66_GT_FB

Well, the info you guys have given me is enough to keep me away I think. Even though the car is dirt cheap (and I mean cheap)...down the road it sounds as if it would cost more to rectify the potential damage. Anyone know where I can get a solid 72 for $2k or less?

Found a car locally that I'm considering. What types of questions should I be asking. There was mention of some rust, where are the danger spots on Zs? There is also body damage on the rear 1/4. It looks to be on just the body itself, but my concern is frame damage/tweakage. Is this section on the car difficult to replace/repair as it is on Mustangs? Thanks for the info guys...

Thanks guys! That's all real good info for me. I had pretty much ruled out the 73 until this post. I'm not counting grams when it comes to weight but it sounds like I can make some motor/carb adjustments to aleviate any motor woes that potentially afflict the 73. Although it seems that a carb upgrade on any Z is the way to go. Can later model heads be placed on early model blocks? For example, my Mustang has a 66 289 block with 68 302 heads...everything matches up. Is this also true of Z's?

Significantly!

Correct me if I'm wrong but... through conversations about early model Z's...I was told that by 1972, Datusn had a lot of the bugs worked out of the car but made some changes in 1973 that resulted in mechanical/electrical problems. Is there any truth to this? Also, as I am not familiar with engine codes and options for these cars, is there any thing that a 240Z has as an option that makes it more desirable? The education continues! Thanks-

Why thank you Sir! Automatics are a big no no in my book. I cringe when ever I see an automatic in a sport or muscle car. I'm suprised when I see autos in Z's as well...just doesn't seem to look right. I can say that I've ever seen a 4 bolt Torq...6cyl. Mustangs are 4 bolts (but probably not the same pattern) and I don't know of any applications for them...which means more than likely none for Z's. Period correct wheels really make the car IMO. It's amazing how much more aggresive a Z will look with a bit of lowering and some panasports...same goes for the Mustangs I think. I was actually considering changing to Vintage Wheel Works 48's, which are a 10 spoke wheel not too unlike the Pana's...

Thanks for the warm welcome guys! Alan- I've never had a problem with my suspension squeaking...the car does have it's rattles and 'noises' here and there...As much of a collector car as they are now...they were still just an 'entry lever car' back in the day, so add 35 years to that. Regardless of squeaks, the sound and feel of the car is excellent. I've checked out the .jp site and the language barrier does make it tough...but thank you on the heads up on backspacing, I had not thought of that! ZmeFly- A much as I find those kinds of swaps to interesting (didn't Scarabs have chevy 350's?)...I am personally not a fan of bastardizing a pure car such as a Z (or visa versa in a Mustang). I would think dropping a heavy American iron motor in the nose of a Z would take away from the positive handeling characteristics of the realitively light weight Z's... Carl- I'm just over the hill in Los Gatos. I'm out you direction as I have a friend that lives there (as well as Good Guys car shows). I like the area! Is there a local Z club/ monthly meedings in our area? I'd like to attend one. We have several vintage stang clubs, meetings, and cruises in the Bay Area...I would think the same for Z's. 24OZ- Looks as though your car could be the Z twin of mine. I'd be happy to post more picts (althoguh I don't think I want to take up too much bandwidth from your site with my domestic). In regards to Stingrays, they are siginficantly more rare (and expensive) when compaired to Mustangs...although I can't speak too knowledgeably on the car beyond that. <br> Thanks again to all who replied! I look forward to meeting and learning from you all.

Thought I'd make a general post to introduce myself... I'm a vintage Mustang owner but I enjoy vintage cars of all makes. The vintage Z's (and 510's) have stood out to me as a classic (affordable) import sports car. I like the lines of the car and it's racing herritage. I don't think this car is too dissimilar to Mustangs on a few levels. I'm big on respect across the board on vintage auto ownership and I like what I see from the Z community. Mostly I'll just lurk and learn. I'm toying with the idea of a Z if the right one comes along. My Mom had a 72 240Z when I was real young, so there's my connection:) At any rate, I do have a few questions... 1.) Are RS Watanabe wheels an easy find and fit for the early Z's? As opposed to the Panasports.... 2.) Seems to be a heavy number of Cali, Bay Area Z followers...is that true of this forum as well? Thanks for putting up with a big displacement domestic... Rock on guys!