Mikey Likes It

Well there's about 3 days left on the auction and the reserve is nearly met. I have to admit that I do get a lump in my throat everytime I pull up the auction and see my Z for sale on eBay

Just an update, I have decided to list the Z on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4610879832

Wow, thanks for all the suggestions everyone. I think due to time constraints, I'll likely try and sell the Z without the carpet installed. (I do think it is nice to see the floorboards in such great shape) I'll likely list the car for around $5k. I'll keep everyone posted and thanks again for the help.

Due to a potential career change (i.e. relocation) and the lack of adequate attention I have been able to devote to her, I have come to the conclusion that I will likely have to put the Z up for sale. :disappoin I need some help and advice on what an appropriate asking price would be, if it's appropriate to ask this here. (I value and trust what the members of this board say, which is why I'm asking for opinions.) It am truly heartbroken to have to be doing this and I sincerely appreciate all the info and knowledge I have acquired on this board since I've been here. Here's the info (There are pics in my gallery as well): -I am the second owner and I have owned it for about a year. It was an Arizona car all it's life and I purchased it from the previous owner's estate after he had passed away. It was religiously maintained at the same shop since it was new. I have maintenance records dating back to 1998 (when the shop first started using a computerized records). I have a copy of the original title from 1972. -It has about 98,000 original miles on the original matching #'s engine. -It is 99% rust free -The original (brown) paint is faded from the Arizona sun. -The interior is butterscotch and the seats were professionally reupholstered in a cloth/vinyl combo to match the original pattern. They're not stock but I really do like the way they were done. -Other than new tires, the seats, and a radiator coolant reservoir that was added everything that I can see on the car is still stock and untouched, which is what attracted me to the car. -The first thing I did after I got her home was rip out the old carpet and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. -The interior will need to be refreshed as some of the plastic pieces (i.e. around the quarter windows) are cracked from the Arizona heat and will need to be replaced. -The dash is cracked -The clock doesn't work -It has a current Texas inspection. -The gas tank was recently removed and cleaned out and the fuel lines were replaced and it runs EXCELLENT. I would appreciate any advice the board is willing to give and ask away with any questions. -Mike UPDATE 2/5/06: I have listed the Z on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4610879832

That price seems WAY too steep. The ad says "virtually" rust free, which would raise my eyebrows. I think you could do better for that price. Not sure where you're located but you may want to start looking in CA, AZ or NM on collector car trader.

I'm also eagerly awaiting their story. That is one pristine Z.

I bought mine in AZ also (Tucson). Had it shipped here (Central TX) through Fed Ex Auto Trans for around $650. Got here about 2 weeks later with no problems.

MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM........... I wish they had In & Out in Texas.

She starts!!! I used the non-starting issue as an "excuse" to buy an air compressor. I disconnected the fuel filter and blew some air back through the lines towards the fuel tank. I could here the air going inside the tank and then fuel started gushing up out of the line. I hooked the fuel filter back up and after 3 tries, she started up! I appreciate ALL the advice. You all saved me some $$$ and I got a new compressor out of the deal! Now on to my next issue/question: I tried driving around the block and it still has MAJOR hesitation when I press the gas pedal. This only happens in when I'm actually driving, not in neutral or park (it's an auto). In other words, when it's parked and I stomp on the gas, no hesitiation at all. Any ideas what this could mean?

HA! That's pretty funny.

I thought the Hertz Shelbys were black and gold.

Looks awesome. After seeing how great yours looks, I think I know what my next project will be when I get through with the Z!

I appreciate all the info. I looked briefly in a few of my Z books and I didn't see any mention of when the overflow bottle became standard. I guess it's yet another of the Z's quirks. Even though I plan on restoring my Z to a somewhat stock condition, I'll probably just relocate it to a different location to get it away from the VIN tag since it's probably a good thing to have. How does this work? Does Banzai etch the VIN # on these replacement tags or are they blank? Can't believe I haven't heard of this before!

What year did the Z first get these? I have a 72 and I know they didn't come like that from the factory. It has had a new radiator put in sometime during it's lifetime by the previous (first) owner. Why would they add the reservoir? Reason I'm asking is they added it above the engine compartment VIN tag and over time the movement of the bottle during driving has worn alot of the paint off the tag and I'd like to keep that problem from getting worse by removing the bottle. This may be a strange question but how much has this hurt the value of my Z? The numbers are still readable because they're etched on but the VIN tag is by no means pristine anymore nor is the Z's engine original by having this reservoir, which is where I'd like mine to be eventually.

I'll try to go. I'll be sans Z since it won't start.

Took off the fuel cap and tried starting it but that didn't work. I guess my next step is to start replacing the fuel lines? Where's the best place to purchase these? I looked in my VB and MSA catalogs and they don't have them.

OK here's the update... I changed out the mechanical fuel pump today and still nothing. Not starting. A couple of things that I noticed: 1) When I took the old pump off, I noticed a little bit of oil dripping out but no fuel. It stopped dripping after a little bit. 2) After switching out the pumps and trying to start it, there is still no fuel whatsoever in the filter. It's bone dry. Shouldn't there be at least some fuel in there? I'm concerned this may be a bigger deal than I once thought.

OK I think I may have isolated the problem. I replaced the fuel filter and noticed a couple of things: 1) There was no fuel in the old filter and no fuel spilled out of the lines. 2) There is definitely gas in the tank. 3) After putting the new filter on and trying to start it again, still nothing happened and there is no fuel in the new filter. Does the fuel pump push the fuel only past the pump or does is suck the fuel all the way from the tank through the filter and to the carbs?

Thanks for the replies. This gives me a good starting point. I'm hoping it's something as simple as a fuel filter but we will see. Based on the service records that I have from the previous owner, the fuel pump was replaced in July 2000 and the car has been driven about 5,000 miles since. How often do these go bad? Also looking at the service records that I have (since 1998), it looks like there has been a long history of "adjusting air fuel mixture" about 2-3 times a year. The car was driven on average 2,000 miles a year. Is that normal? Forgive the questions if they sound silly, I'm still a Z novice. Mike

Let me preface this by saying I have searched the forums a bit and have consulted my Clymer and Haynes manuals. I'm sure this has been discussed here at one point but I can't find anything that matches my situation. I just need a little help getting pointed in the right direction. I've had the Z for about 2 1/2 months now. I've been driving it leisurely around the neighborhood about once a week. It has always been a little difficult to start but once it starts up it ran great. A few weeks ago, I noticed that it would sputter when starting from a stoplight but, after almost dying, would eventually "wake up" and be fine. A few days ago, I started it and it had a VERY slow idle, I tried giving it gas but it wouldn't respond and then it just died. Now it will crank but will not turn over. According to Clymer, it could be the ignition, carburetors, etc. What are some of your expert opinions? Many thanks.

Thanks for the help. Couple of questions. 1) Where can a find a turn signal flasher and how much can I expect to pay? 2) There is a toggle switch on the side of the console and I have no earthly idea what it is for. The wires for the switch are sitting inside of the fuse box. I suppose it is possible that when I took off the fuse box cover, I messed up those wires. How do I find out what the toggle switch is for? Thanks again.