24 Ounces

Wow...sorry for your loss! I remember when this Z was for sale (I believe it was on this site's classifieds) and thought somebody had scored a great deal. Was it insured?...really hope so. The bumpers and wheels look good, so you may want to take photos and post them in the classifieds here. Good luck and I hope you find another 240 Soon!

Nancy: It's always cool to see a woman interested in classic cars, esp. 240Zs...welcome. You're thinking the right way if you're specifically looking for a 240...I think they will appreciate a good amount in the coming years. Attached is a link to one on CL in Daytona, FL for $6,500 (the same car was listed a week earlier for $5,500...maybe he dumped a grand into it in a week...NOT!). The seller says it looks and runs well (seeing it in person would be a must...most flights out of Houston Hobby Airport are semi-reasonable). I checked the round-trip airfare from Hobby Airport to Daytona...$471 on Kayak, $473 on Expedia, $507 on Orbitz, and $542 on Hotwire...real bargain that last outfit! Anyway, good finds are still out there. I live in Ohio and found my '72 last March for $4,100 on CL in Charleston, SC. I had a friend drive me down for gas money and meals and bought the Z as soon as I got to SC. Using "Search Tempest" you can look at all 240Zs on CL in the US and compare them. There are still some good finds out on the left coast...I regularly see original owner 240s out there for less than 5 grand...rust-free, driveable but needing lots of work, and many with original documents (they make the car more interesting at shows and probably worth more $$$ in the future). The Z in Daytona would probably make the trip to Houston ok, but you would probably be better off shipping it (approx a grand). The cost of airfare and shipping would tip this Z closer to ten grand. After rebuilding the suspension, replacing untold cosmetically crappy items (like the interior or dash...both expensive), replacing the leaky exhaust, new brakes and tires, new hoses and rebuilding the SU carbs, you will have over ten grand in it and still won't have touched the beat-up paint. There is a beautiful dark green '70 from LA on Ebay right now that could probably be yours for upper teens, and it's a proven show-winner (trophies come with it, I think). It might be worth the extra money to just buy somebody else's restored 240 and have something you can immediately start showing and driving. You can do minor tuning and fluid changes on your Z without too much grief. A Uni-syn flow meter can be obtained on Ebay for about $25 and will have your dual SUs singing, a new set of NGK plugs and wires, and a new set of points (or an upgrade to a Pertronix kit for the Z's original distributor...set it and forget it) will get the Z driving well and very reliable. The people on here are full of great advice. I would keep looking for a better 240...they're out there! If you want the most bang for your buck, look for rust-free, matching number engine (the number on the lower right side of the block matches the number stamped into the plate affixed to the right side engine compartment shock tower), and original documents (orig. owner's manual and warranty book at a minimum). Good luck in your search, and keep us posted as you look... Alex (aka "24 Ounces") http://florida.freeautoshopper.com/cars-trucks/1971-datsun-240z-super-clean-z6500.html

Okay, a muffler did what?...it helped me make my decision about the path for my 240Z. I have a very original '72 with 92k miles, beat-up 2nd paint job, horrible seats, badly cracked dash, totally shot suspension, skinny 5" steel wheels with grandpa looking hubcaps, and leaky stock pipes with a cherry bomb muffler. The good points...a no rust Calif. body, matching number engine and completely original engine compartment (even the coil, braided hoses, smog pump, and battery cables are original), and it seems to draw a lot of favorable comments due to its virgin condition. But looking at the Zs on Youtube begins to infect one's mind with the rush from extreme accelleration...usually from installing a Rebello engine (and adding lowering springs and Panasports). Ah, what path to choose... Then I spot an NOS Nichira muffler and chrome tailpipe on Ebay. That would really look nice on my restored Z, but wouldn't work with a Rebello engine. But it would work with a mild cleanup of the E88 head and leaving the engine's internals original, and a rebuild of the SUs (soon headed to Bruce P. at ZTherapy). And with the engine in its original configuration I wouldn't have to change the suspension and install the Panasports. And really, do I need the fastest Z on the street? And which cars do guys seem to go craziest for on BAT?...the simple originals that Mr. K sent to us. I think the stock path is the correct one. BTW, the muffler was $355...a bargain. Also, I didn't know how to put this in the Ebay area (not clear instructions on that), and it probably belongs here anyway. Best regards to all on here, 24 Ounces.

Just wondering how many guys on here have been to a Z Dayz event? I'm considering going (FYI 17-20 May) and would like any info on a good place to stay (well lit parking lot with decent security). Do many S30s show up, or is it aimed more at 300-370s? Thanks in advance.

