5150 will

I'm totally in agreement with you guys on the looks dept. Do you notice any significant issues with speed bumps, RxR tracks, etc?

I'm getting ready to install a new set of Tokico blues and I'm on the fence whether to install some Eibach springs or not. Basically I'm looking for input from 240 owners that have lowered with springs and if you have any regrets or not in doing so. Thanks, Will

"As with other cars in this gallery, the estimated value is for a nicer, but not necessarily perfect, example." I guess I need to up my 10k agreed value policy.........with Hagerty

Ditto on all above ^^^^^. Recently installed all Dave's harness upgrades. Two thumbs way up!!!

I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult, but you'd need to get two struts that were made to be used in a two strut system (like the later s30). Or, you may be able to get the strut setup from a later car and have all the necessary brackets and struts. Just some random thoughts...

The only reason I'm sharing this is because I owned this car before I got my '71. I did a bunch of work to it and according to the new owner's ad, he picked up where I left off. He didn't list that it's got a complete poly bushing kit all around. All this car really needs is paint and some 240 bumpers and it'll be a really nice car. It is a VERY reasonable price if you are looking for a 280. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2177928224.html

Jessi, I've got an old saying and it goes like this. IF IT'S FREE IT'S FOR ME....mostly. As others have already stated, rust is the enemy of these cars, but the mechanicals are really pretty simple especially on the pre FI cars. Even the FI cars aren't that bad except for the seemingly miles of vacuum hose. I say if the rust isn't that bad, go for it!

That's awesome Steve. Track days are a blast no matter what you're driving. Have fun with it and keep the rubber on the road.

Does anybody know where Butterscotch seatcovers can still be found? I've got a couple emails out but haven't heard anything. Seems as if these are getting kinda scarce.

No problem. If you do have a stock type electric fuel pump near the tank, make sure you check that little strainer filter too.

Hey, congrats on what sounds like a good find. Sounds to me like a fuel related issue for sure. First off are you sure there's plenty of fresh fuel, especially if the car had been sitting awhile? Second, make sure to check the fuel filters. I'm pretty sure that car has an electric pump near the tank and that pump will have a small strainer type filter which could be clogged. Just a guess and a place to start.

Sounds great Dave, Thanks!

O.K. Dave, thanks for all the info. My current stock alternator seems to be working fine, but I would like to upgrade to the good stuff you sell. Do I need the alternator upgrade to see the benefit from your products or could I get by with what I've already got? My electrical system is in good shape and never been tampered with btw.

Thanks a bunch! After I posted I did a web search and found basically the same info. Externally vs. internally regulated??? Benefit or???

I have a spare alternator, but I'm unsure if it's stock 40 amp or if it would be an upgrade output. I got it in a box of parts that I bought from a guy a while back. If I take it to have it tested would they be able to tell me what the amperage is? It has a Bosch reman tag on it AL236X.

Don't know anything about it but thought I'd pass on what might be a good deal http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/2151070101.html

Jiman- as far as your brake issue goes, IF you are POSITIVE everything has been bled properly, caliper bleeders are in the right orientation(at the top) check and make sure the reaction disc is on the brake master rod in the booster. There is a small rubber disc that is on the back side of that rod inside the booster. If it has fallen off you will play hell trying to get your brakes right. Don't ask me how I know. Do some searching for "reaction disc" and see if the symptoms you are experiencing relate. BTW, Welcome to the site. You will find lots of experience here. I know I have.

I second what Fastwoman says above^^^. If the rust and sediment is extensive like mine was, you will have a hard time getting it all out and you will forever fight clogged pickups and filters. IMHO, bite the bullet and have a radiator shop blast it and seal it for you. Money well spent.

Ace Hardware carries a large supply of the type of spring required FYI.

Heck James, you can drive it. I've still got a bit of underhood detailing to do, and when I get it looking a little more presentable I'll put up some more pics. I do feel very fortunate to have found this car to say the least.

Thanks for the love guys. Cozye, The story basically goes, sold originally June '71 in Stockton, Ca @ Stockton Datsun. The original owner sold it in '73 to the lady I bought bought it from and her husband. At that time the car had roughly 7k miles on it. They(she) drove the car up until sometime in '87 or '88 when they bought a new car and the Z was put in storage in a barn in the Linden, Ca. area. The husband was a mechanic and kept up on all the maintenance before it was parked. Fast forward to September 2010 and I was selling a '77 280 I had. I had the '77 at my work and my secretary started telling me about a friend of hers who had an older Z but hadn't driven it in years and she had some pics of it on her computer. Needless to say I wanted to see the pics. I got in touch with the lady who owned it and she told me where to go see the car. I went and looked at it and was shocked to see the car had ZERO rust, but all the systems needed to be refreshed obviously. The butterscotch interior is almost pristine. Having had many cars over the years, I had just told my wife when the '77 was gone that I'm done with project cars for awhile.........that lasted all of about 3 days:D . After I looked it over really well, I basically told the lady I would help her sell it or I would be willing to pay her xxx for the car. She accepted my offer, obviously, and I trailered it home the next day 09/11/10. It is such a nice car and i'm keeping it basically stock. I've got a pile of documentation with the car and even the original am radio. Heck, even the power antenna still works as does everything else.

No, no restoration of the paint. Although I have to admit it looks much better in pics. It' s really a 10 footer, but I'll eventually repaint it. It is really untouched from when I got it unless you call a wash and buff touchin it. I did do a little quick polish on the wheels though. There are some pics when I got it in "my photos".

I'm not personally aware of endurance issues, but there are some guys that run a Z out of the Northwest (Washington or Oregon I believe). They have run all of the 25 hours of Thunderhill races and they have over 10k race miles on their car. The thing is typically like the energizer bunny so they know whats what with the endurance end of the Z. I believe they go by "C note racing" in the IRDC and NASA. They would definitely be the people to contact.

Very true Steve. My daughter is only 15 but she has been around all kinds of cars in her short time. She loves the Z. I think most teen don't really know what a Z is but they still think they're cool.

Great way to end the year. I've been working on getting all systems go again after this thing sat for 23 New Years. It's finally officially out of hibernation. Took my daughter out for a drive today and in just the time it took to get a couple miles to the gas station I got two thumbs up, one peace sign from a guy in a bimmer, a guy in a Firebird almost spun his neck around getting a look, and a guy at the gas station almost molested the car. Too much fun. All in all, the car dives fantastic with no rattles, squeeks, smoke, or vibrations. The struts are a little soft, but the car had almost 80k on it before being parked so they will be next on the list. I'll try and post a pic or two of how she sits now.