New Z

[WoodyZ]

Hello

I just picked up a '71 240Z, straight runner. The suspension is all original and in dire need of replacement. I had thought to do this all myself, but after watching video of other Z's in restoration I was reminded of the amount of work needed to strip, clean and reassemble the vehicle, especially as I would have to refit the garage in the process.

As an alternative, is there anyone in the Puget Sound area you would recommend to do a full suspension upgrade?

Cheers!

Woody

[Sailor Bob]

Welcome to the site Woody. Congratulaions on your aquisition, your going to enjoy it. I can't recommend a shop in the area, but having gone through the process I can say that although it is time consuming it is a great way to become familiar with the car.

You will need to determine exactly how far you wish to go with the job. Are you doing bushings as well as shocks/springs? In either case you will find lots of information on the what types and how to in the search function - it's all been well covered over the years.

Good luck

SB

[Bruce Palmer]

We, ZTherapy, have a video showing the installation of a complete suspension set up. The previous owner of ZTherapy produced the video and it's been a coon's age since I watched it but for $15 you couldn't go wrong.

One nice thing about the older NISSAN fleet, there pretty much is NO rocket science involved.....

[twsutt]

Woody,

I agree with Sailor Bob; it may take some time, but you'll feel better about the job if do it yourself. Besides, it will give you a great opportunity to get to know your car while saving a few dollars.

If you do change out the bushings, you should do a search on "spindle pin puller" and either fabricate one of your own or use the loaner program here at classiczcars.com. Believe me, this is an absolute must if you plan on replacing the bushings on the lower control arm.

Best of luck and welcome to the board.

[Thecabtsmith]

You could try Z Specialties in Snohomish. I have not had any work done by them, but they were well known in California as being thorough.

I am actually doing my own. I am in the process as we speak. Actually cleaned most of the front suspension pieces today. My or may not paint depending on time... and yes I am doing bushings as well as shocks and springs.

good luck.

[WoodyZ]

Thanks for the ideas.

Familiar with the car I am. I wrenched on the 5 Zs my Dad owned through the 70's. This car brings back a lot of memories and has already got a smile on my face. So far its been a couple weekends of systems checks. Changed fluids, tuned the motor, balanced carbs,... I drove last Sunday and except for the dried rubber and shocks she's pretty solid little rig.

I've done the clean and restore before. Time and workspace are a premium these days. If I add a 5-speed and swap the rear end out for taller gears, I'm looking to end up with a nice low mileage cross-pass commuter.

Cheers,

Woody

[Mike B]

Not sure where exactly in the Puget Sound region you are located, but you can also try:

Motorworks Ltd.

12700 Bel-Red Rd.

Bellevue, WA 98005

(425) 453-7082

Contact name: Duane Bender

Web site: http://www.motorworksltd.com/

Fairlady Motors Z Car

6902 27th Street West

Tacoma, WA 98466

(253) 565-9823

Contact name: Doug Smith

Web site: http://www.fairladymotors.com

Z Sport Inc. Performance Automotive

3532 Smith Ave.

Everett, WA

(425) 259-4691

(800) 633-3308

Web site: http://www.zsport.com/

I have only used Motorworks Ltd so far and Duane does good work.

-Mike