If one of the Zs you're considering has the matching number motor and the car is in good shape (mostly original and body tight), I would lean toward that one. The crystal ball hasn't been perfected yet, but it is a fair assumption that the Zs with original engines will fetch the most someday (and these cars will certainly go up, albeit slowly). If you decide to change the car's engine you will still have the matching number one to reinstall someday. Classic Motorsports magazine did a mild build-up of a stock '70 a couple of years ago and was able to pull about 180 hp out of the 2.4 engine with mild head work and cam, custom pistons that brought its displacement to 2.6L but kept the original crank and rods (to keep it "rev-happy"), and the original dual SU carbs. They installed an MSA header-exhaust combo to pull more power from it. Their dyno of it prior to any mods produced about 135hp...not too shabby for a 100k mile engine. I bought the 3 back issues of the mag that were still available (there were 6 or 7 issues that covered the build) and will send you a photo copy of the engine issue if you PM me. BTW, my bone stock '72 will still go 0-60 in about 8 seconds flat (which means some moms in minivans can still keep up with it . After I install the R180 LSD rear, 280ZX 5-speed, and do a few mods (basically what CM did with their Z), I'm hoping it will do 0-60 in 6 seconds flat. The link only touches the highlights of the mag's build-up...no real details. BTW, I'm surprized that any 240s are leaving Japan as the Japanese are crazy about 240s (aren't we all). http://classicmotorsports.net/project-cars/1970-datsun-240z/

72OJ...a "5 and Dime" is on the list for my next "big waste of money" (girlfriend's words, not mine). Most of them are just bombed out shells, but one of these days I'll get lucky and find a good one. Is your 240 on the "Color Registry" yet (my term for it...I have been adding some cars and colorizing them, incl. the interiors...interesting to see the surviving 240s all together). Use the below link to access... http://www.editgrid.com/user/mlwilliams/Z_Car_Registry Jason240Z...I looked Lincoln, England up on Wikipedia...beautiful and historic area east of Sheffield and south of Leeds. Nice Z...it looks dead stock...are you planning a conversion to RHD?...and are the parts even available? I know there were not a lot of 240s sold in the UK, so rusty RHD donor cars are probably rare and expensive. I've driven on the wrong side of the road in England, and got used to it after a few days. I'm sure driving a LHD car there would be somewhat of a challenge. Glad you're in the club. Below link is for the Yanks reading this... http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/lincoln-map.htm

SteveJ...my seats need redone. Thanks to your comment that they're not hard to do, I think I'm going to attempt the job myself. Best regards

It's "Bring A Trailer"...one of my favorite sites (you can spend hours on it looking at stories of interesting barn finds, one-offs, rarities). http://bringatrailer.com/2012/02/07/1-owner-1972-datsun-240z/ I'm not really interested in how much my Z is worth...I just love it for its looks and driveability (the same things that attracted buyers when Zs were new). I know that when I drop my daughter off at the Jr. High that all the boys are asking her what kind of car it is. I am constantly telling todays kids what it is when I fill it with gas. It still goes like a bat out of hell, gets great gas mileage, and parts are readily available. I've done the Mustangs and Camaros, and decided last year to finally buy a Z. I specifically wanted a 240, rust-free, original, and with documentation (I hit the motherlode of documents with this car). I paid $4,100 for a driveable car that needed everything...and I think I stole it. This year I'll have the seats redone (probably $750 for the vinyl kit, new foam, and upholstery shop labor), new struts, spindle pins, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack, and rubber bushings (probably $1,000-1,500 if I do my own labor), and $500 for Z Therapy carbs. By the time I'm done with this year's improvements I could still recoup my money (I'd shoot myself first). A good search of Craigslist using Search Tempest will locate some cars around the same condition and cost as mine...it took about 6 months for me to find mine. I'm not going to sink 50 grand into it for a Pierre Z restoration, but I will probably put a few grand into a good paint job within the next 2-3 years. I'm glad Zs are cheap...that allowed me to find a decent one for a low price. I agree with 26th-Z that 12 grand for the lime yellow '72 was money well spent (and very few 240s have their original docs).

Welcome to the club! I've found a lot of helpful guys on this site...maybe someday we'll hold a convention. Best place to look for parts is doing a Craigslist search via Search Tempest...tons of these cars being parted out (sad, but it is what it is).

I've resumed smoking heavily so I can get the most use out of the cigarette holder. I'm also planning to strip the exterior and completely restore it from the ground up...new 1/24th scale Rebello engine and Panasports have already been ordered.

Brian: Nice of you and your lovely wife to put up a couple of Yanks (or maybe put up with). I'm beginning to realize there are some nice people on here (and a couple of stinkers too...just kidding!). Hope you all have a great time down in NZ. Been to Perth, Geraldton, and Sydney, AUS in my sea-going US Navy days...great people and country...sort of like like California crossed with Great Britain...only messed up part is you guys drive on the wrong side of the road! Cheers mate, Alex Manz - Columbus, OH

I bought this item on Ebay a few days ago...couldn't resist the patina and original use (a cigarette holder). The seller sent a paper with the item's history: "Just to give you some history on this Fairlady. I was stationed as a Marine security guard at the US Embassy in Peking, China from 1973-74. My Canadian girlfriend at the time was going to college in Japan. I had seen a Fairlady when I was in Hong Kong and loved them. I told her I wanted one and this is what she gave me for Christmas in '73. Since then it has moved to the US Embassy in Manilla Philippines, El Toro Marine Corps Air Base in Calif., several places in the US, and finally in Defiance, Ohio." I paid $34 for it and it looks great on the shelf with my growing Z collection.

