landmizzle

Hi all, Well, I guess I didn't do as good as I imagined. Not bad just not really good. Anyway, I paid 6K for the car. The owner wanted 7K for it. It's the best orginal Z or any Z for that matter that I've come accross during my latest Z hunt. I guess I thought I was getting a better deal than I have since I was comparing it two several other Z's that I've looked into that were price considerabley higher. One of those Z's was the green 70 240 I posted pictures awhile back on. That one was priced at 11.9K and most folks commented that they thought it was worth every penny of that. Granted, it was a '70 4-speed with A/C but, I thought that the Orange '72 I posted would compare favorabley with it. Oh well!! I still like this Z very much and am pleased with it and the purchase price. '72's have always been my favorite year. Thanks guys for the comments and when I get it home, I'll let you know! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, Well, I've tentatively bought myself a '72 240Z. I'll describe it for you and link a bunch of pictures. If you would be so kind to tell me what you think of her and what she would be worth I'd greatly appreciate it. After I get some replies, I'll tell you what I paid, and I'll either be really pleased or dissappointed ( I think I did pretty good though....) This is an original owner documented 240Z. Complete service records and bill of sale. Documented 78,000 miles car. Automatic transmission with no A/C. Inspected car in person yesterday. Performed compression check and put car on ramps to look at undercarriage. Took car for test drive. Here's my findings. No rust visible anywhere, including the typical hot spots; under battery tray, hatch area, floor pans, fender wells, and frame rails. Frame rails straight with no bends or dents. Passenger side front outer floor pan slightly pushed up by an inappropriately placed lift or jack. This was very minor. Paint all original with the exception of hood that was replaced due to accident repair. A tire fell off a truck and hit car in hood damaging hood and front bumber. Hood, hinges, and bumber replaced with NOS parts and appears well done. Full documentation. Paint is very good and still shines nicely. No cracks or peels. Both doors have numerous door dings but none deep. Dings confined to doors themselves and don't venture into fenders or quarter panels. All original glass in very good condition, weather stripping also nice. Chrome, emblems, and stainless trim in very good condition with the exception of a quarter size bit of chrome peeling on rear bumber. No rust on interior of rear bumper or front for that matter. Interior is just about perfect. No cracks in dash. All instruments work including clock, courtesy lights, and annoying buzzer. Seats, vinyl and plactic panels appear nearly perfect. Original rugs in very nice condition with minimal wear on driver floor side. Only flaw with interior is that running lights and dash lights don't come on. I think that this may be the switch itself as fuses and tail light bulbs look fine. Headlights,flashers, turn signals, and brake lights work. Engine starts and runs fine. No oil of fluid leaks visible. Compression check revealed consistent readings of 135-145 psi. This is a little low from specs but, the car was located at 5000 ' altitude and I'll bet the altitude affected the reading. Probably one of the nicest driving Z's I've driven. Accelerated nicely (for an automatic), tracked straight with no pulling during braking. Suspension in good condition (all stock) if softly sprung for my taste. I have a donor 4-speed and related components and will probably put those into this car. The wife would love the automatic but, I don't think I can come to terms with it <grin>. Anyway, here's a link to the pictures; http://photos.yahoo.com/landmissle Open up the folder entitled " 72 Z Orange" and take a gander and let me know what you think. Don't be shy and give me your honest opinion. As mentioned, I'll post later what I paid ( don't want to influence your accessment for now). Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 and '72 240Z

