New to forum - potentially a Z owner soon!

[Zappingbaby]

Always liked the early Zs especially a 240z a this guy came up for sale recently - seeing it in person tomorrow so I'll have a better idea then - apparently being sold because the guy is retiring and getting rid of all his toys 

Pros:

1. Bodywork done - "12k, 1 year spent at body shop to cut out all rust and install new metal"

2. Modifications: Small block chev. 600 lift Roller cam, Gold roller rockers,202 aluminum heads, MSD ignition&box, H.P electric full pump, 150 shot NOS system (Not used). Purge lighting built 700R Trans&Convertor, B.M. Shifter, I.R.S. 3.9 Gears Custom built half shafts (Good for 600HP), New weather stripping/INT/Roll Bar.

3. Looks on pictures that it's done right - looks like a very clean install

 

Con:

1. Sat for 10 years since 2015, 3000km after the build (Drove the F-type jag he got instead).  Apparently just started couple of times a year to keep things "lubed".  Recommends all fluids changed, brakes bled etc before driving - so I won't get to test drive it and make sure everything's working properly before I buy it.

 

Looking for recommendations on what to look out for, and key things to prep to get it ready to get back on the road. 

 

 

[FastFloridian]

Looks good and sounds good. Wouldn’t buy without a test drive though, he’ll start it though right? Hopefully just fluids and new tires and you should be good to go. Good luck!

[jhm]

21 hours ago, Zappingbaby said:

 

Looking for recommendations on what to look out for, and key things to prep to get it ready to get back on the road.

 

First off, welcome to the forum and good luck in your search for a Z car.  In our "FAQ" section, you'll find hundreds of excellent discussions on common issues, modifications and repairs on the Datsun/Nissan Z cars. 

 

Without knowing the asking price, your mechanical abilities, and your ultimate plans for the car....here are a couple of things to look for:

- Inspect the floor pans topside and underside, the frame rails, the rocker panels, and the inner fenders for rust/damage/shoddy repairs/fiberglass/bondo.  These are some of the areas most often rotted out and/or poorly repaired.  If the car really has "all new metal", it should be apparent via inspection.

- Are you comfortable buying a built engine just based on listening to it run for a few minutes?  If it smokes heavily, has significant clatter and/or rattle in the valvetrain; those are just a couple of signs that the internals are suffering.  Visually inspect the oil, trans fluid, coolant, and brake fluid to ensure they all look clean, fresh, and uncontaminated.

 

The car looks neat from those couple of photos; but unfortunately, people often buy someone else's unused "toy" only to find that it doesn't live up to their expectations for one reason or another.  Do as much research on old Z cars as possible before buying anything, to ensure that you don't fall into this trap.  

 

Looking forward to you joining us as another proud and happy Z owner!