RaceBorn Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 Hi, My name is Amir, and I am a recent member to this forum, but a long time fan of the S30 Z. I have owned a few cars, and am currently in the process of selling my current one. My dream for a very long time now is to buy a 260Z coupe (not a 2+2), and restoring it myself from scratch, and using the project as a way to expand my knowledge about cars beyond what I know (some theory, and a little practical). I will use this post to ask my first question as well: Is it naive for someone with no background in automotive mechanics, but a lot of desire to learn and to listen, to want to complete a restoration on a Z? Looking forward to learning a lot from you guys. Amir Quote
JP240z Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 I think it will cost you alot more if you don't have the knowlege or skills as you will have to pay people to do more of your restoration... Quote
pauly_adams Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 the first thing you should do if you puchase a haynes manual, this little manual helped me out so much and i was useless now i can change front ends, heads ,diffs, gboxes etc so its realy worth it. also helps if you learn fast and some help from the local mechenic helps too cheers pauly and good luck Quote
Administrators gav240z Posted February 24, 2008 Administrators Posted February 24, 2008 Hi, My name is Amir, and I am a recent member to this forum, but a long time fan of the S30 Z. I have owned a few cars, and am currently in the process of selling my current one. My dream for a very long time now is to buy a 260Z coupe (not a 2+2), and restoring it myself from scratch, and using the project as a way to expand my knowledge about cars beyond what I know (some theory, and a little practical). I will use this post to ask my first question as well: Is it naive for someone with no background in automotive mechanics, but a lot of desire to learn and to listen, to want to complete a restoration on a Z? Looking forward to learning a lot from you guys. Amir Amir it is not naive to want to give it a go and learn more about cars in general. My first car was a 240z and it has taught me many things. The great thing about a Zcar is that they are relatively simple but at the same time require a bit of knowledge and understanding. There are some excellent books you can buy to get started and if you get stuck everyone on the forums is usually more than willing to lend a hand. One thing I find about Z owners is that they have usually been there and done that, so they will be very willing to help. Restoring a car requires patience, help from others and determination, oh and a fair bit of coin too . If that sounds ok to you, then you should be fine. Welcome to the club! Quote
Moderators Zedman240® Posted February 24, 2008 Moderators Posted February 24, 2008 We all have to start somewhere! My first car too was a 260Z 2 seater. Learned everything Z wise from that car.. And as Pauly said, get a workshop manual! Very important! It is handy if you know other people that can give you a hand from time to time...in case you get stuck.. Good luck! Quote
RBZ 260 Posted February 24, 2008 Posted February 24, 2008 like most guys here said get a service manual either haynes or buy a brand new one from nissan only set you back $80 for nissan one and about 20-30 for haynes from ebay. if you willing to learn you will not have many issues. as for restoring and rust repair i suggest you enrol in a welding course. every state has one and its a good investment and it will save you bucket loads of money when restoring a zed. they run after hours once or twice a week for few weeks estimated cost (depending on the state $500-$800) but like i said its a good investment in a skill that you will need over and over. and than you got an option on going further to get the advanced welding diploma so you can safely weld and modify engine brackets straps etc... for engineering purposes. like most of us here we dont stop on only one Z. just wait till the bug gets you. Quote
RaceBorn Posted February 25, 2008 Author Posted February 25, 2008 Thanks for the warm welcome and the advice guys I realise that I am probably jumping into the deep end, but gav240z said, I understand that compared to most modern cars, the S30 is relatively easy to work on. As far as getting my skills up, I am already looking into a Tafe course for welding, which as some of you said, would be very helpful. I also have a very patient and great friend who is a mechanic, and works a lot on Nissans (he has a very highly customised R32 Skyline) I have already bought one book so far, it's called "How to restore your Datsun Z Car" I am looking at getting the following books, let me know if you think they are good or not: How to Rebuild your Nissan & Datsun OHC Engine Haynes Manual for 260Z: I appreciate your offer to help me along with advice once I get the car - I hope you won't regret offering the help, cuz I can already see myself asking plenty of questions I'd also love to come to one of your meets one day (in Sydney). Do you hold them regularly? If not, I'd be happy to organise something, if only to get the opportunity to oogle some Z cars Quote
FuzzyDropbear Posted February 27, 2008 Posted February 27, 2008 Welcome to the club mate! I realise that I am probably jumping into the deep end, but gav240z said, I understand that compared to most modern cars, the S30 is relatively easy to work on. I am in a similar boat as you in that my 260Z is my first attempt at restoring a car (however, I have some experience in mechanical work with my daily driver). My number one tip is to take your time and research stuff before you dive headfirst into doing something. Cheers. Good luck with your project! Quote
RaceBorn Posted February 25, 2009 Author Posted February 25, 2009 Mini bump on this thread. Deposit has now been placed on my new 240 (thanks Pete!) and I am looking forward to starting work on this car, but first, some cruising and enjoyment (which is what it's really all about) Quote
Scoota G Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Question? Rumour has it that "The Stig" has a love child, Are You That Man? Oh and welcome Quote
Mr240z Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Hey Amir I,ve got the other 2 books and you can borrow them if you want. When are you picking the 240z from peter, I,ll come up to peter's place and catch up with you. Let me know if you want to borrow those books and i.ll throw them in my Zed for you...... Pauly Quote
xa1973 Posted February 25, 2009 Posted February 25, 2009 Hello and welcome Mate Its good your going to Tafe to learn welding, an excellent basic skill set youll need for car restoration Something Ive always imparted to my apprentices over the years, before you attack your own car re: panel and paint work, go to the wreckers spend a couple of hundred dollars on some junker panels and practice, practice, practice your new skills, its cheap insurance at the end of the day!!! Enjoy Cheers Quote
RaceBorn Posted February 25, 2009 Author Posted February 25, 2009 Mark: No comment, just in case my famous dad is reading this Pauly: Thanks! I appreciate it. I am going to be doing a lot of reading to get my knowledge up to speed, and then slowly start working on the car to put theory to practice (well, that's the general plan) xa1973: Thanks, I haven't gone to TAFE as yet for it, but I am hoping to ask my friends dad (who has been welding for over 20 years) to teach me so I can go and practice like you suggested Quote
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