70 Z Bought on EBay...ROAD TRIP!!

[CoastGuardZ]

For starters, congrats Kurt.

The tow dolly question has popped up here a few times before. You will get many ideas and theories and opinions on it. My take is that the Manual tranny rear tires down is okay. Taking out the driveshaft won't hurt and having it towed on a rollback is even better. I personally towed my 72 about 1100 miles on a dolly with the shaft in and rears down. So I feel that this is an acceptable mode, although from now on I intend to use a full trailer my previous vehicle was "limited" to 3500 lbs and now I'm good for 5000+.

On the topic of it having to be a currently registered vehicle, that's news to me. I know that it was not the case in SC nor is it the case here in NY according to the NYSP. Of course this may be different in other states so you may want to contact the states you will be transversing. Something else you could do is get a temporary or in-transit plate. These are usually about $10-$15 and would cover your butt.

On the side of safety make sure that the tires on the Z are road worthy or better yet take a pair with you that you know are good.

Congrats and enjoy your road trip.

[SteveInOakland]

On the topic of it having to be a currently registered vehicle, that's news to me. I know that it was not the case in SC nor is it the case here in NY according to the NYSP. Of course this may be different in other states so you may want to contact the states you will be transversing. Something else you could do is get a temporary or in-transit plate. These are usually about $10-$15 and would cover your butt.

OK, noted. It is a requirement in Calif., the way I understand it. If it isn't where Kurt is going, so much the better for him.

Steve.

[kurtwwalters]

Unfortunately, I will be leaving on a Sunday and won't be able to get any permit locally in MO. I will be traversing MO, OK, TX, NM before I get home to AZ. I called MO's motor vehicles department and for $35 (i'd pay that) the tags could be re-upped - it is exempt from smog testing there. I'll run that by the seller. Failing that, I'll take my chances making sure I have bill of sale and signed title handy.

Onuthin - thanks for your kind words. I'll be careful.

[kenz240z]

Kurt, looks like you got yourself a good project car there. I hope the trip to bring it home goes smoothly. I look forward to seeing your progress with giving this Z car a new lease on life!

[Grim]

I've pulled my 280 from central washington state to Denver on a dolly with out hurting the car.

Good luck.

[kurtwwalters]

Well I'm on the road....

[zhead240]

get your willie nelson C D's out for the ride. have a safe trip.

[rdefabri]

GOOD LUCK! I pondered doing the road trip when I bought mine (Virginia to New Jersey), but opted to have a transport company bring it.

Don't forget to update the VIN number Excel sheet with your new toy!

[lonetreesteve]

Nice find, Kurt. That's a very low VIN with the original matching number engine and at a very good price! I hope you have a safe and fun trip and please let us know when you get back. :classic:

[kurtwwalters]

Well I made it back safe and sound . 3125 miles from Friday night after work to Monday evening. Not too bad.

I checked all the numbers - matching engine, checks with the firewall - all good! A little rust under the battery I didn't know about and also under the hatch, but not too bad. Correct hatch (vertical defrost), 2400 OHC valve cover too. Carbs are 3 screw - not correct, but I can get that and the steering wheel from my other one before my nephew gets it (sorry Troy). Also the speedometer is from a later car - he said he replaced it. It starts at 0 instead of 20. Still, after I got it off the tow dolly it fired right up! Not bad for $717.77 I think. I consider the trip cost a short vacation - gotta rationalize it somehow! I'll get pics and post them soon.

Its good to be back in the Valley of the Sun...

[SteveInOakland]

Thanks for the report. Sounds terrific.

[lonetreesteve]

Kurt,

Glad to hear you are back safe & sound and you are happy with the car. Anxious to see the pics!