The new owners check list

[AussieZed]

Hi listers,

 

I just bought my 260Z 2+2 and haven't done a thing to it yet. I know it needs a full resto but want the advice of you 'old hands' (no offence to anyone!! ).

 

So here goes...

 

- what are the 4-5 'deal breakers' with respect to restoration. What are the things that if they are wrong, it is just too hard/expensive to put right.

 

- what are the 'weak links' to check mechanically and for the body.

 

- what are the 4-5 mods that I should make while I have the chance for safety and reliability (performance mods can come later!!).

 

I know a resto is a long road, but I'm not going to start down it with my eyes shut!!

 

Ross

[C.A.R.]

Firstly: what is your budget? And how bad is the rust?

If you want to do a FULL resto, your best to strip it down to every last bolt, put it on a rotisserie,

and have the whole shell media blasted.

This will then tell you how good or bad the shell is.

 

IMHO if there is major structural rust in the rails/chassis, roof pillars, sills & floor pan it'd be best to find another shell.

Same applies if it's been in an accident - unless it's been put right on a chassis jig, it won't ever be the same as a straight shell.

 

Just remember too, a 2+2 will, comparatively, never be worth as much as a 2-seater.

I'm not trying to knock you down, but it's worth considering...

[gav240z]

Lurch is correct the shell is the deal breaker, if the car is rooted its very expensive to repair unless you can weld / panel beat by trade.

 

The biggest safety improvement to me is the brakes. They were good for the 70's and praised alot in the day but by today's standards they are not very good. The 2+2's were slightly heavier so the brakes were updated (bigger booster) for the extra weight, but still not very good.

[C.A.R.]

Pffft... 5 HARD laps around the Island in my old Bus & the factory brake components never gave me any worry Gav.

It's all about the setup

[Zedback]

what are the 4-5 'deal breakers' with respect to restoration

1. More than anything else accident damage, it can bend bits of the shell nowhere near the impact and will often cause rust where seams have parted or sheet has creased.

2. Rust

3. Rust that's worse than you thought (ask me how I know)

4. Rust that you completely missed

5. Incomplete car or a car that comes in unmarked boxes

 

what are the 4-5 mods that I should make while I have the chance for safety and reliability

Get it back to as new stock condition.  In particular: rebuild the brakes to new, new bushes, new shocks, new tyres and maybe put in an electronic dizzy.

 

I know a resto is a long road, but I'm not going to start down it with my eyes shut!!

You either need deep pockets or lots of time and skill (or willingness to learn).  I'm in the latter category and am still expecting to spend around $8k over 3-5 years on the '73.  Bump that up to $12k or more if I ever tackle the '71.  I'm also leaning towards "renovation" rather than restoration and I'm not expecting to produce a car as good as those spending $30k or more.

If you do it yourself you also need space for both the car, AND for a whole cars worth of parts, AND room to work on the parts as you go.  Neighbors can also be a problem if you are grinding/welding/painting/cursing, thankfully mine are distant (for all of the above reasons).

 

Good luck!

 

[RB30X]

Just remember too, a 2+2 will, comparatively, never be worth as much as a 2-seater.

 

That's your most vital piece of info right there.