new member, old guy

[TDHoward]

Just dragged home a 74 260Z. Everything listed below was dragged home, but left under its own power!

It's going to need lotssa help. Not much frame rail rust, but REALLY bad paint, cancer around the hatch, missing various items.

Not my first Z, about 25 years ago I owned a 72 240Z, which succumbed to rail rust. I didn't know then what I know now and think I can bring this 260 back from the brink.

I don't do concours restos, I clean 'em up, get 'em driving and safe and maybe shoot on a little paint. Make 'em halfway nice then drive 'em like I stole 'em.

The Z is next in line after my current project, a 71 Triumph Spitfire, which is almost complete.

I've done a 73 VW superbeetle, a 73 MGB, I still miss these two and regret taking the offer I couldn't refuse!

A 1965 Chevy Corvair, (A fun, reliable, safe car regardless of what you've heard),

A 74 Volvo 240,( big, square, ugly, but elegantly simple!)

and several Jeeps in various states of disrepair.

I dig multiple carbs. in Unusual cars you just don't see everyday.

I like wrenching on things OTHER than the big american V-8s. You'll most likely never see a Chevelle or Nova in my garage.

I've always relied on good internet boards to enhance my knowledge and expand my education about the POS I'm working on right now.

Hope to be an active member here!

[ArnieTX]

Cool. Welcome

[WingZr0]

Sounds like you know what your gettin in to

[TDHoward]

Sounds like you know what your gettin in to

Sorta!

There's been a rather steep learning curve for every thing I've pulled home.

And I expect the Z to be similar.

One thing I've already learned about my particular Z is the "tuna can" Hitachis have been replaced with the earlier round tops. The SU's on this Z are functionally the same ones used on my MGB. So my English should translate to Japanese.

It's an early 74, which I like.

The coil and ignition appear to be NEW. And MOST of the stuff for a fuelie were included with the car. So once again, I've pulled home a MUTT.

Now to decide how I want to proceed.

[BrianL1987]

I too have recently gotten back into Z. I owned a 72' until 90' when I could no longer keep registered in CA because of smog regulations. I have missed that car & finally got another which I have steadily been sinking a boat load of $ into over last year. Luckily Im doing this one to keep.

[Oiluj]

BrianL1987,

No smog requirements in CA for cars 1975 and older. Who told you that you could not keep your 1972 Z?

[BrianL1987]

That wasnt the case in 90'. I would never have sold had I realized that it would become exempt. I imagine that most of us wish we had hung onto some of previous cars

[sblake01]

In 1990, I believe California still had the 30 year rule.

[Kathy & Rick]

In 1990, I believe California still had the 30 year rule.

Hi, Stephen, Rick here.

I hadn't heard of the "30 year rule" in those terms; does that mean that if

a vehicle is over 30 years of age it is exempt from emissions testing?

Thanks-- ~Rick~