Hi all, Well, I may have found a '72 240Z to replace my dearly departed one. It's still very tentative at this point. The only real problem with the potential car is that it has an automatic. I still have the carcas of my old 240Z and the engine,4-speed, drive-line, and clutch related stuff are still available and healthy. My question is, how involved is it to convert from an automatic to a 4-speed. I would need to have a mechanic do the job, because of my lack of talent, tools, and time. Any idea how much something like this would cost. I think I have everything needed parts-wise to do this conversion, my cost would be wrapped up in labor. Has anyone else done this conversion? Any ideas or suggestions? I'm going to talk to my mechanic tomorrow and get his opinion but, I thought it would be nice to hear from you folks. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi ZMunkey, Thanks VERY much for the offer. I'll PM you with more details! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, I've found a 1970 240Z in Lake Havasu City, AZ, that I'm considering purchasing. Based on it's logistics-it's about 500 miles away from me- I would like to find a shop down there or near-by that could perform a pre-purchase inspection for me. It it were to pass to my satisfaction, I then would drive down there and look at it myself. Can anyone recommend a Z knowledgable mechanic in that area. Alternatively, if a member here lives near by and would be willing to look at it and maybe take some pictures, I would be very much appreciative. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Howdy, Going to have to disagree with you on this one (respectfully of course!). The early steering wheels started out with NO cut outs and then transitioned to cut-outs in '71. Here's a web page reference... http://www.classicdatsun.com/zz/nissan.html I'm pretty confident on this one but, it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong.... Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Howdy, I was looking at this car last night (on Ebay) and noticed that in addition to those items already mentioned that the quarter panel badges are wrong and the steering wheel should not have the cut-outs in the spokes. The ashtray is located where it should be (very front of center console, just beneath the radio.). I emailed the seller asking him about the same issues brought up here and in addition, why is he having a privated auction. I'll post his response if I get a reply. My guess is that it's a harmless mistake but, one never knows.... Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, I hope I'm not being too much of a nusiance (sp?) with these post. I found another Z that I might be interested in buying. This one happens to be Orange. I know, I know.....I said I wouldn't by another orange Z. But...but...this ones really nice and I promise......no really promise I won't kill it. Point you browsers to photos.yahoo.com/landmissle and check out the folder "Orange 70 Z" and let me know what you think. Below is a cut n' paste of the information he posted on another (obviously inferior Z website) "Built 4/70 and is #2761, this cars has been in storage for over 15 years prior to complete restoration. All numbers match, 51,000 original miles. There is NO RUST ANYWHERE!! The Car is stunning and turns heads everywhere, I get 10 times the looks, stares and conversations driving this car than in my Mercedes. This car is VERY original, unlike many cars sold here that are described as original and then have no rubber strips on the bumpers, no emblems, after market antennas, speaker holes cut in the doors etc, you get the point! The ONLY departure from original is the front spoiler (which I really like) I have the original 3-piece valance that was painted when the car was restored and it is of course included with the car. The wheels are dealer installed options, they shine like a mirror and are much more attractive that the original hubcaps. It would probably be shorter to tell you what has NOT been replaced but here goes on new/refurbished parts (I have ALL receipts). Interior: Door panels Seats Carpet Shifter Boot Handbrake cover Vinyl throughout Steering Wheel and short knob (Beautiful!) Clock Tachometer Mechanical: Brake master cylinder Brake slave cylinder Clutch master and slave cylinder Brakes Drums Rotors Calipers Lines Pads Handbrake cable Wheel bearings Struts all 4 corners Battery and battery cables Rotor distributor and sparkplug cables Alternator Battery Rebuilt Carbs Rebuilt Radiator with 3 coil core Suspension bushings 4 U joints Exhaust system complete New fluids Transmission Differential Carb float Radiator Fluid Engine Oil Body and Trim: Everything has been re chromed Rubber trim on bumpers and bumperettes All Stainless Steel has been polished, including small pieces like the strips that fit inside the rubber moldings around windshield and hatch glass New exterior mirror New rear quarter panels both sides (installed CORRECTLY see pics) Rocker panels both sides (installed CORRECTLY see pics) Rubber moldings around all glass New rubber seals everywhere, including details like the 4 rubber stoppers on the gas filler door Complete and correct emblems New windshield New Tires Headlights Door and hatch latches Polished aluminum valve cover, and carb float bowls Polished aluminum doorsills The paint is perfect NO orange peal (it was color sanded) Firewall grommet kit Door/interior light switch (both sides) The car is stunning and the restoration is exceptional but I am a bit of a perfectionist, so here are the things that still need to be done: 1) The overhead interior light works intermittently I have looked for a new one but cannot find one locally 2) There are the beginning of cracks on the dash, 3 lines of about 1/4 of an inch; the price to repair in Calgary is $100. The only reason it is not done is that the car is in Vancouver. 