Hello everyone,
I have been looking at Z cars for a few years out of pure admiration, but recently I've taken to the idea of building one from the ground up.
I have general maintenance experience with cars, I've replaced the engine in an Oldsmobile Alero (that one ran), and I've taken apart and put back together a Kasea Skyhawk 150cc four wheeler (still isn't running yet).
I am a planner. I won't be able to actually buy the base vehicle for six months to a year. I am attempting to budget it all out and posting on here will put some skin in the game on my conscious. I like the looks of the early 1970s 260z.
I would like to gear it toward SCCA autocross events, just as a hobby, but still drive it around town on occasion. No intent on becoming the next Ken Miles or Mario Andretti.
That being said, I was hoping to get some advice on base vehicles to start looking at. I have read a few posts and it seems rust-free is not only cost-effective for a rebuild, but also safe. If there is rust on the quarter panels, but not the rockers or the actual frame, is that okay? Any other areas where rust is okay? Anything else that I should be looking out for? I'm pretty handy and willing to learn whatever I need to to make it work. This is going to be a long-term hobby for me.
Right now, I don't plan on putting in a new engine (I'm sure that will change). I would like to focus on the suspension, steering, and chassis. Does anyone have suggestions on where to start with that? I have Zero experience with that aspect of vehicles.
I hope I can learn a lot from everyone here, and maybe provide some advice to others as time goes on.
I'm in East Tennessee. If anyone is willing to sit down and teach me a thing or two, I will buy your coffee.
Thanks!