The seller has deep money invested in this Z...he may have 45 grand in it if he had the work professionally done, but I doubt it will generate that price. That said...what an awesome Z!

Hey Brian: Wow...over 8 bucks a gallon for gas...and we thought 3 1/2 bucks here in the States was bad! I have only seen a couple of full vinyl top cars on the web (one white, one black) and they looked pretty hideous. The half vinyl top on my '72 cost the original owner $150 and is listed as a "Sport vinyl top" on the list of options on the bill-of-sale. The guy paid for $817 worth of options and his Z had 437 miles on the odometer when he bought it (I'm guessing it was used as a demonstrator or driven by the salesmen). He didn't get a discount on it...dealers back then could get full price out of any Z and padded the sales with lots of add-on junk. The attached link is for a nice original owner '71 Z from Calif. The owners took the car on their honeymoon. http://bringatrailer.com/2009/01/07/1-owner-survivor-blue-plate-1971-datsun-240z/ Enjoy your visit to the States...where will you be and for how long?

You can do a national search on Craigslist using "Search Tempest". It's amazing how many Zs there are in the SW, and for very reasonable money. The attached photo is a 240Z in Bullhead City, AZ for a grand...and it runs!

72 OJ...is your Z listed on the 240Z Registry?...you can find out a lot of info about other Zs that were built around your car's VIN...color and originality. To add your car, just type in the info at the very bottom of the list and give its original paint color and interior info...type in a few sentences about its history, mileage, and originality. Sounds like you have a really nice and original Z (except for the matching number motor and trans...not sure how important those really are). I'm posting a photo of my Z's documents, and a couple showing how original (beat up...) it is. I don't have the window sticker, but have everything else. I have my car's original Nikki fuel pump (got it in a box...needs to be rebuilt), one original Koito headlight (still works after 40 years!), original coil and battery cables, most original braided hoses (to be replaced with expensive braided repos), original rusty exhaust (to be replaced with a rust-free one I got from a Calif. desert Z), and a box of original wire clamps I'm putting back on the engine. I found the plastic warranty card a few days ago when I took the console, passenger seat, and right side carpeting out to clean out the last mouse residue from the car's 20 years in storage. The card was trapped between the hand brake and the console.

My Mar '72 Z has the horiz. defroster lines. There were probably 2 suppliers (fuel pump had several). I am relatively new to the Z community (bought mine a year ago), and am surprized by how low these cars sell for. I know all collector cars are a crap shoot (esp in this awesome economy), and also money pits. It seems the highest prices go for very original Zs with documentation, so I have decided to leave my very original Z with documentation alone. Plans for the 2.7 Rebello engine, Eibach lowering springs and struts, and Panasport wheels will probably never happen. I may even leave the weird half vinyl top on mine just because it's been on the car since it was sold new.

Great details on this Z's engine..orig. Nikki fuel pump (but all hose clamps appear to have been replaced with stainless ones...why?), battery hold down, braided vaccum hoses with white/blue cloth tags (my '72 has them too), braided upper rad hose, blue painted oil pressure sening unit, engine lifting ear, possibly even the 40a. alt. The repaint is unfortunate (mine was repainted too, and the 2nd paint needs a repaint). It reached 9 grand in a day!

Original owner Z with its original documents, orig. spare, no rust, untouched with exception of one repaint. Not many of these out there, are there? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.c0.m619&item=330681188223&viewitem=&category=6187

It's 20 grand, but looks like the real thing (and appears to be in great shape). It also has an interesting story...purchased by a US serviceman and then shipped to the States. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/2810071797.html

Hey Julio, Fantastic info on your Rebello 2.7...much appreciated. I'm planning on doing the same thing next year and will call Dave to get a little more info. It appears you were able to use your original fuel pump. I'm surprised at how cheaply you were able to get the motor done (I'm sure not having to go to Weber triples saved a bunch). What is the seat-of-the-pants feel of this engine vs. your stocker? I'm planning on using a ZX 5-spd and an R180 diff with 3.90s and an LSD. Keep us posted on your Z's progress.

I bet this Z would create some buzz at shows. Comments? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Datsun-240Z-Monster-Car-Good-Condition-STREET-LEGAL-/290656667217?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item43ac7cc651#v4-42

Great looking project! That body must be arrow straight for you to go with black. Looking forward to the next installment on your project. Good luck!

Who sells the OEM rubber suspension kit? I'm going with the original stuff all the way.

The Ebay seller "Datsun Stuff" (from Tustin, CA...I don't know his name) is refusing to refund my money, so I'm going through the Ebay dispute process. The box has a date of April '94, but this idiot says the covers are "new" (the yellowing on them is obviously from aging). He photographed them in shade so the yellowing and dsicoloration wouldn't be noticeable. The end of the box says they are "Parchment" (his main item description emphasizes "off white" and "parchment" is buried in the text). I will post a more prominent item warning others on here not to give this guy any business...he's dishonest.