3) The body shop did their best to adjust the window glass, and it is good it is just not perfect; if I were to keep the car I would put new roller assemblies on both sides. 4) The bulbs are burnt out on the gas/amp gauge I love this car and will not give it away, if you have the funds and can provide a good home to an exceptional bit of sportscar history this is the car for you. Model Year: 1970 Mileage: 51000 Transmission: Manual Interior Color: Black Exterior Color: Orange Price: $13,0000 " I really like this one alot, however, the logistics would be somewhat more difficult. Not impossible, but I'd have to be really sure about this one. Additionally, the price is the absolute highest I could go ( I will not post any higher priced Z's. I promise!!). Finally it seems like a bit of sheet metal has been replaced and that make me nervous. So what do you guys/gals think? Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, Just got off the phone with the owner and he stated that the car was in Georgia for about three years. He stated he thought he'd mentioned that to me but perhaps we got our wires crossed. No biggy. He seems like a very nice older gentlman and comes across as honest and sincere. BTW, thanks for all the replys so far. I guess prices have definetely gone up since I started buying my first Z's in the late 80's and early 90's. Back then I was buying Z in the 3K range and was getting pretty nice cars. The most I spent was on my 72 (now dearly and recently departed.) that was all original except for a same color repaint ( showing wear at the time) for 4K. Is this car's value based mostly because it's a 70 or would 71 and 72 cars in like condition command the same price. I've been under the impression that 70's are in the most demand followed next by 72's and then 71's (as-far-as early 240Z's are concerned). I'm assuming that because it's an original owner car with original parts and paint that is a significant driving force here. Am I correct? Again, thanks for the information! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Here's an interesting twist on the plate issue. The owner lives in Arizona. He bought the car new in Calfornia and at some point moved to Arizona where the car has been since. He told me the car has only been in Ca and Az. Strange that it should have Georgia plates in the picture. I haven't quetioned him on this yet but I will. Now, he did tell me at some point that the car was selected by Collectible Automobiles, a Chicago publisher to be featured in a book that was to be published on Z cars. The car was the subject of about a four hour photo shoot. So, I suppose it's possible that the pictures we see here are from that shoot and for whatever reason the Georgie plates were put on it for the shot. Still, it seems a little pecular. I'm going to call him tonight and I'll let you all know what he states. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, If you would care to, swing your browser over yonder to here http://photos.yahoo.com/landmissle and open up the folder called "70 240Z". You can also check out my Mustang if you would like.... Anyway, I would like to get your opion on the going market value for this Z. I've talked to the owner and the following was relayed to me: He's the orignal owner. Car is nearly all orginal. Original paint, engine, tranny, interior,etc. Only consumable parts replaced (i.e., shocks, tires, filters,etc) and most of those with Nissan parts. Just under 100K on engine with no rebuild. Carbs have been rebuilt. No accidents or rust. But then does mention the car had small ding on front passenger side from being hit in parking lot. Dent repaired. Some door dings on body. All gauges work exept clock and tach sometimes "sticks". Automatic antena stopped functioning and has been replaced with a fixed mast. One small crack in dash and driver seat. A/C installed and works. Claims car is in excellent mechanical/electrical condition. I realize you can only glean "so much" from pictures and second hand information but, I would like your opions on this. The owner wants $11,900 (firm) which seems a bit high to me but......what do I know. Thanks for checking this out! Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, Well since I killed my 72' 240Z, I'm in need of another. I currently have a 71' that is my daily driver so at least I'm not desperate.. O.k. here's what I would like in order of preference; 1) 70' 240Z 2) 72' 240Z 3) 71' 240Z distant third but will still consider. I'm willing to spend 8-11K for the car but would like to keep it more towards 8K. I'll go higher but then proximity and getting nit picky with details on the car comes into strong play. I'm looking for an orginal well maintaned car or one restored. No rust please. Paint needs to be in good condition but not necesarily show quality. 4-speed manual tranny a must and want a 240 engine. Numbers matching prefered. Not interested in cars with 260 or 280 engines in them. Suspension modifications are o.k. Open to various exterior/interior color combos but my favorite is orange/black, red/black, dk green/tan. Feel free to chime in if you think I want too much for the price or have any other comments. I've been out of the Z market for about 10 years and have noted the prices have escalated but I think I'm in the ball-park here. Best Regards, Landmizzle 71' 240Z

Hi Bambikiller, Thanks for the advice. I did as you suggested and got the system to work. I'm still not thrilled with the Pertronix in supplying a kit where I have to make adjustments to the wiring but, it does work. Again, thanks for taking the time to help me out. Best Regards, Landmizzle '71 240Z

Hi all, My Pertronix ignition arrived today. I've installed these before on my 66' Mustang, so feeling experienced, I strutted out into the garage to complete the 15 or minute job. Wrong! Now maybe I installed the thing wrong, I'm missing something obvious, or (and most likely) I'm a moron. But the wires that go from the ignitor module through the dizzy housing and to the coil are too short by several inches. I at first thought that Victoria British sent me the wrong kit. A trip out to Petronix's web site however, confirmed that part # 1761 is the right kit for a 70-73 240Z ( I happen to have a 71'). My coil is in the stock location so that can't be the issue. Assuming I didn't do something totally assinine, you would think that a "bolt on" kit would supply wires of the right length (at least close.). At least error on the side of too long.... So has anyone installed these before? Am I doing something wrong or did you get the same results and have to do some creative adapting? Best Regards, Landmizzle 71' 240Z

Hi That Ozzy Guy, I've been jumping for three years now and have just over 300 jumps. My wife and I both enjoy the sport tremidously. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner. I can relate to your financial roadblocks and fears in dealing with skydiver fatalities. Once you get your licence and rig the cost come down dramatically though. Of course, you'll jump more often so some of the savings are immediately consumed. I remeber when I first started, that one jump for the day was plenty of adrenelane for me. Now, I prefer to get in four or five jumps per day. Seems my tolerance has gone up a bit.(':classic:') In the three years I've been jumping, I've only witnessed one fatality. I've seen numerous injuries, and more close calls than I can recount. However, if you keep your wits about you, practice what you were taught in class, and keep your ego at bay, I believe that skydiving is a relatively safe sport. Certainly not for everyone but one that gives back an award for particapation that is so satisfying that it almost defies description. The early fears of terror and aprehension will soon be replaced by the ecstacy of freedom and the almost "out of body" comprehension of what a truely unique/bizzare sport you're particapating in. I picked up my very first Mustang almost excactly a year ago. I currently have 66' GT Fastback K-code. The K-code being the High-Performace engine with solid lifters. Actually this is the same engine that Shelby based his early cars on. So I guess you can say I have Shelby's little sister. This car is an absolute blast to drive especially when the secondaries in the four barrel kick in. ('') It's no Z when it comes to handling but, it's special and fun in it's own way, just like the Z is. Hope you find the means to get your Shelby. Unfortunately they're getting more expensive everyday. Also hope you find the finances, time, and emotional perspective to give skydiving another try. Good luck in both! Best Regards, Landmizzle 71' 240 Z

