dclamm

Thank you Spitz, been awhile since I did a "fixer" like this, and should realize after doing due diligence, add 20%-30% for unknowns. This one had/has allot of unknowns, some I'm finding out! Had to go out and polish a little to make it look better and me feel better about the purchase. Five years from now I'll know every inch of this car!

Thanks, will keep trying the penetrant.. not ready to pull the head yet. But if it's stuck, it's stuck good. I have tapped it down with a hammer/punch and it just goes down further.. never comes back up (valve spring almost fully compressed now). Tried gently prying it up through the spark plug hole and not a budge. See you're in Avon. I did some time in the Indy area late 70s and 80s.. Carmel, Brownsburg, then south to Bloomington. Still lots of friends back there..

When cranked it was obvious one cyl had no compression. Took the cam cover off, #2 intake was down (rocker was pushed to the side). Tapped the valve w/punch and hammer thinking it might pop up, it just stayed down further, won't come up. Soaked it with penatrating oil, still down. Can't think of anything else to try before pulling the head... BTW, the cam lobes look pretty good, not allot of wear at all. If this had 177K would lobe wear be obvious?

Ouch, discovered a bent valve today, #2 intake. Not sure how that could happen... Could a bent valve have damaged the head? Hope it's save-able.

Plan is mechanical first (I want to drive it dammit!). Then, depending on time&energy, could be a tear down for paint and all new rubber/glass/chrome.. Want to keep it original... I figure 5 year plan... Some pics...not pretty (this is the first day anyway). Last one is worst of rust, both front fender wells just above & behind TC rod mount. How bad does it look? No other frame rust or in floors, rear is fine...funny it's just these two spots (just a few other bubbles on the usual outer panels). Thx, Cheers!

Hello, great site and will be here often. Had a few Zs earlier in life, back in it after 20 years. Just bought a series 1 (9/70 prod #10112, E31 head,2400 valve cover,etc..). Been looking for an unmolested one for awhile and boy did I get it. But thinking beware what you ask for... no mods except a respray (slightly wrong red...ugh). Early CA blue plate, a little rust, I think(hope) not major. But EVERY rubber piece needs replacement (Bushings, w/s, are all falling apart). Most chrome/badges pitted or rusted. Engine not running but turns(hope not major, 2nd owner I bought from had for 30+ years said 77K shown is right, but could be 177). Not run for 16 years. Where to start... So, hello, and I'll be here often! Dave