Sailor Bob

I agree - it's a good investment, properly installed they would last a long time and save you the nuisance of doing this again in five years. There is a thread with alot of discussion on this subject - search: 2" taller , should get it.

It is not that bad and it will make you that much more familiar with your car. You could check on Atlantic z in their tech tips - it offers a very good breakdown on suspension and lots of other things. I would have a look at all the bushings while your at it - it's essentially the bulk of the gear that you would have to remove to get at most of them. Might check out your ball joints and tie rod ends as well. Good time to look at your brakes too. Good luck

I would have bought it in a minute if it was here, particularly if is solid.

It is really hard to say from the pictures provided. I would look at the trouble spots and asses it from there - some important things (in no particular order): Frame rails - from the front to the rear Battery tray and below (right to the frame) Glass Interior damage Exterior damage or rust (how much and how deep) Paint (original - if not how much work was done on the car befor) Was the car in any accidents (I would stay away from any car that had ever been significantly damaged) Was it used for towing (I just bought one that was - it may have changed my opinion if I had known) Hatch sill (rust) Door bottoms (rust) Was the car used for racing Mechanically intact Floors and spare tire well Wheel wells (check the what to look for list in Zhome.com) Matching numbers If these things (or even most of them) seem acceptable or good I think I would have it picked up by now. From the pics you have shown - I like it, but it appears not to be original paint - so there may be hidden body damage that you can not see.

I may have been a little bit picky initially when I saw the car, when shipping long distances things happen - particullarly when the vehicle changes carriers several times en route. I got the low shipping rate (in relative terms), but paid the other way. The vendor put a bra on the car prior to shipping (at my request) and one of the truckers tried to start the car to move it to another truck, (the ignition is tricky) when trying to start he thought the battery was dead and popped the hood to boost it and ripped two slits in the vinyl bra (now garbage). I took some pictures of some of the body damage but they show very poorly in a photo. Minor dimples are almost impossible to see unless you are looking from the correct angle - the drivers door appears perfect in a photo but standing beside it it shows several dents. I wll get creative with lighting later to see what I can do to illuminate the issue (see what I did there ) Here's some things that are obvious (now) - the bumper shot is the unmentioned trailer hitch. Don't get me wrong, this glass is half full. More later.

I am in it significantly, but due to the location that I live in, our salted roads and our poor weather - it is simply the price you have to pay to get a viable Z in eastern Canada. I looked at a couple of local cars and they were rough and still pricey, even getting parts from them is tricky - I looked at one last summer and no lie, it had at least twenty pounds of bondo added to the body panels. So I am not as far into it as if I would be trying to reproduce a workable Z from local offerings. Ie - to buy a good fender $100 + shipping plus prepping and painting = $$$$ - multiply that by the bulk of the body parts that would have to be done and it makes alot of sense to ship from the SW. The up side to what I have is - it is solid and I don't have to do the body if I don't want to. I was hoping to get it on the road for 1K - I am now thinking two or less as long as I do all the work myself.

Just bought all three and two sports mirrors for $100. Back of the truck now stinks of gear oil but otherwise pleased.

It is a Z sight (site) - I really enjoy seeing all the cars of our members and follow improvements or changes. It's not invasive just interest.

Started a couple of days ago to think about where to start. I actually started yesterday. I know only that I am not painting for a while. Anything else is possible. To date I have all the suspension parts ordered - going with Poly (black) bushings, Eibach lowering springs and HPs again (worked well befor). I spoke to a fellow Classic Z member about SUs - they are they newer type - I am hoping they will fit. Spoke to Motorsport auto today - the sales guy tells me if I am not using The flat tops - I don't need the electric fuel pump - saved 2 hundred + skins right there - I will just bypass it for now. She is very good underneath - all parts are coming off good with only a squirt of penetrating oil and a ratchet.:classic: Couple of pics:

Why are you pretending to be so dense?

Time makes for good decisions - stow it for a while till you think it through. One morning you will wake up with the right answer and feel ok about it after.

Gotto say that car is very easy on the eyes. Good luck with the clunk - I have two Z cars and two clunks. I'll be following your thread.

