New Z owner in Orange, CA

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Hello All-

I've been lurking through here for the last year or so while I searched for my Z; and last week finally picked up my 1970 240 (#6276 A.I.R.).

I've wanted a 240 since I was ten, when my friend's mother let me drive hers through the cemetery in my hometown. Only now do I have a bit of time, a bit of garage and a bit of money- I am acutely aware that any 240 project will benefit by increasing the value of all three of those categories.

Some of you may have viewed this car- i first saw it in the classifieds here:

http://www.classiczcars.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3724&cat=1

It sports typical rust that looks to be into the rockers, and a bizarre spot near the gas tank; but floors, rails, battery tray are all in great shape. Will need most of the interior redone, engine gone through, and the rear diff is pretty noisy.

If I knew how to save money I could've waited for a cleaner example- but I had to have a 70', and I was getting antsy to get something in the garage. I am about a quarter mile from Motorsport, here in Orange- which I believe will come in quite handy. I've already popped in a few times to pick up some odds and ends.

My question now is whether I should loose my questionably-skilled buddy on the body welding work I need to get done, or if I should start looking at shops. Are there any Z-friendly body men in or around Orange County who I should talk to? I found a thread here from a few years back with a Maaco shop owner in Hemet (username Jackboxxx) who was a Z fella, and looked to do quality work. Like I said, I appear to be in it for new rockers and lower replacement panels, with some really easy spot welds elsewhere in the car.

So, a long-winded hello!

I'm a bit of a lurker, and I like to use the search button, so I'll be around in the shadows. This site is a great tool, and I learn 20 new things every time I poke around here.

cheers!

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Todd

[mgmoreau]

Welcome Todd and congratulations on acquiring you 70 Z. You won't regret it.

Rust and rot is the biggist downside of these cars. If you plan to keep the car a long time I would find a good shop that has had experience doing body work on Z's

Good luck with your car.