New Here, Just got a Series 1 w/No Mods

[dclamm]

Hello, great site and will be here often. Had a few Zs earlier in life, back in it after 20 years.

Just bought a series 1 (9/70 prod #10112, E31 head,2400 valve cover,etc..). Been looking for an unmolested one for awhile and boy did I get it. But thinking beware what you ask for... no mods except a respray (slightly wrong red...ugh). Early CA blue plate, a little rust, I think(hope) not major. But EVERY rubber piece needs replacement (Bushings, w/s, are all falling apart). Most chrome/badges pitted or rusted. Engine not running but turns(hope not major, 2nd owner I bought from had for 30+ years said 77K shown is right, but could be 177). Not run for 16 years. Where to start...

So, hello, and I'll be here often!

Dave

[WingZr0]

Heh brother, sounds like you have a beauty! Wheres the pics ? Blue Plates are awesome on a Z. Had a Polar White 78 with some. What are your plans for the car, a complet tear down or just get her going?

Edited March 5, 2010 by WingZr0

[dclamm]

Plan is mechanical first (I want to drive it dammit!). Then, depending on time&energy, could be a tear down for paint and all new rubber/glass/chrome.. Want to keep it original... I figure 5 year plan...

Some pics...not pretty (this is the first day anyway). Last one is worst of rust, both front fender wells just above & behind TC rod mount. How bad does it look? No other frame rust or in floors, rear is fine...funny it's just these two spots (just a few other bubbles on the usual outer panels).

Thx, Cheers!

[lbpdz]

Welcome and keep us posted on your progress

[ajmcforester]

Congratulations on the purchase. It looks like a great project car. Watch thous rust bubbles they are always larger than you see. Not to be the pessimist, but a rust spot like that usually means you will find more. That was a lot of steel that rusted threw, but maybe that spot the welds were not done right and that is why it rusted.

I would not worry to much about the color if your going to rebuild it more than likely you will be repainting it eventually.

[Sailor Bob]

Nice find. Congrats

[ggarrard]

Rust showing inside the fender well is pretty much normal, and if the frame rails and floors are solid you found an excellent starting point.

Enjoy...

[VITAMIN Z]

welcome and congrats on your find! I have not started looking for a 240 yet, but I was lucky to have been given an unmolested 260, which I'm working on, I can relate to your great story.

[tlorber]

Glad to see there will be another one on the road again....at some point.

[dclamm]

Ouch, discovered a bent valve today, #2 intake. Not sure how that could happen... Could a bent valve have damaged the head? Hope it's save-able.

[d240zx2]

Doubt if it damaged the head, but I'll bet it left a smile on the piston.... A bad cam install 38 years ago left several smiles on my pistons...and they're still making power....

[ajmcforester]

These are tough engines I doubt it did much to the engine. Now you know why they were not driving it. Make sure you use a block dye on the head to check for cracks, beside you have a great reason to rebuild the engine from top to bottom.