NV) 2nd Stop - Logan UT (to see my wife’s sister and brother-in-law). 3rd Stop (between Cheyenne WY and Pine Bluffs WY) 4th Stop (between Omaha NB and Des Moines IO) 5th Stop (between Toledo OH and Cleveland OH) 6th Stop – Downington, PA (to see my best friend from Graduate School) Back Home – Wakefield RI So, if you can have lunch or could possibility put me up (or is that put up with me?) for one night any of those areas (or close to them) please e-mail me at phsharkey@netscape.net and we’ll open a conversation. If this works out I’ll post my log and the pictures of the tip on the web. Thanks, Phil Sharkey

Has anyone ever heard of mistreating an engine (e.g. up over redline) and shooting the oil out the dipstick holder? Thanks,

Yes, I'm with AAA (not really it's CSAA<G>). When I insured the car I had that discussion with the agent, we'll see if I needed to get it on paper. I specifically asked how price evaluations were made and I was told that it was done by documenting sales of similar vehicles of the same year and model or one year younger. Well ... that's all well and good. But I suspect that you all know just how many 1977 or 1978 280z 2+2s are on the market at the moment. With a half day's effort I was able to find ten, with a price range that ran from a low of $1.5k to a high of $10k, with an average of $3.5k and a median value of $5K. There's one there that is much like mine and priced at $8K. But using a sample of ten with a difference of median and mean that is 15% of the range offends the Statistition in me The basic issues I think will be easy to solve ... the thieves sucked a valve (exhaust cylinder #1) so the head is off and being fixed. (Gee ... anyone ever heard of mistreating an engine and shooting the oil out the dipstick?). There is some damage to the driver's side lock and door. They removed the glove box (the CD Changer was in there), the central trim plate and the three gauges. But then we start with the other stuff, Stereo with CD Changer and MP3 Player, almost $1,000 worth of prime sheep (front, rear and deck), damage to the right rear interior plastic quarter panel, fog lights gone, 1976 owner's manual and service record book all primo and in their cute little dealer's plastic slipcover, map light, bra, car cover, sun shield, floor mats, etc. It adds up. I figure about $5K (not counting personal property) before we start to deal with the actual damage to the car. I'll keep you posted.

I'm not yet unhappy with my insurance (AAA), but we'll see what happens! I suggested that the car was worth about $7,500 and they seem to be accepting that figure, at least as far as not totaling it out yet and they have paid for over $1,500 in exploratory surgery to determine if anything is wrong with the engine. THey've also rented me the most boring ride I've ever had for almost a month now. I'll ket you know what happens.

I have a 1977 2+2, it was stolen and recovered with only minor damage. The insurance adjuster and I began a drawn out duiscussion of what the car was worth and should it be totaled. A first blush he said $1,800. After I blasted that we moved on to more logical concepts! Just out of curiosity (and it may help me, 'cause we're not done yet), what do you think it's worth? 166K miles. NO RUST! A great deal of work has been done on it including, but not limited to: 1) Replacement of all body seals with original stock material, not reproductions. These materials alone cost over $3K without labor. 2) Complete restoration of the carpeting at a cost of about $500. 3) Complete restoration of both doors, windshield, rubber, louvers, drain holes, cowl padding, etc. at a cost of $2K. 4) Replacement of all chassis rubber bushings with original stock material, not reproductions. 5) Major engine work was done about 40K miles ago, including: r/r manifolds and cylinder head, oil pan, rings, bearings; hone cylinders, valve grind, replace bypass hose, replace pickup coil and door locks, etc. at a cost of almost $2K. There are four items that are lacking to reach "perfect" condition: 1) Dash – Cracks. 2) Seat covers – Driver's side seat bottom torn about 4". 3) Door liners, chrome stripping wearing off. 5) Paint – clearcoat peeing on sharp edges. Any thoughts? Thanks, Phil Sharkey