First Z

[azucca33]

I have been in love with the Z car ever since i first laid eyes upon one. The closest i came to owning one was a 300zx. I am about to buy my first 240z. It is a 1971 that has been repainted and the transmission replaced with a 280 trans. Rust is not an issue. I am not looking for a show car, just a driver that i can work on. Anybody have any tips or sources? I will use any help i can get.

[zhead240]

if rust isn't an issue u can't go wrong. post some pics when u get time.

[grantf]

rust is no issue??

[ajmcforester]

Did you find one without rust or you think fixing rust is no problem? If you have no rust car then get it now!!! Hear is a link that will help:

http://www2.zhome.com:81/

Scroll down to:

Buying A Z Car-tips:

- General Discussion

- What To Watch For

-Common Rust Area's On 240-Z's

- Guide To Classics or Collectable Z's

- FAQ's

[azucca33]

Sorry for the confusion. I found one with no rust. It seems too good to be true but I really am amazed at how good the thing looks. It was originally a San Diego car and was always kept in a garage. Any tips on researching the vin before I commit to buying?

[Unkle]

Well your buying price could be influenced by any immediately needed items ?

Tires , brakes would need attention right away . Make sure the trans / clutch does what it should . Take a magnet with you to check for bondo repairs- even a lien check at the end can reveal surprises , even old parking tickets.

But we need pics to really know anything else !

[azucca33]

Thanks. I don't own it yet. If I do in fact buy it, I will start snapping pics the day I get it home.

[ajmcforester]

See if you can get a shop out their to put it on a lift and check the underside my last Z I flew out to look at 10 different ones that were "rust free" only 2 were. The first rust free one I really liked but the owner thought he could get more that what he asked because I flew out to look at it. So principal put me on the search again. Take your time don't jump at the first one that states it is rust free you will be sorry, and make sure you go out and see the car.

[Gary in NJ]

It is a 1971 that has been repainted ...

Rust is not an issue...

My alarm just went off. Paint hides all sins.

[steve91tt]

My alarm just went off. Paint hides all sins.

Agreed, even the pros can get fooled by paint hiding rust. However, rust free original low mileage cars are still out there. I bought a California car earlier this year. It was advertised as rust free and after taking what seems like every nut and bolt apart I think the description was very accurate.

I would also look at non-painted parts like nuts, bolts, metal lines, brakets, etc. If the non-painted parts are clean then there is less likelihood of cancer under the paint. A rust free California car should have fairly rust free hardware.

Good luck!

[azucca33]

I must say that I was feeling pretty good about this. You guys have me second guessing myself. I have looked at several Z's and this is the nicest that I have seen. The floorboards look really good, the frame appears to be solid and the interior is really good for a 40 yr old car. No crack in the dash either. What do I do? Keep looking?

[spitz17]

Keep your eyes open is all you can do. Have you ruled out shipping a Z to yourself? You could always take a nice trip here to California and take a look at a few Zs and have a nice vacation as well