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Hello All, I got serious about buying a Z over the summer. I've been in love with them since I was about 8. I've been reading the forums for about six months and after test driving two found Layla three weeks ago. She's a two owner car, originally from VA but owned since 1976 from the guy I bought it from. He bought it from a Datsun dealership when it was three years old. He drove it around TX and TN in the 70s and 80s and into the 90s. 159,XXX original miles. He said the first owner installed a roll bar, chrome rims, and headers. I have all of his registrations and most documentation of stuff he's done to it. It has pretty much sat in storage for the past 10-15 years with him spending $2,000 a couple years ago (have receipts) trying to get it back on the road. He said this car has outlived any relationship he's ever had, and backed out of selling it to someone else once before. I'm not going to say I stole it, but he gave me one heck of a deal in my opinion including a military discount. Before I bought it I had it put on a lift and did a dry compression test on the engine. It is "virtually rust free," with the factory undercoating still on it. It was repainted 10 years ago in the factory silver color. There is a 3"x3" patch pop riveted onto the driver's side floor, and 2"x2" hole on the passengers side under the seat, likely from the A/C condensation. He told me he never looked under the car. Not necessarily believable, but I believe some people never do so. I also have the FSM and the Mechanic's manual, not sure what it's called, and the carb balance meter. There is also a 1.5" hole under the batter tray. The interior looks great in my opinion; it has a dashcap with one crack, seat covers, stock floor mats, brand new carpet otherwise. Headliner is original and looks great. The engine compression yielded 145-150 psi in all cylinders except one; 1st cylinder was 135. I would've liked higher numbers, but the engine has a good amount of miles so I'm happy at this point. When I test drove it, the car was a little sluggish, but the guy was just frustrated saying "it's not the car it used to be." He said his local mechanic refused to rebuilt the SUs. Since I've had it, I've done the following things: Things I've done thus far: - Castrol high mileage 10w-30 oil change with "engine restore," Lucas oil treatment, and sea foam. Normally I wouldn't put this many additives in, but the car has basically been sitting for 10 years. - Filled gas tank with 93 octane gasoline and fuel system cleaner to help burn off carbon deposits. (I think I'll go lower next tank) - Adjusted intake and exhaust valves to factory specifications. - Replaced rattling muffler with a Magnaflow Turbo XL model. - Replaced 2 year old champion spark plugs with Bosch platinum version. I wanted NGK plugs to go with my wires but they weren't in stock. Plugs were gapped at the higher end of the factory recommendation to accommodate for the higher octane fuel to 0.035". - Spent two hours cleaning the upper half of the carbs and balancing them to factory specs. I will rebuild them within two months. - Cleaned/degreaser valve cover. - Next steps are to put in new distributor points, condenser, and oil pressure sending unit. Flush transmission and rear end gear oil. Buy a timing light and dial in the timing. Replace/upgrade coil. I have been meaning to start this thread since I bought the car; I am behind so I'll be updating the progress I've already completed on a gradual basis. The pictures are after the things I did listed above. Thanks for reading.

I haven't seen anything around that has solved this conundrum for me, so forgive me if this is a topic that has been beaten to death, but I have found an early '74 260z near enough to me that the cost to buy and ship it will come to $3,750. It seems to have a complete interior, but will need a new dash and carpet. The paint will need to be completely redone, and the engine is not working. I plan to go see it on Saturday, but I'm hesitant, because I'm on the fence about 260zs in general. If it turns out to be truly rust and dent free, would you go with this, or would you hold out for a 240z? I feel like if I found a 240z I would restore it, and if I were to do a resto-mod I would just go with a 280z in order to save money and start from a better performance position. This car is the worst performing Z in stock condition and begs to be updated, but I feel like modding a 260z would be a mistake if I wanted to try to get a good return on it someday (I know you aren't supposed to do this for resale potential but I can't help but go there in my mind). Thoughts?

Hey guys, I'm a young SSgt in the Air Force stationed in Texas. When i was young my mom owned a 1977 280z that was going to become by first car. Well, she wrecked it before i turned 16 and it was impossible for us (very poor) to restore. Ever since then it has been my dream to own a 280z. I'm in love with the car. If anyone is getting rid of a 280Z i can afford to pay 3,000 for it ( shipping will cost me around 1,200.) I wish i could offer more but with 2 kids that live 1600 miles away it costs me over $500 each time i want to visit them, so I dont have a lot left over. I've been saving here and there for the past 6 years and I assure you if there is anyone who would appreciate the car i certainly would. I'm looking for a daily driver and I would like to one day hand it down to my son. My mom and I had a lot of memories in that car, thanks for the read and wish me luck!