Hi all, Thanks for the warm welcome! I'm also a member of www.vintage-mustang.com and this forum has much the same atmosphere; which is a good thing. Landmizzle is a variation of my normal handle "Landmissle". I originally registered here under that name but could not get the account "activated" due to me misplacing the confirmation message I recieved from the forum. Thus, landmizzle was formed and seems a little more appropriate for a Z forum. I thought about using "OrangeCrushz" but that would be a little to painful :cheeky: . Anyway, Landmissle, has been my tag since the early days of AOL way back in 93". Yeah, I was an AOLer when I was a newbie to the internet. Back then, everyone was a newbie. Also back then, to be an AOLer was a serious embarasment. It was the internet but with training wheels. Most folks now days don't seem to get the old AOL jokes. Times change I suppose. Back to Landmissle; it's a term for high powered sport motorcycles but also seems to fit my other passions of skydiving, old Mustangs, and old Z cars. Modesto is no metroplis, but it's not a sleepy town either. Currently the population is pushing 200,000. Over the 15 years that I've owned Z's, I bought two in Modesto and one in Stockton, CA. In the late 80's to early 90's buying vintage Z's was relatively easy. However, now days, finding Z's that haven't been overly abused, engines transplated, or rust damage is getting more difficult. Not impossible by any means, but it's begining to take more effort even here in CA. I've also noted that the prices are begining to move upward. Back when I started out a clean nice 240Z would set you back 3-4K at most. Now it seems the sweet spot is more around 6-8 K with some going for the mid teens. These prices would have been unheard of only a few years ago. I've also noted more a more parts, especially NOS stuff is going up dramatically and many parts are almost impossible to get; tail light lenses and pillar vinyl anyone? O.k., I think that addressed all the replies I got. Again, thanks for the warm welcome and I look forward to posting more here in the near future. Best Regards, Landmizzle

Hi all, I've been lurking on this board for some time now and thought I should finally register and introduce myself. I've owned 240Z's since the late 80's and have driven nothing else as daily drivers since. To date I've owned a total of three 240Z's; two 72' and one 71'. Also to date, unfortunately, I've crashed two of those Z's. The last one being the week before last. The first one I rolled over in the early 90's and totalled the car. This was the first Z I ever owned. Afterward, I swore I would never, ever, commit such a horrendous act again. The second I wrecked last week, occured when I lost traction while turning unto a freeway on ramp. The ground was wet from that days rain and as I turned the wheel to the right, the Z decided it wanted to go straight. 1.5 seconds later I was staring at the crushed front end on my hood and a guard rail much to close to be normal. Ironically both Z's that I killed were orange and 72's. 72's being my favorite of all the vintage Z's. I guess you can say I love my Z's to death:( . I'm by no means in some perverse way, bragging about the carnage I've committed. Rather, it's just a way of introduction, and a reminder to myself how stupid I've been and reinforcing how wanton randomly these things can occur. Trust me, on each day that these events occured, I didn't start the day out thinking how cool it would be to break the tired routine of life be blending in a dose of crumpled metal and a drawer full of excitement brownies. O.k., so we've firmily established that I have no right owning a 72' orange Z. The current only survivor in my garage is a slightly modified 71' 240 that has slowly been inheriting the salvagable parts of loved Z's long lost. It is a true FrankenZ, and while my least favorite, has been with me the longest and managed to shrug off my driving ineptitude with nary a scratch and much like "Christine" from the Stephen King book, getting better as the mileage rolls on. I'm currently looking to replace the car I wrecked a week ago with another Z. Yeah, it's going to be a 72' if at all possible. But I absolutely swear it won't be orange......... Best Regards, Landmizzle

Hi all, This is my first post. However, I've been lurking for some time and have recieved alot of valuble information from this site. I have a 71' 240Z that has an electrical problem that has me perplexed ( which is quite easy to do btw :cheeky: ). Frequently, when I turn off the ignition, current is still running through the system. I know this by the fact that the red brake light in the speedometer stays on and my battery will go dead if I just remove the key and leave. It doesn't do this everytime I turn the car off but it does it quite often. Jiggling the key, turning the car off and on (including restarting it) usually doesn't help. My only way of getting around this is to leave the key in the "off" poisition rather than "locked". Off course I could disconnect the battery but that's a bit of a hassle. I've replaced the ignition switch (whole unit, not just the module behind the key lock), starter, and voltage regulater with no change in the symptom. I'm guessing there's an intermentent short somewhere but, I'm not really adept at electrical issues.I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? Best Regards, Landmizzle