Thanks for the tips Brian - I am considering replacing/trading them in, some parts are sticking hard leading me to believe there is some distortion/wear. I agree with you though - I may start there, stripping them first to see what's up. She definately will not be licenced this year. I still have at least 2 months befor the snow flies. I can leave the 280 out of the shed under a tarp for a while, til I get the essentials done (suspension, brakes - stuff that requires space to do). Being `shed size` challenged, I have to think about shapes and sizes as well as the timing. Trying to get my head around it, so the car is ready for the road next summer. Bill - Thanks, as you said small things that are not expected can get out of shape in your` brain. I am getting to the figure it out and do it stage. Shouldn`t say to much at this point, but as I said earlier I will start posting a few shots of the challenges that lie ahead. Your` car is sweet looking.

Wow - that is a beautiful looking car. It looks brand new. Congratulations

http://carfiche.com/manuals023/cars

Hey Randy - I'll send you an eyebrow plucker if you are truely in need. The picture makes think of the word "flooded". The one I have, has SUs substituted and they are not pretty (braizing and welding) - I sent Tom a message about his. Sorry for not being helpful, but this may help - you can get a copy of the 73 FSM on line for a minor Paypal donation and it has a section on the flattops. You should be able to find the link in search. If not I'll dig it up.

Carl - Our local dealer is less than motivated about classic vehicles, I have tried on three occasions to solicit thier assitance (to blank stares). Generally, If it's over ten years old they are not interested - but who knows a phone call could save $$. Thanks for the tip. SB

I would love to get a set of original keys, but reality sets in when you look at what some people try to sqeeeze out of your desire to complete a classic car - too bad. I had a really stupid experience yesterday - I was going to order a oil pressure sensor (OEM type) and it cost $53 - I wasn't impressed but that was the type I wanted, so I agreed to purchase and when we got to the shipping it was $73. I couldn't do it - I will live without accuracy. There is a limit.

Hi Tim Yes, it came from Cold Springs - a gentleman by the name of Vernon Griffith was the vendor. Are you familiar with this car? Please let me know if there is history that you are aware of. I would rather know good and bad - it is all still the history of the car. I polled the club for reaction - no responces. I was hoping someone knew it or could go see it, no responces other than a couple of people identifying the distance from thier homes (quite large distances) So far I did a semi intense once over and in spite of initial misgivings (severe buyer's remorse) I am starting to feel better about it. Spent the day yesterday fiddling with the carbs - she doesn't blow quite as much smoke - iust took her out - pretty rattly bangy. Progress will be easy to see. Anyway look forward to any info you may have to share. SB

Ron - it probably does, the body has very little rust - it will require some work though. I am unfamiliar with these carbs (not that I was an EFI expert) and I am pretty sure they are way out of whack - I am thinking these are running very rich (hense the smoke). I tuned them right down to lean this afternoon and released them a half turn - not quite as bad. Might need some rebuilds. Micheal / Patrick - Thanks - more pics to come. Not sure about those bumperguards - they may be coming off.

I think she is going to clean up well, esp the interior. I'll be watching for pictures. Rick

I decided to post the happy pitures first. The shipping and undisclosed presale damage has me a bit winded right now. Although it is a relatively good buy some of the things I was hoping for did not pan out - buyer beware :stupid:. I found signs of a trailer hitch:cry: - the last thing I wanted to see. Perhaps that explains pic #1. Anyway when I get out of my funk - I will post the grittier pictures. SB

Welcome back.

She arrived and IT`s ALIVE, but what a mess - lots of shipping damage - none that would meet the criteria of the shipping contract, but enough to take the smile off your face. I am like Two face in Batman (very happy to finally see it - but pissed about the state) Anyway back to the good stuff although she is smoking, she pulls really hard. No radio and dash is cracked but the rest of the interior is impressive. Doors sound tinny when closed but they appear to be in very good shape. There are dings and scratches in the body(paint), but it does appear to be original paint. Pictures later today. (I am very excited (and pissed))

I have shed envy, mine is only 24 feet.