Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'introduction'.
-
I don't yet own a Z, but I've been reading through this forum to get an idea of what I'm looking at. I'm in Utah, USA and am seriously considering the purchase of HLS30-42702. It's titled as a 1971 240Z and from my research the known data seem to confirm this. I'm not looking to restore it to pristine showroom quality, but I do want to restore it insofar as my budget allows. Maybe to 1970's daily driver status, if that makes sense. I got this crazy idea to get a project car a little while ago and my father suggested a Datsun or similar. My mom's first car was a 510 while my dad drove a VW Karmann Ghia. While both would be fun, the Z series has won me over. The Z in question appears to be a good starter. Little, if any, frame and undercarriage rust with a recent paint job. The engine starts, but it's not driveable due to a bad clutch (as postulated by current owner's mechanic). The engine serials on the block and ID plate don't match, but the engine does appear to be a L24 with E88 heads. The interior is pretty much in shambles; carpet, dash, seats, and panels will need replacement. I like the Z because it seems simple and fun. I've always done my own car repairs and enjoy working under the hood. The Z looks like a car from a much simpler era of engines and has plenty of space under the hood to work in. I'm not interested in performance upgrades or 260/280 transplants or swaps, so this one seems like a good candidate. Before I dive in I do have a few questions; hopefully this is an appropriate place to ask. I appreciate any input: I've never done a clutch replacement before, but I was planning to do it myself. The owner would include the restoration guide he bought and I plan to purchase a repair manual. Although I haven't done this specific repair I have done pretty much every pump under a hood, A/C repair, alternator, starter, etc. How big of a job is this and what kind of time frame? What are questions I should ask and things to look for before purchasing, ie common caveats of these cars? What are honest estimates of total cost? Keep in mind my goals as set out above. I don't need the car to look brand-new, but I do want to repair/replace visible cracks and broken parts. I plan to do as much work as possible myself (isn't that the point? ). What is a fair price? Seller has listed at $2500 and I planned to offer a little less than that. Any other guidance or "I wish I had known" points are much appreciated.