260Z Weekend Warrior

[Herbonius]

Continuing my introduction thread - http://www.viczcar.com/forum/index.php/topic,11939

 

I picked up my red/orange 260Z from a bloke in QLD who unfortunately had a run of bad health just after he spent a significant amount of cash on restoring the car. This is the car I have been lusting over though for as long as I can remember so at least it's going to a good home. I have a cafe racer that I ride during the week so this will mostly be only used on the weekends.

 

This is how the car currently looks:

 

 

 

I has a L28 bored out to 3L. I couldn't be more happy with the condition of the body and interior. It's essentially flawless. I do have some things on my to do list though.

 

[*]Switch to 240Z carbies -- The car is currently running extremely rich on the 260Z flat top carbies and I have no hope of getting a RWC in this condition. After talking with a couple of local Z experts, they have convinced me that I need to switch to 240Z carbies. I'm currently in the market if anyone is looking to sell. I need to do this as soon as possible

[*]Switch to chrome mirrors -- The plastic mirrors don't do the car any justice at all. I've already ordered some mirrors that use the stock mounts from ebay.

[*]Fix the locks -- Not happy with the hatch lock.

[*]Switch to manual -- An auto doesn't do this car justice at all. Currently in the market for a manual transition.

[*]Install larger wheels -- I know that the stock rims are highly sought after in America but I can't say that I'm a fan of small wheels. I like the looks of the 17" Simmons OM wheels as seen here: http://www.viczcar.com/member-rides/nigels-stunning-1973-datsun-240z or the 17" CCW Classics here: http://www.viczcar.com/member-rides/jared-cullops-retro-lime-green-240z

[*]Install a stereo. -- I'll probably just make up a panel to fit over the tail light assembly and put some 6x9s in there. It currently has a non-working stock stereo.

[*]Possibly fit an air dam. -- I like the look of some air dams but I want to see how the car looks with the new wheels before making a decision.

 

I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions as I haven't owned a car in about 7 years so please bear with me!

[MaygZ]

Great find.  I don't think I've seen an interior that clean on a Zed .... EVER!

[boyblunda]

Sensational shots. I hate to think what the previous owner spent to get the car to this stage and suspect that you have an exceptionable buy. Another possible example that supports the argument that it is better to buy someone else's project rather than embark on a project for yourself.

 

I really like the outline of intentions you have prepared for your car.

 

With regard to thoughts for the mirrors, I have just purchased and received a pair of BRE mirrors whichI hope to soon fit to my own project (along with a BRE front carbon fibre spoiler). My first impressions of these mirrors is that they are very well made and robust, and will suit the car nicely. My fall back position for this issue are the XB ford mirrors.

 

You are off to a great start. Please post more pics or post a thread about your car, how you came to find it etc.

 

Regards

Dave

[gav240z]

Make sure to keep all the original bits you remove like those flat tops are the best ones I've seen in a long time condition wise.

 

I also like ford tear drop mirrors or OEM door mirrors. I have some bullet mirrors but can't decide if I should fit them. I like the originals a lot.

 

Wheel choice is a winner and please keep interior white. I had that combo on my first 240z love it.

[luvemfast]

Might I ask, that if its just for weekends. Why not join a club and put it on CH plates?

Save $500-$1000 a year on rego and insurance.

 

And....... Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! 

[Herbonius]

Might I ask, that if its just for weekends. Why not join a club and put it on CH plates?

Save $500-$1000 a year on rego and insurance.

 

And....... Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! Triples! 

 

I don't want to be too restricted by the rego. I'm OK with paying a bit extra and then having the option of doing larger trips if I need to. Also, I did think about doing triples but it's not going to be a performance machine and I like the set and forget nature of the 240Z carbies. I also have read that they are definitely comparable in power  on L28's to triples.

 

Make sure to keep all the original bits you remove like those flat tops are the best ones I've seen in a long time condition wise.

 

Wheel choice is a winner and please keep interior white. I had that combo on my first 240z love it.

 

It's disappointing that no one will even look at the flat tops for me. As far as I can tell, they are in perfect condition. No one, including the previous owner, has even attempted to tune them though. I'm doing some reading now and might have a crack at it myself this afternoon after work. Even a small improvement could be nice and might convince a pro that it's worth the effort. And yes, I won't be touching the interior aside from the stereo and the inevitable manual conversion (if that counts as touching the interior). It's in fantastic condition and it's very comfortable. It really looks and even smells like a new car.

 

Sensational shots. I hate to think what the previous owner spent to get the car to this stage and suspect that you have an exceptionable buy. Another possible example that supports the argument that it is better to buy someone else's project rather than embark on a project for yourself.

 

You are off to a great start. Please post more pics or post a thread about your car, how you came to find it etc.

