Maestro's Z-Log

[MAESTRO]

Let me begin by saying that I've always wanted a Z, specifically a 240. I was smitten as a car-obsessed youngster by a certain white '72 that perennially graced the garage of a family friend. I have always promised myself that one day I would have a Z of my own, although the aforementioned white one may eventually be mine as well since the owner was blessed with a daughter as an only child who couldn't care less about the car. In any event, I recently turned 31 and decided that it was about time. Growing up on the east coast I was more accustomed to rust encrusted undersides and Zs that had succumbed to terminal cancer, but having recently relocated to southern California I have my pick of wonderfully preserved cars. So In light of that, I finally purchased my first 240Z. It's a '72 model, and supposedly it was originally orange, but the first owner really wanted a red one but refused to wait for a red car from the dealership and had it painted red instead. The second owner returned it to orange, but it's a GM red/orange. The interior is white, which I initially wasn't sure of, but now I totally dig it, it really brightens up the inside of the car. The engine isn't original, and I have no idea how many miles are on it, though the compression tests well and it seems decently strong. Tho odo reads about 46.5k, though I imagine it's rolled over at least once.

 

I'm not altogether sure of my plans for this car. Currently only mild modifications are on the list, but one thing is for certain; I'll be keeping this one indefinitely, so who knows what's in store down the road...

 

So far I've only cleaned, washed, claybar'd, and waxed the exterior. I've cleaned and straightened the interior, lubing hinges and tightening loose bolts etc, removing squeaks and rattles. Underhood in addition to a tuneup I installed a Pertronix coil. The only major thing I've done to the car is to remove the A/C system in its entirety. This Z started life as an Arizona car, so either the first owner added A/C or it was dealer installed. To me, it has no place in such a light sports car, but to each their own. The only significant modifications previously done to the car include a wonderfully precise-shifting 5-speed from an '81, a set of Weber DGV Carbs, a Grant mahogany steering wheel, and an MSA tail-panel 6x9 speaker enclosure.

 

In the near future I plan to put in some springs to lower it a bit - the previous owner installed Tokico blues about a year ago, so a set of springs should go nicely. I also have a set of vintage SSR Longchamp wheels that I purchased with the car for a bit extra which I plan to restore and install. 15x7 with a -1 offset should look quite proper once the springs are installed. Other than that, I'd just like to address the exhaust because the car is way too quiet. A set of twice pipes would remedy that perhaps.

 

That's all for now, I'll add to the thread as the car progresses.