260 Newbie

[Beo071]

Hello all. Just aquired a 74 260 have been reading thru diffrent sites about them and thought that I would join this site (lots of info). The car is pretty original, flat top carbs, smog pump and all. What I can say about it that from what I have read it has the typical problems, it needs floors and an interior. I brought it home fri total cost 185.00. 100 for the car and 85 for the flat bed. I tore everything off the floor and found several holes. Today I drained out the 13 gallons of gas the previous owner had sitting in it for 4 years and had a question about that. Should I go ahead and buy a new fuel pump and put in it or just put some fresh gas in it and see what happens. Other than that it has a 3/74 date code and a 302 paint code. Anyway thats just a little about the car anything you folks can suggest would be appreciated

[BRE-240Z]

Congratulations on the new Z, and welcome to the club!

You're going to want to drop that tank before you try to start the car. The S30's are notorious for getting rust in the tank if they're allowed to sit; not to mention the old stale gas turns to jelly. Drop the tank and see what's going on....you'll want to blow the lines out and replace the filters at a minimum.

Floorpans are easily sourced; I got mine from Charlie Osborne in Canada and have been very happy with the fitment. Again, welcome! We'll all be anxious to see some pictures of your new 260.

[Glliw]

Welcome aboard man. I highly suggest taking detailed before pictures, it adds to the gratification gained from the finished project. Good luck on "Z" journey.

[Beo071]

Funny you mention Charlie Osborne, I book marked his site last night. The kid I bought it from told me the tank had been flushed by his brother 4 years ago before he moved it here. The gas flowed out real well but will definitly drop it and check,do it once do it right. I am just trying to get used to working on it , I've always been a sbc guy so this is a departure to the norm so I will be searching thru threads and asking questions. Pics on the way

[BRE-240Z]

A lot of times what will happen is that rust flakes will collect near the pickup tube, and even if the tank looks good otherwise you will find that these little bits are being sucked into your filters or worse. Your instinct is good here, do it once and do it right. There are lots of threads on this site that will give you step by step instructions on how to drop the tank, clean up the fuel lines, and otherwise get a derelict car running again.

There is a photo of an installed Charlie Osborne floorpan in the link in my sig, so if you want to see what one looks like in the car, feel free to take a peek.

You'll get lots more good advice, I think, once you post some pictures. Members here are really helpful when it comes to pointing out possible trouble spots or giving advice on how to proceed with a particular project.

Paint code 302 is a light green, right? That's a nice color.

[Oiluj]

Welcme to the forum. It's a great place with lots of useful information.

[beandip]

Welcome to the group like has been said there is a lot of knowledge on tap here. By all means drain ALL fluids before you attempt to start or turn over the engine. Then pull the plugs and add some ATF into the plug holes , about a teaspoon full each. Leave the plugs out and after the oil has soaked in for 24 hours, try and turn the engine over with a socket on the crank pulley. NOT the starter. Also remove the valve cover and pour oil over the valve train first. Be watching the valves to see if they are not sticking while you turn the engine over by hand. Doing all of this could make the difference between saving the engine and replacing or having to rebuild it. All the best . Gary

[Beo071]

Thanks for all the info. I was out early this morning and dropped the tank, it was really clean so I guess the guys brother did clean it. I have to replace hoses they are all dry rotted and cracked. Go figure 34 years and something needs replaced. I had to laugh at the vent line coming off the tank someone had 4 splices in it, instead of just putting new hose on it oh well I have alot of clamps now.

Then I concentrated on cleaning up the battery, starter and all the connections on the distributor. You try convincing an 8 year old its not going to run today.

Ok Beandip I have a question is ATF better than something like Marvels? Thats what I was going to put in the cylinders but was going to give it a few days to sit. If ATF is better I will use it, had really never thought of using it. Like I said earlier thanks for the advice from everyone. I posted some pics of it earlier. BRE-240Z the factory calls it Leaf Green Metallic,the wife calls it ugly so you were right on the color