 

The previous owner spent over 32K (with receipts) on getting it to this point. Poor fella. The restoration was done pulling bits from two other cars and the remaining shells were also part of the payment. Much of the work was apparently done by the "260Z club president" in QLD, whoever that is. I'm assuming that they are on here? I just happened across the car on Gumtree and had it shipped down to Melbourne. None of the photos in the ad showed the true condition of the car so when I asked for more I was astounded.

 

There will be plenty of pictures coming, I'm a professional photographer by trade (danielherbertson.com).

[Herbonius]

I don't suppose anyone has a copy of the carb servicing manual here: http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28028&p=329465&viewfull=1#post329465

 

Although I registered on that forum a while ago, I can't seem to download it.

[PZG302]

If you want to step up to 18"wheels i have a set of 3 piece Oz wheels for sale of  my old race car. they would need to be pulled apart and resealed and given a polish, but apart from that I think would suit the colour nicely.

[Herbonius]

If you want to step up to 18"wheels i have a set of 3 piece Oz wheels for sale of  my old race car. they would need to be pulled apart and resealed and given a polish, but apart from that I think would suit the colour nicely.

 

They are nice but I'm concerned about the size. I don't want to roll the fenders if at all possible and wont be installing flares. I can't find any pictures of a stock Zed on rims that large. Do you have any photos?

 

DMed.

[Herbonius]

 

A video walk through of my car showing the body, interior and most importantly, my engine issues. I've never worked on a Zed before and have fairly limited mechanical knowledge. Look at the condition of the car and speaking with the previous owner, I can't imagine that the carbies on it are worthless and I'm assuming that it all just needs a tune.

 

Does anyone have any thoughts on what to do to stop it running so rich?

[C.A.R.]

Does anyone have any thoughts on what to do to stop it running so rich?

 

Put 240Z Hitachi's on & throw the 'flat tops' into the sea...!

[dat240z]

The max you could go with stock springs, no flares etc would be a 17x8 running 235/245 at the most....

[Herbonius]

The max you could go with stock springs, no flares etc would be a 17x8 running 235/245 at the most....

 

Thank you! I spent hours today looking for that exact information! Everyone says to use the search but sometimes simple stuff like this just doesn't seem to be written down anywhere. What offset and backspace should I be looking for then on stock springs without lowering it or rolling guards?

[dat240z]

Some people say 17x8 +4 (nothing major)

 

I went with 17x7.5 +4 on235/45/17 and they have about a 1" lip and sit really nicely in the guards....

 

 

[d3c0y]

16x8 +4 Rotas with 225/50s needed the inside lip on the rear guards rolled. $100 from a mobile guy no biggie.

[dat240z]

Sorry, yeah by 8" wide only on a coilovered z.

 

Otherwise stick to the 7/7.5, plenty of rubber on the road too

[Herbonius]

I went to DJM to get the car in for the RWC today. Daniel seemed quite impressed with the car and thinks that with some tuning there could be a very healthy amount of power in it, which is nice to hear. I will need to switch to 240Z carbs though eventually as the 260Z just aren't working well at low revs. I'm in the market if anyone is looking to sell...

[luvemfast]

For the specs of the engine you've been stating. You may as well get triple carb's.

Don't listen to people who say they aren't drivable or go out of tune. They clearly haven't ever had them!

I can only speak for Mikuni's myself. Use good linkages and get them set right, you'll get lots of happy driving out of it.

Oh.... and the NOISE..... you can't beat the NOISE 

[Herbonius]

For the specs of the engine you've been stating. You may as well get triple carb's.

Don't listen to people who say they aren't drivable or go out of tune. They clearly haven't ever had them!

I can only speak for Mikuni's myself. Use good linkages and get them set right, you'll get lots of happy driving out of it.

Oh.... and the NOISE..... you can't beat the NOISE 

 

I just want to get it on the road first. Down the line I might look at doing some performance mods like that but right now ill just get it running reliably and then the next thing will be a switch to manual. It's only ever going to be a street car so I don't need HUGE power. I just want to have a bit of fun.

[Scoota G]

You may as well get triple carb's.

 

Oh.... and the NOISE..... you can't beat the NOISE 

Hmmmmm Triples. 

[d3c0y]

Sorry, yeah by 8" wide only on a coilovered z.

 

Otherwise stick to the 7/7.5, plenty of rubber on the road too

That is flat out wrong - i run 8" rims without coilovers. 

[dat240z]

Are your rims 17"?  And have you rolled the guards?

 

I think he was talking 17" without rolling guards, hence my coilover comment....

[Zedman240®]

You are right Dat, I have 17" x 8's and you do need to roll the lip at least. I ran with standard suspension with no probz but just went to coilover now with even more leg room.

[Herbonius]

Got the roadworthy sorted today with no real issues! I've booked in for my registration and I'll be on the road by this time next week and in time for the Christmas Party!

[luvemfast]

Got the roadworthy sorted today with no real issues! I've booked in for my registration and I'll be on the road by this time next week and in time for the Christmas Party!

Great news 

Think we all want a sticky beak.

But think we should all wait till Craig, Mark and Gordo are ready before you take us through it