Looking for a 240Z

[studegard]

I'm looking to buy a 240Z and have been checking different web sites for a vehicle. I came upon this forum and hopefully someone can be of some help as to what I should be concerned about in finding a decent car.

Secondly, I bought a brand new 1971 240Z when I was stationed in Okinawa. I had it shipped to Philadelphia when I was discharged. I recently came upon the original paperwork for the car, VIN L24-027948. It was the mustard-yellow color. Can someone tell be the correct paint code and name for that color? Is there a registry for the 240Z that I might, in a long shot, track down the original car?

ellagee@charter.net

[wheee!]

If you're looking for a tastefully and meticulously built restomod 240, talk to @zKars about his beauty. Excellent value in a driveable solid car. Not a "survivor" but a better than original daily driver that looks and runs great.

...and Safari Gold is the colour you're referring to I believe.

Edited November 13, 2017 by wheee!

[rturbo 930]

There's a registry on zhome.com but your car isn't listed there.

Edited November 13, 2017 by rturbo 930

[studegard]

When I originally posted , what I listed as the VIN # I found out was actually the engine #.  Is there a source  where I might be able to get the VIN # based on the engine #.

[Richard McDonel]

You ask "What should you be concerned about in finding a decent car?

First and foremost, see the car personally.  The cost of a drive, or a quick flight will be peanuts compared to what you could lose by buying a car with hidden defects.  I have the scar tissue to prove it.

Long-distance, I bought an e-bay car from the rust belt.  "Rust-free" said the ad.  The photos didn't show any rust, but it's amazing what fiberglass, paint, and spray-on undercoat can hide.  The second car, I found in the sun belt.  It was for sale in an auto-repair shop.  Apparently the car's owner had died, and the shop was selling to cover their bill.    When I got there, the fellow asked me what I wanted to see, to which I replied "everything."  After looking around for a few minutes and finding nothing that troubled me, I asked if I could see the underside.  He put the car on the hoist, handed me a trouble light and said "take your time."  I did, and I bought.  Airfare, car rental and one night in a hotel, I probably spent $700-800, which is a minute fraction of what major repairs, particularly body rust,  can cost.  

Hope you find what you're looking for!

ps, I second Wheee!s recommendation with respect to zKar's Z for sale.  Lovely customized / hot-rodded  restoration.  The guy who's selling it really knows his Z-car stuff.  

[esmit208]

5 hours ago, Richard McDonel said:

You ask "What should you be concerned about in finding a decent car?

First and foremost, see the car personally.  The cost of a drive, or a quick flight will be peanuts compared to what you could lose by buying a car with hidden defects.  I have the scar tissue to prove it.

Long-distance, I bought an e-bay car from the rust belt.  "Rust-free" said the ad.  The photos didn't show any rust, but it's amazing what fiberglass, paint, and spray-on undercoat can hide.  The second car, I found in the sun belt.  It was for sale in an auto-repair shop.  Apparently the car's owner had died, and the shop was selling to cover their bill.    When I got there, the fellow asked me what I wanted to see, to which I replied "everything."  After looking around for a few minutes and finding nothing that troubled me, I asked if I could see the underside.  He put the car on the hoist, handed me a trouble light and said "take your time."  I did, and I bought.  Airfare, car rental and one night in a hotel, I probably spent $700-800, which is a minute fraction of what major repairs, particularly body rust,  can cost.  

Hope you find what you're looking for!

ps, I second Wheee!s recommendation with respect to zKar's Z for sale.  Lovely customized / hot-rodded  restoration.  The guy who's selling it really knows his Z-car stuff.  

This is a RARE ACCOUNT of a very non-typical find. This owner scored big time, by finding what sounds like a well taken care of car and a more than helpful seller. A RARE occurence when buying any kind of car. You can find a car in any type of condition imaginable to answer you question bluntly. MY ADVICE, 1st SET A PRICE CEILING and remember the ceiling is the buyers, not the sellers. 2nd BY ALL MEANS DO NOT BUY A CAR SIGHT UNSEEN, you will rue that decision. 3rd call around the country to some Z specialist that actually do modifications and repair. They normally have a car or two around that is complete and they would be wiling to part with. I found #6333 in Redondo Beach Ca in a Z mechanics lot on a mechanics lien. So don't rule out any avenues. I wouldn't plan on a short, easy search though. Perservere and good luck in your search.

[studegard]

Thanks all for the very good advice but....... I found a car some time ago on Ebay.  Turned out to be  very solid with very little rust, complete and original. It's number 509.  I was fully aware that it needed a full restoration but that's what I was looking for. I did buy the car sight unseen ,  I know, a big, big no, no. I'm  very pleased with the car and so far no surprises. I'm starting to tear the car down including glass and upholstery, pull the engine and have it rebuilt. Do what ever mechanicals it needs then send the shell to my friend who does excellent body and paint work. Then it's a matter of putting it back to together. I've done a few other cars like this ( I have 8 Studebakers).  So, I will be very busy this winter in the garage. I can get around to send some pictures soon.

 

Thanks again

[Richard McDonel]

Stud,

I'm glad it worked out for you, but my words of caution remain.  

Good luck with your 240 resto - it will be a challenge at times, but it sounds like you're experienced and well-equipped to deal with that.

ps,  You're the first person I've ever known or corresponded with who has eight (8) Studebakers.