hi guys thinking of a z

[kenwood guy]

I really have started to notice how cool the Older model Z cars are and im thinking of getting one I was wondering how hard and how much would it cost to restore one? I dont want to do anything extreme I just want it to run great have good modern suspension (possable lowering) a fresh paint job with a good rim and tire combo and good advice?

Simon

[MEZZZ]

I am sure that everyone on here would agree with this, find the cleanest car possibe to start with. Check all the usual suspect areas for rust. Evaluate your skills on what work you can do to save on labor or plan on spending ALOT more coin to get it where you want it to be.

A decent suspension, (lowering springs, struts, bushings, tie rods, ball joints, etc) will set you back about $1,000 for parts alone. Rims and tires will run at least $1,000, I just bought a set of 15" Konig Rewinds with 225 Toyo tires shipped for $1,100. A paint job? Plan on $3,000 for mediocre to $6-$8 for a nice one.

Of course, this just scrtaches the surface. Add new brakes, interior, exhaust, etc and the price really starts to climb. I plan on having about $8,000 in repairs & uprades once completed and have done all the work myself, learning as I go.

[kenwood guy]

hey thanx for the advice I have basic eletrical skills and can take stuff apart and put back toghter like you I would have to learn as I go...

[lonetreesteve]

Hi Simon,

Since you live in Southern California, there is a huge quantity of older Z-cars in your area. In fact, there are more old z-cars in So Cal than any other place on earth! The even bigger bonus is that are also a lot of older Zs available that have minimal rust issues, unlike most places. Check your local craigslist and Ebay and good luck!

[kenwood guy]

Hi Simon,

Since you live in Southern California, there is a huge quantity of older Z-cars in your area. In fact, there are more old z-cars in So Cal than any other place on earth! The even bigger bonus is that are also a lot of older Zs available that have minimal rust issues, unlike most places. Check your local craigslist and Ebay and good luck!

One more question how hard is it to find aftermarket and original parts??? for the Z cars?? I dont plan on keeping the car all original so im hoping the car has great aftermarket parts support inside and out

[bobc]

Simon, again living in So Cal has it's advantages. You are within driving range of Motorsports Auto in Orange, Ca. as well as other new/used part suppliers in Arizona and Washington. There are some parts that are beginning to get hard to find and are expensive, but for the most part, OEM and replacement parts are pretty easy to find. Part of the answer to that question depends on the degree of restoration you plan on.

I totally agree with starting out with the best car you can find and go from there. You can easily sink $8K-$10K into a car that costs you $15K to start with or $5K into a car that costs $5K. Again, just depends on what you want to do with it and your objective for the final result.

Overall, Z's are not complicated to work on. The engines are more or less bullet proof and parts are easy to find. Rust is your biggest enemy when buying and maintaining a Z.

My two cents,

Best,

Bob

Edited December 17, 2009 by bobc