hwyman456

There is floor jack damage here on the drivers floor board that needs attention. I really think it should be brought to bare metal to see what surprises could be hiding in there We'll see. Oh yeah, Spring compressors are now my new worst enemy. . . Geez Can anyone riddle me this: Why are all of my old pics showing up as just links, they haven't been moved or anything ???

The project has been on hold for a good while but Im finally getting back into it! The struts need to be rebuilt as the shocks are completetly colapsed. I pulled the fender to inspect what the chassis looks like and its also alot easier to get to the strut.

I really like that color also. Welcome

I've been thinking along these lines quite a bit being that I'm in the pre-paint stage and trying to decide on colors and all these body items that are available and have come to a few conclusions These cars have always been a well used canvas and highly modified from the early days and the non modified early cars are going to continue to get harder and harder to find. But how does that translates into "value" is another story. Lots of people myself included like the original type cars that have not been overly modified but things that make them better to drive and enjoy will always have their place and if I want the super original car you can go back original On one side the really super original cars that are for the concourse and purist type collectors is a really tight market to appeal to. I wanted something with a v8 in it, why am I messing around with a Z? I'm sure they tear up the road but guess I'm missing something here . . .

Dave, Welcome to the forum! Sounds like you have a great plan in place and I really hope you find what you are looking for. Chas and Hardway offered up some good advice here.. The only thing I could ad to this is to look for the right kind of car in other words avoid the major projects and of course rust. . . being the biggest issue with most of these old cars and nearly impossible to find a truly "rust free' old car. I have been lucky in picking up other peoples projects they have lost interest in where I was able to avoid allot of the time consuming and major expense stuff. Also I suggest avoiding getting too hung up on wanting certain makes/models instead of a general type of vehicle and finding the one that you personally can handle. Some can do bodywork others mechanical, some can do it all. I happened to stumble into my Z project and even though I had always wanted one it wasn't exactly what I was looking for. Good Luck

One - This car does not have a radio but a little tray where it would go. But in the rear I have the power antenna and 1 rotted out speaker. I inspected the dash and don't see evidence of one. hmmm Second - The car has ac with a compressor and temp adjustment knob mounted below the dash. I do not have the condenser though but the rest of the systems is in place and had been capped off fairly well. I wonder if this system can be rebuilt? So no radio but has A/C, seems a bit odd to me?

The z fired up very easy considering it hasn't run since 95 or so according to PO. As expected I now have multiple issues to contend with. Pulled the plugs and soaked the cylinders and turned it over by had all seemed to move easily and let it set overnight. Changed the oil added coolant, plugs, wires, cap/rotor and fuel and it fired right up to my relief. I was able to start it up a few times with no pumping etc. Issues . . . - Seemed to be running hot and not circulating. Pulled the housing off and the hose part was 1/3 corroded away and I cracked a big chuck off pulling it off. Not the highest quality aluminum or whatever . . . The thermostat was locked and froze in place. replacements ordered - Repaired, Filled again and now the radiator leaks like crazy from some where along the bottom inner area. Off to the radiator shop. The owner didn't think he could reliably repair it and would try but offers no warranty. Ordered a non oem one . . . I will try to fix this one eventually, but guess Ill have a backup. - carbs leaking through overflow, cleaned out float bowls, problem solved. Thought it would be a good idea to clean main jets and inspect he carb. While removing main dome piece I dropped the inner piece and bent the metering rod. First time to open this type of carb, Nice . . . I was able to straighten it out by turning it, it needs replacement. Oh the joys of auto restoration. - Decided to mount my freshly refurbished tank while waiting on parts and quickly realized that the vent lines from the tank need to be replaced (hard as rocks). The vapor recovery system is . . . well of a unique design, probably more akin to aircraft but hey what can you do. I sourced lines locally, they are non oem (braided) but fuel compatible and way better than the old ones. Now it is time to repair "the octopus" as my friend now calls it.

The vin # is: HLS3032348 Manufacture date 5/71 I assume that means this one is #32348 ?

All cleaned up with a couple fresh coats of paint. I came out great now I have to figure out how to do the rest of the parts around the rear end. <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_03671_zps05c22bd6.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_03671_zps05c22bd6.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_03671_zps05c22bd6.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0299delivered1_zps7142feb0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0299delivered1_zps7142feb0.jpg" border="0" alt="delivered 2 photo IMG_0299delivered1_zps7142feb0.jpg"/></a> A little dust . . . <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0296alittledust_zpse56f06d3.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0296alittledust_zpse56f06d3.jpg" border="0" alt="a little dust photo IMG_0296alittledust_zpse56f06d3.jpg"/></a> cleaned up seat <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0303seats_zps8436c189.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0303seats_zps8436c189.jpg" border="0" alt="one cleaned photo IMG_0303seats_zps8436c189.jpg"/></a> After the initial cleaning <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0312afterinitialcleaning_zpsf612292f.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0312afterinitialcleaning_zpsf612292f.jpg" border="0" alt="after first cleaning photo IMG_0312afterinitialcleaning_zpsf612292f.jpg"/></a>

Let them begin ! cover removed <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/howitwasfound_zpsbf8b7b13.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/howitwasfound_zpsbf8b7b13.jpg" border="0" alt="first view photo howitwasfound_zpsbf8b7b13.jpg"/></a> First time outside in a looong time. Tires frozen, Had to drag it out with my truck but they loosened up. <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0276outsideatlast_zps6057d94b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0276outsideatlast_zps6057d94b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_0276outsideatlast_zps6057d94b.jpg"/></a> going for a ride <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0289intransit_zps218b2b5a.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0289intransit_zps218b2b5a.jpg" border="0" alt="in transit photo IMG_0289intransit_zps218b2b5a.jpg"/></a> Tight fit - good driver <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0290atightfit_zpsf2738690.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0290atightfit_zpsf2738690.jpg" border="0" alt="a tight fit photo IMG_0290atightfit_zpsf2738690.jpg"/></a> New Home <a href="http://s490.photobucket.com/user/alstoddard/media/IMG_0298delivered2_zpseb0cbb25.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr267/alstoddard/IMG_0298delivered2_zpseb0cbb25.jpg" border="0" alt="delivered 1 photo IMG_0298delivered2_zpseb0cbb25.jpg"/></a> More to come . . .